AbstractObjectiveVitamin D status plays an important role in immunoregulation, and a deficiency is believed to be related to Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We aim to study the association between vitamin D deficiency and GVHD after HSCT.MethodsA literature search was conducted utilizing MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library Database from inception to July 2019. Eligible studies were required to1 be clinical trials or observational studies (cohort, case‐control, or cross‐sectional studies);2 provide data to calculate the odds ratios (OR) of GVHD in HSCT patients with vitamin D deficiency. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using random‐effects meta‐analysis through the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis 3.3 software.ResultsIn total, 8 observational studies consisting of 1335 HSCT patients were enrolled in this systematic review. Overall, there was no significant association between vitamin D deficiency and acute GVHD (OR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.74‐1.53, P > 0.05). There was no significant association between vitamin D deficiency and chronic GVHD (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 0.72‐4.26, P > 0.05). Funnel plots and Egger regression asymmetry test were performed and showed no publication bias.ConclusionThere is not a statistically significant association between vitamin D deficiency and neither acute nor chronic GVHD.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and incidence of atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis
Abstract Background Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for many inflammatory disorders and pain-related illnesses. Despite their widespread use, the association between NSAIDs and the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate this association. Methods A systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases from inception through August 2019 to identify studies that evaluated the risk of AF among patients using NSAIDs. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CI were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance method. The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no. CRD42019141609). Results Eight observational studies (four case–control studies and four cohort studies) with a total of 14 806 420 patients were enrolled. When compared with nonNSAIDs users, the pooled RR of AF in patients with NSAIDs use was 1.29 (95% CI 1.19–1.39). Meta-analyses based on the type of study were additionally performed. Subgroup analysis by study design revealed a significant association between the use of NSAIDs and AF for both case–control studies (pooled RR 1.37; 95% CI, 1.15–1.63) and cohort studies (pooled RR 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14–1.31). Sub-analyses based on specific NSAIDs showed pooled RRs of AF in patients using ibuprofen of 1.30 (95% CI 1.22–1.39), naproxen of 1.44 (95% CI 1.18–1.76) and diclofenac of 1.37 (95% CI 1.10–1.71), respectively. Funnel plot and Egger’s regression asymmetry tests were performed and showed no publication bias. Conclusion NSAID use is associated with incident AF. Our study also demonstrated a consistent result among different NSAIDs.
Arrhythmias in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Abstract Background There are controversial data regarding the relationship between hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and arrhythmias. This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the incidence of arrhythmias in patients following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods A literature search was conducted utilizing MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Databases from inception through April 2019. Pooled incidence with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random‐effects meta‐analysis. The protocol for this meta‐analysis is registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no. CRD42019131833). Results Thirteen studies consisting of 10,587 patients undergoing HSCT were enrolled in this systematic review. Overall, the pooled estimated incidence of all types of arrhythmias following HSCT was 7.2% (95% CI: 4.9%‐10.5%). With respect to the most common type of arrhythmia, the pooled estimated incidence of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL) within 30 days following HSCT was 4.2% (95% CI: 1.7%‐9.6%). Egger's regression test demonstrated no significant publication bias in this meta‐analysis of post‐HSCT arrhythmia incidence. Conclusion The overall estimated incidence of arrhythmias following HSCT was 7.2%. Future large scale studies are needed to further elucidate the significance and clinical impact of arrhythmias in post‐HSCT patients.
Incident atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
AbstractBackgroundThere are controversial data regarding the relationship between bariatric surgery and atrial fibrillation (AF). This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate (i) the incidence and (ii) the risk of AF in patients following bariatric surgery.AimsTo explore the incidence and risk factors of AF in patients after bariatric surgery.MethodsA literature search was conducted utilising MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Database from inception through March 2019. We included studies that evaluated the (i) incidence and (ii) risk of AF in patients after bariatric surgery. Pooled incidence and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects meta‐analysis.ResultsSeven cohort studies consisting of 7681 patients undergoing bariatric surgery were enrolled in this systematic review. The prevalence of AF in patients undergoing bariatric surgery ranged between 0% and 4.6%. Overall, the pooled estimated incidence of AF following bariatric surgery was 5.3% (95% CI: 1.9–13.8) at a median follow‐up time of 7.9 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4.1–15.0 years). Compared to controls, the pooled OR of AF among patients undergoing bariatric surgery was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.22–0.83) at a median follow‐up time of 7.9 years (IQR 7.2–19.0 years). Egger regression test demonstrated no significant publication bias in our meta‐analysis of AF incidence following bariatric surgery.ConclusionThe overall estimated incidence of AF following bariatric surgery was 5.3%. Our study demonstrates a significant beneficial association between bariatric surgery and AF, with a 0.42‐fold decreased risk of AF. Future large‐scale studies are needed to confirm the potential benefits of bariatric surgery on risk of AF.
Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation in patients with cirrhosis and clinical significance: a meta-analysis
ObjectiveThe epidemiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cirrhosis and its clinical significance remain unclear. This study aimed (i) to investigate the pooled prevalence and/or incidence of AF in patients with cirrhosis and (ii) to assess the mortality risk of AF in patients with cirrhosis.Patients and methodsA literature search for studies that reported incidence of AF in patients with cirrhosis was carried out using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database from inception through July 2018. Pooled incidence with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random-effect model. The protocol for this meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no. CRD42018102664).ResultsSeven cohort studies including 385 866 patients with cirrhosis were identified. The pooled estimated prevalence of AF in patients with cirrhosis was 5.0% (95% CI: 2.8–8.6%). When studies that solely assessed patients undergoing transplant evaluation or on transplant waiting list were excluded, the pooled estimated prevalence of AF in patients with cirrhosis was 7.4% (95% CI: 3.5–15.2%). There was a significant association between AF and increased mortality risk in cirrhotic patients with a pooled odds ratio of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.36–1.53).ConclusionThe overall estimated prevalence of AF among patients with cirrhosis is 5.0%. Our study demonstrates a statistically significant increased mortality risk in cirrhotic patients with AF.
Atrial fibrillation following heart transplantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
AbstractObjectivePrevious studies have suggested a high incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart transplant recipients. However, incidence trends of AF in heart transplant recipients remain unclear. The study's aims were (1) to investigate the pooled incidence/incidence trends of AF following heart transplantation and (2) to assess the mortality risk of heart transplant recipients with AF.MethodsA literature search for studies that reported the incidence of AF following heart transplantation was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Database from inception through March 2018. Pooled incidence and odds ratios (OR) with 95%CI were calculated using a random‐effects model.ResultsEighteen studies (2 cohorts from clinical trials and 16 cohort studies) with 5393 heart transplant recipients were enrolled. The pooled estimated incidence of AF in heart transplant was 10.1% (95%CI: 7.6%‐13.2%). Meta‐analysis based on the type of anastomotic technique demonstrated a pooled estimated incidence of AF following heart transplantation of 18.7% (95%CI: 10.3%‐31.5%) and 11.1% (95%CI: 6.5%‐18.4%) by biatrial and bicaval techniques, respectively. There was a significant association between AF following a heart transplant and increased mortality risk with a pooled OR of 2.86 (95%CI: 2.08‐3.93). Meta‐regression analyses showed no significant correlations between the year of study and incidence of AF (P = 0.47) or mortality risk of AF after heart transplantation (P = 0.99).ConclusionsThe overall estimated incidence of AF following heart transplantation is 10.1%. There is a significant association between AF and increased mortality after transplantation. Furthermore, incidence and mortality risk of AF following heart transplant does not seem to decrease over time.