-
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and... Jan 2021Recent spread of severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, resulting in new challenges across... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recent spread of severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, resulting in new challenges across all medical specialties. Limb and digit ischemia have been associated with COVID-19 infection. This systematic review includes primary studies of COVID-19 limb ischemia to identify risk factors, comorbidities, case characteristics, and treatment strategies to better understand the nature of this disease and its effects on the extremities.
METHODS
A literature search for studies detailing COVID-19 infected patients with limb or digit ischemia was performed, identifying 157 articles, 12 of which met inclusion criteria, accounting for 47 patients. Inclusion criteria were (1) primary studies, (2) positive disease diagnosis (3) limb ischemia, (4) reported treatment. Demographic data, case characteristics, treatments, outcomes and mortality were collected and pooled.
RESULTS
The average patient age was 67.6 years, predominantly male (79.6%). Of the 44 cases discussing treatment, 13 (30%) patients underwent medical treatment alone, while 23 (52.3%) patients underwent medical plus surgical treatment. Four patients (9.1%) were treated with observation. In 10 of the 12 studies, lab findings, thrombosis, or conclusions supporting a hypercoagulable state as a cause of limb/digit ischemia were cited. Five patients (10.6%) were on vasopressors and 8 patients (17.0%) were on a ventilator. Of those treated with observation alone, there was 100% resolution of symptoms. Of those treated medically without surgical intervention (17 patients), 6 patients (35.3%) were reported to have revascularization, 6 patients (35.3%) died, and the remaining outcomes were not reported. Medical and surgical treatment resulted in one limb amputation (4.4%) and altogether 74% of patients achieved revascularization of the affected limb/digit. Mortality rate was 45%.
CONCLUSIONS
COVID-19 infection may be associated with increased risk of limb or digital ischemia, although the quality of evidence supporting this theory is limited. Evidence of inflammatory-mediated thrombosis and endothelial injury are possible explanations which would support the use of immunotherapy in addition to anticoagulation for treatment or prevention of thromboembolic events. Current outcomes and treatment strategies are variable.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV.
PubMed: 33281415
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.11.018 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2021Rett Syndrome is an x linked developmental disorder which becomes apparent in females after 6 to 18 months of age. It leads to severe impairments including loss of... (Review)
Review
Rett Syndrome is an x linked developmental disorder which becomes apparent in females after 6 to 18 months of age. It leads to severe impairments including loss of speech, loss of hand movements/manual dexterity, characteristic hand movements such as hang wringing and intellectual disability/learning problems. This systematic review was carried out to identify the dental manifestation of Rett syndrome and to shed light on treatment options available for oral health problems associated with Rett syndrome. A systematic literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, Biomed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholars, Cochrane and CINAHL using the following entries: Rett syndrome ( = 3790), Oral health and Rett syndrome ( = 17), dental health of Rett syndrome patients ( = 13), and the MeSH terms listed below: Rett syndrome and Oral Health ( = 17), Rett syndrome and dentistry ( = 29). The final review included 22 search articles. The most common oral findings was bruxism. Masseteric hypertrophy was also reported. Anterior open bite and non-physiological tooth wear was observed. Other oral manifestations of Rett syndrome included mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, digit/thumb sucking, high arch palate. Increased awareness and dental education amongst dentists and assistants regarding the dental manifestations of Rett syndrome and similar neurodevelopmental disorders is required to improve the level of care and empathy they can provide to these differently able patients. Research on dental aspects of Rett is scarce and this remains a neglected topic.
Topics: Bruxism; Female; Hand; Humans; Rett Syndrome; Speech
PubMed: 33525609
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031162 -
Journal of Audiology & Otology Jan 2022Although the digit-in-noise (DIN) test is simple and quick, little is known about its key factors. This study explored the considerable components of the DIN test...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Although the digit-in-noise (DIN) test is simple and quick, little is known about its key factors. This study explored the considerable components of the DIN test through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
After six electronic journal databases were screened, 14 studies were selected. For the meta-analysis, standardized mean difference was used to calculate effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS
The overall result of the meta-analysis showed an effect size of 2.224. In a subgroup analysis, the patient's hearing status was found to have the highest effect size, meaning that the DIN test was significantly sensitive to screen for hearing loss. In terms of the length of the presenting digits, triple digits had lower speech recognition thresholds (SRTs) than single or pairs of digits. Among the types of background noise, speech-spectrum noise provided lower SRTs than multi-talker babbling. Regarding language variance, the DIN test showed better performance in the patient's native language(s) than in other languages.
CONCLUSIONS
When uniformly developed and well validated, the DIN test can be a universal tool for hearing screening.
PubMed: 34775699
DOI: 10.7874/jao.2021.00416 -
NPJ Digital Medicine Apr 2023Positive adjustment to chronic diseases reduces psychiatric comorbidity and enhances quality of life. Very little is known about the benefit of internet-based and... (Review)
Review
Positive adjustment to chronic diseases reduces psychiatric comorbidity and enhances quality of life. Very little is known about the benefit of internet-based and mobile-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IM-CBT) on physical outcomes and its reciprocal interactions with psychiatric outcomes, the active therapeutic elements, and effect moderators among people with major chronic medical conditions. In this systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42022265738), CINAHL of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science are systematically searched up to 1 June 2022, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IM-CBT against non-CBT control condition(s) among people with chronic disease(s). Primary outcomes include improvements in psychiatric symptoms (depressive, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, general psychological distress) from baseline to post-intervention and follow-ups. Secondary outcomes include improvements in physical distress (physical symptoms, functional impairment, self-rated ill health, objective physiological dysfunction). Among 44 RCTs (5077 patients with seven different chronic diseases), IM-CBT improves depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and general psychological distress at post-intervention and across follow-ups, and improves physical distress and functional impairment at post-intervention. Preliminary evidence suggests that behavioral modification and problem-solving could be necessary components to reduce psychiatric symptoms in IM-CBT, whereas cognitive restructuring, psychoeducation, and mindfulness elements relate to reduced physical distress. IM-CBT shows stronger benefits in chronic pain, cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease, relative to other conditions. Changes in psychiatric symptoms and physical distress prospectively predict each other over time. IM-CBT is an effective intervention for comprehensive symptom management among people with chronic diseases.
PubMed: 37117458
DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00809-8 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery Jan 2022Digit replantation is a high-stakes procedure that has been shown to be cost-effective, especially for multiple-digit replantation. However, it is associated with...
PURPOSE
Digit replantation is a high-stakes procedure that has been shown to be cost-effective, especially for multiple-digit replantation. However, it is associated with prolonged lengths of stay (LOS) for monitoring and attempts at salvage. The cost-effectiveness of prolonged inpatient stays presumes that this is necessary and inherent to the replantation. We hypothesized that prolonged monitoring of replanted digits, in the hope of possible salvage after primary failure, is cost-ineffective due to the low rates of vascular compromise and salvage after replantation.
METHODS
Using previously published data comparing quality adjusted life years lost after traumatic digit amputation versus digit replantation, we devised a cost utility model to evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of inpatient monitoring. To determine rates of vascular compromise and salvage after digit replantation, we performed a systematic review of the literature through MEDLINE and SCOPUS database searches to identify relevant articles on digital replantation since 1990. Cost-effectiveness was stratified based on the number of digits replanted.
RESULTS
Fewer than 9% of replanted digits both experience vascular compromise and are successfully salvaged. Adjusting for this, inpatient monitoring for single-digit and thumb replantation becomes cost-ineffective after 1 day of admission and monitoring for multiple-digit replantation becomes cost-ineffective after 2 days of admission.
CONCLUSIONS
In the United States, prolonged admissions for inpatient monitoring quickly become cost-ineffective, especially with relatively low rates of salvage. Surgeons should avoid extended hospitalizations for replant monitoring and should pursue enhanced recovery protocols for replantation, especially considering burgeoning health care costs in the United States.
TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Economic/Decision Analysis III.
Topics: Amputation, Traumatic; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Finger Injuries; Fingers; Humans; Inpatients; Replantation; Retrospective Studies; United States
PubMed: 34548183
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.07.024 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jul 2021Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic and abundant elements in the earth's crust, which is pointed out that the intoxication caused by it may damage biological systems.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic and abundant elements in the earth's crust, which is pointed out that the intoxication caused by it may damage biological systems. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between Pb exposure and neurological damage. This work was executed according to PRISMA guidelines, and seven online databases were consulted. Based on the PECO strategy, studies presenting humans as participants (populations) exposed to Pb (exposure) compared to non-exposed to Pb (control) evaluating the neurological impairment (outcome) were included. The quality and risk of bias were verified by Fowkes and Fulton checklist. Two meta-analyses were conducted considering Digit Symbol and Profile Mood tests. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated with the GRADE tool. This review identified 2019 studies, of which 12 were eligible according to the inclusion criteria. Eight were considered with a low risk of bias. All the studies elected showed that exposure to Pb is associated with neurological damage, but the meta-analysis did not show any difference for the evaluated tests, and the certainty of the evidence was considered very low. Nevertheless, the included studies showed that Pb occupational exposure is associated with neurological damage, and the main parameters evaluated for possible neurological damage were related to mnemonic aspects, reaction time, intelligence, attention disorders, and mood changes. Thus, our results revealed that a definitive demonstration of an association of Pb and neurological changes in humans is still a pending issue. Future studies should take into consideration more confident methods to answer this question.
Topics: Humans; Lead; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 34046839
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13536-y -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B May 2023Impaired processing speed (PS) can affect patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, it is usually considered a nonspecific clinical feature and is not... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Impaired processing speed (PS) can affect patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, it is usually considered a nonspecific clinical feature and is not measured, but this raises lexical and methodological problems. This review aims to evaluate the existing terminology and assessment methods of PS in patients with TLE.
METHODS
A scoping review was conducted based on the extended guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. The electronic literature search was conducted on Medline-PubMed, American Psychological Association-PsycINFO, Elton Bryson Stephens Company, and Google Scholar, using the keywords "temporal lobe epilepsy" and "speed" or "slowing" plus "processing," "cognitive," "psychomotor," or "mental." Peer-reviewed articles published before December 2022 were analyzed if they were in English, including patients older than 14 years and at least one neuropsychological measure, reported original research focused on PS and had the selected keywords in the title, keywords, and abstract.
RESULTS
Seven articles published between December 2004 and September 2021 were selected. The terms "processing speed," "psychomotor speed," and "information processing speed," based on similar theoretical constructs, were the most frequently used. Assessment methods included non-computerized or paper-and-pencil tests (WAIS-III Digit Symbol and Symbol Search subtests, Purdue Pegboard and Grooved Pegboard Tests, Trail Making Test and Stroop Color-Word Test) and computerized tests (Sternberg Memory Scanning Test, Pattern Comparison Processing Speed, Computerized Visual Searching). In some studies, impairment was associated with white and gray matter damage in the brain, independent of clinical and treatment variables.
CONCLUSION
Clinical research on TLE has focused inconsistently on PS. Different evaluation terms and methods have been used while referring to similar theoretical constructs. These findings highlight a gap between the clinical importance of PS and its assessment. Studies are needed to share terms and tools among clinical centers and clarify the position of PS in the TLE phenotype.
Topics: Humans; Processing Speed; Neuropsychological Tests; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe; Cognition; Temporal Lobe
PubMed: 36963317
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109169 -
The Lancet. Digital Health Mar 2023Digital health interventions are effective for hypertension self-management, but a comparison of the effectiveness and implementation of the different modes of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effectiveness, reach, uptake, and feasibility of digital health interventions for adults with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Digital health interventions are effective for hypertension self-management, but a comparison of the effectiveness and implementation of the different modes of interventions is not currently available. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of SMS, smartphone application, and website interventions on improving blood pressure in adults with hypertension, and to report on their reach, uptake, and feasibility.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and APA PsycInfo on May 25, 2022, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from Jan 1, 2009, that examined the effectiveness of digital health interventions on reducing blood pressure in adults with hypertension. Screening was carried out using Covidence, and data were extracted following Cochrane's guidelines. The primary endpoint was change in the mean of systolic blood pressure. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Data on systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction were synthesised in a meta-analysis, and data on reach, uptake and feasibility were summarised narratively. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria were used to evaluate the level of evidence. The study was registered with PROSPERO CRD42021247845.
FINDINGS
Of the 3235 records identified, 29 RCTs from 13 regions (n=7592 participants) were included in the systematic review, and 28 of these RCTs (n=7092 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. 11 studies used SMS as the primary mode of delivery of the digital health intervention, 13 used smartphone applications, and five used websites. Overall, digital health intervention group participants had a -3·62 mm Hg (95% CI -5·22 to -2·02) greater reduction in systolic blood pressure, and a -2·45 mm Hg (-3·83 to -1·07) greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure, compared with control group participants. No statistically significant differences between the three different modes of delivery were observed for both the systolic (p=0·73) and the diastolic blood pressure (p=0·80) outcomes. Smartphone application interventions had a statistically significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (-2·45 mm Hg [-4·15 to -0·74]); however, there were no statistically significant reductions for SMS interventions (-1·80 mm Hg [-4·60 to 1·00]) or website interventions (-3·43 mm Hg [-7·24 to 0·38]). Due to the considerable heterogeneity between included studies and the high risk of bias in some, the level of evidence was assigned a low overall score. Interventions were more effective among people with greater severity of hypertension at baseline. SMS interventions reported higher reach and smartphone application studies reported higher uptake, but differences were not statistically significant.
INTERPRETATION
SMS, smartphone application, and website interventions were associated with statistically and clinically significant systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions, compared with usual care, regardless of the mode of delivery of the intervention. This conclusion is tempered by the considerable heterogeneity of included studies and the high risk of bias in most. Future studies need to describe in detail the mediators and moderators of the effectiveness and implementation of these interventions, to both further improve their effectiveness as well as increase their reach, uptake, and feasibility.
FUNDING
European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Feasibility Studies; Hypertension; Blood Pressure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36828607
DOI: 10.1016/S2589-7500(23)00002-X -
Archives of Dermatological Research Apr 2023Metastases to the nail unit/distal phalanx (NU/DP), although rare, carry a poor prognosis and are frequently misdiagnosed due to variable clinical presentation.... (Review)
Review
Metastases to the nail unit/distal phalanx (NU/DP), although rare, carry a poor prognosis and are frequently misdiagnosed due to variable clinical presentation. Metastases to the NU/DP may be the initial presenting sign of a new or recurrent malignancy. Since the most recent systematic review of case reports (133 patients total) was conducted in 2001, we conducted a systematic review from 1900 to 2021 (244 patients total) to assess any changes in trends in demographics, clinical presentation, and morphology and to report on more updated differential diagnoses. We also examined cases for age, sex, race, ethnicity, Fitzpatrick skin type, laterality, distribution, and diagnostic methods. The PubMed database (1900-2021) was used to detect case-level data per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We found that the most common primary tumors were lung, kidney, and esophagus. A NU/DP metastasis was the presenting sign of malignancy in 31.00% of patients without a former cancer diagnosis. Male to female ratio was 2:1, with average age at diagnosis 58 years. Metastases most often affected a single digit (79.91%), particularly the thumb, followed by the fourth digit. This systematic review corroborates that metastases to the NU/DP may be the initial presenting sign of a new or recurrent malignancy and provides updated diagnostic guidelines. NU/DP metastasis should be considered in both healthy patients and patients with a former malignancy diagnosis presenting with nail changes involving a single digit. Prompt diagnosis and treatment may improve prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Skin Neoplasms; Nails; Melanoma; Nail Diseases; Fingers; Carcinoma
PubMed: 36260150
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-022-02411-6 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Dec 2023Children have been suggested to benefit from digit replantation due to a greater neurogenerative capacity. We aimed to conduct a systematic review on digit replantation...
BACKGROUND
Children have been suggested to benefit from digit replantation due to a greater neurogenerative capacity. We aimed to conduct a systematic review on digit replantation in children to provide a comprehensive overview of survival rates and functional outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials for studies published between 1980 and 2023. We included peer-reviewed studies reporting on digit survival rates in pediatric patients under the age of 18 years who underwent single or multiple digit replantations distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were extracted, and pooled estimates were derived using univariable analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies reporting on 761 patients and 814 digit replantations were included in our study. Most replantations occurred in the index (n = 74), Tamai zone I (n = 168), and from clean-cut injuries (n = 190). The mean survival rate was 76% (n = 618/814), with a mean range of motion at the distal interphalangeal joint ranging from 64 degrees to 90 degrees and two-point discrimination ranging from 3.8 mm to 6.4 mm. Compared with clean-cut injuries, digit replantations from avulsion [odds ratio (OR), 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74-0.89] or crush (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59-0.82) injuries were associated with a lower odds of survival. Digit replantations performed with two venous (OR, 1.43, 95% CI; 1.28-1.59) or arterial anastomoses (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.48-1.81) were associated with a higher odds of survival.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review suggests that digit replantation may be a viable option in children. Further research is required to explore functionality after digit replantation in diverse pediatric populations.
PubMed: 38098954
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005482