effect of cigarettes on acute pancreatitis among patients in Saudi Arabia

Background and purpose: questions remain unclear about the association of smoking status and the development of acute pancreatitis [AP]. We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to explore this association

Materials and Methods: a computerized literature search was performed in MEDLINE and EMBASE through October 15, 2016. We also searched the reference lists of pertinent articles. We used a rand om-effects model to calculate the summary relative risks [SRRs] and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals [CIs]

Results: a total of 8 observational studies [4 case control and 4 prospective cohort/nested case control studies] were identified. Compared with never smokers, the summary RR estimates were 1.49 [95% CI, 1.29-1.78] forever smokers, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.42-2.21] for current smokers, and 1.19 [95% CI, 1.11-1.52] for former smokers. Smoking is found to be a potential risk factor for alcohol use, idiopathic factors and drugs related AP, but not for gallstone related AP, in the ever and current smokers. A dose response effect of tobacco use on the risk was ascertained: current smokers had a 40% [95% CI, 30%-50%] increased risk of AP for every additional 10 cigarettes per day

Conclusion: the current analysis suggests that smokers have an elevated risk of AP development. Further studies, however, are warranted before definitive conclusions can be drawn

Correlation between vitamin D deficiency and depression

Aim of the Study: to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies of the association of vitamin D deficiency with onset of depression in non- depressed individuals

Methods: a systematic review of the electronically searched publications of the scientific literature. We searched the Cochrane Hepato Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE [1946 to 2017], EMBASE [1974 to 2017], and Science Citation Index Expanded [1900 to 2017]. Initially all randomized clinical trials which studied the correlation of Vitamin D with depression were included; articles were then selectively screened according to the eligibility criteria

Results: the search yielded 11 studies; A meta-analysis of all studies without flaws demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in depression with Vitamin D supplements [+0.72 CI +0.28, +1.31]. Nevertheless, studies with biological flaws were mainly inconclusive

Conclusion: our analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that Vitamin D supplementation [>/=800 I.U. daily] was supported in the management of depression