Weak Recommendation Research Articles

Preventing deformities in paediatric cerebral palsy in poorly-resourced areas: A scoping review

Background: Managing children with cerebral palsy (CP) in poorly-resourced contexts, especially those with greater functional limitations, is challenging. Unmitigated orthopaedic complications can further restrict already compromised functional capacity. Where rehabilitation skills and knowledge are scarce, primary healthcare worker- and caregiver-implemented routines are warranted. The essential elements of a home-based routine to mitigate musculoskeletal (MSK) complications in children with severe CP in resource-limited settings (RLSs) have not been determined.Objectives: To summarise the evidence for programmes and interventions that mitigate MSK complications in children with severe CP and make recommendations for a programme suited to RLSs.Method: Scientific databases and professional websites were searched for studies and reports describing guidelines, interventions or programmes for children aged 0–18 years with severe, partially- or non-ambulant CP, that included aims for the prevention of MSK complications. Articles reporting on surgical, pharmacological and advanced or expensive technological interventions were excluded.Results: A total of 57 studies or reports were included in the review. Low-grade evidence exists for 24-hour postural management (24-h PM), supported standing, sustained stretching and splinting to mitigate MSK complications in children with CP. Caregiver training and support, and integration of the programme into daily routines were identified as important components for successful implementation.Conclusion: Clinical guidelines and evidence that support caregiver-delivered interventions to reduce MSK complications in children with severe CP are limited, and only weak recommendations can be made.Clinical implications: There is a need for context-specific, home-based intervention programmes to prevent MSK complications in children with CP in RLSs.

Proactive therapeutic drug monitoring of biologic drugs in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory arthritis, or psoriasis: a clinical practice guideline.

In adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis), or psoriasis taking biologic drugs, does proactive therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) improve outcomes as compared with standard care? Standard care for immune mediated inflammatory diseases includes prescribing biologic drugs at pre-determined doses. Dosing may be adjusted reactively, for example with increased disease activity. In proactive TDM, serum drug levels and anti-drug antibodies are measured irrespective of disease activity, and the drug dosing is adjusted to achieve target serum drug levels, usually within pre-specified therapeutic ranges. The role of proactive TDM in clinical practice remains unclear, with conflicting guideline recommendations and emerging evidence from randomised controlled trials. Linked systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis which identified 10 trials including 2383 participants. Inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory arthritis, and psoriasis were grouped together as best current research evidence on proactive TDM did not suggest heterogeneity of effects on outcomes of interest. Proactive TDM of intravenous infliximab during maintenance treatment may increase the proportion of patients who experience sustained disease control or sustained remission without considerable additional harm. For adalimumab, it remains unclear if proactive TDM during maintenance treatment has an effect on sustained disease control or sustained remission. At induction (start) of treatment, proactive TDM of intravenous infliximab may have little or no effect on achieving remission. No eligible trial evidence was available for proactive TDM of adalimumab at induction (start) of treatment. No eligible trial evidence was available for proactive TDM of other biologic drugs in maintenance or at induction (start) of treatment. The guideline panel issued the following recommendations for patients with inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory arthritis, or psoriasis:1. A weak recommendation in favour of proactive TDM for intravenous infliximab during maintenance treatment2. A weak recommendation against proactive TDM for adalimumab and other biologic drugs during maintenance treatment3. A weak recommendation against proactive TDM for intravenous infliximab, adalimumab, and other biologic drugs during induction (start) of treatment. When considering proactive TDM, clinicians and patients should engage in shared decision making to ensure patients make choices that reflect their values and preferences. The availability of laboratory assays to implement proactive TDM should also be considered. Further research is warranted and may alter recommendations in the future. An international panel including patient partners, clinicians, and methodologists produced these recommendations based on a linked systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis which identified 10 trials including 2383 participants. The panel followed standards for trustworthy guidelines and used the GRADE approach, explicitly considering the balance of benefits and harms and burdens of treatment from an individual patient perspective.

Best Evidence Summary for the Prevention of Pressure Injuries in Orthopaedic Patients.

To systematically search, evaluate and synthesise the most robust evidence regarding pressure injury prevention in orthopaedic patients admitted to general wards. The present study provides an evidence-based summary of the most robust findings, adhering to the evidence guidelines established by the Center for Evidence-Based Nursing of Fudan University. According to the "6S" model, a systematic search was conducted for literature on pressure injury prevention among orthopaedic patients in general wards. The types of literature included guidelines, clinical decisions, expert Consensus, evidence summaries, etc. The search period covered the time from the beginning of the database up to December 2023. The following databases and resources were systematically searched: Up To Date, JBI, NICE, WOCN, NZWCS, etc. RESULTS: Fifteen literature sources were included, comprising one clinical decision, eight guidelines, one systematic review, and one expert Consensus. In these sources, a comprehensive collection of 34 pieces of best evidence was formed across six key topics: risk assessment, position management, skin care, device used for device-related pressure injury, nutritional assessment, and support, as well as health education and training. Among the evidence gathered, a strong recommendation was made for 18 pieces, while the remaining 16 received a weak recommendation. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of the most robust evidence on pressure injury prevention in orthopaedic patients, encompassing 34 pieces of evidence that can serve as valuable references for clinical practice. Before implementing this evidence, it is crucial to evaluate the specific contextual factors within different countries and medical institutions, as well as the facilitators and barriers influencing its application by healthcare professionals and patient's preferences. Furthermore, targeted evidence selection should be conducted through careful screening and subsequent adjustments in implementation, thereby offering a more scientifically grounded basis for clinical nursing practice. Future research endeavours should prioritise investigating strategies for effective evidence utilisation. The prevention of pressure injuries poses a significant challenge for orthopaedic patients. This study presents a synthesis of 34 pieces of best evidence to provide guidance on preventive measures for pressure injuries in orthopaedic patients. Adhering to and implementing these 34 pieces of evidence can effectively aid in preventing pressure injuries in clinical practice. This evidence encompasses risk assessment, position management, skin care, device usage for device-related pressure injuries, nutritional support and evaluation, and health education and training, establishing a comprehensive and systematic implementation process. Assessing the risk of pressure injuries during interventions serves as an essential prerequisite for developing effective strategies to prevent such injuries among orthopaedic patients. Ultimately, this study will offer valuable guidance to healthcare professionals worldwide regarding preventing pressure injuries in orthopaedic patients. Upon admission to the hospital, it is essential to conduct a risk assessment and implement evidence-based, individualised prevention measures for pressure ulcers in patients to prevent their occurrence. This study will provide valuable insights into preventing pressure injuries in orthopaedic patients admitted to orthopaedic wards for healthcare workers worldwide. The PRIMA manifest is utilised during the text preparation process. ES20245365.

Analysis of European Association of Urology Guidelines 2023 and its adherence to GRADE methodology

AbstractIntroductionThe European Association of Urology (EAU) has reported the use of a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach for developing guideline recommendations since 2018; however, the full adoption of GRADE remains a work in progress.MethodsTwo members of the research team identified and independently abstracted all individual recommendations and summary of evidence statements available from all EAU guidelines published in 2023. We evaluated the current adherence to established criteria for appropriate GRADE use, the proportion of strong and weak recommendations, the underlying strength of evidence, and criteria for appropriate use of GRADE.ResultsWe included a total of 20 guideline documents with a total number of 1985 recommendations. The median number of strong recommendations was 46 (interquartile range: 32–87), representing 62.6% of all recommendations. The surgical thromboprophylaxis guideline had the lowest percentage of strong recommendations (18.2%; 30/165), and the neuro‐urology guideline had the highest percentage (95.5%; 42/44). EAU guidelines provided 2580 summaries of evidence statements, of which 1608 reported a level of evidence. The reported levels of evidence were I, II, III and IV/V at 31.8%, 28.5%, 32.4% and 7.3%, respectively. Of the six criteria for the appropriate use of GRADE, criterion 6, which reports the framing of recommendations as strong or weak, was met consistently; all other criteria were met only by a single guideline on thromboprophylaxis.ConclusionsThe EAU guidelines adoption of GRADE has been largely limited to the framing of recommendations as strong or weak. In all but one guideline, published guidelines did not meet any of the other criteria for appropriate GRADE use. Increased efforts to fully adopt GRADE, similar to its implementation in the thromboprophylaxis guideline in future editions, may enhance trust and uptake of EAU guidelines, thereby assisting policymakers and improving patient care.

Guidelines for diagnosis,treatment and prevention of clostridium difficile infection in China(2024)

Clostridium difficile infection(CDI) is an intestinal infection caused by Clostridium difficile,characterized by clinical symptoms such as fever,abdominal pain,watery diarrhea,and loose stools. Mild cases present with diarrhea,while severe cases can progress to pseudomembranous colitis,often accompany by complications such as toxic megacolon,intestinal perforation,and septic shock. CDI is a significant cause of complications and mortality,especially among elderly patients,and is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. The purpose of this guideline is to provide guidance on the diagnosis,treatment,and prevention of CDI,covering a total of 20 clinical questions across three domains: diagnosis,treatment,and prevention. The guideline was developed by a collaborative effort of a guideline expert group and a guideline working group. The guideline expert group consists of 37 clinical experts in 18 specialties related to the diagnosis and treatment of CDI and healthcare associated infection control. This guideline was developed using the internationally recognized GRADE method. It includes evidence evaluation and recommendation grading. It categorizes the quality of evidence into four levels: high,medium,low and very low. When formulating recommendations,it considers factors such as the balance of benefits and harms of intervention,quality of evidence,values and preferences,as well as cost and resource consumption. The recommendations are classified into strong and weak recommendations(conditional recommendations). The target audience of this guideline includes Chinese doctors and patients.

Nonoperative management of acute complicated diverticulitis with pericolic and/or distant extraluminal air: A systematic review.

Colonic Diverticular Disease (CDD) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease. Acute diverticulitis (AD), with extraluminal free air (both pericolic and distant), represents about 15% of radiological scenarios and remains a therapeutic challenge for surgeons. Currently, the WSES guidelines suggest trying a conservative strategy both in the presence of pericolic and distant free extraluminal air, even if both have respectively weak recommendation based on low/very low-quality evidence. We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were used to identify articles of interest. A total of 2380 patients with AD and extraluminal free air (both pericolic and distant) who underwent nonoperative management (NOM) were analyzed. Of the 2380 patients, 2095(88%) were successfully treated with NOM, while 285 (12%) patients failed. A total of 1574 (93.1%) patients with pericolic extraluminal free air had a successful NOM with 6.9% (117) failure rates, while 135 (71.1%) patients with distant extraluminal free air had a successful NOM with 28.9% (55) failure rates. Regarding distant recurrence, we recorded a rate of 18.3% (261/1430), while a rate of 11.3% (167/1472) was recorded for patients undergoing elective surgery. NOM for patients with AD and extraluminal free air (both pericolic and distant) seems to be feasible and safe despite a higher failure rate in the distant subgroup, which remains the most challenging clinical scenario to deal with through conservative treatment.

Testosterone therapy for functional hypogonadism in middle-aged and elderly males: current evidence and future perspectives.

Population aging is a global phenomenon driving research focus toward preventing and managing age-related disorders. Functional hypogonadism (FH) has been defined as the combination of low testosterone levels, typically serum total testosterone below 300-350 ng/dL, together with manifestations of hypogonadism, in the absence of an intrinsic pathology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. It is usually seen in middle-aged or elderly males as a product of aging and multimorbidity. This age-related decline in testosterone levels has been associated with numerous adverse outcomes. Testosterone therapy (TTh) is the mainstay of treatment for organic hypogonadism with an identifiable intrinsic pathology of the HPT axis. Current guidelines generally make weak recommendations for TTh in patients with FH, mostly in the presence of sexual dysfunction. Concerns about long-term safety have historically limited TTh use in middle-aged and elderly males with FH. However, recent randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated safe long-term outcomes regarding prostatic and cardiovascular health, together with decreases in all-cause mortality and improvements in various domains, including sexual function, body composition, physical strength, bone density, and hematopoiesis. Furthermore, there are numerous insightful studies suggesting additional benefits of TTh, for instance in cardio-renal-metabolic conditions. Specifically, future trials should investigate the role of TTh in improving symptoms and prognosis in various clinical contexts, including sarcopenia, frailty, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, fracture risk, heart failure, stable angina, chronic kidney disease, mood disorders, and cognitive dysfunction.

European society of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship in emergency departments (endorsed by European association of hospital pharmacists)

ScopeThis European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to support a selection of appropriate antibiotic use practices for patients seen in the emergency department (ED) and guidance for their implementation. The topics addressed in this guideline are (a) Do biomarkers or rapid pathogen tests improve antibiotic prescribing and/or clinical outcomes? (b) Does taking blood cultures in common infectious syndromes improve antibiotic prescribing and/or clinical outcomes? (c) Does watchful waiting without antibacterial therapy or with delayed antibiotic prescribing reduce antibiotic prescribing without worsening clinical outcomes in patients with specific infectious syndromes? (d) Do structured culture follow-up programs in patients discharged from the ED with cultures pending improve antibiotic prescribing? MethodsAn expert panel was convened by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the guideline chair. The panel selected in consensus the four most relevant antimicrobial stewardship topics according to pre-defined relevance criteria. For each main question for the four topics, a systematic review was performed, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Both clinical outcomes and stewardship process outcomes related to antibiotic use were deemed relevant. The literature searches were conducted between May 2021 and March 2022. In April 2022, the panel members were formally asked to suggest additional studies that were not identified in the initial searches. Data were summarized in a meta-analysis if possible or otherwise summarized narratively. The certainty of the evidence was classified according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. The guideline panel reviewed the evidence per topic critically appraising the evidence and formulated recommendations through a consensus-based process. The strength of the recommendations was classified as strong or weak. To substantiate the implementation process, implementation trials or observational studies describing facilitators/barriers for implementation were identified from the same searches and were summarized narratively. RecommendationsThe recommendations on the use of biomarkers and rapid pathogen diagnostic tests focus on the initiation of antibiotics in patients admitted through the ED. Their effect on the discontinuation or de-escalation of antibiotics during hospital stay was not reported, neither was their effect on hospital infection prevention and control practices. The recommendations on watchful waiting (i.e. withholding antibiotics with some form of follow-up) focus on specific infectious syndromes for which the primary care literature was also included. The recommendations on blood cultures focus on the indication in three common infectious syndromes in the ED explicitly excluding patients with sepsis or septic shock. Most recommendations are based on very low and low certainty of evidence, leading to weak recommendations or, when no evidence was available, to best practice statements. Implementation of these recommendations needs to be adapted to the specific settings and circumstances of the ED. The scarcity of high-quality studies in the area of antimicrobial stewardship in the ED highlights the need for future research in this field.

Prophylactic Transfusion Strategies in Children Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

To derive systematic-review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding prophylactic transfusions in neonates and children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE. A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2020, with an update in May 2021. Included studies assessed use of prophylactic blood product transfusion in pediatric ECMO. Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving conflicts. Thirty-three references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-informed recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements or good practice statements for prophylactic transfusion strategies for children supported with ECMO. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was based on a modified Delphi process with agreement defined as greater than 80%. We developed two good practice statements, 4 weak recommendations, and three expert consensus statements. Despite the frequency with which pediatric ECMO patients are transfused, there is insufficient evidence to formulate evidence-based prophylactic transfusion strategies.

Management of Bleeding and Thrombotic Complications During Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

To derive systematic-review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding the management of bleeding and thrombotic complications during pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference. A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021. The management of bleeding and thrombotic complications of ECMO. Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving conflicts. Twelve references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements for the management of bleeding and thrombotic complications in pediatric ECMO patients. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was defined as greater than 80% agreement. Two good practice statements, 5 weak recommendations, and 18 consensus statements are presented. Although bleeding and thrombotic complications during pediatric ECMO remain common, limited definitive data exist to support an evidence-based approach to treating these complications. Research is needed to improve hemostatic management of children supported with ECMO.

Anticoagulation Monitoring and Targets: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

To derive systematic-review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding anticoagulation monitoring assays and target levels in pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE. A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021. Anticoagulation monitoring of pediatric patients on ECMO. Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving any conflicts. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool or the revised Cochrane risk of bias for randomized trials, as appropriate and the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements for clinical recommendations focused on anticoagulation monitoring and targets, using a web-based modified Delphi process to build consensus (defined as > 80% agreement). One weak recommendation, two consensus statements, and three good practice statements were developed and, in all, agreement greater than 80% was reached. We also derived some resources for anticoagulation monitoring for ECMO clinician use at the bedside. There is insufficient evidence to formulate optimal anticoagulation monitoring during pediatric ECMO, but we propose one recommendation, two consensus and three good practice statements. Overall, the available pediatric evidence is poor and significant gaps exist in the literature.

Antifibrinolytic and Adjunct Hemostatic Agents: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

To derive systematic-review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding antifibrinolytic and adjunct hemostatic agents in neonates and children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE consensus conference. A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021. Use of antifibrinolytics (epsilon-aminocaproic acid [EACA] or tranexamic acid), recombinant factor VII activated (rFVIIa), or topical hemostatic agents (THAs). Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving conflicts. Eleven references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements for the management of bleeding and thrombotic complications in pediatric ECMO patients. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was defined as greater than 80% agreement. One weak recommendation and three consensus statements are presented. Evidence supporting recommendations for administration of antifibrinolytics (EACA or tranexamic acid), rFVIIa, and THAs were sparse and inconclusive. Much work remains to determine effective and safe usage strategies.

The Influence of the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit and Components on Anticoagulation Management: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

To derive systematic-review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding the influence of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuit components on anticoagulation practices for pediatric ECMO for the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE. A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021. Management of ECMO anticoagulation in the setting of different ECMO circuit components. Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving conflicts. Twenty-nine references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations, evidence-based consensus statements, and good practice statements. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements or good practice statements for the influence of ECMO circuit and components on anticoagulation management. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was defined as greater than 80% agreement. One good practice statement, 2 weak recommendations, and 2 consensus statements are presented. The incorporation of new component technologies into clinical practice has outpaced clinical investigations of anticoagulation strategies for pediatric ECMO. Future investigations should leverage academic and industrial collaborations, translational platforms, and modern biostatistical methods to improve patient outcomes.

Recommendations on Monitoring and Replacement of Antithrombin, Fibrinogen, and Von Willebrand Factor in Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

To derive systematic review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding monitoring and replacement of specific coagulation factors during pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE. A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2020, with an update in May 2021. Included studies assessed monitoring and replacement of antithrombin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor in pediatric ECMO support. Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer if required. Twenty-nine references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. A panel of 48 experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was defined as greater than 80% agreement. We developed one weak recommendation and four expert consensus statements. There is insufficient evidence to formulate recommendations on monitoring and replacement of antithrombin, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor in pediatric patients on ECMO. Optimal monitoring and parameters for replacement of key hemostasis parameters is largely unknown.

#2871 Effect of parathyroidectomy on kidney function in adults with primary hyperparathyroidism

Abstract Background and Aims Multidisciplinary guidelines recommend parathyroidectomy to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, this is a weak recommendation, based on low-quality evidence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the estimated glomerular filtration rate change 12 months after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism according to preoperative kidney function. Method Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively enrolled (n = 90). Patients without 1-year follow-up or with missing data were excluded (n = 42). Patients were dichotomized according to their baseline eGFR: < 60 mL/min (group 1; n = 13) and ≥60 mL/min (group 2; n = 35). Variables were measured before and then at 12 months after parathyroidectomy. Statistical analyses was made using SPSS 28. Results The cohort included 38 female patients (79.2%) with a mean age of 68.4 ± 11.27 years. Hypertension was present in 36 patients (75%) and 16 patients (33.3%) were diabetic. Thirty-two patients were being treated with ACEI/ARAII. The mean baseline eGFR was 44.6 ± 9.5 mL/min and 88.0 ± 12.7 mL/min in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 1 patients had a higher median baseline serum parathyroid hormone level (p = 0.002). At 12 months, all patients were normocalcemic. The eGFR decreased significantly after parathyroidectomy in group 2 (−5.8 mL/min, p = 0.012), while in group 1 the eGFR remain stable (−0.46 mL/min, p = 0.931). We didn't find any predictive factor of eGFR variation. Conclusion Further studies are needed to understand the progression of renal disease after parathyroidectomy. The etiology of the disease, the use of nephroprotective measures or in the other hand nephrotoxins may have an higher impact than restore normocalcemia alone.

Therapeutic use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in patients with febrile neutropenia: a comprehensive systematic review for clinical practice guidelines for the use of G-CSF 2022 from the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology.

Febrile neutropenia represents a critical oncologic emergency, and its management is pivotal in cancer therapy. In several guidelines, the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in patients with chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia is not routinely recommended except in high-risk cases. The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology has updated its clinical practice guidelines for the use of G-CSF, incorporating a systematic review to address this clinical question. The systematic review was conducted by performing a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web, focusing on publications from January 1990 to December 2019. Selected studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and cohort and case-control studies. Evaluated outcomes included overall survival, infection-related mortality, hospitalization duration, quality of life, and pain. The initial search yielded 332 records. Following two rounds of screening, two records were selected for both qualitative and quantitative synthesis including meta-analysis. Regarding infection-related mortality, the event to case ratio was 5:134 (3.73%) in the G-CSF group versus 6:129 (4.65%) in the non-G-CSF group, resulting in a relative risk of 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.27-2.58; p = 0.54), which was not statistically significant. Only median values for hospitalization duration were available from the two RCTs, precluding a meta-analysis. For overall survival, quality of life, and pain, no suitable studies were found for analysis, rendering their assessment unfeasible. A weak recommendation is made that G-CSF treatment not be administered to patients with febrile neutropenia during cancer chemotherapy. G-CSF treatment can be considered for patients at high risk.

Pediatric nutritional surgery and its implications: results from a unicentric retrospective analysis

PurposeExisting guidelines provide weak recommendations on the surgical management of nutritional problems in children. The objective was to design a management pathway to address the best nutritional surgery (NS) procedure in a given patient.MethodsRetrospective analysis of children treated at our department from January 2015 to December 2019. The sample was divided into two groups according to presence or absence of neurological impairment (NI). Patients with NI (Group 1) were classified in three subgroups based on presenting symptoms: A-Dysphagia without gastroesophageal reflux (GER); B-GER with or without dysphagia; C-Symptoms associated with a delayed gastric emptying.ResultsA total of 154 patients were included, 111 with NI. One-hundred-twenty-eight patients underwent only one procedure. Complications and mortality were superior in Group 1. In subgroup A, isolated gastrostomy was the first NS in all patients. In subgroup B most of patients were subjected to a Nissen fundoplication, while in 5 cases total esophagogastric dissociation (TEGD) was the first intervention. Considering the entire sample, 92.3% patients who underwent a TEGD did not require further procedures.ConclusionNS encompasses various procedures depending on presenting symptoms and neurological status. A management flowchart for these patients is proposed.

How to address the coronaries in TAVI candidates: can the need for revascularization be safely determined by CT angiography only?

Abstract Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains one of the most frequent comorbidities among transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) candidates. Whether routine assessment of CAD by invasive coronary angiography (CA) and eventual peri-procedural percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is generally beneficial in TAVI patients has recently been heavily questioned. CA carries significant risks, such as kidney injury, bleeding, and prolonged hospital stay, and may frequently be unnecessary if significant stenoses of the proximal coronary segments can be ruled out on computed tomography angiography. Moreover, the benefits of pre-emptive coronary revascularization at the time of TAVI are not well defined. Despite these facts and weak guideline recommendations, CA and eventual PCI of stable significant coronary lesions at the time of TAVI remain common practice. However, ongoing randomized trials currently challenge the efficacy of such strategies to enable a more streamlined, individualized, and resource-sparing treatment with TAVI.

Albumin: a comprehensive review and practical guideline for clinical use.

Nowadays, it is largely accepted that albumin should not be used in hypoalbuminemia or for nutritional purpose. The most discussed indication of albumin at present is the resuscitation in shock states, especially distributive shocks such as septic shock. The main evidence-based indication is also liver disease. In this review, we provided updated evidence-based instruction for definite and potential indications of albumin administration in clinical practice, with appropriate dosing and duration. Data collection was carried out until November 2023 by search of electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. GRADE system has been used to determine the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations for each albumin indication. A total of 165 relevant studies were included in this review. Fluid replacement in plasmapheresis and liver diseases, including hepatorenal syndrome, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and large-volume paracentesis, have a moderate to high quality of evidence and a strong recommendation for administering albumin. Moreover, albumin is used as a second-line and adjunctive to crystalloids for fluid resuscitation in hypovolemic shock, sepsis and septic shock, severe burns, toxic epidermal necrolysis, intradialytic hypotension, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, major surgery, non-traumatic brain injury, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and severe and refractory edema with hypoalbuminemia has a low to moderate quality of evidence and weak recommendation to use. Also, in modest volume paracentesis, severe hyponatremia in cirrhosis has a low to moderate quality of evidence and a weak recommendation. Albumin administration is most indicated in management of cirrhosis complications. Fluid resuscitation or treatment of severe and refractory edema, especially in patients with hypoalbuminemia and not responding to other treatments, is another rational use for albumin. Implementation of evidence-based guidelines in hospitals can be an effective measure to reduce inappropriate uses of albumin.

The EAN-NeuPSIG guideline on the diagnosis of neuropathic pain-asummary

In this joint guideline of the scientific societies and working groups mentioned in the title, evidence-based recommendations for the use of screening questionnaires and diagnostic tests in patients with neuropathic pain were developed. The systematic literature search and meta-analysis yielded the following results: Of the screening questionnaires, Douleur Neuropathique en 4Questions (DN4), I‑DN4 (self-administered DN4), and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) received astrong recommendation, while S‑LANSS (self-administered LANSS) and PainDETECT received weak recommendations for their use in the diagnostic workup of patients with possible neuropathic pain. There was astrong recommendation for the use of skin biopsy and aweak recommendation for quantitative sensory testing and nociceptive evoked potentials. The role of confocal corneal microscopy is still unclear. Functional imaging and peripheral nerve blocks are helpful in elucidating the pathophysiology, but current literature does not support their use in diagnosing neuropathic pain. In selected cases, genetic testing in specialized centers may be considered.