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Ultrasound (Leeds, England) Nov 2016The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of intrapartum ultrasonography in measuring cervical dilatation, head station and position. Electronic... (Review)
Review
The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of intrapartum ultrasonography in measuring cervical dilatation, head station and position. Electronic literature searches were carried out of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Knowledge, plus manual reference list checks of all relevant articles. All published prospective studies comparing intrapartum ultrasonography with digital VE in the determination of cervical dilatation, head station and position were then evaluated for the success rate and level of agreement between ultrasonography and digital VE. Ultrasonography had higher success rate than digital VE in the determination of fetal head position, with a statistically significant difference in the first stage of labour. Second, although the successful determination of cervical dilatation was in favour of digital VE, the difference was not statistically significant. In addition, there was high agreement between ultrasound and digital VE findings on cervical dilatation. Lastly, a significant but moderate correlation between digital VE and ultrasound methods was found in the assessment of fetal head station. However, no meta-analysis could be done for the fetal head station due to the methodological differences between ultrasound anatomical landmarks and that of digital VE. The findings suggest that ultrasonography is superior to digital VE in the assessment of fetal head position, but has moderate correlation with digital VE in the assessment of head station. It also showed high agreement with digital VE in the assessment of cervical dilatation with no statistically significant difference in terms of success rate.
PubMed: 27847537
DOI: 10.1177/1742271X16673124 -
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 2015With the widespread use of abdominal imaging, an incidentally found dilated common bile duct (CBD) is a common radiographic finding. The significance of a dilated CBD as... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
With the widespread use of abdominal imaging, an incidentally found dilated common bile duct (CBD) is a common radiographic finding. The significance of a dilated CBD as a predictor of underlying disease and long-term outcome have not been well elucidated.
GOALS
A systematic review of studies on patients with dilated CBD was performed to identify etiologies and clinical factors that may predict which patients require further diagnostic testing and long-term outcomes. A PubMed search for relevant articles published between 2001 and 2014 was performed.
RESULTS
The search yielded a total of 882 articles, and after careful individual review for eligibility and relevancy, 9 peer-reviewed studies were included. A cause of the CBD dilation was found on average in 33% of cases and the most common causes were: CBD stone, chronic pancreatitis, and periampullary diverticulum. The overall CBD diameter was not associated with finding a causative lesion. Coexisting CBD and intrahepatic bile duct dilation, age, and jaundice were found to be indicators of pathologic lesions. Dilation of both the CBD and pancreatic duct was suggestive of pancreatic disease, especially pancreatic malignancy in the setting of obstructive jaundice. Follow-up was reported in 6 studies ranging from 6 to 85 months, and generally there was no change in the diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Incidentally found biliary tract dilatation can be a manifestation of significant biliary tract disease including malignancy. Long-term outcome is not well defined and further prospective studies examining the most cost-effective approach to evaluation are needed.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; Biliary Tract Diseases; Common Bile Duct; Dilatation, Pathologic; Diverticulum; Female; Gallstones; Humans; Incidental Findings; Jaundice, Obstructive; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreatic Diseases; Pancreatic Ducts; Radiography
PubMed: 26302495
DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000000394 -
The Laryngoscope Dec 2022To examine the effectiveness of Eustachian tube procedures for the treatment of baro-challenge Eustachian tube dysfunction. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of Eustachian tube procedures for the treatment of baro-challenge Eustachian tube dysfunction.
METHODS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, databases, including PubMed (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health), Scopus (Elsevier), and CINAHL (EBSCO), were searched for articles examining the effectiveness of Eustachian tube procedures for baro-challenge Eustachian tube dysfunction. Outcome measures included symptom resolution, ability to return to work, equalization problems (EP) scores, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) scores, and pressure chamber testing parameters. Pooled meta-analysis was performed for dichotomous measures and ETDQ-7 scores.
RESULTS
Eleven articles with 81 patients were included. Seventy-two patients from 10 articles underwent balloon Eustachian tube dilation; nine patients in 1 study underwent laser Eustachian tuboplasty (LET). All 81 patients were preoperatively symptomatic with barometric pressure change, and 26/30 (86.7%) were unable to work due to symptoms. On meta-analysis, after balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BDET), 82.5% (n = 30 [95% confidence interval: 42%-100%]) had improvement in ability to valsalva, 79.1% (n = 16 [57.9%-94.1%]) in ability to return to work, and 84.3% (n = 69 [69.8%-94.7%]) in any symptom. Of 25 patients with individual ETDQ-7 scores, 79.1% [51.4, 96.9] had improvements after BDET. For four case series with 36 patients, ETDQ-7 scores decreased by 1.2 [0.7, 1.7] (p < 0.00001). Of 20 patients with preoperative ETDQ-7 scores >2.0, there was a mean decrease of 2.1 [1.3, 2.8] (p < 0.00001).
CONCLUSION
From the available evidence, Eustachian tube procedures appear to be effective at improving symptoms of baro-challenge Eustachian tube dysfunction. However, higher quality evidence is needed to support making definite recommendations for the use of balloon Eustachian tube dilation or LET for these patients. Laryngoscope, 132:2473-2483, 2022.
Topics: Humans; Dilatation; Ear Diseases; Eustachian Tube; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tympanoplasty
PubMed: 35442523
DOI: 10.1002/lary.30132 -
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum Dec 2022Patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to medication or familial adenomatous polyposis may require ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after a colectomy. IPAA is generally...
BACKGROUND
Patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to medication or familial adenomatous polyposis may require ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after a colectomy. IPAA is generally well tolerated. However, patients can experience posttreatment complications, including pouch strictures and leaks. Medical therapy has a limited role in mechanical fibrotic strictures, whereas surgery is invasive and costly. In the past few decades, endoscopic therapies have provided a less invasive and less costly intervention for pouch strictures and leaks.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic literature review aimed to describe the status of advancements in endoscopic therapy for pouch leaks and strictures.
DATA SOURCES
The sources used were PubMed and Cochrane databases.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies between January 1990 and January 2022, in any language, were included. Articles regarding surgical management or pouches other than adult ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were excluded.
INTERVENTIONS
Endoscopic management of acute and chronic leaks and strictures ileal pouch-anal anastomosis was included.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Successful management (including persistent leak or stricture, pouch failure, subsequent endoscopy, or surgery) was measured.
RESULTS
Sixty-one studies were included in this review, including 4 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 11 reviews, 17 cohort studies, and 18 case series.
LIMITATIONS
The limitations include qualitative review of all study types, with no randomized controlled studies available.
CONCLUSION
Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis leaks are various in configuration, and endoscopic therapies have included clipping leaks at the tip of the "J" as well as endoscopic sinusotomy. Endoscopic therapies for pouch strictures have included endoscopic balloon dilation, endoscopic stricturotomy, and endoscopic stricturoplasty, which are now considered first-line therapies for pouch strictures. Endoscopic balloon dilation has shown safety and efficacy in single, short, and straight strictures and endoscopic stricturotomy for refractory long, fibrotic, anastomotic strictures. Endoscopic therapies can delay or prevent invasive surgeries. Key tenets of successful endoscopic therapy include patient and lesion candidacy, an experienced endoscopist, and adequate rescue surgery plans.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Constriction, Pathologic; Colonic Pouches; Proctocolectomy, Restorative; Colitis, Ulcerative; Anastomosis, Surgical; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35797499
DOI: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000002538 -
Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey Apr 2018Measurement of cervical dilation is one of the major indicators of labor progression. At present, the criterion standard for this evaluation is digital examination,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
Measurement of cervical dilation is one of the major indicators of labor progression. At present, the criterion standard for this evaluation is digital examination, which results are sometimes inaccurate and extremely dependent on the subject (ie, obstetrician or midwife) experience.
OBJECTIVE
In this systematic and meta-analysis review, the authors have gathered the vast majority of the instruments used for measuring cervical dilation and their clinical application; main features, potentialities, and the most significant constraints are underlined for each device.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Three of the most popular databases (ie, Web of Science, PubMed, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were used to identify all available cervimeters, by using single or combinations of the following keywords: "cervical," "dilation or dilatation," "cervimetry," "cervix," "uterine," "measurement," "labour or labor," "birth," and "monitoring." Only articles describing the design or a specific clinical application of an instrument for cervical dilation measurement during labor were selected.
RESULTS
Twenty-five articles were deeply investigated by classifying them in 4 different homogenous groups on the basis of the method proposed for measuring cervical dilation. Suitable devices have not been realized yet, and this is the reason why nowadays the gynecologist/obstetrician still evaluates labor progression by digital examination.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Based on a critical analysis of the selected devices, ultrasound seems to be the most promising technology for future cervimetry realization; ultrasound is accurate in distance measurement, and the behind technology can be miniaturized. However, additional studies are necessary for optimizing the technology and developing an optimal solution.
Topics: Cervix Uteri; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, First; Obstetrics; Physical Examination; Pregnancy; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Uterine Monitoring
PubMed: 29701868
DOI: 10.1097/OGX.0000000000000548 -
Journal of Cardiac Surgery Nov 2014One of the methods of dealing with a dilated ascending aorta is to decrease its diameter using external wrapping. This exovascular procedure is regarded by many surgeons... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
One of the methods of dealing with a dilated ascending aorta is to decrease its diameter using external wrapping. This exovascular procedure is regarded by many surgeons as controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of external wrapping of the ascending aorta.
METHODS
A metaanalysis and systematic review of studies reporting mid-term and long-term results of wrapping of the ascending aorta were performed. The postoperative hospital mortality, aortic-related mortality, significant redilatation rate, and need for aortic reoperation were analyzed.
RESULTS
17 manuscripts were included in the final analysis and postoperative data of 722 patients were studied. The mean age of patients was 58 years and mean follow-up was 62 months. Hospital mortality was 1.5% (11 deaths). During the follow-up late aortic related mortality was noted in two patients (0.3%), there were 12 (1.7%) cases of significant redilatation of the ascending aorta, and 13 (1.8%) patients had to have their ascending aorta reoperated. All of the aortic complications were noted in patients who either did not have their external wrapping sutured to the aorta or who underwent concomitant aortoplasty.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the metaanalysis suggest that external aortic wrapping may be considered as a safe operative technique. In patients with a moderately dilated aorta it offers good mid-term and long-term outcome compared to replacement of the ascending aorta.
Topics: Aged; Aorta; Dilatation, Pathologic; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Reoperation; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 25195510
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.12448 -
Hellenic Journal of Cardiology : HJC =... 2023Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal X-linked recessive disease affecting approximately 1 in 3500 births. It is characterized by a genetic lack of dystrophin, which is... (Review)
Review
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal X-linked recessive disease affecting approximately 1 in 3500 births. It is characterized by a genetic lack of dystrophin, which is an essential protein for maintaining muscle integrity. The lack of dystrophin plays a pathophysiological role in the development of dilated cardiomyopathy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Currently, no consensus exists on specific pharmacological therapy guidelines for these patients; however, it centers around the guidelines for heart failure management. This systematic review investigated 12 randomized control trials dating back to 2005 in the pharmacotherapy of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This review specifically included angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, aldosterone receptor blockers, angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitors, beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Despite their limitations, these studies have shown promising effects in improving the overall heart function and prognosis in patients with this condition. However, to attain higher statistical significance, future studies should investigate larger populations and for longer periods.
Topics: Humans; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne; Dystrophin; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
PubMed: 37406964
DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.06.007 -
Medicine and Science in Sports and... Jul 2015Despite the growing research interest in vascular adaptations to exercise training over the last few decades, it remains unclear whether microvascular function in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Despite the growing research interest in vascular adaptations to exercise training over the last few decades, it remains unclear whether microvascular function in healthy subjects can be further improved by regular training. Herein, we sought to systematically review the literature and determine whether microvascular dilator function is greater in athletes compared to age-matched healthy untrained subjects.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science since their inceptions until October 2013 for articles evaluating indices of primarily microvascular endothelium-dependent or endothelium-independent dilation (MVEDD and MVEID, respectively) in athletes. A meta-analysis was performed to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD) in MVEDD and MVEID between athletes and age-matched controls. Subgroup analyses were used to study potential moderating factors.
RESULTS
Thirty-six studies were selected after systematic review, comprising 521 athletes (506 endurance-trained and 15 endurance- and strength-trained) and 496 age-matched control subjects. After data pooling, athletes presented higher MVEDD (31 studies; SMD, 0.47; P < 0.00001) and MVEID (14 studies; SMD, 0.51; P < 0.00001) compared with the control subjects. Similar results were observed in young (younger than 40 yr) and master (older than 55 yr) athletes when analyzed separately.
CONCLUSION
Both young and master athletes present enhanced microvascular function compared with age-matched untrained but otherwise healthy subjects. These data provide evidence of a positive association between exercise training and microvascular function in the absence of known underlying cardiovascular disease.
Topics: Athletes; Endothelium, Vascular; Exercise; Humans; Microcirculation; Vasodilation
PubMed: 25386710
DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000567 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Oct 2022Vaginal stenosis is a distressing side effect of radiation therapy that can impair quality of life. Dilator therapy is an option for patients undergoing pelvic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Vaginal stenosis is a distressing side effect of radiation therapy that can impair quality of life. Dilator therapy is an option for patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy to mitigate vaginal stenosis. Currently, the dilators given to patients by most hospitals are made of plastic, compared to silicone dilators which are available on the market for purchase.
OBJECTIVES
We conducted a systematic literature review to find information to guide clinical recommendations to pelvic radiotherapy patients on potential differences regarding the use of plastic vs silicone dilators with regard to efficacy, cost, and patient preferences.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted in Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed using Emtree terms. To be included in the review, papers needed to: focus on female patients undergoing radiation therapy, assess a vaginal dilator, measure any dilator intervention outcome, and specifically compare plastic vs silicone dilators for any measured outcome (either qualitative or quantitative).
RESULTS
The initial search yielded 195 articles. Two area experts, with a third expert for arbitration, read each article and found that none met all review inclusion criteria. No studies were found that compared silicone to plastic dilators with regard to efficacy in treating vaginal stenosis due to radiation therapy, no studies were found that compared cost or cost-effectiveness of the 2 dilator types, and no studies were found comparing patient preferences or experiences (eg, comfort, adherence, ease of use) between the 2 dilator types.
CONCLUSION
The materials used to create dilators have never been rigorously compared in the context of radiotherapy-related vaginal stenosis. Institutions and patients have no data to guide their choice. Significantly more research at the patient and institutional level is needed to explore the potential long-term quality of life and cost benefits of improved adherence with silicone dilator use, and to guide shared decision-making regarding dilator choice. Morgan O, Lopez MD, Martinez AJC, et al. Systematic Review of Comparisons Between Plastic and Silicone Dilators: Revealing a Knowledge Gap. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:513-519.
Topics: Constriction, Pathologic; Female; Humans; Plastics; Quality of Life; Silicones; Vagina
PubMed: 36030181
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2022.06.008 -
ANZ Journal of Surgery Apr 2021Primary choledocholithiasis (PC) is a common disease in biliary surgery. The treatment is always challenging due to its high recurrence. A systemic review is undertaken... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Primary choledocholithiasis (PC) is a common disease in biliary surgery. The treatment is always challenging due to its high recurrence. A systemic review is undertaken to determine the risk factors for recurrence and provide with the individualized management strategy.
METHODS
Electronic databases PubMed (Medline), Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies were searched for relevant articles on risk factors for PC recurrence. Its therapeutic intervention was also collected and analysed.
RESULTS
A total of 36 articles were eligible for inclusion. The recurrent risk factors include abnormalities of biliary anatomy (peripapillary diverticulum), dynamics (choledochal dilation, sharp angulation and stone number), metabolism (advanced age and hypothyroidism) and bacterial infection (Enterobacter and Helicobacter pylori). These factors eventually induce cholestasis and stone formation. At present, there is no guideline and expertise consensus for PC management. The treatment mainly consists of stone retrieval approaches and internal drainage surgeries. The former are minimally invasive methods: endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE). The latter include choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) and choledochojejunostomy (CJS) with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. By far, the internal drainage surgeries have significantly lower recurrence than stone retrieval approaches.
CONCLUSION
Abnormal biliary anatomy, dynamics, metabolism and bacterial infection are the risk factors for PC. Both EST/EPBD and LCBDE can be performed as initial treatment. For recurrent PC, CDS is more suitable to the elderly, while Roux-en-Y CJS reserves for young patients or those in good conditions.
Topics: Aged; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Choledocholithiasis; Common Bile Duct; Dilatation; Humans; Risk Factors; Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32815266
DOI: 10.1111/ans.16211