BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of flow diversion among distal anterior circulation aneurysms must be proved. PURPOSE: Our aim was to analyze the outcomes after flow diversion among MCA, anterior communicating artery, and distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of 3 databases was performed for studies published from 2005 to 2018. STUDY SELECTION: According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we included studies reporting flow diversion of distal anterior circulation aneurysms. DATA ANALYSIS: Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool aneurysm occlusion and complication rates. From the individual patient data, univariate and multivariate analyses were used to test predictors of occlusion and complications. DATA SYNTHESIS: We included 27 studies (484 aneurysms). The long-term adequate occlusion rate (O9Kelly-Marotta scale, C–D) was 82.7% (295/364; 95% CI, 77.4%–87.9%; I² = 52%). Treatment-related complications were 12.5% (63/410; 95% CI, 9%–16%%; I² = 18.8%), with 5.4% (29/418; 95% CI, 3.2%–7.5%; I² = 0%) morbidity. MCA location was an independent factor associated with lower occlusion (OR = 0.5, P = .03) and higher complication rates (OR = 1.8, P = .02), compared with anterior communicating artery and distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. The Pipeline Embolization Device (versus other stents) gave better occlusion rates (OR = 2.6, P = .002), whereas large/giant aneurysms were associated with higher odds of complications (OR = 2.2, P = .03). The rates of occlusion and narrowing of arteries covered by flow-diverter stents were 6.3% (29/283; 95% CI, 3.5%–9.1%; I² = 4.2%) and 23.8% (69/283; 95% CI, 15.7%–32%; I² = 80%), respectively. Symptoms related to occlusion and narrowing of the jailed arteries were 3.5% (6/269; 95% CI, 1.1%–5%; I² = 0%) and 3% (6/245; 95% CI, 1%–4%; I² = 0%), respectively. LIMITATIONS: We reviewed small and retrospective series. CONCLUSIONS: Flow diversion among distal anterior circulation aneurysms is effective, leading to adequate aneurysm occlusion in 83% of cases. However, this strategy has some limitations among MCA and larger lesions, especially related to the higher rate of complications. Compared with the other devices, the Pipeline Embolization Device seems to be associated with a higher occlusion rate.

A low-FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) diet (LFD) is a possible therapy for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study investigates the short- and long-term efficacy and nutritional adequacy of an LFD and the patients’ long-term acceptability. Patients’ adherence and ability to perceive the “trigger” foods were also evaluated. Seventy-three IBS patients were given an LFD (T0) and after 2 months (T1), 68 started the reintroduction phase. At the end of this period (T2), 59 were advised to go on an Adapted Low-FODMAP Diet (AdLFD) and 41 were evaluated again after a 6–24 month follow-up (T3). At each time, questionnaires and Biolectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) were performed. The LFD was effective in controlling digestive symptoms both in the short- and long-term, and in improving quality of life, anxiety and depression, even if some problems regarding acceptability were reported and adherence decreased in the long term. The LFD improved the food-related quality of life without affecting nutritional adequacy. When data collected at T0 were compared with those collected at T2, the perception of trigger foods was quite different. Even if some problems of acceptability and adherence are reported, an LFD is nutritionally adequate and effective in improving IBS symptoms also in the long term.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of treatment with self-expandable braided stents (LEO and LVIS) required further investigation. PURPOSE: Our aim was to analyze the outcomes after treatment with braided stents. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of 3 databases was performed for studies published from 2006 to 2017. STUDY SELECTION: According to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we included studies reporting patients treated with LEO or LVIS stents. DATA ANALYSIS: Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool the following: aneurysm occlusion rate, complications, and neurologic outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS: Thirty-five studies evaluating 1426 patients treated with braided stents were included in this meta-analysis. Successful stent delivery and complete aneurysm occlusion were 97% (1041/1095; 95% CI, 95%–98%) (I² = 44%) and 88.3% (1097/1256; 95% CI, 85%–91%) (I² = 72%), respectively. Overall, treatment-related complications were 7.4% (107/1317; 95% CI, 5%–9%) (I² = 44%). Ischemic/thromboembolic events (48/1324 = 2.4%; 95% CI, 1.5%–3.4%) (I² = 27%) and in-stent thrombosis (35/1324 = 1.5%; 95% CI, 0.6%–1.7%) (I² = 0%) were the most common complications. Treatment-related morbidity was 1.5% (30/1324; 95% CI, 0.9%–2%) and was comparable between the LEO and LVIS groups. Complication rates between the anterior (29/322 = 8.8%; 95% CI, 3.4%–12%) (I² = 41%) versus posterior circulation (10/84 = 10.5%; 95% CI, 4%–16%) (I² = 0%) and distal (30/303 = 8%; 95% CI, 4.5%–12%) (I² = 48%) versus proximal aneurysms (14/153 = 9%; 95% CI, 3%–13%) (I² = 46%) were comparable (P > .05). LIMITATIONS: Limitations were selection and publication biases. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis, treatment with the LEO and LVIS stents was relatively safe and effective. The most common complications were periprocedural thromboembolisms and in-stent thrombosis. The rate of complications was comparable among anterior and posterior circulation aneurysms, as well as for proximal and distally located lesions.

A growing number of Italian families are adopting a vegan diet (VD) for their offspring from infancy for various reasons, with health benefits and ethics being the most common reasons. Barriers to effective communication with primary care pediatricians (PCPs) are perceived by many parents and, depending on the actors involved and the environment, a VD may affect social interactions in everyday life. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and September 2020. Parents of children following a VD completed an online questionnaire. Data from 176 Italian parents were collected. About 72% (71.8%) of the children included in this study had been on a VD since weaning. Parents did not inform their primary care pediatricians (PCP) about the VD in 36.2% of the cases. In 70.8% of the cases, PCPs were perceived as skeptical or against a VD. About 70% (71.2%) of the parents relied on medical dietitians, and 28.2% on nutritionists/dietitians for dietary counseling. Parents administered an individual B12 supplement in 87.2% of the cases. To the best of our knowledge, this survey is the first which explores the relationship between vegan parents and their PCPs, the parental management of their children’s diet and problems regarding the implementation of a VD in everyday life.