Intravascular Imaging Improves Clinical Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Chronic Total Occlusions: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Clinical data comparing intravascular imaging (IVI)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with angiography-guided PCI for chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are limited. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of IVI-guided versus angiography-guided PCI in patients with CTOs. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IVI-guided with angiography-guided PCI in CTO populations.

Sacubitril-Valsartan Lowers Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence and Left Atrial Volume Post-catheter Ablation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have undergone catheter ablation, the comparative effectiveness of sacubitril-valsartan (SV) versus ACE inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB) in preventing AF recurrence remains unclear. The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine whether SV offers superior outcomes in this clinical setting.

Methods: This study systematically reviewed PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and propensity-matched cohorts (PMC), evaluating SV's efficacy in preventing AF recurrence after catheter ablation.

Direct oral anticoagulants versus vitamin K antagonists in patients with atrial fibrillation and stage 5 chronic kidney disease under dialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and normal or slightly impaired renal function, the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is preferable to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). However, in patients undergoing hemodialysis, the efficacy, and safety of DOACs compared with VKAs are still unknown.

Purpose: To review current evidence about the safety and efficacy of DOACs compared to VKAs, in patients with AF and chronic kidney disease under hemodialysis.

Mucormycosis-induced hypercalcemia: a case report.

Hypercalcemia is a vital laboratory marker because it can show underlying severe diseases like cancer and infections. Of all the causes of hypercalcemia, primary hyperparathyroidism, and malignancies are the most common, but granulomatous diseases, such as certain fungal infections, can also be the cause. Here we describe the case of a 29-year-old woman, an insulin-dependent diabetic, found unconscious and tachypneic at home.

Factors Associated with the Abandonment of Tuberculosis Treatment in Brazil: A Systematic Review.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In Brazil, TB is a public health problem, and the treatment dropout rate contributes to it.

Methods: This systematic review investigated the factors associated with TB treatment dropout in Brazil using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method.