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This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness of high statin monotherapy and a combination of statin and ezetimibe to prevent cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We conducted comprehensive searches across online databases, including MEDLINE/ PubMed, EMBASE, and the Web of Science, to find the relevant articles from the databases' inception to 10 Feb 2024. Outcomes assessed in the meta-analysis included major cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and unplanned revascularization. Data analysis was conducted utilizing RevMan Version 5.3.1. The comparison of outcomes between the two groups involved the calculation of risk ratios (RR) accompanied by 95% confidence intervals (CI) using either a random or fixed-effect model. Five studies were included in this meta-analysis, encompassing 48,668 patients. The pooled analysis showed that the risk of all-cause mortality was higher in patients receiving high statin monotherapy. However, no significant differences in MACE, myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization were reported. While acknowledging the limitations, including the lack of randomized controlled trials and the dominance of one study in the analysis, these findings underscore the importance of further research to clarify the comparative effectiveness of these treatment modalities in preventing cardiovascular outcomes in ACS patients.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an inherited lipoprotein particle associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) diseases. However, its impact on outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between elevated Lp(a) levels and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and other outcomes in patients undergoing PCI. We systematically searched Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Web of Science for studies published from 2015 to 2024 comparing CV outcomes between patients with elevated versus non-elevated Lp(a) levels after PCI. Primary outcome was MACE. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, CV mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and revascularization. Risk ratios (RRs) were pooled using a random-effect model. Fifteen studies with 45,059 patients were included. Patients with elevated Lp(a) had a significantly higher risk of MACE (RR 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23-1.56). Elevated Lp(a) was also associated with increased risks of all-cause death (RR 1.26), CV death (RR 1.58), myocardial infarction (RR 1.44), revascularization (RR 1.38), and stroke (RR 1.18). Heterogeneity was considerable for some outcomes. This meta-analysis demonstrates that elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with worse CV outcomes, including higher rates of MACE, mortality, and recurrent ischemic events in patients undergoing PCI. Novel therapeutic approaches specifically targeting Lp(a) reduction may help mitigate residual CV risk in this high-risk population.

The objective of this study was to compare the impact of amiodarone and lidocaine on survival and neurological outcomes following cardiac arrest. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as well as cohort and cross-sectional trials was undertaken, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Potential relevant studies were searched in databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, from the beginning of databases to February 15, 2024. Outcomes assessed in this study were survival to hospital discharge, survival to hospital admission or 24 hours, favorable neurological outcomes, and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). A total of seven studies (five observational and two RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis encompassing 19,081 patients with cardiac arrest. Pooled analysis showed no difference between amiodarone and lidocaine in terms of survival to hospital discharge (odds ratio (OR): 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75 to 1.04), ROSC (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.84 to 1.05, p-value: 0.25), favorable neurological outcomes (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.66 to 1.17, p-value: 0.38), and survival to 24 hours (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.55 to 1.21, p-value: 0.31). While lidocaine demonstrated a slight survival advantage, the differences were statistically insignificant. Similarly, no significant variations were observed in ROSC incidence, neurological outcomes, or survival at 24 hours. These findings align with current guidelines but underscore the necessity for further rigorous RCTs to provide conclusive recommendations.

Thyroid gland dysfunction (TGD) has been increasingly recognized as a potential comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study was designed to determine the prevalence of TGD in COPD patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). To comprehensively identify relevant studies, a systematic search was conducted in major electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHIL). The search was limited to English-language studies published after 31 December 2000. To determine the prevalence of TGD and assess the impacts, we compared forced vital capacity (FVC) (%), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (%), partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) (mmHg), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) (mmHg) between patients with and without TGD. A total of nine articles were included in this meta-analysis. The sample size of included studies ranged from 50 to 309. The pooled prevalence of TGD in patients with COPD was 45% (95% CI: 25% to 65%). The most common form of TGD was hypothyroidism. The study identified a lack of significant associations between TGD and COPD severity or various characteristics, highlighting the need for future prospective multi-center research, particularly with larger sample sizes to determine the clinical factors and biomarkers affecting the development of thyroid dysfunction in this population.

Sjögren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is a rare, inherited disorder passed down through families in an autosomal recessive pattern. Its main characteristics are spastic diplegic paralysis, congenital ichthyotic hyperkeratosis, and mild-to-moderate mental retardation. Lack of activity of microsomal fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH) or its complete absence is the primary cause of this syndrome, leading to the build-up of fatty aldehydes and fatty alcohols in the body, particularly in the skin. In order to provide the best care for patients, educating them about the management of dry skin and offering genetic counseling are essential. We hereby present a case of an eight-year-old patient with spastic diplegia, congenital ichthyosis, and intellectual disability diagnosed with SLS.