Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is significantly associated with cardiovascular disease and poor prognosis. Deep learning (DL) models have been explored for automatic EAT segmentation, but systematic evidence verifying their effectiveness is currently lacking. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of DL models for EAT segmentation and quantification, aiming to support the development of automated tools. We searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore through February 20, 2026. Studies reporting DL-based quantitative EAT segmentation were included. Quality was assessed with QUADAS-2. The Dice similarity coefficient (Dice), correlation coefficient (R), and Bland–Altman bias were used to evaluate segmentation efficacy, the correlation between automated segmentation and reference standards, and consistency, respectively. A random-effects model with the Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman method pooled these measures. Thirty eligible studies were included, covering five image types. For non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), the pooled Dice was 0.888 (95
The term “complex multimorbidity” lacks universal consensus and its relevance remains unclear. We aimed to assess the prevalence of complex multimorbidity and its association with major healthcare outcomes. This was a prospective, single-centre study (internal medicine ward). We collected sociodemographic and clinical data and we categorised patients into non-overlapping categories, namely no multimorbidity, basic multimorbidity (two or more chronic conditions, with no qualifiers of complex multimorbidity), or complex multimorbidity ([a], ≥ 3 chronic conditions from ≥ 3 different body systems; [b], at least one physical and one mental condition; and [c], being ≥ 65 years old with ≥ 4 chronic conditions, including vision/hearing problems). The prevalence of multimorbidity sub-definitions and their association with major outcomes were assessed. Among 1415 patients (median age 80 years, IQR 69–86, F:M 1.15:1), multimorbidity (96.2
Anemia and iron deficiency (ID) are extremely common comorbidities in elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and are associated with reduced functional capacity and worse prognosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of one-year therapy with SGLT2i as add-on to intravenous infusion of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) with improvement in functional abilities, in a cohort of elderly patients with HFrEF/HFmrEF with ID anemia. This study enrolled outpatients with CHF with ID anemia receiving intravenous administration of FCM and stratified into two groups according to SGLT2i use. The study endpoint was an achievement of Short physical performance battery (SPPB)>8pt at one year of follow-up. 222 patients, with a mean age of 75.5±6.0 years were enrolled and 53 received SGLT2i while 169 not. After 1 year of follow-up, a significant improvement in the main clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic and CGA parameters were observed in both groups; however, these improvements were statistically greater in those patients receiving also SGLT2i. The mean dose of FCM administered to the entire population at baseline was 734.2 ± 331.7 mg, with no significant differences between the two groups (p=0.475). Add on therapy with SGLT2i was associated with a greater improvement in functional abilities (OR 7.66; CI 95
Considering the frequency of recurrence in low back pain (LBP), there is no single medication group with promising efficacy in acute settings. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provide better pain relief with rather low complications. Since ketorolac has been relatively effective, we compared its safety and efficacy with ibuprofen as an alternative for pain relief in acute LBP. In this multi-centric triple-blind randomized clinical trial, we compared intravenous (IV) ibuprofen and ketorolac in patients with acute LBP presenting to the EDs of three university hospitals. Group 1 received IV ibuprofen (800 mg), and group 2 received IV ketorolac (30 mg), based on a computerized random sequence. Trained head nurses prepared analgesics in blocks of four. Neither patients nor the researcher or the statistician knew about the medication. We applied Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for patients to score their pain at baseline and 10 and 30 min after pain medications. Of 73 enrolled patients, 39 were in the ketorolac group and 34 participants in the ibuprofen group. Pain scores were significantly lower in the ibuprofen group at both 10 min (49.6 vs 57.4; p =0.013) and 30 min (32.2 vs 40.7; p =0.038). Based on the pain intensity after 30 min, the majority of patients in the ibuprofen group (70.6
Estimated plasma volume status (ePVS), derived from a simple formula based on haematocrit and haemoglobin values, has been associated with an unfavourable prognosis in many cardiovascular conditions, demonstrating a correlation with volume overload and the haemodynamic status of the patient. Indeed, ePVS was demonstrated to estimate the degree of congestion and was independently associated with cardiovascular outcomes, rehospitalization, and death in patients with heart failure (HF), confirming its prognostic value also in inflammatory pathologies. Due to its easy and immediate availability even in the emergency department (ED), ePVS may be useful in trauma patients to improve their initial evaluation and management. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate the role of ePVS at ED admission in predicting mortality and blood products use, red blood cells (RBC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP), in trauma. We included 790 patients, of whom 67.7
