Evidence-based Clinical Practice Research Articles

Perioperative Management of Traditional and Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Hip Fracture Patients

Hip fractures are an increasingly common injury in the senior population and almost always require surgical fixation or prosthetic replacement. These surgeries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, are considered high-risk for bleeding, especially in a population fraught with comorbidities and often presenting on anticoagulation medications. Direct oral anticoagulants represent a class of drugs that have been becoming more popular in use in this population, with many benefits over the historically used Warfarin. There are recommendations for preoperative discontinuation and postoperative resumption of these medications, which can be more readily managed for elective surgeries. However, there is a paucity of literature detailing best practice guidelines for the perioperative management of direct oral anticoagulants when a patient presents with a hip fracture. This review article summary of the periprocedural management of DOACs for hip surgery was developed by examining the American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, Perioperative Guidelines on Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Agents written by anesthesiologists, various retrospective studies, and drug labels for pharmacokinetic data. These recommendations should be used as a guideline, along with the collaboration of multidisciplinary hospital teams during inpatient admission, to manage these complex patients.

Pilot Testing Transcreated Spanish-Language Study Materials for Symptom Research With Infants and Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Rising admission rates of Hispanic/Latinx families to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have increased the number of non-English-speaking individuals who may wish to participate in research studies. However, a lack of appropriately translated research study materials may limit the opportunity for these families to be involved in research that could impact the care that infants and families receive in the NICU. The primary purpose was to pilot test study materials that were transcreated from English to Spanish with the assistance of a bilingual community advisory board with Spanish-speaking parents of NICU infants. A total of 19 Spanish-speaking parents (15 mothers and 4 fathers) who were representative of the population of interest completed paper-and-pencil surveys, along with a cognitive interview. Preliminary data related to decision-making and goals of care, infant symptoms, and their experiences in the NICU were also collected. The internal reliability of the transcreated study instruments ranged from good to excellent (α= 0.82-0.99). Participants reported that study materials were not offensive and did not make them feel uncomfortable; however, they found some words/phrases to be confusing. Parents had the opportunity to provide suggested wording changes. Language barriers and a lack of cultural responsiveness can affect the care that infants and their families receive. More accurate and culturally appropriate transcreation of study materials can remove barriers to research participation and facilitate better communication with non-English-speaking families, which may lead to the development of better-informed evidence-based interventions and clinical practices in the NICU.

Essential points from evidence-based clinical practice guideline for chronic kidney disease 2023.

Essential points from evidence-based clinical practice guideline for chronic kidney disease 2023.

Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by a tripod combining vasculopathy, fibrosis, and immune-mediated inflammatory processes. The prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in SSc varies according to the methods used to detect it, ranging from 25 to 95%. The fibrotic and vascular pulmonary manifestations of SSc, particularly ILD, are the main causes of morbidity and mortality, contributing to 35% of deaths. Although early trials were conducted with cyclophosphamide, more recent randomized controlled trials have been performed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of several medications, mostly mycophenolate, rituximab, tocilizumab, and nintedanib. Although many uncertainties remain, expert consensus is emerging to optimize the therapeutic management and to provide clinicians with evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for patients with SSc-ILD. This article provides an overview, in the light of the latest advances, of the available evidence for the diagnosis and management of SSc-ILD.

Harmonization of clinical practice guidelines for primary prevention and screening: actionable recommendations and resources for primary care

BackgroundClinical practice guidelines (CPGs) synthesize high-quality information to support evidence-based clinical practice. In primary care, numerous CPGs must be integrated to address the needs of patients with multiple risks and conditions. The BETTER program aims to improve prevention and screening for cancer and chronic disease in primary care by synthesizing CPGs into integrated, actionable recommendations. We describe the process used to harmonize high-quality cancer and chronic disease prevention and screening (CCDPS) CPGs to update the BETTER program.MethodsA review of CPG databases, repositories, and grey literature was conducted to identify international and Canadian (national and provincial) CPGs for CCDPS in adults 40–69 years of age across 19 topic areas: cancers, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hepatitis C, obesity, osteoporosis, depression, and associated risk factors (i.e., diet, physical activity, alcohol, cannabis, drug, tobacco, and vaping/e-cigarette use). CPGs published in English between 2016 and 2021, applicable to adults, and containing CCDPS recommendations were included. Guideline quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool and a three-step process involving patients, health policy, content experts, primary care providers, and researchers was used to identify and synthesize recommendations.ResultsWe identified 51 international and Canadian CPGs and 22 guidelines developed by provincial organizations that provided relevant CCDPS recommendations. Clinical recommendations were extracted and reviewed for inclusion using the following criteria: 1) pertinence to primary prevention and screening, 2) relevance to adults ages 40–69, and 3) applicability to diverse primary care settings. Recommendations were synthesized and integrated into the BETTER toolkit alongside resources to support shared decision-making and care paths for the BETTER program.ConclusionsComprehensive care requires the ability to address a person’s overall health. An approach to identify high-quality clinical guidance to comprehensively address CCDPS is described. The process used to synthesize and harmonize implementable clinical recommendations may be useful to others wanting to integrate evidence across broad content areas to provide comprehensive care. The BETTER toolkit provides resources that clearly and succinctly present a breadth of clinical evidence that providers can use to assist with implementing CCDPS guidance in primary care.

Saudi National Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Adult Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

To provide evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for managing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in Saudi Arabia. This EULAR-adapted national guideline in which a multidisciplinary task force utilized the modified Delphi method to develop 31 clinical key questions. A systematic literature review was conducted to update the evidence since the EULAR publication. After reaching a consensus agreement, two rounds of voting and group discussion were conducted to generate consolidated recommendations/statements. A significant number of patients in Saudi Arabia experience delays in accessing rheumatologists, highlighting the significance of timely referral to SLE specialists or rheumatologists to ensure accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. The primary goal of Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy in SLE patients is to establish disease control with a minimum dose and duration. Steroid-sparing agent utilization facilitates steroid-sparing goals. Hydroxychloroquine is recommended for all SLE patients, though physicians must carefully monitor toxicity and prioritize regular medication adherence assessment. SLE management during pregnancy starts from preconception time by assessing disease activity, major organ involvement, hypercoagulability status, and concomitant diseases that may negatively impact maternal and fetal outcomes. Multidisciplinary care with close monitoring may optimize both maternal and fetal outcomes. For patients with antiphospholipid antibodies, low-dose aspirin prophylaxis is recommended. Also, Long-term anticoagulant medications are fundamental to prevent secondary antiphospholipid syndrome due to high thrombosis recurrence. This Saudi National Clinical Practice guidelines for SLE management provide evidence-based recommendations and guidance for healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia who are managing patients with SLE. These guidelines will help to standardize healthcare service, improve provider education, and perhaps lead to better treatment outcomes for SLE patients.

2023 clinical practice guidelines on autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents in Singapore

Introduction: Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is increasing in prevalence worldwide. There has been an exponential increase in autism-related research since 2010, when the first Singapore Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) on autism was published. Understanding of autism has since evolved to adopt a lifespan approach beyond that of a childhood condition. The aim of this CPG was to provide an updated set of recommendations for children and adolescents to aid clinical practice for professionals. Method: A multidisciplinary workgroup that comprised representatives from various sectors worked on this CPG. Clinical questions were organised into 10 different sections, each with its own subgroup of members. Seventeen existing international guidelines were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation II (AGREE-II) framework, of which 4 met criteria to act as references. Literature review across multiple databases was conducted between January 2011 to 2023; Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE-like) methodology was used to synthesise evidence. Recommendation statements were derived, following Delphi-style consensus surveys among the workgroup. The draft guidelines underwent external review and public consultation before being formalised. Results: Recommendation and good practice statements pertaining to care of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum across 10 different sections were developed. Evidence matrices complement these recommendations and detail relevant evidence behind each recommendation statement. Conclusion: It is intended for these guidelines to promote effective management and healthcare services for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, by reinforcing good and evidence-based clinical practice within our national context.

Statement of retraction: evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the management of psoriasis: systematic review, critical appraisal, and quality assessment with the AGREE II instrument.

Statement of retraction: evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the management of psoriasis: systematic review, critical appraisal, and quality assessment with the AGREE II instrument.

Quantifying Bone and Skin Movement in the Residual Limb-Socket Interface of Individuals With Transtibial Limb Loss Using Dynamic Stereo X-Ray: Protocol for a Lower Limb Loss Cadaver and Clinical Study.

Relative motion between the residual limb and socket in individuals with transtibial limb loss can lead to substantial consequences that limit mobility. Although assessments of the relative motion between the residual limb and socket have been performed, there remains a substantial gap in understanding the complex mechanics of the residual limb-socket interface during dynamic activities that limits the ability to improve socket design. However, dynamic stereo x-ray (DSX) is an advanced imaging technology that can quantify 3D bone movement and skin deformation inside a socket during dynamic activities. This study aims to develop analytical tools using DSX to quantify the dynamic, in vivo kinematics between the residual limb and socket and the mechanism of residual tissue deformation. A lower limb cadaver study will first be performed to optimize the placement of an array of radiopaque beads and markers on the socket, liner, and skin to simultaneously assess dynamic tibial movement and residual tissue and liner deformation. Five cadaver limbs will be used in an iterative process to develop an optimal marker setup. Stance phase gait will be simulated during each session to induce bone movement and skin and liner deformation. The number, shape, size, and placement of each marker will be evaluated after each session to refine the marker set. Once an optimal marker setup is identified, 21 participants with transtibial limb loss will be fitted with a socket capable of being suspended via both elevated vacuum and traditional suction. Participants will undergo a 4-week acclimation period and then be tested in the DSX system to track tibial, skin, and liner motion under both suspension techniques during 3 activities: treadmill walking at a self-selected speed, at a walking speed 10% faster, and during a step-down movement. The performance of the 2 suspension techniques will be evaluated by quantifying the 3D bone movement of the residual tibia with respect to the socket and quantifying liner and skin deformation at the socket-residuum interface. This study was funded in October 2021. Cadaver testing began in January 2023. Enrollment began in February 2024. Data collection is expected to conclude in December 2025. The initial dissemination of results is expected in November 2026. The successful completion of this study will help develop analytical methods for the accurate assessment of residual limb-socket motion. The results will significantly advance the understanding of the complex biomechanical interactions between the residual limb and the socket, which can aid in evidence-based clinical practice and socket prescription guidelines. This critical foundational information can aid in the development of future socket technology that has the potential to reduce secondary comorbidities that result from complications of poor prosthesis load transmission. DERR1-10.2196/57329.

Chronic cough in children: an evidence-based clinical practice guideline adapted for the use in Egypt using ‘Adapted ADAPTE’

BackgroundWe recently adopted a guideline for chronic cough in children in the Egyptian health system. Adapting clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to the local healthcare setting is a valid alternative to de-novo development that can improve their uptake and implementation without demanding a substantial drain on resources. The objective of this study was to adapt evidence-based recommendations from global high-quality CPGs for children with a chronic cough to suit the Egyptian healthcare context.MethodsWe followed the Adapted ADAPTE methodological framework for guideline adaptation. This process includes three phases: set-up, adaptation, and finalization. A guideline adaptation group (GAG) and an external review group including clinical content experts and methodologists conducted the process.ResultsThe GAG adapted 10 sections of recommendations from three original CPG(s) including (i) the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) 2006–2020, (ii) the European Respiratory Society (ERS) 2019, (iii) the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology (KAAACI) 2018. A set of CPG implementation tools was added to enhance implementability including an algorithm, a slide presentation for clinical diagnosis, investigations and treatment of chronic cough, patient education, and online resources.ConclusionThe adapted CPG provides pediatricians and related healthcare workers with applicable evidence-based recommendations for chronic cough in children in Egypt. The project also highlighted the utility of Adapted ADAPTE and the invaluable collaboration between the clinical and methodological experts for the adaptation of pediatric national guidelines.

Is Ultrasonography a Reliable Approach for the Evaluation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients With Mucopolysaccharidosis?

BackgroundOne of the most common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in childhood is mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). While ultrasonography (US) can aid in the diagnosis of CTS in adult patients, there is limited experience of this in the pediatric group. We aimed to investigate the results of wrist ultrasonography, which may be a candidate alternative to electrophysiological examination. MethodsThe participants were evaluated for symptoms, physical examination findings, electrophysiological tests and grayscale US. CTS was diagnosed in accordance with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. ResultsIncluded in the study were 27 MPS patients aged 4.5–32 years and 30 healthy control subjects aged 4.3–26 years. Of the 54 wrists in the MPS group, 30 were diagnosed with CTS. The median cross-sectional area (CSA) at the proximal carpal tunnel, the CSA at the forearm, and the wrist-forearm ratio (WFR) were higher in the wrists of the MPS with CTS group than in those without CTS and the healthy control subjects. The WFR cutoff of ≥1.35, 56.6% (95% CI: 437.4–74.5) sensitivity, and 89.8% (95% CI: 81.0–95.5) specificity were consistent with a diagnosis of CTS (receiver operating characteristics analysis, area under the curve = 0.775, 95% CI: 0.673–0.877). ConclusionAlthough the US provides results with unsatisfactory specificity and sensitivity, it is a candidate for further investigation for the diagnosis of CTS because it is an innovative, noninvasive, and more accessible method. WFR value may produce more meaningful results than wrist or forearm nerve area measurements.

Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons guidelines development: health equity update to standard operating procedure.

The SAGES Guidelines Committee creates evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Due to existing health disparities, recommendations made in these guidelines may have different impacts on different populations. The updates to our standard operating procedure described herein will allow us to produce well-designed guidelines that take these disparities into account and potentially reduce health inequities. This paper outlines updates to the SAGES Guidelines Committee Standard Operating Procedure in order to incorporate issues of heath equity into our guideline development process with the goal of minimizing downstream health disparities. SAGES has developed an evidence-based, standardized approach to consider issues of health equity throughout the guideline development process to allow physicians to better counsel patients and make research recommendations to better address disparities. Societies that promote guidelines within their organization must make an intentional effort to prevent the widening of health disparities as a result of their recommendations. The updates to the Guidelines Committee Standard Operating Procedure will hopefully lead to increased attention to these disparities and provide specific recommendations to reduce them.

Assessment and management of vitamin status in children with CKD stages 2-5, on dialysis and post-transplantation: clinical practice points from the Pediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce.

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk for vitamin deficiency or excess. Vitamin status can be affected by diet, supplements, kidney function, medications, and dialysis. Little is known about vitamin requirements in CKD, leading to practice variation.The Pediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce (PRNT), an international team of pediatric kidney dietitians and pediatric nephrologists, was established to develop evidence-based clinical practice points (CPPs) to address challenges and to serve as a resource for nutritional care. Questions were formulated using PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes), and literature searches undertaken to explore clinical practice from assessment to management of vitamin status in children with CKD stages 2-5, on dialysis and post-transplantation (CKD2-5D&T). The CPPs were developed and finalized using a Delphi consensus approach. We present six CPPs for vitamin management for children with CKD2-5D&T. We address assessment, intervention, and monitoring. We recommend avoiding supplementation of vitamin A and suggest water-soluble vitamin supplementation for those on dialysis. In the absence of evidence, a consistent structured approach to vitamin management that considers assessment and monitoring from dietary, physical, and biochemical viewpoints is needed. Careful consideration of the impact of accumulation, losses, comorbidities, and medications needs to be explored for the individual child and vitamin before supplementation can be considered. When supplementing, care needs to be taken not to over-prescribe. Research recommendations are suggested.

Comparative Analysis of Periodontal Parameters and Patient Satisfaction Utilising Different Temporary Crown Fabrication Techniques: A Parallel-Group Randomised Controlled Trial.

Aim The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different techniques for temporary crown fabrication in maintaining periodontal health and patient satisfaction, addressing a critical gap in the existing literature and informing evidence-based clinical practices. Materials and methods This study, conducted in accordance with CONSORT guidelines, was a parallel-group randomised trial conducted at a dental institute in India. In total, 36 participants aged 18-65 requiring anterior tooth region crowns were randomly assigned to three groups: direct (control), indirect (Test Group 1) and direct-indirect (Test Group 2) fabrication techniques. Participants were selected from outpatient departments based on eligibility criteria, and interventions were allocated using randomization tables. Outcome assessments included gingival health metrics and patient satisfaction levels, with statistical analyses performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Significant differences were observed in the pink esthetic score (PES) and patient satisfaction (P=0.029) among the three groups, with the direct-indirect technique group demonstrating the highest median PES (9 out of 10). However, no significant disparities were noted in the plaque index (PI) or probing depth (PD) among the groups. Conclusion The direct-indirect technique demonstrated superior PES and patient satisfaction, indicating potential benefits for periodontal health and patient experiences. Integration of virtual preparation workflows may optimise outcomes, but further research is needed for validation and guideline development.

Implementation of evidence-based clinical practice and its associated factors among health care workers at public hospitals in Sidama regional state, southern Ethiopia.

Health disparities, inconsistent outcomes, and underwhelming health services continue to be problems for all nurses and doctors. Studies from a variety of nations have found that doctors and nurses have little familiarity with evidence-based practice. There is a knowledge vacuum about the degree of evidence-based nursing practice and its contributing factors in Ethiopia as well as the current study region. The study's objective was to evaluate how healthcare professionals working in government hospitals in the Sidama regional state of 2022 are implementing evidence-based clinical practice and to identify associated factors. From October 1 to December 30/2022, a cross-sectional institution-based study with a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods was carried out. A total of 422 healthcare workers were randomly selected to participate in the current study from 6 randomly selected public hospitals in the region. This study included 25 key informant interviews. The Friedman test and Funk's BARRIER scale were adapted into a semi-structured questionnaire quantitative. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the significance of the association between the dependent and independent variables. A pretest was conducted on 22 healthcare workers from Shashmane Hospital. This study found that more than half, 51.7%, of the participants had a total implementation of evidence-based practice score below the mean score (40.4). only Access to the internet [having smart phone] (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 3.03: 95% Confidence Interval (CI): (1.75-5.26))., favorable Attitude toward EBP of participants. (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.84Confidence Interval (1.12-2.70)), inadequate Self-efficacy of Evidence-based practice skills (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.29 Confidence interval = 0.19-0.46), and Knowledge of evidence-based practice (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.45 Confidence interval = 0.30-0.77)were factors significantly associated with EBP implementation. More than half of the participants,51.7%, do not implement evidence-based practice in the care of their clients, which is unacceptable. The use of EBP has been significantly associated with access to the internet (having a smartphone), participants' positive attitudes toward it, their level of skill efficacy in finding and accessing it, and their knowledge of it. Therefore, stakeholders ought to think about addressing these obstacles to the adoption of EBP.

Perioperative knowledge, self-efficacy and clinical practices related to postoperative delirium care in older people across geographical regions in Australia.

In older people undergoing surgery, there is a lower tolerance for complications. This highlights the need for documented clinical practices on proper prevention, pre-screening and management of complications such as postoperative delirium (POD). Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines exist for delirium management; however, the management of delirium in clinical settings differs widely. This study aims to develop an understanding of the knowledge, components of self-efficacy (confidence/competence), and clinical practice related to POD care among preoperative and recovery nurses across different types of geographical locations in Australia. A 27-item online survey was sent out to professional associations focused on perioperative care across Australia. The participants included practicing registered nurses specialising in perioperative care. The main outcome measures were Knowledge, confidence/competence and clinical practice relating to POD care in older patients. Respondents were categorised into two groups-major cities and rural and remote. Mean age was 46.3 years for respondents in Australian major cities and 49.5 for the comparison group. There was a statistically significant difference between Australian major cities and 'rural and remote' in confidence in detecting hyperactive delirium, 25.2% versus 11.7% respectively as well as managing hyperactive delirium, 13.8% versus 1.7%, respectively. Similar results were also observed on hypoactive delirium. Respondents from both groups did not mirror the ideal situation in managing a hyperactive delirium. Results from this study are inconclusive and there is no clear-cut observation in clinical practice or knowledge between the two geographical categories in this study. The absence of a distinct strategy with POD prevention highlights the need for a uniform approach and consensus on POD prevention and management in older people. This can be achieved by creating more awareness and education through professional development related to POD.

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Assessment and Care of the Late Preterm Infant Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline, Third Edition

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Assessment and Care of the Late Preterm Infant Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline, Third Edition

Oral Hygiene Care of Endotracheal Intubated Patients in Korean Intensive Care Units : A Scoping Review

Purpose : This scoping review was designed to identify gaps in knowledge and guide future directions for clinical nursing practices and research on oral hygiene care for endotracheally intubated patients in Korean intensive care units.Methods : We conducted a scoping review using the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. PubMed, CINAHL, RISS, Science On, and DBpia databases were searched. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted data. A total of 445 studies were identified, of which 17 were included in the final analysis.Results : No research has been conducted from 2021 to the present. A total of 12 instruments were utilized in 13 studies to assess the effectiveness of oral hygiene care. All studies investigating the effectiveness of oral hygiene care have consistently documented that chlorhexidine has the most significant effect. The frequency and time of oral hygiene care were each examined in one study.Conclusion : A research study is necessary to develop a measurement tool for assessing the effectiveness of oral hygiene care suitable for endotracheal intubated patients in intensive care units. Interventional studies should be conducted to determine the effects of chlorhexidine and the appropriate frequency and time of oral hygiene care. Thereafter, revision of domestic evidence-based clinical practice guidelines by integrating these results will be necessary.

Transfusion of blood components in pediatric age groups: an evidence-based clinical practice guideline adapted for the use in Egypt using ‘Adapted ADAPTE’

Pediatric transfusion is a complex area of medicine covering a wide age range, from neonates to young adults. Compared to adult practice, there is a relative lack of high-quality research to inform evidence-based guidelines. We aimed to adapt the pre-existing high-quality practice guidelines for the transfusion of blood components in different pediatric age groups to be available for national use by general practitioners, pediatricians, and other health care professionals. The guideline panel included 17 key leaders from different Egyptian institutions. The panel used the Adapted ADAPTE methodology. The panel prioritized the health questions and recommendations according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The procedure included searching for existing guidelines, quality appraisal, and adaptation of the recommendations to the target context of use. The guideline covered all important aspects of the indications, dosing, and administration of packed red cells, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma. It also included transfusion in special situations, e.g., chronic hemolytic anemia and aplastic anemia, management of massive blood loss, malignancies, surgery, recommendations for safe transfusion practices, and recommendations for modifications of cellular blood components. The final version of the adapted clinical practice guideline (CPG) has been made after a thorough review by an external review panel and was guided by their official recommendations and modifications. A set of implementation tools included algorithms, tables, and flow charts to aid decision-making in practice. This adapted guideline serves as a tool for safe transfusion practices in different pediatric age groups.

Neuroprotective effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor on Alzheimer's disease: a narrative review.

Insulin resistance in brain and amyloidogenesis are principal pathological features of diabetes-related cognitive decline and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A growing body of evidence suggests that maintaining glucose under control in diabetic patients is beneficial for preventing AD development. Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DDP4is) are a class of novel glucose-lowering medications through increasing insulin excretion and decreasing glucagon levels that have shown neuroprotective potential in recent studies. This review consolidates extant evidence from earlier and new studies investigating the association between DPP4i use, AD, and other cognitive outcomes. Beyond DPP4i's benefits in alleviating insulin resistance and glucose-lowering, underlying mechanisms for the potential neuroprotection with DPP4i medications were categorized into the following sections: (Ferrari et al., Physiol Rev, 2021, 101, 1,047-1,081): the benefits of DPP4is on directly ameliorating the burden of β-amyloid plaques and reducing the formation of neurofibrillary tangles; DPP4i increasing the bioactivity of neuroprotective DPP4 substrates including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) etc.; pleiotropic effects of DPP4is on neuronal cells and intracerebral structure including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-apoptosis. We further revisited recently published epidemiological studies that provided supportive data to compliment preclinical evidence. Given that there remains a lack of completed randomized trials that aim at assessing the effect of DPP4is in preventing AD development and progression, this review is expected to provide a useful insight into DPP4 inhibition as a potential therapeutic target for AD prevention and treatment. The evidence is helpful for informing the rationales of future clinical research and guiding evidence-based clinical practice.