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International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2022Spinal stenosis (SS) is a multifactorial polyetiological condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition is a common source of pain among... (Review)
Review
Spinal stenosis (SS) is a multifactorial polyetiological condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition is a common source of pain among people over 50 years old. We perform a systematic review of molecular and genetic mechanisms that cause SS. The five main mechanisms of SS were found to be ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), hypertrophy and ossification of the ligamentum flavum (HLF/OLF), facet joint (FJ) osteoarthritis, herniation of the intervertebral disc (IVD), and achondroplasia. FJ osteoarthritis, OPLL, and HLF/OLFLF/OLF have all been associated with an over-abundance of transforming growth factor beta and genes related to this phenomenon. OPLL has also been associated with increased bone morphogenetic protein 2. FJ osteoarthritis is additionally associated with Wnt/β-catenin signaling and genes. IVD herniation is associated with collagen type I alpha 1 and 2 gene mutations and subsequent protein dysregulation. Finally, achondroplasia is associated with fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene mutations and fibroblast growth factor signaling. Although most publications lack data on a direct relationship between the mutation and SS formation, it is clear that genetics has a direct impact on the formation of any pathology, including SS. Further studies are necessary to understand the genetic and molecular changes associated with SS.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Spinal Stenosis; Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament; Ligamentum Flavum; Achondroplasia; Osteoarthritis
PubMed: 36362274
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113479 -
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of... Oct 2019Posterior cervical fusion (PCF) with decompression is a treatment option for patients with conditions such as spondylosis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Posterior cervical fusion (PCF) with decompression is a treatment option for patients with conditions such as spondylosis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disorders that result in myelopathy or radiculopathy. The annual rate, number, and cost of PCF in the United States has increased. Far fewer studies have been published on PCF outcomes than on anterior cervical fusion (ACF) outcomes, most likely because far fewer PCFs than ACFs are performed.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the patient-reported and clinical outcomes of adult patients who underwent subaxial posterior cervical fusion with decompression.
STUDY DESIGN/SETTING
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
PATIENT SAMPLE
The total number of patients in the 31 articles reviewed and included in the meta-analysis was 1,238 (range 7-166).
OUTCOME MEASURES
Preoperative to postoperative change in patient-reported outcomes (visual analog scales for arm pain and neck pain, Neck Disability Index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] score, modified JOA score, and Nurick pain scale) and rates of fusion, revision, and complications or adverse events.
METHODS
This study was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and a preapproved protocol. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for articles published from January 2001 through July 2018. Statistical analyses for patient-reported outcomes were performed on the outcomes' raw mean differences, calculated as postoperative value minus preoperative value from each study. Pooled rates of successful fusion, revision surgery, and complications or adverse events, and their 95% confidence intervals, were also calculated. Two subgroup analyses were performed: one for studies in which only myelopathy or radiculopathy (or both) were stated as surgical indications and the other for studies in which only myelopathy or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (or both) were stated as surgical indications. This study was funded by Providence Medical Technology, Inc. ($32,000).
RESULTS
Thirty-three articles were included in the systematic review, and 31 articles were included in the meta-analysis. For all surgical indications and for the 2 subgroup analyses, every cumulative change in patient-reported outcome improved. Many of the reported changes in patient-reported outcome also exceeded the minimal clinically important differences. Pooled outcome rates with all surgical indications were 98.25% for successful fusion, 1.09% for revision, and 9.02% for complications or adverse events. Commonly reported complications or adverse events were axial pain, C5 palsy, transient neurological worsening, and wound infection.
CONCLUSIONS
Posterior cervical fusion with decompression resulted in significant clinical improvement, as indicated by the changes in patient-reported outcomes. Additionally, high fusion rates and low rates of revision and of complications and adverse events were found.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Cervical Vertebrae; Decompression, Surgical; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Reoperation; Spinal Cord Diseases; Spinal Fusion
PubMed: 31075361
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2019.04.019 -
Journal of Neurology Oct 2021The group of genetic degenerative ataxias shares the same feature of gradual deterioration in balance and coordination. However, no cure is yet available for this group... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The group of genetic degenerative ataxias shares the same feature of gradual deterioration in balance and coordination. However, no cure is yet available for this group of disorders, while rehabilitation remains a cornerstone in the current therapy. This review aims to present a summary of the current knowledge of balance and coordination training in patients with inherited degenerative ataxia and to discuss the training effectiveness accordingly.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was performed in 5 electronic databases (i.e., Cochrane Library, PEDro, EMbase, PubMed and MEDLINE) to identify the related publications from January, 1999 to January, 2020. Methodological quality was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) grading system and the PEDro scale.
RESULTS
A total of 33 out of 515 studies met the eligibility criteria, and were categorized and discussed by their training methods including: (1) conventional physical/occupational therapy, (2) virtual reality/videogame-based training, and (3) adapted physical activity. Despite the substantial variation among included studies, most patients achieved significant improvement in the aspect of balance and coordination following individually-tailored rehabilitation programs. The effects of training showed a relative consistency regardless of the functional dependency level on admission.
CONCLUSIONS
Balance and coordination training, especially the conventional physical/occupational therapy, is able to improve the balance and coordinative function of patients with genetic degenerative ataxia, but more high-quality studies are needed to formulate recommendations for clinical practice.
Topics: Ataxia; Exercise; Humans; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postural Balance; Video Games; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 32583055
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09938-6 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2021Comorbidities are seen with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) across the lifespan. Neurodevelopmental comorbidities are common in young children, followed by mood,...
Comorbidities are seen with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) across the lifespan. Neurodevelopmental comorbidities are common in young children, followed by mood, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive related disorders (OCRDs) in children, adolescents and adults, and neurological and degenerative disorders in the elderly. Understanding comorbidity prevalence and patterns has clinical and research implications. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on comorbidities in OCD across the lifespan, with the objective to, first, estimate age-wise pattern and prevalence of comorbidities with OCD and, second, to examine associations of demographic (age at assessment, gender distribution) and clinical characteristics (age of onset, illness severity) with comorbidities. Four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and PsycINFO) were searched using predefined search terms for articles published between 1979 and 2020. Eligible studies, across age, reported original findings on comorbidities and had an OCD sample size of ≥100. We excluded studies that did not use standardised diagnostic assessments, or that excluded patients on the basis of comorbidity. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The review protocol has been registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. A comorbidity rate of 69% was found in a pooled sample of more than 15,000 individuals. Mood disorders (major depressive disorder), anxiety disorders (generalised anxiety disorder), neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and OCRDs were the commonest comorbidities. Anxiety disorders prevailed in children, mood disorders in adults, whereas NDDs were similarly prevalent. Higher comorbidity with any psychiatric illness, NDDs, and severe mental disorders was seen in males, vs. females. Illness severity was inversely associated with rates for panic disorder, tic disorders, OCRDs, obsessive compulsive personality disorder, and anorexia nervosa. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides base rates for comorbidities in OCD across the lifespan. This has implications for comprehensive clinical evaluation and management planning. The high variability in comorbidity rates suggests the need for quality, multi-centric, large studies, using prospective designs. Unique Identifier: CRD42020215904.
PubMed: 34858219
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.703701 -
Acta Orthopaedica 2015We performed a systematic review and a survey in order to (1) evaluate the evidence for the impact of spine registries on the quality of spine care, and with that, on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
We performed a systematic review and a survey in order to (1) evaluate the evidence for the impact of spine registries on the quality of spine care, and with that, on patient-related outcomes, and (2) evaluate the methodology used to organize, analyze, and report the "quality of spine care" from spine registries.
METHODS
To study the impact, the literature on all spinal disorders was searched. To study methodology, the search was restricted to degenerative spinal disorders. The risk of bias in the studies included was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Additionally, a survey among registry representatives was performed to acquire information about the methodology and practice of existing registries.
RESULTS
4,273 unique references up to May 2014 were identified, and 1,210 were eligible for screening and assessment. No studies on impact were identified, but 34 studies were identified to study the methodology. Half of these studies (17 of the 34) were judged to have a high risk of bias. The survey identified 25 spine registries, representing 14 countries. The organization of these registries, methods used, analytical approaches, and dissemination of results are presented.
INTERPRETATION
We found a lack of evidence that registries have had an impact on the quality of spine care, regardless of whether intervention was non-surgical and/or surgical. To improve the quality of evidence published with registry data, we present several recommendations. Application of these recommendations could lead to registries showing trends, monitoring the quality of spine care given, and ultimately improving the value of the care given to patients with degenerative spinal disorders.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Health Care; Registries; Spinal Diseases; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25909475
DOI: 10.3109/17453674.2015.1043174 -
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Oct 2017Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative disorder of the neck. Recent studies have reported the roles of single nucleotide polymorphisms and abnormal gene... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative disorder of the neck. Recent studies have reported the roles of single nucleotide polymorphisms and abnormal gene expression in the etiology and development of CSM. However, a systemic review of these findings is currently unavailable.
METHODS
A systemic review of genetic factors of CSM was conducted through searching PubMed and EMbase databases. A total of 9 studies were included in this study, which included 8 genes: brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), osteopontin (OPN), bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 4, collagen IX, vitamin D receptor (VDR), apolipoprotein E (ApoE), hypoxia-inducible factor α (HIF-1α), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2).
RESULTS
The polymorphisms of 6 genes (OPN, BMP-4, collagen IX, VDR, HIF-1α) showed significant association with the susceptibility to or risk of CSM. The polymorphisms of 3 genes (BMP-4, ApoE4, HIF-1α) were significantly associated with the postoperative outcome. The polymorphism of BDNF, VDR, and expression of COX-2 were associated with the severity of disease.
CONCLUSION
This review demonstrates that 8 genes were associated with CSM although there is no repeated study. This review also suggests that large scale and high quality studies are needed to provide more reliable evidence for future evaluation.
Topics: Humans; Apolipoprotein E4; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Cyclooxygenase 2; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Neurosurgical Procedures; Osteopontin; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Postoperative Complications; Receptors, Calcitriol; Spondylosis
PubMed: 28734792
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.06.043 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Spine Apr 2023Postoperative C5 palsy (C5P) is a well-recognized and often-delayed complication of cervical spine surgery. Most patients recover within 6 months of onset, but the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Postoperative C5 palsy (C5P) is a well-recognized and often-delayed complication of cervical spine surgery. Most patients recover within 6 months of onset, but the prognosis of severe cases is poor. The clinical significance and natural history of mild versus severe C5P appear to differ substantially, but palsy severity and recovery have been poorly characterized in the literature.
METHODS
Owing to the varying prognoses and expanding treatment options such as nerve transfer surgery to reconstruct the C5 myotome, this systematic review attempted to describe how C5P severity is classified and how C5P and its recovery are defined, with the aim of proposing a postoperative C5P scale to support clinical decision-making. PubMed was searched for articles in English published since 2000 that offer a clear definition of postoperative C5P or its recovery. Only articles reporting exclusively on C5 palsy for patients undergoing surgery for degenerative disease were included. A single reviewer screened titles and abstracts and reviewed the full text of relevant articles, with consultation as needed from a second reviewer. Data collected included postoperative C5P definitions, classification of C5P severity, and definition and/or classification of C5P recovery. Qualitative analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Full-text reviews were conducted of 98 of 272 articles identified and screened, and 43 met the inclusion criteria. Postoperative C5P was most commonly defined as a reduction in deltoid muscle strength by ≥ 1 grade using manual muscle testing (MMT), with potential biceps involvement also noted by some studies. The few studies that stratified C5P on the basis of severity unanimously characterized severe C5P as MMT grade ≤ 2. Nine studies reported on C5P recovery. Deltoid muscle strength improvement of MMT grade 5 commonly defined complete recovery, with no MMT improvement considered partial recovery.
CONCLUSIONS
This review identified clear discrepancies in the definitions of C5P and its recovery, leading to heterogeneity in its evaluation and management. With the emergence of therapeutic procedures for severe C5P, standardization of the definitions of C5P and its recovery is critical. The authors propose MMT grades of 4, 3, and ≤ 2 to classify C5P as mild, moderate, and severe, respectively, and grades of 5, 4, and 3 to classify recovery as complete, sufficient, and useful, respectively.
Topics: Humans; Decompression, Surgical; Cervical Vertebrae; Paralysis; Neurosurgical Procedures; Spinal Fusion; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 36585862
DOI: 10.3171/2022.11.SPINE221067 -
A systematic review on the prevalence of preoperative and postoperative depression in lumbar fusion.Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Oct 2022Depression and Degenerative Spine Disease (DSD) frequently co-exist. Pooled prevalence estimates of depression before and after lumbar fusion surgery has not been... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Depression and Degenerative Spine Disease (DSD) frequently co-exist. Pooled prevalence estimates of depression before and after lumbar fusion surgery has not been analyzed before. The purpose of this systematic review was to estimate the pre- and post-operative prevalence of depression in patients with DSD undergoing lumbar fusion.
METHODS
A literature review until April 30th 2022 was performed. All studies on DSD patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion surgery with either a history of formal diagnosis of depression or a recording of depression using a validated tool were included. Patients with other psychiatric conditions or undergoing a different form of spinal surgery were excluded. Risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS
Fifteen (15) studies with a total of 98.375 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The prevalence estimate of depression in patients before surgery was 15,35 % (95% CI: 10,56-20,86%). In the 7 studies including patients who had undergone lumbar fusion, the pooled prevalence was estimated 11,46% (95% CI: 8,11-15,30%).
CONCLUSION
An increased prevalence of depression in patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion was noted. Given the correlation between depression and poor surgical outcomes, strategies should be identified to prevent and treat depression in these patients.
Topics: Depression; Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Lumbosacral Region; Postoperative Complications; Prevalence; Spinal Fusion; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35987119
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.08.001 -
Brain Sciences Aug 2022Ataxia is a constellation of symptoms that involves a lack of coordination, imbalance, and difficulty walking. Hereditary ataxia occurs when a person is born with... (Review)
Review
Ataxia is a constellation of symptoms that involves a lack of coordination, imbalance, and difficulty walking. Hereditary ataxia occurs when a person is born with defective genes, and this degenerative disorder may progress for several years. There is no effective cure for ataxia, so we need to search for new treatments. Recently, interest in riluzole in the treatment of ataxia has emerged. We conducted this systematic review to analyze the safety and efficacy of riluzole for treating hereditary ataxia in recent clinical trials. We conducted a systematic review using PubMed and Google Scholar as databases in search of this relationship. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) protocols to conduct this study. For inclusion criteria, we included full-text clinical trials on humans written in English and found three clinical trials. We excluded case reports, literature reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses for this analysis. We aimed to evaluate the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) score, the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) score, and the safety of the medication. Two out of the three clinical trials showed statistically significant clinical improvement in the ICARS and SARA scores, while the other trial did not show improvement in the clinical or radiological outcomes. The drug was safe in all clinical trials. Overall, the results of this analysis of riluzole for the treatment of hereditary ataxia are encouraging. Further clinical trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of riluzole on hereditary ataxia.
PubMed: 36009103
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12081040 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Nov 2023Accumulation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage diminishes cellular health, increases risk of developmental and degenerative diseases, and accelerates aging.... (Review)
Review
Protective Effects of Micronutrient Supplements, Phytochemicals and Phytochemical-Rich Beverages and Foods Against DNA Damage in Humans: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Prospective Studies.
Accumulation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage diminishes cellular health, increases risk of developmental and degenerative diseases, and accelerates aging. Optimizing nutrient intake can minimize accrual of DNA damage. The objectives of this review are to: 1) assemble and systematically analyze high-level evidence for the effect of supplementation with micronutrients and phytochemicals on baseline levels of DNA damage in humans, and 2) use this knowledge to identify which of these essential micronutrients or nonessential phytochemicals promote DNA integrity in vivo in humans. We conducted systematic literature searches of the PubMed database to identify interventional, prospective, cross-sectional, or in vitro studies that explored the association between nutrients and established biomarkers of DNA damage associated with developmental and degenerative disease risk. Biomarkers included lymphocyte chromosome aberrations, lymphocyte and buccal cell micronuclei, DNA methylation, lymphocyte/leukocyte DNA strand breaks, DNA oxidation, telomere length, telomerase activity, and mitochondrial DNA mutations. Only randomized, controlled interventions and uncontrolled longitudinal intervention studies conducted in humans were selected for evaluation and data extraction. These studies were ranked for the quality of their study design. In all, 96 of the 124 articles identified reported studies that achieved a quality assessment score ≥ 5 (from a maximum score of 7) and were included in the final review. Based on these studies, nutrients associated with protective effects included vitamin A and its precursor β-carotene, vitamins C, E, B1, B12, folate, minerals selenium and zinc, and phytochemicals such as curcumin (with piperine), lycopene, and proanthocyanidins. These findings highlight the importance of nutrients involved in (i) DNA metabolism and repair (folate, vitamin B, and zinc) and (ii) prevention of oxidative stress and inflammation (vitamins A, C, E, lycopene, curcumin, proanthocyanidins, selenium, and zinc). Supplementation with certain micronutrients and their combinations may reduce DNA damage and promote cellular health by improving the maintenance of genome integrity.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Selenium; Lycopene; Cross-Sectional Studies; Curcumin; Proanthocyanidins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vitamins; Vitamin A; Micronutrients; Folic Acid; Zinc; Beverages; Phytochemicals; DNA; DNA Damage; Biomarkers; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37573943
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.004