Albumin treatment regimen for type 1 hepatorenal syndrome: a dose-response meta-analysis.

Background: Recommended treatment for type 1 hepatorenal syndrome consists of albumin and vasoconstrictor. The optimal albumin dose remains poorly characterized. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the impact of albumin dose on treatment outcomes.

Albumin in Burn Shock Resuscitation: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Clinical Studies.

Critical appraisal of outcomes after burn shock resuscitation with albumin has previously been restricted to small relatively old randomized trials, some with high risk of bias. Extensive recent data from nonrandomized studies assessing the use of albumin can potentially reduce bias and add precision. The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of burn shock resuscitation with albumin on mortality and morbidity in adult patients.

Albumin infusion improves outcomes of patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Background & Aims: Renal impairment increases mortality among patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), despite administration of non-nephrotoxic antibiotics. Albumin infusion has been reported to reduce renal impairment and mortality in patients with SBP. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to quantify the effect of albumin infusion on renal impairment and mortality in patients with SBP.

Effect of hydroxyethyl starch on bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Objective: The effects of hydroxyethyl starch on bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass were determined.

Methods: A meta-analysis was performed of postoperative blood loss in randomized clinical trials of hydroxyethyl starch versus albumin for fluid management in adult cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Impacts of hydroxyethyl starch molecular weight and molar substitution were assessed.

Albumin infusion in patients undergoing large-volume paracentesis: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Unlabelled: Albumin infusion reduces the incidence of postparacentesis circulatory dysfunction among patients with cirrhosis and tense ascites, as compared with no treatment. Treatment alternatives to albumin, such as artificial colloids and vasoconstrictors, have been widely investigated. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine whether morbidity and mortality differ between patients receiving albumin versus alternative treatments.

Can B-domain deletion alter the immunogenicity of recombinant factor VIII? A meta-analysis of prospective clinical studies.

Background: As a result of the infrequency of inhibitors in previously treated patients (PTPs) with hemophilia A and the small size of available clinical studies, the immunogenicity of factor (F)VIII products has been difficult to assess.

Objectives: A meta-analysis of prospective clinical studies was conducted to test the hypothesis that de novo inhibitor incidence differs between PTPs receiving full-length recombinant FVIII (FL-rFVIII) and B-domain deleted recombinant FVIII (BDD-rFVIII).

Methods: Prospective studies with data on inhibitors in PTPs receiving FL-rFVIII or BDD-rFVIII were sought using systematic methods including bibliographic database searches.

Update on the comparative safety of colloids: a systematic review of clinical studies.

Objective: To provide an updated systematic review on the comparative safety of colloids based on recent clinical studies.

Background: Recent investigations, including large-scale randomized trials and meta-analyses, have sought to determine the effects of colloids on mortality and morbidity. Hypothesized differences in safety profile between hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions have also been evaluated in randomized trials.

Impact of trough IgG on pneumonia incidence in primary immunodeficiency: A meta-analysis of clinical studies.

Primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) associated with hypogammaglobulinemia is typically treated with immunoglobulin replacement therapy. When administered as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), an IgG trough occurs prior to the next replacement dose. While frequently measured, IgG trough levels required to minimize infection risk are not established.

Augmentation therapy for alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency: a meta-analysis.

Background: Augmentation with exogenous alpha1-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) is the only specific therapy for alpha1-AT deficiency. Uncertainty persists concerning its effectiveness.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that augmentation therapy in patients with alpha1-AT deficiency slows the decline in FEV1.

Bisphosphonates and osteoporotic fractures: a cross-design synthesis of results among compliant/persistent postmenopausal women in clinical practice versus randomized controlled trials.

Unlabelled: In a cross-design synthesis, total fractures were similarly reduced by bisphosphonates among postmenopausal women in randomized trials (23.8%) and highly compliant/persistent patients in observational studies of large databases from routine practice (20.3%).

Update on research, diagnosis and management of alphal-antitrypsin deficiency.

Formed in response to a World Health Organization recommendation, the Alpha One International Registry (AIR) is a multinational research program focused on alphal-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. Each of the nearly 20 participating countries maintains a National Registry of patients with AAT deficiency and contributes to an international database in Malmö, Sweden, that is designed to increase understanding of AAT deficiency as well as safeguard patient confidentiality. AIR members are engaged in active and wide-ranging investigations to improve the diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of the disease.

Meta-analytic evidence of increased breakthrough bleeding during prophylaxis with B-domain deleted factor VIII.

A recent meta-analysis of 13 observational studies suggested reduced haemostatic efficacy during prophylaxis and shortened half-life of B-domain deleted factor VIII (BDD-rFVIII) as compared with full-length factor VIII (FL-FVIII). The meta-analysis included a multivariate model that took both dose and age into account. In addition, several assumptions and interpretations were required in order to conduct the meta-analysis.

Morbidity in hospitalized patients receiving human albumin: a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials.

Objective: To determine the effect of albumin administration on morbidity in acutely ill hospitalized patients.

Data Source: Computer searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library; hand searches of journals and Index Medicus; inquiries with investigators and fluid product suppliers; and examination of reference lists. No language or time period restrictions were adopted.

Albumin versus crystalloid for pump priming in cardiac surgery: meta-analysis of controlled trials.

Objectives: To determine the effects of pump priming fluid choice on platelets, fluid balance, and clinical outcomes.

Design: Meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Primary endpoints were platelet counts, colloid oncotic pressure, on-bypass fluid balance, postoperative weight gain, and colloid usage.

Consensus recommendations for use of central venous access devices in haemophilia.

Venous access is essential for delivery of haemophilia factor concentrate. Wherever possible, peripheral veins remain the route of choice, and the use of central venous access devices (CVADs) should be limited to cases of clear need in patients with caregivers able to exercise diligence in CVAD care and should continue no longer than necessary. CVADs are of recognized value for repeated administration of coagulation factors in haemophilia, particularly for prophylaxis and immune tolerance therapy and in young children.

Increased breakthrough bleeding during prophylaxis with B-domain deleted factor VIII--a robust meta-analytic finding.

Meta-analyses of observational studies have become increasingly common to support evidence-based clinical decisions. We analyzed currently available clinical studies of full-length factor VIII (FL-FVIII) vs. B-domain deleted recombinant factor VIII (BDD-rFVIII) using a random effects model to investigate possible differences in clinical efficacy in patients treated during prophylaxis.