Left atrial pump strain predicts long-term survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

This study aims at investigating left atrial (LA) deformation by left atrial reservoir (LARS) and pump strain (LAPS) and its implications for long-term survival in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

Speckle tracking echocardiography was performed in 198 patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI. Association of strain parameters with cardiovascular mortality was determined.

RESULTS

Over a follow-up time of 5 years, 49 patients (24.7%) died. LAPS was more impaired in non-survivors than survivors (P = 0.010), whereas no difference was found for LARS (P = 0.114), LA ejection fraction (P = 0.241), and LA volume index (P = 0.292). Kaplan-Meier analyses yielded a reduced survival probability according to the optimal threshold for LAPS (P = 0.002). A more impaired LAPS was associated with increased mortality risk (HR 1.12 [95% CI 1.02-1.22]; P = 0.014) independent of LVEF, LAVI, age, and sex. Addition of LAPS improved multivariable echocardiographic (LVEF, LAVI) and clinical (age, sex) models with potential incremental value for mortality prediction (P = 0.013 and P = 0.031, respectively). In contrast, LARS and LAVI were not associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing aortic valve replacement for severe AS, LAPS was impaired in patients dying during long-term follow-up after TAVI, differentiated survivors from non-survivors, was independently associated with long-term mortality, and yielded potential incremental value for survival prediction after TAVI. LAPS seems useful for risk stratification in severe AS and timely valve replacement.

Ablative and non-surgical therapies for early and very early hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

A wide range of ablative and non-surgical therapies are available for treating small hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with very early or early-stage disease and preserved liver function.

Objective

To review and compare the effectiveness of all current ablative and non-surgical therapies for patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (≤ 3 cm).

Design

Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Data sources

Nine databases (March 2021), two trial registries (April 2021) and reference lists of relevant systematic reviews.

Review methods

Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials of ablative and non-surgical therapies, versus any comparator, for small hepatocellular carcinoma. Randomised controlled trials were quality assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and mapped. The comparative effectiveness of therapies was assessed using network meta-analysis. A threshold analysis was used to identify which comparisons were sensitive to potential changes in the evidence. Where comparisons based on randomised controlled trial evidence were not robust or no randomised controlled trials were identified, a targeted systematic review of non-randomised, prospective comparative studies provided additional data for repeat network meta-analysis and threshold analysis. The feasibility of undertaking economic modelling was explored. A workshop with patients and clinicians was held to discuss the findings and identify key priorities for future research.

Results

Thirty-seven randomised controlled trials (with over 3700 relevant patients) were included in the review. The majority were conducted in China or Japan and most had a high risk of bias or some risk of bias concerns. The results of the network meta-analysis were uncertain for most comparisons. There was evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection is inferior to radiofrequency ablation for overall survival (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% credible interval 1.16 to 1.82), progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% credible interval 1.11 to 1.67), overall recurrence (relative risk 1.19, 95% credible interval 1.02 to 1.39) and local recurrence (relative risk 1.80, 95% credible interval 1.19 to 2.71). Percutaneous acid injection was also inferior to radiofrequency ablation for progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.63, 95% credible interval 1.05 to 2.51). Threshold analysis showed that further evidence could plausibly change the result for some comparisons. Fourteen eligible non-randomised studies were identified (n ≥ 2316); twelve had a high risk of bias so were not included in updated network meta-analyses. Additional non-randomised data, made available by a clinical advisor, were also included (n = 303). There remained a high level of uncertainty in treatment rankings after the network meta-analyses were updated. However, the updated analyses suggested that microwave ablation and resection are superior to percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection for some outcomes. Further research on stereotactic ablative radiotherapy was recommended at the workshop, although it is only appropriate for certain patient subgroups, limiting opportunities for adequately powered trials.

Limitations

Many studies were small and of poor quality. No comparative studies were found for some therapies.

Conclusions

The existing evidence base has limitations; the uptake of specific ablative therapies in the United Kingdom appears to be based more on technological advancements and ease of use than strong evidence of clinical effectiveness. However, there is evidence that percutaneous ethanol injection and percutaneous acid injection are inferior to radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and resection.

Study registration

PROSPERO CRD42020221357.

Funding

This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR131224) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 29. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

The effectiveness of ablative and non-surgical therapies for early hepatocellular carcinoma: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Non-surgical therapies are frequently used for patients with early or very early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ablative and non-surgical therapies for patients with small HCC.

METHODS

Nine databases were searched (March 2021) along with clinical trial registries. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any ablative or non-surgical therapy versus any comparator in patients with HCC ≤3 cm were eligible. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. The effectiveness of therapies was compared using NMA. Threshold analysis was undertaken to identify which NMA results had less robust evidence.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven eligible RCTs were included (including over 3700 patients). Most were from China (n = 17) or Japan (n = 7). Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 308 patients. The majority had a high RoB or some RoB concerns. No RCTs were identified for some therapies and no RCTs reported quality of life outcomes. The results of the NMA and treatment effectiveness rankings were very uncertain. However, the evidence demonstrated that percutaneous ethanol injection was worse than radiofrequency ablation for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.45, 95% credible interval [CrI]: 1.16-1.82), progression-free survival (HR: 1.36, 95% CrI: 1.11-1.67), overall recurrence (relative risk [RR]: 1.19, 95% CrI: 1.02-1.39) and local recurrence (RR: 1.80, 95% CrI: 1.19-2.71). The threshold analysis suggested that robust evidence was lacking for some comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

It is unclear which treatment is most effective for patients with small HCC because of limitations in the evidence base. It is also not known how these treatments would impact on quality of life. Further high quality RCTs are needed to provide robust evidence but may be difficult to undertake.

Addition of long-acting beta2 agonists or long-acting muscarinic antagonists versus doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in adolescents and adults with uncontrolled asthma with medium dose ICS: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the mainstay treatment for persistent asthma. Escalating treatment is required when asthma is not controlled with ICS therapy alone, which would include, but is not limited to, adding a long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) or a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) or doubling the dose of ICS.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of adding a LABA or LAMA to ICS therapy versus doubling the dose of ICS in adolescents and adults whose asthma is not well controlled on medium-dose (MD)-ICS using a network meta-analysis (NMA), and to provide a ranking of these treatments according to their efficacy and safety.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization ICTRP for pre-registered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from January 2008 to 19 December 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for studies including adolescents and adults with uncontrolled asthma who had been treated with or were eligible for MD-ICS, comparing it to high-dose (HD)-ICS, ICS/LAMA, or ICS/LABA. We excluded cluster- and cross-over RCTs. Studies were of at least 12 weeks duration.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis according to a previously published protocol. We used Cochrane's Screen4ME workflow to assess search results. We used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) to assess the certainty of evidence. The primary outcome is asthma exacerbations (moderate and severe).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 38,276 participants from 35 studies (median duration 24 weeks (range 12 to 78); mean age 44.1; 38% male; 69% white; mean forced expiratory volume in one second 2.1 litres and 68% of predicted). MD- and HD-ICS/LABA likely reduce and MD-ICS/LAMA possibly reduces moderate to severe asthma exacerbations compared to MD-ICS (hazard ratio (HR) 0.70, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.59 to 0.82; moderate certainty; HR 0.59, 95% CrI 0.46 to 0.76; moderate certainty; and HR 0.56, 95% CrI 0.38 to 0.82; low certainty, respectively), whereas HD-ICS probably does not (HR 0.94, 95% CrI 0.70 to 1.24; moderate certainty). There is no clear evidence to suggest that any combination therapy or HD-ICS reduces severe asthma exacerbations compared to MD-ICS (low to moderate certainty). This study suggests no clinically meaningful differences in the symptom or quality of life score between dual combinations and monotherapy (low to high certainty). MD- and HD-ICS/LABA increase or likely increase the odds of Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) responders at 6 and 12 months compared to MD-ICS (odds ratio (OR) 1.47, 95% CrI 1.23 to 1.76; high certainty; and OR 1.59, 95% CrI 1.31 to 1.94; high certainty at 6 months; and OR 1.61, 95% CrI 1.22 to 2.13; moderate certainty and OR 1.55, 95% CrI 1.20 to 2.00; high certainty at 12 months, respectively). MD-ICS/LAMA probably increases the odds of ACQ responders at 6 months (OR 1.32, 95% CrI 1.11 to 1.57; moderate certainty). No data were available at 12 months. There is no clear evidence to suggest that HD-ICS increases the odds of ACQ responders or improves the symptom or qualify of life score compared to MD-ICS (very low to high certainty). There is no evidence to suggest that ICS/LABA or ICS/LAMA reduces asthma-related or all-cause serious adverse events (SAEs) compared to MD-ICS (very low to high certainty). HD-ICS results in or likely results in little or no difference in the included safety outcomes compared to MD-ICS as well as HD-ICS/LABA compared to MD-ICS/LABA. The pairwise meta-analysis shows that MD-ICS/LAMA likely reduces all-cause adverse events (AEs) and results in a slight reduction in treatment discontinuation due to AEs compared to MD-ICS (risk ratio (RR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 0.96; 4 studies, 2238 participants; moderate certainty; and RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.99; 4 studies, 2239 participants; absolute risk reduction 10 fewer per 1000 participants; moderate certainty, respectively). The NMA evidence is in agreement with the pairwise evidence on treatment discontinuation due to AEs, but very uncertain on all-cause AEs, due to imprecision and heterogeneity.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The review findings suggest that MD- or HD-ICS/LABA and MD-ICS/LAMA reduce moderate to severe asthma exacerbations and increase the odds of ACQ responders compared to MD-ICS whereas HD-ICS probably does not. The evidence is generally stronger for MD- and HD-ICS/LABA than for MD-ICS/LAMA primarily due to a larger evidence base. There is no evidence to suggest that ICS/LABA, ICS/LAMA, or HD-ICS/LABA reduces severe asthma exacerbations or SAEs compared to MD-ICS. MD-ICS/LAMA likely reduces all-cause AEs and results in a slight reduction in treatment discontinuation due to AEs compared to MD-ICS. The above findings may assist in deciding on a treatment option during the stepwise approach of asthma management. Longer-term safety of higher than medium-dose ICS needs to be addressed in phase 4 or observational studies given that the median duration of included studies was six months.

Hierarchical network meta-analysis models for synthesis of evidence from randomised and non-randomised studies

BACKGROUND

With the increased interest in the inclusion of non-randomised data in network meta-analyses (NMAs) of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), analysts need to consider the implications of the differences in study designs as such data can be prone to increased bias due to the lack of randomisation and unmeasured confounding. This study aims to explore and extend a number of NMA models that account for the differences in the study designs, assessing their impact on the effect estimates and uncertainty.

METHODS

Bayesian random-effects meta-analytic models, including naïve pooling and hierarchical models differentiating between the study designs, were extended to allow for the treatment class effect and accounting for bias, with further extensions allowing for bias terms to vary depending on the treatment class. Models were applied to an illustrative example in type 2 diabetes; using data from a systematic review of RCTs and non-randomised studies of two classes of glucose-lowering medications: sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

RESULTS

Across all methods, the estimated mean differences in glycated haemoglobin after 24 and 52 weeks remained similar with the inclusion of observational data. The uncertainty around these estimates reduced when conducting naïve pooling, compared to NMA of RCT data alone, and remained similar when applying hierarchical model allowing for class effect. However, the uncertainty around these effect estimates increased when fitting hierarchical models allowing for the differences in study design. The impact on uncertainty varied between treatments when applying the bias adjustment models. Hierarchical models and bias adjustment models all provided a better fit in comparison to the naïve-pooling method.

CONCLUSIONS

Hierarchical and bias adjustment NMA models accounting for study design may be more appropriate when conducting a NMA of RCTs and observational studies. The degree of uncertainty around the effectiveness estimates varied depending on the method but use of hierarchical models accounting for the study design resulted in increased uncertainty. Inclusion of non-randomised data may, however, result in inferences that are more generalisable and the models accounting for the differences in the study design allow for more detailed and appropriate modelling of complex data, preventing overly optimistic conclusions.

Effectiveness and tolerability of dual and triple combination inhaler therapies compared with each other and varying doses of inhaled corticosteroids in adolescents and adults with asthma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend a higher-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or adding a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) when asthma is not controlled with medium-dose (MD) ICS/long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) combination therapy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of dual (ICS/LABA) and triple therapies (ICS/LABA/LAMA) compared with each other and with varying doses of ICS in adolescents and adults with uncontrolled asthma.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched multiple databases for pre-registered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of at least 12 weeks of study duration from 2008 to 18 February 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched studies, including adolescents and adults with uncontrolled asthma who had been treated with, or were eligible for, MD-ICS/LABA, comparing dual and triple therapies. We excluded cluster- and cross-over RCTs.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis according to the previously published protocol. We used Cochrane's Screen4ME workflow to assess search results and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) to assess the certainty of evidence. The primary outcome was steroid-requiring asthma exacerbations and asthma-related hospitalisations (moderate to severe and severe exacerbations).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 17,161 patients with uncontrolled asthma from 17 studies (median duration 26 weeks; mean age 49.1 years; male 40%; white 81%; mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (MEF 1)1.9 litres and 61% predicted). The quality of included studies was generally good except for some outcomes in a few studies due to high attrition rates. Medium-dose (MD) and high-dose (HD) triple therapies reduce steroid-requiring asthma exacerbations (hazard ratio (HR) 0.84 [95% credible interval (CrI) 0.71 to 0.99] and 0.69 [0.58 to 0.82], respectively) (high-certainty evidence), but not asthma-related hospitalisations, compared to MD-ICS/LABA. High-dose triple therapy likely reduces steroid-requiring asthma exacerbations compared to MD triple therapy (HR 0.83 [95% CrI 0.69 to 0.996], [moderate certainty]). Subgroup analyses suggest the reduction in steroid-requiring exacerbations associated with triple therapies may be only for those with a history of asthma exacerbations in the previous year but not for those without. High-dose triple therapy, but not MD triple, results in a reduction in all-cause adverse events (AEs) and likely reduces dropouts due to AEs compared to MD-ICS/LABA (odds ratio (OR) 0.79 [95% CrI 0.69 to 0.90], [high certainty] and 0.50 [95% CrI 0.30 to 0.84], [moderate certainty], respectively). Triple therapy results in little to no difference in all-cause or asthma-related serious adverse events (SAEs) compared to dual therapy (high certainty). The evidence suggests triple therapy results in little or no clinically important difference in symptoms or quality of life compared to dual therapy considering the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) and HD-ICS/LABA is unlikely to result in any significant benefit or harm compared to MD-ICS/LABA.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Medium-dose and HD triple therapies reduce steroid-requiring asthma exacerbations, but not asthma-related hospitalisations, compared to MD-ICS/LABA especially in those with a history of asthma exacerbations in the previous year. High-dose triple therapy is likely superior to MD triple therapy in reducing steroid-requiring asthma exacerbations. Triple therapy is unlikely to result in clinically meaningful improvement in symptoms or quality of life compared to dual therapy considering the MCIDs. High-dose triple therapy, but not MD triple, results in a reduction in all-cause AEs and likely reduces dropouts due to AEs compared to MD-ICS/LABA. Triple therapy results in little to no difference in all-cause or asthma-related SAEs compared to dual therapy. HD-ICS/LABA is unlikely to result in any significant benefit or harm compared to MD-ICS/LABA, although long-term safety of higher rather than MD- ICS remains to be demonstrated given the median duration of included studies was six months. The above findings may assist deciding on a treatment option when asthma is not controlled with MD-ICS/LABA.

3D atrial strain for prediction of atrial fibrillation recurrence

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common supraventricular arrhythmias. Treatment options apart from medication include interventional catheter-guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, there is limited knowledge about factors predicting arrhythmia recurrence after PVI.

Aim

To study the association of 3-dimensional (3D) left atrial (LA) strain (LAS) and 3D electro-anatomical voltage mapping (EAVM) with early recurrence of AF after PVI.

Methods

In this prospective single center study, 93 patients undergoing PVI were enrolled between December 2018 and October 2021. All patients underwent an echocardiographic examination within two weeks before PVI using the Canon Aplio i900 system to analyse LAS from 3D LA volume. A 3D EAVM was obtained using high-density mapping catheters during PVI. The CARTO 3 system (Version V6-V7) was used for determining LA scar area by low voltage mapping (local amplitude <0.5 mV) indicated as percentage (EAVM-%). Follow-up time points were set at 2, 3, 6 and 12 months to investigate recurrence of AF, with exclusion of events occurring during the first two months (blanking phase).

Results

During follow-up, 12 out of 93 patients experienced recurrence of AF (12.9%; AF-Group). Baseline characteristics did not differ between AF-Group and Non-AF-Group. In contrast, LAS was significantly impaired in the AF-Group (median −4.6, IQR [−5.6 to −3.6]) when compared to the Non-AF-Group (−6.2 [−8.3 to −4.5]; p=0.009). The EAVM-% did not differ between the groups (AF-Group: 5.0 [1.5 to 21.5]; Non-AF-Group: 4.4 [1.5 to 15.9]; p=0.710). No significant correlations were found between LAS and EAVM-% (r=0.03, p=0.812). A cut-off value of −5.89% for LAS had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 57% for AF recurrence (AUC=70%; p<0.001). Kaplan Meier curves for event-free survival were generated based on the LAS cut-off demonstrating excellent differentiation of those with and without AF recurrence (p<0.001; see figure). Furthermore, LAS was associated with an increased risk of early AF recurrence (HR 1.40, IQR [1.02–1.92], p=0.040), while EAVM-% was not (HR 0.99 [0.95–1.04], p=0.787).

Conclusion

3D LAS was associated with an increased risk of early AF recurrence after PVI, while EAVM-% was not. 3D LAS might be used for identifying patients who would benefit from PVI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Right ventricular versus left ventricular global longitudinal strain for association with all-cause mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Introduction

Speckle-tracking echocardiography plays an increasingly important role in the assessment of aortic stenosis (AS), the most common valvular heart disease in the Western population. Right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) were studied for their association with all-cause mortality in AS patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Purpose

To investigate whether simultaneous assessment of RV and LV GLS provides a better association with all-cause mortality during long-term follow-up after TAVI.

Methods

In our prospective registry we identified 109 patients with severe AS who underwent TAVI and had a pre-procedural echocardiography within three months of the procedure allowing complete assessment of RV and LV GLS using TomTec Image Arena. All-cause mortality was defined as endpoint.

Results

RV GLS was lower among non-survivors (N=36; median [IQR]: −13.94 [−16.31 to −12.62]; p<0.001) than survivors (N=73; −17.04 [−20.16 to −15.22]; p<0.001), while LV GLS did not differ (p=0.249). RV GLS >−16.6% differentiated survivors from non-survivors (sensitivity 78%; specificity 63%; ROC AUC 71%; p<0.001), while LV GLS did not (p=0.243). Kaplan Meier curves showed good differentiation of survivors and non-survivors with the RV GLS (p<0.001; Figure 1), but not the LV GLS cut-off (p=0.058). In univariable Cox regression models, RV GLS was associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.10 [95% CI 1.02 to 1.18]; χ2=6.64; p=0.01), while LV GLS was not (HR 1.05 [0.96 to 1.16]; χ2=1.08; p=0.299). In bivariable models, association of RV GLS with all-cause mortality was independent of LV GLS or LV ejection fraction (LVEF; Table 1). ANOVA likelihood ratios revealed that inclusion of RV GLS to LV GLS or LVEF improved their model fitness, while that of LV GLS did not (Table).

Conclusion

RV GLS was associated with all-cause mortality after TAVI, while LV GLS and LVEF were not. The association of RV GLS was independent of LV GLS and LVEF and showed potential incremental value for assessment of outcome association, while LV GLS did not.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Association of left ventricular myocardial work with all-cause mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Introduction

Echocardiography is an important modality for peri-interventional assessment of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain measures ventricular deformation at end-systole, while myocardial work parameters determine LV deformation throughout the cardiac cycle and correct for afterload.

Aims

To evaluate LV deformation by myocardial work efficiency (GWE) and index (GWI) in early post-TAVI echocardiography and explore its association with all-cause mortality.

Methods

We analyzed 144 patients with severe aortic stenosis and an echocardiography study within two weeks after TAVI. All echocardiographic analyses were performed using GE EchoPac v2.6. Follow-up data was obtained from medical records until September 2021. All-cause mortality was the primary endpoint.

Results

During a median follow-up duration of 625 [IQR: 511.0–769.8] days, 25 (17.5%) patients died. No significant differences in the baseline characteristics were found between non-survivors and survivors. GWE (Figure 1A) and GWI (Figure 1B) were significantly lower among non-survivors than survivors. Both myocardial work parameters differentiated non-survivors from survivors with a cut-off value of −85% for GWE and 990 mmHg% for MWI (Figure 2; both p<0.001).

Conclusions

In this study, GWE and GWI were lower among non-survivors than survivors and were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality after TAVI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Swiss Heart Foundation

School-based interventions to prevent anxiety, depression and conduct disorder in children and young people: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Schools in the UK increasingly have to respond to anxiety, depression and conduct disorder as key causes of morbidity in children and young people.

Objective

The objective was to assess the comparative effectiveness of educational setting-based interventions for the prevention of anxiety, depression and conduct disorder in children and young people.

Design

This study comprised a systematic review, a network meta-analysis and an economic evaluation.

Data sources

The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE™ (Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), PsycInfo® (American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, USA) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched to 4 April 2018, and the NHS Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) was searched on 22 May 2019 for economic evaluations. No language or date filters were applied.

Main outcomes

The main outcomes were post-intervention self-reported anxiety, depression or conduct disorder symptoms.

Review methods

Randomised/quasi-randomised trials of universal or targeted interventions for the prevention of anxiety, depression or conduct disorder in children and young people aged 4–18 years were included. Screening was conducted independently by two reviewers. Data extraction was conducted by one reviewer and checked by a second. Intervention- and component-level network meta-analyses were conducted in OpenBUGS. A review of the economic literature and a cost–consequence analysis were conducted.

Results

A total of 142 studies were included in the review, and 109 contributed to the network meta-analysis. Of the 109 studies, 57 were rated as having an unclear risk of bias for random sequence generation and allocation concealment. Heterogeneity was moderate. In universal secondary school settings, mindfulness/relaxation interventions [standardised mean difference (SMD) –0.65, 95% credible interval (CrI) –1.14 to –0.19] and cognitive–behavioural interventions (SMD –0.15, 95% CrI –0.34 to 0.04) may be effective for anxiety. Cognitive–behavioural interventions incorporating a psychoeducation component may be effective (SMD –0.30, 95% CrI –0.59 to –0.01) at preventing anxiety immediately post intervention. There was evidence that exercise was effective in preventing anxiety in targeted secondary school settings (SMD –0.47, 95% CrI –0.86 to –0.09). There was weak evidence that cognitive–behavioural interventions may prevent anxiety in universal (SMD –0.07, 95% CrI –0.23 to 0.05) and targeted (SMD –0.38, 95% CrI –0.84 to 0.07) primary school settings. There was weak evidence that cognitive–behavioural (SMD –0.04, 95% CrI –0.16 to 0.07) and cognitive–behavioural + interpersonal therapy (SMD –0.18, 95% CrI –0.46 to 0.08) may be effective in preventing depression in universal secondary school settings. Third-wave (SMD –0.35, 95% CrI –0.70 to 0.00) and cognitive–behavioural interventions (SMD –0.11, 95% CrI –0.28 to 0.05) incorporating a psychoeducation component may be effective at preventing depression immediately post intervention. There was no evidence of intervention effectiveness in targeted secondary, targeted primary or universal primary school settings post intervention. The results for university settings were unreliable because of inconsistency in the network meta-analysis. A narrative summary was reported for five conduct disorder prevention studies, all in primary school settings. None reported the primary outcome at the primary post-intervention time point. The economic evidence review reported heterogeneous findings from six studies. Taking the perspective of a single school budget and based on cognitive–behavioural therapy intervention costs in universal secondary school settings, the cost–consequence analysis estimated an intervention cost of £43 per student.

Limitations

The emphasis on disorder-specific prevention excluded broader mental health interventions and restricted the number of eligible conduct disorder prevention studies. Restricting the study to interventions delivered in the educational setting may have limited the number of eligible university-level interventions.

Conclusions

There was weak evidence of the effectiveness of school-based, disorder-specific prevention interventions, although effects were modest and the evidence not robust. Cognitive–behavioural therapy-based interventions may be more effective if they include a psychoeducation component.

Future work

Future trials for prevention of anxiety and depression should evaluate cognitive–behavioural interventions with and without a psychoeducation component, and include mindfulness/relaxation or exercise comparators, with sufficient follow-up. Cost implications must be adequately measured.

Study registration

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016048184.

Funding

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 9, No. 8. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Myocardial work analysis in left ventricular non-compaction, and its association with cardiovascular outcomes

Introduction

Left ventricular (LV) non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy characterised by a two-layered LV myocardium with prominent trabeculae separated by deep recesses perfused from the LV cavity. Myocardial work analysis (MWA) is a novel echocardiographic method that calculates pressure-strain loops from longitudinal strain and bedside blood pressure measurement. Our study investigates the MWA features of LVNC patients and their association with outcomes.

Methods

We compared 40 LVNC with preserved LVEF (≥50%) (pEF-LVNC) and 40 LVNC patients with reduced LVEF (<50%) (rEF-LVNC) to 40 healthy matched controls. GE EchoPAC® (Version 203) was used for echocardiographic analysis. A combined endpoint was defined as heart failure progression, sustained ventricular tachycardia, thromboembolic accidents, and atrial fibrillation.

Results

Clinical characteristics, conventional echocardiography, and strain analysis results are detailed in Table 1 and Figure 1. Myocardial work index was significantly reduced in rEF-LVNC (1088 [138–1211 mm.Hg%]) and pEF-LVNC (1394 [1138–1501 mm.Hg%]) in comparison to control (1827 [1758–1981 mm.Hg%]), but there was no difference between the two LVNC groups. Global constructive work (GCW) was significantly lower in rEF-LVNC (1094 [947–1281 mm.Hg%]) than in pEF-LVNC (1730 [1368–1691 mm.Hg%]) (p=0.001), while both LVNC groups were lower than control (2201 [1965–2406 mm.Hg%]) (pEF-LVNC p=0.001, rEF-LVNC p<0.0001). Global wasted work (GWW) was significantly lower in rEF-LVNC (204 [181–231 mm.Hg%]) than in pEF-LVNC (154 [115–171 mm.Hg%], p<0.0001) and control (61 [45–98 mm.Hg%], p<0.0001). Global work efficiency (GWE) was significantly lower in rEF-LVNC (18.3 [15.4–19.6%], p=0.001 than in pEF-LVNC and control. In both pEF-LVNC and rEF-LVNC, impaired GWE and GCS were the parameters most significantly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events as detailed in Figure 2.

Conclusion

MWA is a promising parameter for risk assessment of LVNC patients especially because it is less load-dependent and, unlike LVEF, incorporates left ventricular haemodynamics.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): 2018 research grant from the Swiss Heart Foundation

Circumferential deformation in diagnosis and risk assessment of patients with left ventricular non-compaction

Introduction

Echocardiography-based deformation analysis is used for studying left ventricular (LV) mechanics and have an emerging role in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathies. Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy characterised by a two-layered LV myocardium with prominent trabeculae separated by deep recesses perfused from the LV cavity. Left ventricular hypertrabeculation (LVHT) may be difficult to differentiate from LVNC. In this study, we aim to develop a diagnostic algorithm based on the circumferential deformation (CD) of LVNC, LVHT and controls; and find their associations with LVNC outcomes.

Methods

We compared 45 LVNC patients, 45 LVHT individuals, and 45 matched healthy controls. LVNC was diagnosed according to current echocardiographic criteria. LVHT was defined as presence of three or more trabeculae in the LV apex visualised in both parasternal short axis and apical views. Controls had a normal echocardiographic examination and no evidence of cardiovascular disease. Strain analysis was performed using TomTec Image-Arena (version 4.6).

Results

Receiver observer characteristics curve (ROC) analyses revealed that GCS <22.3% differentiated LVNC from control or LVHT. In individuals with global circumferential strain (GCS) below 22.3%, an apical peak circumferential strain (PCS) cut-off value of 18.4% differentiated LVNC [<18.4%] and LVHT [≥18.4%] (fig. 1). An independent echocardiographer (Table 1) performed blind validation of diagnosis on 32 subjects from each group.

Combined endpoint of cardiovascular events in LVNC (CVE) is described in figure 2. Multi-variate regression analyses have shown that GCS was associated with 11-fold increased risk of CVE independent of LVEF and NC:C ratio, while global longitudinal strain (GLS) displayed only 2-fold increased risk. Regional basal and apical peak circumferential or longitudinal strain, left ventricular twist, basal-apical rotation ratio have shown significant associations (Fig. 3).

Conclusions

A diagnostic algorithm with GCS and aPCS (threshold value 18.4%) differentiates LVNC from LVHT and control with very high sensitivity and specificity independent of additional echocardiographic or clinical information. Circumferential strain derived parameters exhibit a very strong association with outcomes independent of LVEF and NC:C ratio. Absence of CVE in LVHT provides further evidence on the distinct nature of LVNC and LVHT.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): 2018 research grant from the Swiss Heart Foundation

Joint synthesis of conditionally related multiple outcomes makes better use of data than separate meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

When there are structural relationships between outcomes reported in different trials, separate analyses of each outcome do not provide a single coherent analysis, which is required for decision-making. For example, trials of intrapartum anti-bacterial prophylaxis (IAP) to prevent early onset group B streptococcal (EOGBS) disease can report three treatment effects: the effect on bacterial colonisation of the newborn, the effect on EOGBS, and the effect on EOGBS conditional on newborn colonisation. These outcomes are conditionally related, or nested, in a multi-state model. This paper shows how to exploit these structural relationships, providing a single coherent synthesis of all the available data, while checking to ensure that different sources of evidence are consistent.

RESULTS

Overall, the use of IAP reduces the risk of EOGBS (RR: 0.03; 95% Credible Interval (CrI): 0.002-0.13). Most of the treatment effect is due to the prevention of colonisation in newborns of colonised mothers (RR: 0.08, 95% CrI: 0.04-0.14). Node-splitting demonstrated that the treatment effect calculated using only direct evidence was consistent with that predicted from the remaining evidence (p = 0.15). The findings accorded with previously published separate meta-analyses of the different outcomes, once these are re-analysed correctly accounting for zero cells.

CONCLUSION

Multiple outcomes should be synthesised together where possible, taking account of their structural relationships. This generates an internally coherent analysis, suitable for decision making, in which estimates of each of the treatment effects are based on all available evidence (direct and indirect). Separate meta-analyses of each outcome have none of these properties.

P1842Impact of left ventricular outflow tract sphericity on transcatheter heart valve hemodynamics and outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background

Accurate assessment of aortic annulus and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) anatomy is mandatory for appropriate device selection in order to achieve optimal deployment of transcatheter heart valves (THV).

Aim

To evaluate the impact of LVOT shape as determined by the sphericity index (ratio of long and short LVOT diameter) on THV hemodynamics.

Methods

1000 consecutive patients diagnosed with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and undergoing TAVI between May 2008 and July2017 were analyzed. Assessment of aortic root dimensions including the LVOT was performed by contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in all patients. The primary endpoint was 30-day device success as defined by the VARC-2 criteria. Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI), and a 30-day combined early safety endpoint (all-cause mortality, all strokes, life threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury stage 2 or 3, CAD obstruction requiring intervention, major vascular complication, valve related dysfunction requiring repeat intervention).

Results

Patients were divided into 3 groups according to LVOT sphericity index (SI) quartiles. The three groups (low-SI: 0.4–0.63, n=250; mid-SI: 0.64–0.75, n=500; high-SI: 0.76–1.0, n=250) were well balanced in terms of baseline characteristics, except for gender distribution with more female patients in the low-SI group (36.8% vs. 49.0% vs. 60.0%; p=0.ehz748.05941). Assessment of calcification volume and Agatston score demonstrated significantly higher aortic valve and LVOT calcification in the high-SI group. The primary endpoint of device success after 30-days did not differ between the 3 groups (92.4% vs 91.9% vs. 87.9%; p=NS). However, moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation (PAR) occurred significantly more often in the high-SI as compared to the other groups (4.1% vs. 5.2% vs. 10.6%; p=0.004 for low-SI vs. high-SI). In contrast, PPI rates, the early safety endpoint at 30 days, and all-cause mortality at 1 year did not differ between the groups. In the high-SI group implantation of a BE valve was associated with a significantly higher rate of device success as compared to SE valves (93.8% vs. 82.2%, p=0.007). This difference was driven by a higher rate of moderate or severe PAR (6.9% vs. 15.3%, p=0.007) in patients treated with SE valves. Moreover, patients in the high-SI group receiving a SE valve required more often a PPI than those treated with a BE valve (26.2% vs 13.3%, p=0.012). There was no difference between the THV types in the other SI groups in terms of primary and secondary endpoints.

Conclusion

A more circular LVOT is associated with higher aortic valve and LVOT calcification. Implantation of a SE THV results in higher rates of moderate or severe PAR and persistent conduction disorder requiring PPI in such patients.

P3689Association of echocardiographic progression and genetic profile in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Background

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is frequently associated with mutations in genes coding for desmosomal proteins. In this study, we investigated the association of genetic status with ARVC progression as defined by echocardiographic parameters.

Methods

We tested 62 ARVC patients for their genetic profile. Accordingly, they were grouped in mutation positive (48 (77%) patients; median age 48.5 years; 33 (69%) males), and mutation negative (14 (23%) patients; median age 45 years; 10 (71%) males). Prevalent mutations were Desmoglein-2 (DSG2) in 16 (26%), Desmoplakin (DSP) in 14 (23%), and Plakophilin-2 (PKP2) in 9 (15%) patients.

Results

At baseline, there were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. Patients were followed-up for a median time period of 1420 days, and there was no significant difference in the duration of follow-up between the two groups (p=0.05).

In the mutation positive group, there was a significant increase in right ventricular end-diastolic area (p=0.002), right atrial short (p=0.008) and long (p=0.002) diameter, left atrial diameter (p=0.014), and a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.014) during follow up. Right ventricular functial parameters did not change significantly (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: p=0.24; fractional area change: p=0.088).

In the mutation negative group, none of the aforementioned echocardiographic findings exhibited any significant difference during follow-up: right ventricular end-diastolic area (p=0.1); right atrial short (p=0.7) and long (p=0.9) diameter, left atrial diameter (p=0.6), and left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.3). Similarly, right ventricular functional parameters did not change significantly (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: p=0.77; fractional area change: p=0.80. Results are summarized in the figure.

Change in echocardiographic findings.

Conclusions

There is a strong association between echocardiographic progression of ARVC phenotype and the presence of a pathogenic mutation. Such mutations should be searched in all patients with an ARVC phenotype, and mutation positive individuals should be followed-up in shorter intervals.

Altering the availability or proximity of food, alcohol, and tobacco products to change their selection and consumption

BACKGROUND

Overconsumption of food, alcohol, and tobacco products increases the risk of non-communicable diseases. Interventions to change characteristics of physical micro-environments where people may select or consume these products - including shops, restaurants, workplaces, and schools - are of considerable public health policy and research interest. This review addresses two types of intervention within such environments: altering the availability (the range and/or amount of options) of these products, or their proximity (the distance at which they are positioned) to potential consumers.

OBJECTIVES

1. To assess the impact on selection and consumption of altering the availability or proximity of (a) food (including non-alcoholic beverages), (b) alcohol, and (c) tobacco products.2. To assess the extent to which the impact of these interventions is modified by characteristics of: i. studies, ii. interventions, and iii.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and seven other published or grey literature databases, as well as trial registries and key websites, up to 23 July 2018, followed by citation searches.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials with between-participants (parallel group) or within-participants (cross-over) designs. Eligible studies compared effects of exposure to at least two different levels of availability of a product or its proximity, and included a measure of selection or consumption of the manipulated product.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used a novel semi-automated screening workflow and applied standard Cochrane methods to select eligible studies, collect data, and assess risk of bias. In separate analyses for availability interventions and proximity interventions, we combined results using random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression models to estimate summary effect sizes (as standardised mean differences (SMDs)) and to investigate associations between summary effect sizes and selected study, intervention, or participant characteristics. We rated the certainty of evidence for each outcome using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 24 studies, with the majority (20/24) giving concerns about risk of bias. All of the included studies investigated food products; none investigated alcohol or tobacco. The majority were conducted in laboratory settings (14/24), with adult participants (17/24), and used between-participants designs (19/24). All studies were conducted in high-income countries, predominantly in the USA (14/24).Six studies investigated availability interventions, of which two changed the absolute number of different options available, and four altered the relative proportion of less-healthy (to healthier) options. Most studies (4/6) manipulated snack foods or drinks. For selection outcomes, meta-analysis of three comparisons from three studies (n = 154) found that exposure to fewer options resulted in a large reduction in selection of the targeted food(s): SMD -1.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.90 to -0.37) (low certainty evidence). For consumption outcomes, meta-analysis of three comparisons from two studies (n = 150) found that exposure to fewer options resulted in a moderate reduction in consumption of those foods, but with considerable uncertainty: SMD -0.55 (95% CI -1.27 to 0.18) (low certainty evidence).Eighteen studies investigated proximity interventions. Most (14/18) changed the distance at which a snack food or drink was placed from the participants, whilst four studies changed the order of meal components encountered along a line. For selection outcomes, only one study with one comparison (n = 41) was identified, which found that food placed farther away resulted in a moderate reduction in its selection: SMD -0.65 (95% CI -1.29 to -0.01) (very low certainty evidence). For consumption outcomes, meta-analysis of 15 comparisons from 12 studies (n = 1098) found that exposure to food placed farther away resulted in a moderate reduction in its consumption: SMD -0.60 (95% CI -0.84 to -0.36) (low certainty evidence). Meta-regression analyses indicated that this effect was greater: the farther away the product was placed; when only the targeted product(s) was available; when participants were of low deprivation status; and when the study was at high risk of bias.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence suggests that changing the number of available food options or altering the positioning of foods could contribute to meaningful changes in behaviour, justifying policy actions to promote such changes within food environments. However, the certainty of this evidence as assessed by GRADE is low or very low. To enable more certain and generalisable conclusions about these potentially important effects, further research is warranted in real-world settings, intervening across a wider range of foods - as well as alcohol and tobacco products - and over sustained time periods.

Altering the availability or proximity of food, alcohol, and tobacco products to change their selection and consumption

BACKGROUND

Overconsumption of food, alcohol, and tobacco products increases the risk of non-communicable diseases. Interventions to change characteristics of physical micro-environments where people may select or consume these products - including shops, restaurants, workplaces, and schools - are of considerable public health policy and research interest. This review addresses two types of intervention within such environments: altering the availability (the range and/or amount of options) of these products, or their proximity (the distance at which they are positioned) to potential consumers.

OBJECTIVES

1. To assess the impact on selection and consumption of altering the availability or proximity of (a) food (including non-alcoholic beverages), (b) alcohol, and (c) tobacco products.2. To assess the extent to which the impact of these interventions is modified by characteristics of: i. studies, ii. interventions, and iii.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and seven other published or grey literature databases, as well as trial registries and key websites, up to 23 July 2018, followed by citation searches.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials with between-participants (parallel group) or within-participants (cross-over) designs. Eligible studies compared effects of exposure to at least two different levels of availability of a product or its proximity, and included a measure of selection or consumption of the manipulated product.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used a novel semi-automated screening workflow and applied standard Cochrane methods to select eligible studies, collect data, and assess risk of bias. In separate analyses for availability interventions and proximity interventions, we combined results using random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression models to estimate summary effect sizes (as standardised mean differences (SMDs)) and to investigate associations between summary effect sizes and selected study, intervention, or participant characteristics. We rated the certainty of evidence for each outcome using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 24 studies, with the majority (20/24) giving concerns about risk of bias. All of the included studies investigated food products; none investigated alcohol or tobacco. The majority were conducted in laboratory settings (14/24), with adult participants (17/24), and used between-participants designs (19/24). All studies were conducted in high-income countries, predominantly in the USA (14/24).Six studies investigated availability interventions, of which two changed the absolute number of different options available, and four altered the relative proportion of less-healthy (to healthier) options. Most studies (4/6) manipulated snack foods or drinks. For selection outcomes, meta-analysis of three comparisons from three studies (n = 154) found that exposure to fewer options resulted in a large reduction in selection of the targeted food(s): SMD -1.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.90 to -0.37) (low certainty evidence). For consumption outcomes, meta-analysis of three comparisons from two studies (n = 150) found that exposure to fewer options resulted in a moderate reduction in consumption of those foods, but with considerable uncertainty: SMD -0.55 (95% CI -1.27 to 0.18) (low certainty evidence).Eighteen studies investigated proximity interventions. Most (14/18) changed the distance at which a snack food or drink was placed from the participants, whilst four studies changed the order of meal components encountered along a line. For selection outcomes, only one study with one comparison (n = 41) was identified, which found that food placed farther away resulted in a moderate reduction in its selection: SMD -0.65 (95% CI -1.29 to -0.01) (very low certainty evidence). For consumption outcomes, meta-analysis of 15 comparisons from 12 studies (n = 1098) found that exposure to food placed farther away resulted in a moderate reduction in its consumption: SMD -0.60 (95% CI -0.84 to -0.36) (low certainty evidence). Meta-regression analyses indicated that this effect was greater: the farther away the product was placed; when only the targeted product(s) was available; when participants were of low deprivation status; and when the study was at high risk of bias.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence suggests that changing the number of available food options or altering the positioning of foods could contribute to meaningful changes in behaviour, justifying policy actions to promote such changes within food environments. However, the certainty of this evidence as assessed by GRADE is low or very low. To enable more certain and generalisable conclusions about these potentially important effects, further research is warranted in real-world settings, intervening across a wider range of foods - as well as alcohol and tobacco products - and over sustained time periods.

AD-8 for detection of dementia across a variety of healthcare settings

BACKGROUND

Dementia assessment often involves initial screening, using a brief tool, followed by more detailed assessment where required. The AD-8 is a short questionnaire, completed by a suitable 'informant' who knows the person well. AD-8 is designed to assess change in functional performance secondary to cognitive change.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the informant-based AD-8 questionnaire, in detection of all-cause (undifferentiated) dementia in adults. Where data were available, we described the following: the diagnostic accuracy of the AD-8 at various predefined threshold scores; the diagnostic accuracy of the AD-8 for each healthcare setting and the effects of heterogeneity on the reported diagnostic accuracy of the AD-8.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following sources on 27 May 2014, with an update to 7 June 2018: ALOIS (Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group), MEDLINE (Ovid SP), Embase (Ovid SP), PsycINFO (Ovid SP), BIOSIS Previews (Thomson Reuters Web of Science), Web of Science Core Collection (includes Conference Proceedings Citation Index) (Thomson Reuters Web of Science), CINAHL (EBSCOhost) and LILACS (BIREME). We checked reference lists of relevant studies and reviews, used searches of known relevant studies in PubMed to track related articles, and contacted research groups conducting work on the AD-8 to try to find additional studies. We developed a sensitive search strategy and used standardised database subject headings as appropriate. Foreign language publications were translated.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected those studies which included the AD-8 to assess for the presence of dementia and where dementia diagnosis was confirmed with clinical assessment. We only included those studies where the AD-8 was used as an informant assessment. We made no exclusions in relation to healthcare setting, language of AD-8 or the AD-8 score used to define a 'test positive' case.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We screened all titles generated by electronic database searches, and reviewed abstracts of potentially relevant studies. Two independent assessors checked full papers for eligibility and extracted data. We extracted data into two-by-two tables to allow calculation of accuracy metrics for individual studies. We then created summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios using the bivariate approach and plotting results in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) space. We determined quality assessment (risk of bias and applicability) using the QUADAS-2 tool.

MAIN RESULTS

From 36 papers describing AD-8 test accuracy, we included 10 papers. We utilised data from nine papers with 4045 individuals, 1107 of whom (27%) had a clinical diagnosis of dementia. Pooled analysis of seven studies, using an AD-8 informant cut-off score of two, indicated that sensitivity was 0.92 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86 to 0.96); specificity was 0.64 (95% CI 0.39 to 0.82); the positive likelihood ratio was 2.53 (95% CI 1.38 to 4.64); and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.12 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.21). Pooled analysis of five studies, using an AD-8 informant cut-off score of three, indicated that sensitivity was 0.91 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.96); specificity was 0.76 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.89); the positive likelihood ratio was 3.86 (95% CI 2.03 to 7.34); and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.12 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.24).Four studies were conducted in community settings; four were in secondary care (one in the acute hospital); and one study was in primary care. The AD-8 has a higher relative sensitivity (1.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.21), but lower relative specificity (0.51, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.09) in secondary care compared to community care settings.There was heterogeneity across the included studies. Dementia prevalence rate varied from 12% to 90% of included participants. The tool was also used in various different languages. Among all the included studies there was evidence of risk of bias. Issues included the selection of participants, conduct of index test, and flow of assessment procedures.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The high sensitivity of the AD-8 suggests it can be used to identify adults who may benefit from further specialist assessment and diagnosis, but is not a diagnostic test in itself. This pattern of high sensitivity and lower specificity is often suited to a screening test. Test accuracy varies by setting, however data in primary care and acute hospital settings are limited. This review identified significant heterogeneity and risk of bias, which may affect the validity of its summary findings.

Effect of localised vibration on muscle strength in healthy adults: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of local vibration on muscle strength in healthy adults.

DATA SOURCES

The electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science were searched using a combination of the following keywords: vibration, vibration therapy, power, maximal voluntary contraction, performance, rate of force development and vibratory exercise. In addition, the Medical Subject Headings 'vibration', 'strength' and 'exercise' were used. The bibliographical search was limited to articles published in English.

STUDY SELECTION

Trials that evaluated the effect of localised vibration on muscle strength in healthy humans were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two independent evaluators verified the quality of the selected studies using the PEDro Scale and the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias. Muscle strength was calculated for each intervention.

RESULTS

In total, 29 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. Eighteen studies did not match the inclusion criteria, and were excluded. The 11 studies included in this review had an average PEDro score of 5.36/10. Most of the studies reported significant improvements in muscle strength after the application of local vibration. There was considerable variation in the vibration training parameters and target muscle location.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of local vibration on the target muscle can enhance muscle strength in healthy adults. Further well-designed controlled studies are required to confirm the effect of local vibration training on muscle strength.

Effect of quadriceps and hamstrings muscle cooling on standing balance in healthy young men

OBJECTIVE

The present study compared the effect of quadriceps and hamstring muscle cooling on standing balance in healthy young men.

METHODS

Thirty healthy young men (18-30 years) participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups (n=10 each): quadriceps cooling (QC), hamstring cooling (HC), or control group (no cooling). Participants in the QC and HC groups received 20 minutes of cooling using a cold pack (gel pack), placed on the anterior thigh (from the apex of the patella to the mid-thigh) and the posterior thigh (from the base of the popliteal fossa to the mid-thigh), respectively. Balance score including unilateral stance was measured at baseline and immediately after the application of the cold pack.

RESULTS

No significant difference in the balance score was noted in any group after the application of the cold pack (p⟩0.05). Similarly, no significant differences in post-test balance score were noted among the three groups (p⟩0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cooling of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles has no immediate effect on standing balance in healthy young men. However, longitudinal studies are warranted to investigate the long-term effects of cooling these muscles on standing balance.

Management of choledocholithiasis after previous gastrectomy

Common bile duct stones in patients with a previous gastrectomy can be a technical challenge because of the altered anatomy. This paper presents the successful management of two such patients using non-traditional techniques as conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was not possible.

Two new triterpene lactones from Centaurium pulchellum

Two new triterpene lactones, centauriol (1) and centaurione (2) were isolated from the whole plant of Centaurium pulchellum. Their structures were determined by spectral data.

Prolactin hormone in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus: a possible relationship to disease activity and CNS manifestations

OBJECTIVE

In this prospective study we aimed to determine serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations among patients with prepubertal juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their possible relationship to disease activity and/or manifestations.

METHODS

Serum PRL was estimated by immunoradiometric assay in 33 prepubertal children with SLE and 20 healthy controls. Patients had complete clinical and laboratory investigations. Disease activity was evaluated using the Systemic Lupus Activity Measurement Index (SLAM).

RESULTS

The mean serum PRL level was higher in juvenile SLE than healthy controls; however, the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant correlation between the serum PRL levels and total SLAM score among our patients. Serum PRL levels were significantly correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = +0.352, p < 0.05) and inversely with each of total leukocyte count (r = -0.504, p < 0.01) and lymphocyte count (r = -0.408, p < 0.05). Hyperprolactinemia was found in 3 (9%) of the children with SLE but not in controls. All 3 patients with hyperprolactinemia (100%) had central nervous system (CNS) manifestations compared to only 3 (10%) patients (p < 0.003) with normal PRL level.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a subset of juvenile SLE characterized by hyperprolactinemia and increased prevalence of CNS manifestations. A possible relationship between serum PRL concentrations and disease activity in juvenile SLE was found. Our data point to the importance of further studies of the role of PRL in immunomodulation of pediatric rheumatic diseases.