ABSTRACT
Although many published studies have investigated the benefits of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing perioperative bleeding, no large meta-analysis has been conducted to demonstrate its overall benefit. Methods: A systematic review was performed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTraisl.Gov, and Scopus databases were searched for articles reporting the benefit of TXA in reducing perioperative bleeding in craniosynostosis surgery from establishment through October 2022. The results of our meta-analysis were pooled across the studies using a random-effects model, and presented as a weighted mean difference with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: The database search yielded 3207 articles, of which 27 studies with a corresponding number of 9696 operations were eligible. The meta-analysis included only 18 studies, accounting for 1564 operations. Of those operations, 882 patients received systemic TXA, whereas 682 patients received placebo (normal saline), no intervention, low dose TXA, or other control substances. This meta-analysis demonstrated a significant beneficial effect of TXA in reducing perioperative bleeding, particularly when compared with other controlled substances, with a weighted mean difference of -3.97 (95% CI = -5.29 to -2.28). Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the largest meta-analysis in the literature investigating the benefit of TXA in reducing perioperative blood loss in craniosynostosis surgery. We encourage implementing TXA-protocol systems in hospitals after the appraisal of the data presented in this study.
ABSTRACT
Objectives This study aims to describe the common myths and misconceptions in addition to the perception and attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in the Saudi Arabian community. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that included adults (18 years and older) residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants were asked to complete an online survey that evaluated their perception and attitudes toward the available COVID-19 vaccines in Saudi Arabia. Statistical comparison between two groups and more was done using chi-square, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Results A total of 471 responses were analyzed with a majority (83.2%) believing that vaccinations are important. The vaccine preferred among the Saudi Arabian population was Pfizer (65.4%). More than half of our respondents (54.8%) strongly agreed that COVID-19 vaccines can reduce the severity of the COVID-19 infection. Respondents in the healthcare sector were significantly more likely to have a more positive view on vaccines compared to those in non-healthcare sectors (p < 0.001). Conclusion The Saudi Arabian population has shown substantial awareness about COVID-19 vaccines; however, public health officials need to further increase awareness measures on COVID-19 vaccines to limit myths and misconceptions, especially among certain populations that are more prone to it.
