FreshRSS

🔒
❌ Acerca de FreshRSS
Hay nuevos artículos disponibles. Pincha para refrescar la página.
AnteayerTus fuentes RSS

Remote symptom assessment and management via mobile app for adults with chronic kidney disease in Vietnam (SAM-CKD programme): a randomised feasibility trial protocol

Por: Bui · K. L. · Hyun · A. · Purtell · L. · Hoang · V. L. · Bonner · A.
Introduction

Adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience a wide range of symptoms that significantly lower their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Using mobile-based applications for symptom assessment and management has the potential to alleviate the symptom burden of CKD and improve patient outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised feasibility trial to assess the feasibility, acceptability, usability and potential effects of a remote symptom assessment and management (SAM-CKD) 6 week programme delivered via a mobile application. Adults aged 18 years or older with CKD grade 4 or 5 (including those on dialysis) will be randomly assigned to the SAM-CKD programme or usual care. Primary outcomes assess the intervention’s feasibility, acceptability and usability. Secondary outcomes are changes in CKD symptoms and HRQoL between baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks later. Data analysis involves descriptive and intention-to-treat analyses. The study will be undertaken between December 2025 and March 2026. The findings will inform whether an effective trial is feasible and whether the study design and/or its methods need modification.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the Vin University and Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee. Results will be disseminated at the participating hospital and CKD patient groups and shared via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT07186361.

HIV testing and prevalence in fishing communities in rural Uganda: a cross-sectional study of 3197 individuals within SchistoTrack

Por: Bui · H. L. · Wilburn · L. · Nsimbe · S. W. · Nabatte · B. · Oromcan · G. W. · Mujuni · R. · Nabonge · J. · Kabatereine · N. B. · Smith · A. · Chami · G.
Objectives

To compare HIV testing coverage, prevalence and care cascade engagement between fisherfolk and the general population, and to assess the relevance of individual and community-level definitions of fisherfolk in understanding variation in HIV status and testing.

Design

Primary data collection and cross-sectional analysis in 1 year of the SchistoTrack community-based cohort.

Setting

52 shoreline villages in Pakwach, Buliisa and Mayuge districts in rural Uganda.

Participants

A total of 3197 individuals aged 5–92 years were tested for HIV in 2024. A subset of 124 HIV-positive participants had viral load measured in 2025. Statistical analyses focused on 1931 adults aged 15 years and older.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes were lifetime HIV testing, testing in the past 12 months and current HIV status. Secondary measures included self-reported care cascade outcomes and viral load suppression.

Results

Overall, 6.94% (134/1931) of adult participants aged 15 years and older were with HIV (people with HIV (PWH)), of whom 22.39% (30/134) were newly diagnosed. 6% (25/415) of adults reporting fishing activities were HIV-positive. Of those, 80% (20/25) were status-aware, 76% (19/25) were on antiretroviral therapy, and 100% (8/8) of those who knew their viral load reported viral suppression. No significant differences in care cascade engagement were found between PWH reporting fishing activities and the general population. Measured viral suppression was 70.59% (72/102) among PWH with no significant differences by fishing activities. Fishing activities were significantly associated with higher odds of ever testing for HIV (OR 1.76 (95% CI 1.22 to 2.54)), but not with testing in the past 12 months or HIV status. No consistent district-level differences were observed.

Conclusions

Individuals reporting fishing activities had higher lifetime testing and comparable HIV prevalence and care cascade engagement to the general population. Gaps remain in recent testing, status awareness and viral suppression for fisherfolk.

Geriatric Models of Surgical Care: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Aim

To synthesise literature on hospital-based geriatric models of care for older adults undergoing surgery, examining structures, team composition, governance and nursing contributions.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

Following JBI methodology, two reviewers independently screened articles against eligibility criteria (Population: adults ≥ 65 years, Concept: multidisciplinary geriatric surgical care model; Context: acute hospital settings), with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Data were extracted and charted for descriptive synthesis.

Data Sources

Six databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, AgeLine, Cochrane Library) searched for studies published between January 2015 and February 2025.

Results

Of 2753 records identified, 81 studies were included. Models were commonly co-managed between surgical and geriatric teams, implemented at varying surgical pathway points. Orthopaedics represented 57% of studies. Geriatricians were involved in 90% of models; 38% included advanced practice nurses or specialist gerontological nurses. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment was used in nearly half the studies, typically preoperatively. Considerable heterogeneity existed in model design, professional roles and care settings.

Conclusion

Integrated geriatric perioperative care is expanding globally but remains limited outside orthopaedics. Research should shift from improvement projects to rigorous implementation for sustainable transformation, including nurse-led models. Critical examination is needed of whether current outcomes address comprehensive needs of older surgical patients or primarily optimise hospital flow.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Findings highlight opportunities to expand geriatric models beyond orthopaedics and enhance nursing roles, particularly advanced practice nurses, in delivering comprehensive perioperative care for older adults.

Impact

Addressed the gap in understanding how geriatric models of surgical care are operationalised. Identified underutilisation of nursing expertise and limited expansion beyond orthopaedics. Will impact service design, policy development and clinical implementation for older surgical patients.

Reporting Method

Adhered to PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public involvement.

Protocol Registration

Open Science Framework Registries Network.

Microbes and ageing beyond the gut: the oral microbiome and frailty, sarcopenia and neurocognitive disorders in the elderly - a scoping review protocol

Introduction

Population ageing is a global phenomenon that has resulted in an increase in the number of patients with chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes. Frailty, sarcopenia and neurocognitive disorders are among the most prevalent conditions affecting older adults and have a direct effect on their quality of life, and can impact the burden and budgets of health systems. Recently, the oral microbiome has gained attention as it may be a factor that potentially influences the onset and progression of these syndromes. However, this is still a new line of research that has not been deeply explored. This scoping review protocol aims to explore how the oral microbiome may be associated with the onset of prevalent geriatric syndromes, frailty, sarcopenia and neurocognitive disorders, providing a picture of the current evidence and potential gaps for future research.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review will follow the Johanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and will be reported accordit to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines (PRISMA-ScR). Searches will be conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, LILACS and Epistemonikos from inception to December 2025. Independent reviewers will perform the study selection and data extraction. A descriptive analysis of information will be conducted, highlighting oral microorganisms associated with these syndromes and emerging trends in the evidence. Original research studies in any language will be included. We will include randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case–control studies and other relevant designs if they investigate the oral microbiome and its relation to geriatric syndromes in adults aged 65 or older, regardless of geographic location or setting.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required.

Multifactorial approach training for anterior shoulder instability after a Latarjet procedure: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Soares · M. N. · Shirinskiy · I. J. · Schachner · J. · MATASI collaborator group · M. c. g. · Macken · A. A. · Kling · A. · Lafosse · T. · van den Bekerom · M. P. J. · Buijze · G. A.
Introduction

The Latarjet procedure is the mainstay treatment in high-demand patients with substantial glenoid bone loss or after failed capsulolabral repairs. Patients typically return to sport (RTS) within 6 months postoperatively, requiring intensive rehabilitation. Current rehabilitation protocols focus on mobility, strength and stability. Yet, psychological factors, such as fear of reinjury, are the main reason not to RTS. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether integrating psychological interventions into postoperative rehabilitation improves patient-reported shoulder function compared with physical therapy alone.

Methods and analysis

This monocentric randomised controlled trial will enrol 52 patients undergoing a Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability. Participants will be equally and randomly assigned to either postoperative physical therapy combined with cognitive behavioural therapy or physical therapy alone. Eligibility criteria include patients aged 18–67 years undergoing an open or arthroscopic Latarjet procedure at our institution. Exclusion criteria include posterior or multidirectional instability, rotator cuff tear, prior shoulder surgery, anxiety disorder, using anxiolytics, neurological disorder, systemic disease, previous hospitalisation for shoulder pain and proximal humerus fractures.

The primary outcome is the Western Ontario Shoulder Index at 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include incidence of recurrent dislocations, RTS and return-to-work rates, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia for Shoulder Instability, subjective shoulder value and visual analogue score for pain at 6 months postoperatively as well as the Shoulder Instability Return to Sport after Injury scale at 4.5 months postoperatively.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the French Committee of Person Protection West I. The national registration number is 2023-A02057-38. The study has been registered at Clinicaltrials.gov with trial registration number NCT06154889. Patients are not financially compensated for participation and are allowed to withdraw from the study at any time without any preconditions. The final results of the study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and an abstract of the study will be submitted to international scientific meetings by the end of 2026. Data will be made available by the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Registration details

The study has been registered at Clinicaltrials.gov with trial registration number NCT06154889. The trial sponsor is Vivalto Santé.

Trial registration number

NCT06154889.

The Effectiveness, Safety and Cost‐Effectiveness of Platelet‐Rich Plasma and Platelet‐Rich Fibrin in the Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Venous leg ulcers occur due to chronic venous insufficiency in the lower extremities and are often difficult to heal. Platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin are products that contain high concentrations of platelets. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of these products for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Guided by the 2020 Joanna Briggs Institute systematic review of effectiveness guideline, this review included original studies that investigated platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of venous leg ulcers from databases including the Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry, Clinical Trials.gov and Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Methodological quality was assessed using relevant appraisal checklists. Information related to general characteristics of included articles and relevant outcomes of interest were extracted and synthesised narratively. Of thirty-six eligible studies, 24 studies used platelet-rich plasma, eleven investigated fibrin-rich plasma and one study used both platelet-rich plasma and fibrin-rich. Most studies reported these products were effective in promoting wound healing, reducing other symptoms, and were safe to use. The use of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin resulted in significantly higher healed venous leg ulcers compared to control using conventional treatment (RR: 2.93, 95% CI, 1.90–4.53, p = 0.01). These products were safe to used topically and promoted to wound healing, reduced pain, either along or combined with other treatments. Platelet-rich plasma and fibrin-rich plasma improves wound healing and appears to be safe to use in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

Prognostic value of the PaO2/FiO2 ratio for mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a retrospective observational study in a lower-middle-income country

Por: Luong · C. Q. · Dao · C. X. · Nguyen · M. H. · Pham · D. T. · Pham · Q. T. · Vu · T. T. · Truong · H. T. · Nguyen · H. H. · Nguyen · T. T. P. · Luong · H. T. T. · Nguyen · C. B. · Khuong · D. Q. · Dang · H. D. · Tran · C. H. · Nguyen · T. T. · Nguyen · T. A. · Pham · T. T. · Bui · G. T. H
Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of the arterial oxygen partial pressure/inspired oxygen fraction (PaO2/FiO2) ratio in predicting mortality among acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients in Vietnam.

Design

A retrospective observational study.

Setting

A central hospital in Vietnam.

Participants

Adult patients diagnosed with ARDS based on the Berlin definition and admitted to Bach Mai Hospital between August 2015 and August 2023. ARDS severity was converted from descriptive categories to the Berlin score, ranging from 1 (PaO2/FiO2>300 mm Hg) to 4 (PaO2/FiO2≤100 mm Hg).

Primary outcome

All-cause hospital mortality.

Results

Of 345 patients, 67.5% were male, and the median age was 55.0 years (IQR: 39.0–66.0). Hospital mortality was 61.2% (211/345). On the first day of admission, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC): 0.585 (95% CI 0.522 to 0.649)) showed limited predictive ability for hospital mortality. Incorporating the PaO2/FiO2 ratio into the Berlin score did not substantially improve accuracy (AUROC: 0.578 (95% CI 0.516 to 0.641)). Both measures were less accurate than Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (AUROC: 0.650 (95% CI 0.590 to 0.711)), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) (AUROC: 0.685 (95% CI 0.628 to 0.742)) and Confusion, Urea >7 mmol/L (20 mg/dL), Respiratory rate ≥30 breaths/min, Blood pressure (systolic 2/FiO2 values (adjusted OR, AOR: 0.988 (95% CI 0.979 to 0.996)) were independently associated with lower mortality risk, while higher Berlin (AOR: 2.477 (95% CI 1.190 to 5.156)), SOFA (AOR: 1.278 (95% CI 1.102 to 1.482)), APACHE II (AOR: 1.236 (95% CI 1.108 to 1.379)) and CURB-65 (AOR: 7.142 (95% CI 2.581 to 19.763)) scores were associated with increased mortality risk.

Conclusions

In this study of ARDS patients in Vietnam, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio demonstrated limited discriminatory ability for hospital mortality, and incorporating it into the Berlin score did not meaningfully improve performance. While less accurate than SOFA, APACHE II and CURB-65 scores, the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and Berlin score remained independently associated with mortality risk. These findings should be interpreted cautiously, given the retrospective design, single-centre setting and potential selection bias; further validation in larger, multicentre studies is warranted.

Nivel socioeconómico e inseguridad alimentaria en estudiantes de una universidad pública del Norte de Sinaloa, México

Introducción: La Inseguridad Alimentaria (IA), vinculada a la pobreza, favorece el consumo de alimentos poco nutritivos y aumenta el riesgo de enfermedades crónicas. Su comprensión es clave en enfermería comunitaria y escolar para fomentar hábitos saludables desde edades tempranas. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre el Nivel Socioeconómico (NSE) e IA en Estudiantes de Una Universidad Pública del Norte de Sinaloa, México. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, correlacional y transversal en estudiantes de 18 a 25 años inscritos en un programa de Licenciatura. Los participantes fueron seleccionados a partir de un muestreo aleatorio simple. La muestra fue de 311 estudiantes. Se aplicó una cédula de datos sociodemográficos, el cuestionario AMAI y la Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Inseguridad Alimentaria. Resultados: En los hogares sin presencia de menores, la IA severa presenta mayor prevalencia en NSE medio (29,6%) y alto (32,5%). Se observó una correlación positiva y significativa entre el NSE y la IA, tanto en hogares sin integrantes menores de edad (rs = 0,263, p < 0,01), como en aquellos con menores (rs = 0,231, p < 0,01). Conclusiones: En esta población de estudiantes universitarios, se observó que a medida que aumenta el NSE, también lo hace la IA, lo que sugiere que esta no es exclusiva de los sectores socioeconómicos bajos, sino que también afecta de forma considerable a los niveles medio y alto. La persistencia de esta problemática en todos los niveles sugiere que factores estructurales, más allá del ingreso, como el acceso a alimentos nutritivos, educación alimentaria y estabilidad laboral, podrían influir significativamente.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Food insecurity (FI), linked to poverty, promotes the consumption of unhealthy foods and increases the risk of chronic diseases. Understanding it is key in community and school nursing to foster healthy habits from an early age. Objective: To analyze the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and FI in students at a public university in Northern Sinaloa, Mexico. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted with students aged 18 to 25 years enrolled in an undergraduate program. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. The sample consisted of 311 students. A sociodemographic data form, the AMAI questionnaire, and the Latin American and Caribbean Food Insecurity Scale were administered. Results: In households without children, severe FI was more prevalent in middle (29.6%) and high (32.5%) SES groups. A positive and significant correlation was observed between socioeconomic status (SES) and food insecurity (FI), both in households without minor members (rs = 0.263, p < 0.01) and in those with minors (rs = 0.231, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In this population of university students, it was observed that as SES increases, so does FI, suggesting that it is not exclusive to low socioeconomic sectors, but also significantly affects middle and high levels. The persistence of this problem at all levels suggests that structural factors, beyond income, such as access to nutritious food, nutrition education, and job stability, could have a significant influence.

Short- and long-term complications after slowly resorbable biosynthetic P4HB mesh (Phasix) implantation in European centres: a protocol paper for a multiregistry study

Background

Phasix mesh is a fully resorbable synthetic mesh for use in clean and contaminated ventral incisional hernia repairs. Long-term absorbable Phasix mesh appears to be a safe and promising device in incisional hernia repair, with low recurrence rates; however, data on long-term complications after surgery, particularly after the resorption period of the mesh, are scarce.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes a study of several European registries on the use of a Phasix mesh in incisional hernia repair. The primary endpoint of the study is long-term complications at 2–5 year follow-up after mesh implantation, with secondary endpoints including hernia recurrence and complications during short-term follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was not required for this protocol as the study is based on anonymised registry data collected with prior patient consent in each registry. Each participating registry has its own ethical approval process, and this study will adhere to those regulations. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Biceps lasso loop and self-locking tenodesis alongside repair of rotator cuff tears: randomised controlled trial study protocol (BLAST 1)

Por: Shirinskiy · I. J. · Boulidam · D. · Macken · A. A. · van den Bekerom · M. P. J. · Lafosse · T. · Buijze · G. A.
Introduction

Pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) frequently accompanies rotator cuff tears, with tenotomy and tenodesis often being used to address this pathology. While meta-analyses report comparable functional outcomes between these techniques, tenotomy is linked to higher rates of Popeye deformity, whereas tenodesis is more technically demanding and might involve extra material. A novel self-locking tenodesis technique aims to reduce deformity risk while being a simpler alternative to the conventional tenodesis procedure; however, comparative evidence is currently limited.

Methods and analysis

This single-centre, patient-blinded randomised controlled trial will enrol 100 patients aged ≥40 years with reparable, non-traumatic, full-thickness supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus and/or subscapularis tendon tears undergoing arthroscopic repair from January 2025 until January 2027. Key exclusion criteria include massive or irreparable tears, advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis and prior shoulder surgery. Participants will be randomised to either 360 double lasso loop tenodesis or self-locking tenodesis. The primary outcome is the Constant score at 1 year, with a predefined non-inferiority margin of 10 points. Secondary outcomes include American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, simple shoulder value score, LHB score, cosmetic appearance, pain scores and radiographic tendon migration. Statistical non-inferiority will be assessed using a one-sided t-test.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol received approval from the National Ethical Review Board in France (CPP Sud-Est V) and was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT06774820.

Quality and Bias in Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Latin American Nursing Journals: A Meta‐Epidemiological Study

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are essential for evidence-based nursing care. However, the quality of reporting and adherence to methodological standards in Latin American nursing journals remains unclear. This study evaluates the characteristics, reporting quality, and potential risk of bias of RCTs published in Latin American nursing journals.

Objective

To assess the reporting compliance and risk of bias of RCTs published in Latin American nursing journals.

Design

Meta-research study.

Methods

A comprehensive handsearch of 29 Latin American nursing journals was performed covering publications from 2000 to 2024. Identified RCTs were assessed for adherence to CONSORT reporting guidelines and evaluated for risk of bias. Outcomes were classified using the COMET taxonomy. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 6377 references were screened, identifying 34 eligible RCTs, most published after 2018. The median CONSORT compliance was 19 reported items (IQR 16–22). High compliance (> 90%) was observed in abstract reporting items, study objectives, and participant selection criteria. However, critical methodological features such as randomization procedures, blinding, and protocol registration showed low adherence (< 40%). Risk of bias was mostly rated as having “some concerns”, largely due to insufficient reporting. According to the COMET taxonomy, the most frequently reported outcome domains were “Delivery of care” and “Physical functioning”.

Conclusions

Reporting compliance and risk of bias of RCTs published in Latin American nursing journals presents significant gaps, particularly in key methodological domains. These shortcomings hinder transparency, reproducibility, and integration into evidence synthesis. Strengthening editorial policies and enforcing reporting standards could enhance the quality and reliability of published research in Latin American nursing journals.

Psychological distress and well-being in university and high school students: a cross-sectional study in Italy

Por: Nose · M. · Turrini · G. · Muriago · G. · Badino · M. · Cristofalo · D. · Sartori · R. · Tedeschi · F. · Barbui · C.
Objective

Adolescence is a transitional period marked by psychosocial changes that can impact well-being. Mental disorders before university are linked to dropout and lower employment rates, affecting long-term outcomes. This study examines the psychological well-being of Italian students aged 18–25, exploring factors related to distress.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

High schools and university in Verona, northern Italy.

Participants

A total of 1766 students (88.96% university students and 11.04% high school students in their final year) were recruited. Inclusion criteria were being enrolled in high school or university in Verona, aged 18–25, with adequate Italian language proficiency and informed consent. No exclusion criteria were applied.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes were levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10-item - Kessler-10), anxiety and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale - PHQ-ADS) and well-being (WHO-Five Well-Being Index - WHO-5). Secondary analyses examined the association of these outcomes with sociodemographic and educational variables.

Results

Most participants (88.6%) reported psychological distress (mean K-10=22.95, SD=6.64). Mild symptoms of anxiety and depression were reported by 47.1% and 43.3% of participants, respectively. Only 16.5% reported high psychological well-being. Female and non-binary students had worse mental health outcomes than males (p value

Conclusions

Psychological distress, anxiety and depression are widespread among Italian students. Gender, academic stage and living situation significantly impact mental health outcomes. The findings emphasise the need for targeted mental health interventions, particularly for non-binary and female students, as well as those in advanced academic years.

Fertility treatments and stroke: a scoping review

Por: Moores · G. · Zhang · L. · Bui · E. · Pikula · A.
Objectives

Fertility therapies are becoming an increasingly common option for conception, but there is little knowledge on the interactions of assisted reproductive technology (ARTs) and stroke in women, and its use among women with a history of stroke. This scoping review aims to examine the current state of knowledge and identify the knowledge gaps regarding: (1) the stroke risk with use of fertility therapy and (2) the safety of fertility therapy among stroke survivors, to help guide future research and clinical practice.

Design

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist for scoping reviews was followed.

Data sources

MEDLINE (Ovid), Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched through 20 June 2023.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

All observational studies pertaining to use of fertility and stroke in humans over the age of 18 were included in this review.

Data extraction and synthesis

Title and abstract and subsequent full-text review were performed by two independent reviewers in duplicate. A narrative synthesis of final articles for data abstraction is presented.

Results

10 studies met inclusion criteria. The only meta-analysis that was included could not estimate the risk of stroke among all individuals undergoing fertility therapy due to lack of high-quality prospective cohort studies. There was only one prospective cohort that examined pregnancy among stroke survivors. Among the 32 pregnancies, one was conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF), although the details regarding stroke type, time since stroke, medications and IVF protocol were not specified. Therefore, the safety and effectiveness of ART among stroke survivors is currently unknown.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive review of existing fertility therapy science and stroke risk, we identify a large knowledge gap and a major scientific need for a systematic approach and prospective studies to better inform the risk of stroke during fertility therapy, especially among stroke survivors. Understanding this risk and developing treatment strategies serves to better inform women and healthcare providers as more women with a history of stroke seek and contemplate fertility therapy.

Trial registration number

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/PHQ4X

❌