Publications by authors named "Maria Defante"

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) has been associated with weight reduction and obesity complications improvement. However, there is no clear evidence of the extent and consistency of the effects of this procedure on rheumatic diseases. This study aims to conduct a meta-analysis to address the impact of MBS on rheumatic diseases.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Catheter ablation is a key treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), with high-power, very high-power short-duration and pulsed field ablation (PFA) being efficient options. However, direct comparisons between these techniques are lacking.

Objective: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, which included predominantly observational studies (four retrospective and one prospective study), to compare PFA and High-power short-duration (HPSD) and very high-power short-duration (vHPSD) radiofrequency (RF) ablation in patients with AF.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Previously published studies raise the possibility of a link between breast phyllodes tumors (PT) grading and Ki-67 expression. In the current study, the authors conducted a literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the histological grades of PT and Ki-67 positivity, as well as the potential role of this immunomarker for the grading of PT. Observational studies grading PT and providing Ki-67 expression levels were retrieved from databases searches up to 11 August 2024, with 10 % or more of positive stromal cells being considered the cut-off point.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Aspirin is largely used for cardiovascular prevention. While its adverse effect on bleeding is well-documented, the prevalence of anemia remains uncertain. We conducted a meta-analysis on how low-dose aspirin affects hemoglobin and other hematologic parameters in the elderly.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder causing pain and stiffness, with limited effective treatment options. Methotrexate, known for its anti-inflammatory properties in rheumatoid arthritis, is being explored as a treatment for OA. This study evaluates Methotrexate's efficacy compared to placebo in reducing OA symptoms, such as stiffness in the knee and hand, and its impact on pain, physical function.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • - The study investigates the impact of artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) on cardiovascular health, amid rising concerns regarding their safety despite regulatory approval.
  • - A meta-analysis of 12 cohort studies involving over 1.2 million patients reveals that high consumption of ASBs is linked to increased risks of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and stroke.
  • - The findings suggest that regularly consuming ASBs may have negative long-term effects on cardiovascular health, warranting caution for consumers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate whether adding macrolides (MAC) to beta-lactam (BL) monotherapy in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) offers clinical benefits that justify the potential disadvantages or side effects.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing BL monotherapy to combination therapy with BL and MAC for the in-hospital treatment of CAP. We pooled mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for binary outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The rapid restoration of blood flow in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is crucial for the survival of this population. Attempts to decrease the time from diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to arrival at the catheterization laboratory have been extensively investigated. However, strategies during the procedure aiming to reduce the time to reperfusion are lacking.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is commonly treated with intravenous (IV) regular insulin. However, patients with less severe DKA may benefit from a subcutaneous (SC) scheme.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SC rapid-acting insulin analogue (RAIAs) with IV regular insulin.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has shown promise in treating hematologic malignancies, yet its potential cardiotoxic effects require thorough investigation.

Objectives: We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the cardiotoxic effects of CAR-T therapy in adults with hematologic malignancies.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies reporting cardiovascular outcomes, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: There are challenges for the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with kidney failure and monoclonal antibodies (MAb) might be a suitable therapy. However, the efficacy and safety of MAb among patients with osteoporosis and renal insufficiency remains unclear.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of the use of MAb in patients with osteoporosis and renal insufficiency.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Although a well-established component of bone metabolism, the efficacy and safety of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of fractures in elderly healthy individuals is still unclear.

Purpose: To perform a meta-analysis comparing vitamin D supplementation with placebo and its contributions on fracture incidence.

Methods: This meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), under protocol CRD42023484979.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and mental health is well-documented, but the relative benefits of catheter ablation versus medical therapy on mental health and quality of life are not clearly understood. This study assesses the impact of these interventions on AF patients' mental health and quality of life.

Methods: Through a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing catheter ablation to medical therapy for AF were analyzed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Glycemia is an important factor among critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). There is conflicting evidence on the preferred strategy of blood glucose control among patients with diabetes in the ICU. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis comparing tight with liberal blood glucose in critically ill patients with diabetes in the ICU.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The benefit of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains uncertain.

Objective: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare catheter ablation and medical therapy (antiarrhythmics for rhythm or rate control) in patients with AF and HFpEF.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF