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Application of maple leaf‐shaped flap combined with negative pressure wound therapy in the perianal circular skin defect reconstruction

Abstract

We aimed to explore the efficacy of maple leaf-shaped flap in the repair of perianal circular skin defect. This study is a retrospective review of patients with perianal circular skin defect after skin tumour resection and repaired with maple leaf-shaped flap. Patients included in this study were admitted in our department between January 2010 and January 2023. A standardized data collection template was used to collect related variables. The design and surgical procedures of maple leaf-shaped flap are carefully described in this study. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was applied to assist wound healing postoperatively. Twenty-seven patients were included in this study. The average wound size after tumour resection measured 4 × 5 cm2–10 × 10 cm2. The circular skin defect was repaired by maple leaf-shaped flap, and NPWT was used after surgery. Twenty-five patients achieved primary wound healing and flaps were well-survived. Slight infection occurred in two patients, and both were cured after dressing change. During the follow-up period of 6–24 months, no tumour recurrence occurred. The perianal morphology can be well-restored by maple leaf-shaped flap, and the defecation control function of anus was not impaired. The application of maple leaf-shaped flap and NPWT is a promising way in the repair of perianal circular skin defect with little complication and satisfying outcomes.

Investigating how tamsulosin combined with levofloxacin impacts wound healing in patients with chronic prostatitis who may also have perineal or urethral wounds

Abstract

Chronic prostatitis, which frequently manifests with perineal or urethral ulcers, can have substantial impact on the quality of life experienced by affected individuals. Present treatment approaches primarily target the alleviation of symptoms and control of complications. In patients with chronic prostatitis, this investigation examined the potential synergistic effects of tamsulosin and levofloxacin on urinary function and urethral and perineal wounds healing. This cross-sectional observational study was carried out at Chongqing Western Hospital, China, from February to November 2023. The participants comprised 88 males aged 40–75 years who had been clinically diagnosed with chronic prostatitis and complications that accompany the wound healing process. The participants were equally distributed into two groups: one assigned to the treatment group, which received a daily combination of levofloxacin (500 mg) and tamsulosin (0.4 mg) and other to receive conventional care. The wound healing rate and improvement in urinary function were the primary outcomes evaluated monthly for 9 months. Patient satisfaction and symptom amelioration were secondary outcomes, in addition to the surveillance of adverse effects. In comparison to the control, treatment group exhibited significantly higher rate of wound closure (78.08% at 1 month and 79.38% at 9 months) and urinary function improvement (66.69% at 1 month and 67.95% at 9 months). In addition, the treatment group exhibited a greater degree of symptom amelioration; however, a rise in adverse effects was observed. In every domain, patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the treatment group. Thus the combination of tamsulosin and levofloxacin improved urinary function and wound repair in patients with chronic prostatitis, while also exhibiting tolerable profile of adverse effects.

Diabetic foot wound ulcers management by vacuum sealing drainage: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare diabetic foot wound ulcer management by vacuum sealing drainage. Using dichotomous or contentious random- or fixed-effects models, the outcomes of this meta-analysis were examined, and the odds ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Twenty-three examinations from 2000 to 2023 were enrolled for the present meta-analysis, including 1928 individuals with diabetic foot ulcers. Vacuum sealing drainage had significantly lower wound healing (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.79–3.08, p < 0.001), lower duration of therapy (MD, −6.19; 95% CI, −10.06 to −2.32, p = 0.002), higher wound size reduction (MD, 4.22; 95% CI, 0.87–7.56, p = 0.01) and lower complication (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13–0.80, p = 0.01) compared with standard therapy in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. The examined data revealed that vacuum sealing drainage had significantly lower wound healing, duration of therapy and complication rates, as well as higher wound size reduction, compared with standard therapy in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Yet, attention should be paid to its values since most of the selected examinations had a low sample size.

Impact of spinal Anaesthesia versus general Anaesthesia on the incidence of surgical site infections after knee or hip arthroplasty: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Postoperative Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) pose significant challenges to recovery after joint arthroplasty. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to compare the incidence of SSIs after knee or hip arthroplasty under Spinal Anaesthesia (SA) versus general anaesthesia (GA). We conducted the systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines, analysing data from 15 studies selected from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to May 16, 2023. The analysis included studies comparing SSIs incidence in patients aged 18 years and above who underwent knee or hip arthroplasty under SA or GA. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. The effect size was calculated using random or fixed-effects models based on the observed heterogeneity. We assessed the heterogeneity between studies and conducted a sensitivity analysis. Of 1651 initially identified studies, 15 articles encompassing 353 169 patients were included in the final analysis. A total of 156 405 patients were under SA, while 196 764 received GA. The studies demonstrated substantial heterogeneity (p = 0.007, I 2 = 53.7%), resulting in a random-effects model being employed. Patients receiving SA showed a 23% lower likelihood of developing SSIs postoperatively compared to GA patients (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.70–0.86, p < 0.001). Sub-group analysis further confirmed these findings regardless of the type of joint arthroplasty. This meta-analysis indicated a significantly lower incidence of SSIs following knee or hip arthroplasty under SA compared to GA. Despite observed heterogeneity, the results underscore the potential benefit of SA over GA in orthopaedic surgeries to reduce the risk of SSIs.

Sternal wound infections following internal mammary artery grafts for a coronary bypass: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The meta-analysis aims to evaluate and compare the sternal wound infections following internal mammary artery grafts for a coronary bypass. Examinations comparing bilateral internal mammary artery to single internal mammary artery for coronary artery bypass grafting were among the meta-analyses from various languages that met the inclusion criteria. Using dichotomous random- or fixed-effect models, the results of these investigations were examined, and the Odd Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was computed. A total of 31 examinations from 2001 to 2023 were recruited for the current analysis including 181 503 personals with coronary artery bypass grafting. Bilateral internal mammary artery had significantly higher sternal wound infection (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.37–1.68, p < 0.001), superficial sternal wound infection (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.16–2.56, p = 0.007), deep sternal wound infection (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.41–1.86, p < 0.001), sternal wound infection in diabetics (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.16–1.90, p = 0.002), sternal wound infection in elderly (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.22–1.57, p < 0.001), sternal wound infection in pedicled preparation (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.30–2.23, p < 0.001) and sternal wound infection in skeletonized preparation (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09–1.81, p = 0.009) compared to single internal mammary artery in personals with coronary artery bypass grafting. Bilateral internal mammary artery grafting is linked to a higher risk of impaired wound healing, particularly in diabetic individuals, elderly, pedicled preparation, and skeletonized preparation. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised while interacting with its values since examinations were performed by different surgeons with different skills on different types of personals.

Risk factors and glycaemic control in small-for-gestational-age infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus: a case-control study using propensity score matching based on a large population

Por: Li · J. · Pan · Y. · Zheng · Q. · Chen · X. · Jiang · X. · Liu · R. · Zhu · Y. · Huang · L.
Background

Small for gestational age (SGA) poses a significant concern for newborns, being linked to neonatal complications and potential metabolic disorders in adulthood, especially when born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), elevating their risk of complications and mortality. However, the pregnancy risk factors and glycaemic control associated with SGA infants born to mothers with GDM remain unclear.

Aim

To identify the pregnancy risk factors and glycaemic control associated with SGA infants born to mothers with GDM.

Method

This case–control study was conducted among 1910 women with GDM in China. Data were collected by the integrated electronic medical record system. Using 1:4 propensity score matching analysis, we adjusted for gestational age as confounder. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors.

Results

Risk factors for SGA born to mothers with GDM included a history of low birth weight, gestational hypertension, oligohydramnios, short maternal height, underweight pre-pregnancy body mass index and inadequate weight growth. While SGA was protected by weakly positive ketonuria levels in the first trimester, multiparous, anaemia and previous uterine scar were protective factors for SGA. Moreover, 2-hour postprandial glucose and haemoglobin A1c in the second trimester, as well as the 0-hour and 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were linked to risk of SGA.

Conclusions

SGA infants are the result of multifactorial interactions among GDM pregnant women. Notably, glycaemic control levels were associated with SGA. There is a need for enhanced perinatal monitoring and antenatal care to reduce SGA.

Multicenter effect analysis of one‐step acellular dermis combined with autologous ultra‐thin split thickness skin composite transplantation in treating burn and traumatic wounds

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of one-step acellular dermis combined with autologous split thickness skin grafting in the treatment of burn or trauma wounds by a multicenter controlled study. In patients with extensive burns, it is even difficult to repair the wounds due to the shortage of autologous skin. The traditional skin grafting method has the disadvantages of large damage to the donor site, insufficient skin source and unsatisfactory appearance, wear resistance and elasticity of the wound tissue after skin grafting. One-step acellular dermis combined with autologous ultra-thin split thickness skin graft can achieve better healing effect in the treatment of burn and trauma wounds. A total of 1208 patients who underwent single-layer skin grafting and one-step composite skin grafting in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhan Third People's Hospital and Lu ‘an People's Hospital from 2019 to 2022 were retrospectively analysed. The total hospitalization cost, total operation cost, hospitalization days after surgery, wound healing rate after 1 week of skin grafting and scar follow-up at 6 months after discharge were compared and studied. The total cost of hospitalization and operation in the composite skin grafting group was significantly higher than those in the single-layer autologous skin grafting group. The wound healing rate after 1 week of skin grafting and the VSS score of scar in the follow-up of 6 months after discharge were better than those in the single-layer skin grafting group. One-step acellular dermis combined with autologous ultra-thin split thickness skin graft has high wound healing rate, less scar, smooth appearance and good elasticity in repairing burn and trauma wounds, which can provide an ideal repair method for wounds.

Assessing the impact of diverse mask types on COPD patients: a randomised controlled trial study protocol

Por: Chen · X. · Jiang · X. · Zhang · X. · Ren · D. · Wei · C. · Xu · A. · Yang · H. · Bai · R. · Li · C. · Yue · F. · Bao · S. · Shi · J. · Fan · J.
Introduction

Wearing masks has proven beneficial in preventing respiratory pathogen infections in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the impact of different mask types on physiological indicators and daily physical activity in COPD patients remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the immediate effects of various mask types on cardiopulmonary function indicators, subjective perceptions and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) in individuals with COPD.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled trial will enrol 129 stable COPD patients. Participants will be randomly divided into three groups: control, N95 mask and surgical mask groups. Each group will undergo both a 6-minute seated test and a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), without or with their respective masks. A 10-minute interval will be provided between the two phases. The primary indicators of the study include the 6MWD and blood oxygen saturation. Secondary outcomes encompass blood pressure, pulse rate, Borg score, Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) score and subjective perception score. Oxygen saturation, pulse rate and blood pressure will be recorded four times during the trial, while Borg and RPE scores will be compared before and after the 6MWT. Additionally, subjective perception scores will be collected after each mask-wearing stage.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: 202335). We plan to disseminate research results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal or presentation at a conference.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300074554.

A meta‐analysis examining the impact of open surgical therapy versus minimally invasive surgery on wound infection in females with cervical cancer

Abstract

A meta-analysis study was executed to measure the effect of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgical management (OSM) on wound infection (WI) in female's cervical cancer (CC). A comprehensive literature study till February 2023 was applied and 1675 interrelated investigations were reviewed. The 41 chosen investigations enclosed 10 204 females with CC and were in the chosen investigations' starting point, 4294 of them were utilizing MIS, and 5910 were utilizing OSM. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to compute the value of the effect of MIS and OSM on WI in female's CC and by the dichotomous approaches and a fixed or random model. The MIS had significantly lower WI (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.15–0.35, p < 0.001) with no heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%) and postoperative aggregate complications (PACs) (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.37–0.64, p < 0.001) in females with CC and compared OSM. However, MIS compared with OSM in females with CC and had no significant difference in pelvic infection and abscess (PIA) (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.31–1.16, p = 0.13). The MIS had significantly lower WI, and PACs, though, had no significant difference in PIA in females with CC and compared with OSM. However, care must be exercised when dealing with its values because of the low sample size of some of the nominated investigations for the meta-analysis.

Risk factors for cognitive impairment in middle-aged type 2 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study

Por: Li · Y.-S. · Li · J.-B. · Wang · J.-J. · Wang · X.-H. · Jiang · W.-R. · Qiu · H.-N. · Xia · L.-F. · Wu · F. · Lin · C.-Y. · Liu · Y.-L. · Lin · J.-N.
Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for cognitive impairment (CI) and explore the relationship between obesity and cognition in hospitalised middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods

Subjects were divided into normal cognitive function (NCF) (n=320) and CI (n=204) groups based on the results of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The risk factors for CI were determined by logistic regression analysis and generalised linear modelling. The associations between obesity parameters (body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)) and cognitive ability were studied with the use of linear regression analysis, piecewise regression modelling and interaction analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to examine the diagnostic value of influencing factors for cc

Results

The prevalence of CI was 38.9% in hospitalised middle-aged T2DM patients (median age, 58 years). Age, WC, hypoglycaemic episode within past 3 months and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) were identified as independent risk factors for CI, while the independent protective factors were education, diabetic dietary pattern, overweight and obesity. BMI was a protective factor for the MoCA score within a certain range, whereas WC was a risk factor for the MMSE and MoCA scores. The area under the curve for the combination of BMI and WC was 0.754 (p

Conclusion

Age, education, diabetic dietary pattern, WC, overweight, obesity, hypoglycaemic episode in 3 months and CVD may be potential influencing factors for the occurrence of CI in hospitalised middle-aged population with T2DM. The combination of BMI and WC may represent a good predictor for early screening of CI in this population. Nevertheless, more relevant prospective studies are still needed.

Changing epidemiology, microbiology and mortality of bloodstream infections in patients with haematological malignancies before and during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study

Por: Cai · L. · Chen · H. · Wei · Y. · Guo · X. · Zheng · H. · Jiang · X. · Zhang · Y. · Yu · G. · Dai · M. · Ye · J. · Zhou · H. · Xu · D. · Huang · F. · Fan · Z. · Xu · N. · Shi · P. · Xuan · L. · Feng · R. · Liu · X. · Sun · J. · Liu · Q. · Wei · X.
Objective

This study was to explore the changes in bacterial bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with haematological malignancies (HMs) before and during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Design

Retrospective cohort study between 2018 and 2021.

Setting

The largest haematological centre in southern China.

Results

A total of 599 episodes of BSI occurring in 22 717 inpatients from January 2018 to December 2021 were analysed. The frequencies of the total, Gram-negative and Gram-positive BSI before and during the pandemic were 2.90% versus 2.35% (p=0.011), 2.49% versus 1.77% (p

Conclusion

Our data showed that the incidence of total and Gram-negative organisms BSI decreased, but Gram-positive BSI incidence increased in patients with HMs during the pandemic along with the changes of main isolates and susceptibility profiles. Although the 30-day mortality due to BSI was lower during the pandemic, the new infection prevention strategy should be considered for any future pandemics.

Comparative analysis of surgical and non‐surgical wound approaches in diabetic foot ulcer treatment: Meta‐analysis and systematic review

Abstract

The assessment for safety and effectiveness of surgical interventions in the management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in comparison to non-surgical approaches was performed. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and EMBASE in order to identify case–control studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, cohort studies and observational studies pertaining to DFU treatments. Studies conducted in English language and focusing on wound healing rates, recurrence rates, time to healing and complication management met the inclusion criteria. There were six studies included in this meta-analysis. Surgical procedures, such as debridement, revascularization and skin transplantation, demonstrated significantly superior efficacy in promoting wound healing (84%) and shorter duration of healing (6 weeks) in comparison to non-surgical approaches, including off-loading, wound dressings and pharmacological therapies. Surgical interventions for DFUs resulted in a wound recovery rate of 84%, a significantly higher mean rate than non-surgical approaches (60%) that was observed. In addition, it was observed that the surgical group experienced considerably reduced average healing period of 9 weeks, in contrast to the non-surgical group's mean healing period of 12 weeks. Nevertheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that surgical procedures were notably correlated with a heightened occurrence of complications, such as amputations, which transpired in 19% of instances. Surgical interventions for DFUs may provide superior short-term results with regard to healing rates and recovery time, as indicated by this meta-analysis. However, they are additionally correlated with the heightened likelihood of complications. Although non-surgical techniques offered comparatively secure option, they were also less reliable. Individualized treatment modalities should be chosen in consideration of patient-specific factors and comparative advantages and disadvantages.

Evaluating the impact of ultrasound‐guided subsheath versus extrasheath sciatic nerve block on postoperative wound pain in tibial and foot surgeries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the impact of ultrasound-guided subsheath versus extrasheath sciatic nerve blocks on postoperative wound pain in tibial and foot surgeries, crucial for effective pain management and patient recovery. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, this study used a PICO framework, focusing on patients undergoing tibial and foot surgeries and comparing the efficacy and safety of subsheath and extrasheath sciatic nerve blocks. The literature search spanned four databases without time restrictions, assessing various outcomes like success rate, onset time, duration of analgesia and complication rates. Quality assessment employed the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool, and statistical analyses included heterogeneity assessment, fixed-effect and random-effects models, sensitivity analysis and publication bias evaluation using funnel plots and Egger's linear regression test. From an initial pool of 1213 articles, six met the inclusion criteria. The subsheath group showed a significantly higher success rate of complete sensory blockade within 30 min compared with the extrasheath group (OR = 5.39; 95% CI: 2.82–10.28; p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in procedure duration or incidence of nerve-related complications between the two techniques. The subsheath approach also demonstrated a quicker onset time of sensory blockade (MD = −8.57; 95% CI: −11.27 to −5.88; p < 0.01). Sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the results, and no significant publication bias was detected. Ultrasound-guided subsheath sciatic nerve blocks are more effective than extrasheath blocks in achieving rapid and complete sensory blockade for tibial and foot surgeries, with a quicker onset time and comparable safety profile. Subsheath injections are thus recommended as a preferred method for anaesthesia and postoperative pain management in these surgical procedures, enhancing overall patient outcomes.

Comparative efficacy of silver alginate dressings versus standard gauze in enhancing wound healing post‐mastectomy for triple‐negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of silver alginate dressings (SAD) compared to standard gauze (SG) in enhancing wound healing and reducing scar formation post-mastectomy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. From an initial pool of 1245 articles, five studies met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that SAD significantly improve early wound healing 1 week post-mastectomy, as indicated by lower Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation (REEDA) scales (I 2 = 85%; Random: SMD: −7.08, 95% CI: −8.26 to −5.98, p < 0.01), compared to SG. Additionally, long-term scar outcomes measured by the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) 5 months post-mastectomy showed a notable reduction in scar formation (I 2 = 95%; Random: SMD: −12.97, 95% CI: −16.20 to −9.75, p < 0.01)) in the silver alginate group. The findings support the use of SAD in post-mastectomy care for triple-negative breast cancer patients but highlight the need for further research on long-term safety and cost-effectiveness.

Predictors for different types of surgical site infection in patients with gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Various factors contribute to different types of surgical site infections (SSI) in gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery, and the risk factors remain uncertain. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the relationship between various factors and SSI, resolving existing controversies. Thirty-four eligible articles with 66 066 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Significant risk factors for SSI included age ≥65 years, male gender, BMI ≥25 kg/m2, diabetes, hypertension, advanced TNM stage ≥III, pathologic T stage ≥T3, pathologic N stage ≥N1, ASA ≥3, open surgery, blood transfusion, extensive resection, combined resection, splenectomy, D2 or more lymph node dissection, and operative time ≥240 min. Operative time showed a nonlinear relationship with SSI risk. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences in the effects of risk factors among different infection types. These findings inform the development of targeted preventive measures to reduce SSI rates.

Influencing factors of falls among older adults in Chinese retirement institutions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

by Xiaoxing Huang, Yunlan Jiang, Yaxin Liu, Liyin Shen, Jing Pan, Yue Zhang

Background

The incidence of falling has always been high among the elderly, and it was easy to cause injuries to the elderly and seriously affect their quality of life. There were many studies have been conducted on risk factors affecting the fall of the elderly, but the results widely, retirement institutions as a gathering place for the elderly, there was currently no comprehensive analysis of the factors related to elderly falls in pension institutions. This study aimed to explore the influencing factors of falls among older adults in Chinese nursing homes.

Methods

Chinese and English databases were searched for literature published from database inception to 5 April 2023 on the influencing factors of falls among older adults in Chinese nursing homes. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

Eleven studies involving 3503 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of falls among older adults in Chinese nursing homes was 32% [95% confidence interval (95%CI) (24.0%, 39.0%)]. The main influencing factors for falls among older adults in Chinese nursing homes were age (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.53), gender (OR = 5.50), visual impairment (OR = 2.30), sedative-hypnotics (OR = 2.36), fear of falling (OR = 2.95), hypertension (OR = 3.72), static balance (OR = 2.02), three or more chronic diseases (OR = 5.63), cognitive status (OR = 2.64), walking aid use (OR = 1.98), fall-related chronic diseases (OR = 2.48), self-awareness of abilities (OR = 2.43), and frequent reminders for fall prevention (OR = 0.10).

Conclusion

Falls among older adults in Chinese nursing homes were common, and there were many influencing factors. Timely screening and intervention should be implemented to reduce the adverse consequences of falls on older adults.

Trial registration

Registration number: CRD42023421099.

The effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative wound healing in neurosurgical patients: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis investigates the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative wound healing in neurosurgical patients. A thorough literature search resulted in the selection of seven studies from an initial pool of 1546 records. The analysis focused on wound healing outcomes, evaluated by the Redness, Oedema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation (REEDA) scale and the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS). Results indicated significant improvements in the dexmedetomidine group: the REEDA scale scores at day seven post-surgery showed a Standardized Mean Difference group (SMD = −16.18, 95% CI: [−22.30, −10.06], p < 0.01), and the MSS scores at 3 months post-operation demonstrated an (SMD = −8.95, 95% CI: [−14.27, −3.62], p < 0.01). These findings suggest that dexmedetomidine may enhance wound healing and reduce scar formation in neurosurgical patients. Bias assessment indicated a low risk of bias across the studies.

A meta‐analysis of the risk factors for neurosurgical surgical site infection following craniotomy

Abstract

The purpose of the meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the risk factors for neurosurgical surgical site infection (SSI) after craniotomy. Using dichotomous or contentious random or fixed effect models, the odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed based on the examination of the meta-analysis results. Eighteen analyses, covering 11 068 craniotomies between 2001 and 2023, were included in the current meta-analysis. Subjects with SSIs had a significantly younger age (MD, −2.49; 95% CI, −2.95 to −2.04, p < 0.001), longer operation duration (MD, 10.21; 95% CI, 6.49–13.94, p < 0.001) and longer length of postoperative hospital stay (MD, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.45–2.60, p = 0.006) compared to subjects with no SSI with craniotomy. However, no significant difference was found between craniotomy subjects with SSIs and with no SSI in gender (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.76–1.07, p = 0.23), and combination with other infection (OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 0.28–56.01, p = 0.31). The data that were looked at showed that younger age, longer operation duration and longer length of postoperative hospital stay can be considered as risk factors of SSI in subjects with craniotomy; however, gender and combination with other infections are not. Nonetheless, consideration should be given to their values because several studies only involved a small number of patients, and there are not many studies available for some comparisons.

Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers with external application of Chinese herbal medicine: An overview of overlapping systematic reviews

Abstract

This overview of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analysis (MAs) aimed to systematically collate, appraise and synthesize evidence for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with the external application of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM). SRs/MAs of external application of CHM for DFUs were collected by searching Cochrane Library, Web of science, CNKI, PubMed, VIP, Embase and Wanfang. Two independent reviewers carried out the literature selection and data extraction. Subsequently, AMSTAR-2 tool, PRISMA, and GRADE system were applied by two reviewers independently to evaluate the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included studies, respectively. Eight SRs/MAs met the eligibility criteria and were included. According to AMSTAR-2, a very low methodological quality assessment was given to the included SRs/MAs due to the flaws of items 2, 4 and 7. The PRISMA system identified protocol and registration weaknesses, as well as search method weaknesses. With GRADE, no high-quality evidence was identified to support the role of external application of CHM for DFUs, and the quality of evidence for the vast majority of outcomes was rated as low or moderate. In conclusion, low- to moderate-quality evidence supports the promise of external application of CHM for the treatment of DFUs. Due to the limitations of the evidence supporting external application of CHM for DFUs, rigorously designed and larger samples of high-quality studies are needed going forward before broad recommendations can be made.

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