Numerous connections between the level of vitamin D (Vit-D) and the novel coronavirus disease -19 (COVID-19) have surfaced during the pandemic. So, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of Vit-D deficiency and its supplementation on the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients. We looked for relevant articles in Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web Science, PubMed, and EBSCO up until the end of 2022. The Open Meta Analyst software was used to analyze the extracted data. We classified them into two main categories based on their objectives. First, the studies that evaluated the effects of Vit-D deficiency in patients, and lastly, the studies that evaluated Vit-D as a supplement, both on mortality rate, hospitalization duration, ICU admission rate, and mechanical ventilation rate. A total of 8001 COVID-19 patients from 42 studies were included. A high serum Vit-D concentration compared to those with lower levels was associated with a significantly lower mortality rate (RR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.11: 2.02, p = 0.01). According to the estimated effect of 18 studies, those who took Vit-D supplements had a significantly lower mortality rate, hospitalization duration, ICU admission rate, and mechanical ventilation rate than those who did not. The group receiving Vit-D doses between 50 000 to 100 000 IU had a significantly better clinical outcome compared to lower and higher doses. COVID-19 patients with normal Vit-D levels had significantly lower death rates than those with hypovitaminosis. Vit-D supplements in COVID-19 significantly improved clinical outcomes. Vit-D supplementation between 50 000 to 100 000 IU, in patients with COVID-19 significantly outperformed other doses in terms of mortality.
29 October 2025 in Pediatric Surgery International
Background: Sequential embryo transfer (SEQET) can increase the availability of embryos at various stages within the implantation window, thus improving the outcomes of assisted conception. This research seeks to analyze and synthesize clinical information on the influence of SEQET on in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo transfer outcomes. Methods: The literature search was done through four databases, which are Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane. The inclusion criteria are clinical trials or observational studies comparing sequential embryo transfer (cleavage and blastocyst) to single-day embryo transfer (cleavage or blastocyst) in women undergoing IVF. Data was collected from the included studies and analyzed by RevMan software. Results: Twenty-three studies fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in this study. We found that SEQET showed significant improvement in clinical and chemical pregnancy rates (P < 0.00001) in comparison to the cleavage embryo transfer (CET) group. Moreover, implantation rates (P = 0.002) and live births (P = 0.006) were significantly greater. In comparing SEQET to blastocyst transfer, SEQET was associated with a significant increase in the clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.003). Conclusion: This research discovered that sequential embryo transfer significantly enhanced live birth, clinical pregnancy, chemical pregnancy, and implantation rates compared to cleavage transfer. SEQET also improved clinical pregnancy rates compared to blastocyst transfer. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of live birth, implantation rates, or miscarriages.
Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is a rare, chronic inflammatory neurological disorder affecting one cerebral hemisphere and presenting with drug‐resistant epilepsy, progressive hemiparesis, and cognitive decline. This case report describes the clinical course and management of a 21‐year‐old patient with refractory epilepsy and progressive neurological deterioration due to RE, followed over 12 years. The patient initially presented with persistent focal seizures characterized by automotor features, visual hallucinations, and postictal confusion, along with progressive right hemispheric atrophy and metabolic disturbances, including hypokalemia and bicarbonate deficits. Diagnosis was established through neuroimaging, revealing significant right hemispheric atrophy and EEG findings of frequent multifocal discharges. Management included immunomodulatory therapies, surgical intervention (right temporal lobectomy), and antiseizure medications. Despite partial seizure control, disease progression could not be arrested.
Background and Aims: Bilateral Wilms tumor (BWT) presents a significant challenge in pediatric oncology, necessitating a delicate balance between achieving oncological control and preserving renal function. While nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) has emerged as a promising alternative to radical nephrectomy, its overall safety and efficacy profile for BWT remains to be consolidated. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to synthesize the available evidence to evaluate the pooled safety and efficacy outcomes of NSS in children with BWT. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library). We included studies reporting on pediatric patients with BWT treated with NSS. A single‐arm meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model to pool estimates for survival, recurrence, and renal function outcomes. Results: Thirteen studies comprising 749 patients were included. The pooled overall survival rate was 55.9% (95% CI: 38.2%–73.7%), relapse‐free survival was 51.4% (95% CI: 32.6%–70.3%), and event‐free survival was 38.0% (95% CI: 23.3%–52.7%). The recurrence rate was 14.9% (95% CI: 9.4%–20.5%). Critically, renal function was well‐preserved, with a mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 92.0 mL/min/1.73 m². The need for dialysis (1.7%) and renal transplantation (4.3%) was low. Conclusion: NSS provides a viable surgical strategy for BWT, effectively preserving renal function without unduly compromising survival outcomes. The acceptable recurrence and low renal replacement therapy rates underscore its role in mitigating long‐term morbidity. Significant heterogeneity across studies highlights the need for standardized treatment protocols and prospective research to optimize patient selection and outcomes.
8 May 2026 in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders