Association Between Fluoroquinolones and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are routinely administered antibiotics that have demonstrated an increased propensity to cause major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We conducted a systematic review aimed to investigate the association between FQ usage and the risk of MACE. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library from inception to September 2023 to retrieve studies comparing FQ administration with placebo and reporting the occurrence of MACE. Relevant studies that explored the occurrence of MACE, defined as "acute myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular mortality, arrhythmia, or heart failure" with FQ usage were eligible for inclusion. Four studies with a total of 42,808 patients were included. Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and gatifloxacin were observed to have an increased propensity to cause MACE, particularly arrhythmias, whereas ciprofloxacin was associated with the lowest risk of causing MACE. Despite the methodological diversity in the included studies, this systematic review uncovered a consistent trend of heightened likelihood of MACE with FQ administration across studies, suggesting that elevated serum concentrations of some FQs may correlate with higher risks of MACE development. This systematic review emphasizes the need for cautious administration of FQs, particularly in patients with a preexisting cardiovascular condition. Routine cardiac monitoring using electrocardiograms is warranted for patients on high doses of FQs to preemptively detect the development of MACE, particularly arrhythmias.

Topical phenytoin improves wound healing with analgesic and antibacterial properties and minimal side effects: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Although phenytoin's potential benefits in wound healing, pain relief, and infection control across various wound types have been previously reported, its use in wound care remains limited. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a comprehensive review to assess the efficacy of topical phenytoin compared with standard and alternative treatments for different wound types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors last searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, PubMed Central, and MEDLINE in June 2023. All English-language human RCTs and NRCTs from any time were included. The RoB 2 was used to assess quality of randomized trials, and the ROBINS-I was used to assess the quality of nonrandomized trials. Studies with a low risk of bias or some concerns in no more than 1 domain were included. Data collected and analyzed included wound type, interventions, sample size, outcome measures, and adverse effects. RESULTS: The search yielded 101 studies, of which 17 RCTs and 8 NRCTs were eligible for inclusion. Of the included studies, 56% had a low risk of bias in all domains. The sample sizes varied between 20 and 130 (median, 60), with a total sample size of 1653 patients. Phenytoin improved wound healing in 17 of the 24 studies that evaluated it (71%), increased granulation tissue in 9 of the 10 studies that evaluated it (90%), provided analgesic effects in 7 of the 13 studies that evaluated it (54%), and inhibited bacterial contaminants in 6 of the 8 studies that evaluated it (75%). Adverse effects were rare (29%), minimal, and transient. CONCLUSION: Phenytoin enhances wound healing and offers analgesic and antibacterial properties with minimal adverse effects. Further research is needed on optimal dosage of phenytoin, as well as frequency, delivery vehicles, and effects on other postoperative wounds. BACKGROUND: Although phenytoin's potential benefits in wound healing, pain relief, and infection control across various wound types have been previously reported, its use in wound care remains limited. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a comprehensive review to assess the efficacy of topical phenytoin compared with standard and alternative treatments for different wound types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors last searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, PubMed Central, and MEDLINE in June 2023. All English-language human RCTs and NRCTs from any time were included. The RoB 2 was used to assess quality of randomized trials, and the ROBINS-I was used to assess the quality of nonrandomized trials. Studies with a low risk of bias or some concerns in no more than 1 domain were included. Data collected and analyzed included wound type, interventions, sample size, outcome measures, and adverse effects. RESULTS: The search yielded 101 studies, of which 17 RCTs and 8 NRCTs were eligible for inclusion. Of the included studies, 56% had a low risk of bias in all domains. The sample sizes varied between 20 and 130 (median, 60), with a total sample size of 1653 patients. Phenytoin improved wound healing in 17 of the 24 studies that evaluated it (71%), increased granulation tissue in 9 of the 10 studies that evaluated it (90%), provided analgesic effects in 7 of the 13 studies that evaluated it (54%), and inhibited bacterial contaminants in 6 of the 8 studies that evaluated it (75%). Adverse effects were rare (29%), minimal, and transient. CONCLUSION: Phenytoin enhances wound healing and offers analgesic and antibacterial properties with minimal adverse effects. Further research is needed on optimal dosage of phenytoin, as well as frequency, delivery vehicles, and effects on other postoperative wounds.

Efficacy of Sequential Therapy as the First-Line Treatment in the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

The Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant issue in global health as it is associated with a range of gastrointestinal disorders and an elevated likelihood of developing stomach cancer. The declining efficacy of standard triple therapy (TT) as the recommended treatment can be attributed to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Sequential therapy (ST) has been recognized as an alternative approach, wherein a combination of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) and amoxicillin is administered for the initial five days, followed by a combination of PPI, clarithromycin, and metronidazole for the subsequent five days. In this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, we have thoroughly assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of ST as a primary treatment option in comparison to TT for the eradication of H. pylori. The analysis comprised a total of 15 randomized controlled trials, encompassing a sample size of 5,219 patients. The collective findings indicate that ST exhibits promise as it achieves higher rates of eradication. Additionally, it is worth noting that this approach has the potential to yield cost savings and enhance treatment compliance when compared to TT. To summarize, this systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence that ST is a viable option for the initial treatment of H. pylori eradication. It shows potential benefits compared to the standard TT, especially when there is resistance to clarithromycin. In order to establish ST as the preferred first-line treatment, it is imperative that additional research be conducted to address the aforementioned limitations and thoroughly investigate its long-term efficacy and safety profiles. Nevertheless, it is required that additional research be conducted in order to adequately tackle the constraints of the current studies and solidify its position as a favored treatment alternative. It is also essential to consider ST as a viable approach to improve the rates of H. pylori eradication. This method should be thoroughly examined in clinical practice to gain a deeper understanding of its effectiveness.

Tenofovir-Induced Renal Dysfunction Among HIV-Infected Patients: A Systematic Review.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is an antiretroviral drug widely used as part of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. Negative effects of tenofovir include impaired kidney function, especially with long-term use. In studies conducted among HIV-positive individuals, we found evidence of extensive kidney damage associated with TDF use. Despite the therapeutic importance of this consequence, its continued use in ART regimens was not contraindicated. The therapeutic and long-term effects of TDF are a major concern. However, in countries or settings where resources are limited and renal function monitoring cannot be ensured, screening methods to detect ART-related renal failure are still supported by data. Therefore, it is safe to re-evaluate the use of TDF-based ART. However, adherence to guidelines may be hampered by insufficient laboratory testing in low- and middle-income countries. More research is also needed among people under 18 years of age and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Comparative Study of Safety and Efficacy of Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers and Anti Amyloid-ß Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Amyloid-ß (Aß) plaques and Neurofibrillary tangles are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Recent advances to find a cure for AD have led to the exploration of Anti-Aß monoclonal antibodies and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs). The antibodies can decrease plaque formation or remove already formed plaques. ARBs increase angiotensin II (AT2) levels and decrease the effect of AT2 on the AT1 receptor (AT1R). This systematic analysis reviews evidence of monoclonal antibodies (Aducanumab, Lecanemab, Donanemab, and Solanezumab) and ARBs in managing AD. An in-depth methodical search was conducted across PubMed, Science Direct, and Mendeley. PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed for this study. Randomized control trials for antibodies and ARBs and one retrospective cohort study were included. The comparison was made among studies that shared similar measured outcomes. Antibodies were found to be more effective than ARBs, with Aducanumab and Lecanemab being the most effective. ARBs, on the other hand, were found to be the safer choice. Further trials of longer duration and larger sample sizes are needed to explore both groups' long-term safety and efficacy.

Heart failure in patients with metabolic syndrome X.

Metabolic syndrome X has been known to be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular dysfunction. Insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and serum lipid abnormalities, which are all seen in metabolic syndrome X, have been found to negatively impact heart function, leading to heart failure in particular. Heart failure is a condition resulting when the heart is unable to perform its function of providing sufficient blood flow to meet the body's requirements. The treatment of heart failure in metabolic syndrome X varies based on the various components of metabolic syndrome X, which include obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Obesity is regarded as one of the derangements seen in patients with metabolic syndrome X. It is a significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, which may eventually lead to heart failure. However, the obesity paradox suggests that obesity provides a higher chance of survival in patients with metabolic syndrome and heart failure. This review article focuses on the pathophysiology of heart failure in patients who already have metabolic syndrome X, as well as the therapeutic management complexity of the two conditions taking into consideration the protective role provided by obesity.