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Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Nov 2023Hemangioblastomas (HBs) are highly vascular tumors linked to substantial morbidity and mortality. Recently, interventional neuroradiology has evolved rapidly, spurring... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Hemangioblastomas (HBs) are highly vascular tumors linked to substantial morbidity and mortality. Recently, interventional neuroradiology has evolved rapidly, spurring interest in preoperative embolization as a possible HB treatment.
PURPOSE
This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of preoperative embolization in managing HB.
METHODS
Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, this meta-analysis considered randomized and nonrandomized studies meeting specific criteria, encompassing intracranial HB and preoperative embolization. Primary outcomes were preoperative embolization efficacy and safety. Complications were classified as major (cerebellar ischemia, ischemic strokes, intratumoral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage) and minor (transient nystagmus, slight facial nerve palsy, nausea, transient dysarthria, hemiparesis, hemisensory impairment, thrombotic complications, extravasation).
RESULTS
Thirteen studies involving 166 patients with preoperative embolization before HB resection were included. Two studies using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) showed 5 patients with good recovery, 6 with moderate disability, and 3 with severe disability. Major complications occurred in 1% (95% CI: 0% to 3%), and minor complications occurred in 1% (95% CI: 0% to 4%). Intraoperative blood loss during resection was estimated at 464.29 ml (95% CI: 350.63 ml to 614.80 ml).
CONCLUSION
Preoperative embolization holds promise in reducing intraoperative bleeding risk in neurosurgical intracranial HB treatment, primarily due to its low complication rates. Nonetheless, additional research and larger-scale studies are essential to establish its long-term efficacy and safety. These findings highlight preoperative embolization as a valuable tool for HB management, potentially enhancing future patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Hemangioblastoma; Embolization, Therapeutic; Neurosurgical Procedures; Preoperative Care; Blood Loss, Surgical; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37788533
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.09.021 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Pediatrics Dec 2023Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are aggressive and malignant tumors of the brainstem. Stereotactic biopsy can obtain molecular and genetic information for...
OBJECTIVE
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are aggressive and malignant tumors of the brainstem. Stereotactic biopsy can obtain molecular and genetic information for diagnostic and potentially therapeutic purposes. However, there is no consensus on the safety of biopsy or effect on survival. The authors aimed to characterize neurological risk associated with and the effect of stereotactic biopsy on survival among patients with DIPGs.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify all studies examining pediatric patients with DIPG who underwent stereotactic biopsy. The search strategy was deployed in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The quality of studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, and risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies-of Interventions tool. Bibliographic, demographic, clinical, and outcome data were extracted from studies meeting inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Of 2634 resultant articles, 13 were included, representing 192 patients undergoing biopsy. The weighted mean age at diagnosis was 7.5 years (range 0.5-17 years). There was an overall neurosurgical complication rate of 13.02% (25/192). The most common neurosurgical complication was cranial nerve palsy (4.2%, 8/192), of which cranial nerve VII was the most common (37.5%, 3/8). The second most common complication was perioperative hemorrhage (3.6%, 7/192), followed by hemiparesis (2.1%, 4/192), speech disorders (1.6%, 3/192) such as dysarthria and dysphasia, and movement disorders (1.0%, 2/192). Hydrocephalus was less commonly reported (0.5%, 1/192), and there were no complications relating to wound infection/dehiscence (0%, 0/192) or CSF leak (0%, 0/192). No mortality was specifically attributed to biopsy. Diagnostic yield of biopsy revealed a weighted mean of 97.4% (range 91%-100%). Of the studies reporting survival data, 37.6% (32/85) of patients died within the study follow-up period (range 2 weeks-48 months). The mean overall survival in patients undergoing biopsy was 9.73 months (SD 0.68, median 10 months, range 6-13 months).
CONCLUSIONS
Children with DIPGs undergoing biopsy have mild to moderate rates of neurosurgical complications and no excessive morbidity. With reasonably acceptable surgical risk and high diagnostic yield, stereotactic biopsy of DIPGs can allow for characterization of patient-specific molecular and genetic features that may influence prognosis and the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Child; Infant; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Glioma; Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma; Brain Stem Neoplasms; Biopsy
PubMed: 37724839
DOI: 10.3171/2023.7.PEDS22462 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Jul 2023Hyperkinetic dysarthria is characterized by atypical involuntary movements within the speech mechanism that may affect the respiratory, laryngeal, pharyngeal-oral, or... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hyperkinetic dysarthria is characterized by atypical involuntary movements within the speech mechanism that may affect the respiratory, laryngeal, pharyngeal-oral, or velopharyngeal-nasal subsystems and may alter speech production. Although articulatory impairments are commonly considered in hyperkinetic dysarthria, speakers with hyperkinetic dysarthria may also present with changes in voice quality, pitch, and loudness. In approximately 70% of speakers with hyperkinetic dysarthria, these voice alterations are associated with tremor or dystonia. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the association between behavioral therapy for tremor or dystonia affecting voice in speakers with hyperkinetic dysarthria and improvement in the functional, perceptual, acoustical, aerodynamic, or endoscopic characteristics of voice.
METHOD
MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov online databases were searched in August 2017, December 2018, and April 2020 for relevant studies. The searches provided 4,921 unique records, and six additional unique records were added from other sources. Twelve studies met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review. Participants who received concurrent medical treatment were included in this review to ensure that the search was inclusive of all relevant studies and informative for typical clinical scenarios.
RESULTS
The most commonly administered treatment ingredient was relaxation training, which was investigated in three of the four studies on tremor and three of the eight studies on dystonia. Of these six studies, only one used an experimental design and administered relaxation training as the only behavioral approach. This single-case experiment reported a significant reduction in participant ratings of tremor severity and interference with activities of daily living, although the speaking subscale reportedly did not improve and oral medications were administered concurrently. In two group studies that tested potential behavioral therapy targets, production of a low pitch improved acoustical measures for participants with essential tremor and improved auditory-perceptual judgments for participants with laryngeal dystonia. Behavioral therapy improved functional, acoustical, and aerodynamic outcomes in participants with laryngeal dystonia who were also receiving botulinum toxin injections in a randomized cross-over study and a non-randomized controlled study. Because one study employed easy onset and breathing exercises, while the other employed loud voice exercises, the mechanism of action for improvement in voice associated with behavioral therapy requires further investigation.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review describes the current evidence for treatment of tremor and dystonia affecting voice in speakers with hyperkinetic dysarthria and highlights the need for future research on behavioral therapy for these disorders.
Topics: Humans; Activities of Daily Living; Behavior Therapy; Dysarthria; Dystonia; Tremor
PubMed: 34112549
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.03.026 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety Jul 2022The antiseizure medication phenytoin has been associated with changes in the cerebellum, cerebellar signs, and permanent cerebellar damage. We have systematically...
INTRODUCTION
The antiseizure medication phenytoin has been associated with changes in the cerebellum, cerebellar signs, and permanent cerebellar damage. We have systematically reviewed the clinical and radiological features, and their correlation.
AREAS COVERED
We identified sixty case reports and case series of the effects of phenytoin on the cerebellum by searching Medline and Embase and relevant reference lists. The reports described 92 [median 1, range 1-5] cases, documented median age 28 [2.7-78] years. Eighty-one cases described one or more clinical sign of ataxia (present in 96%), dysarthria (63%), and nystagmus (70%). The neurological outcome (in 76 cases): 10 (13%) recovered by 12 months; 55 (72%) suffered residual disability; and 11 (14%) died. Median serum phenytoin concentration (48 cases) was 50 (interquartile range 31-66) mg/L; only three values were below 20 mg/L. The radiological findings included cerebellar atrophy in 41 of 61 patients (67%) with at least one scan.
EXPERT OPINION
Evidence mainly comes from case reports, and is inevitably biased. Most patients with cerebellar dysfunction have phenytoin concentrations above the reference range. Clinical signs of ataxia can persist without radiological evidence of cerebellar atrophy, and cerebellar atrophy is seen without any clinical evidence of cerebellar dysfunction.
Topics: Adult; Ataxia; Atrophy; Cerebellar Ataxia; Cerebellar Diseases; Cerebellum; Humans; Phenytoin
PubMed: 35325581
DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2022.2058487 -
Clinical Rehabilitation May 2021To assess the effect of speech and language therapy (SLT) on Hypokinetic dysarthria (HD) in Parkinson's disease. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of speech and language therapy (SLT) on Hypokinetic dysarthria (HD) in Parkinson's disease.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
METHODS
We performed a literature search of randomized controlled trials using PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Cochrane database (last search October 2020). Quality assessment and risk of bias were assessed using the Downs and Black scale and the Cochrane tool. The data were pooled and a meta-analysis was completed for sound pressure levels, perceptual intelligibility and inflection of voice fundamental frequency.
RESULTS
We selected 15 high to moderate quality studies, which included 619 patients with Parkinson's disease. After pooling the data, 7 studies, which compared different speech language therapies to no treatment, control groups and 3 of their variables, (sound pressure level, semitone standard deviation and perceptual intelligibility) were included in the analysis.Results showed significant differences in favor of SLT for sound pressure level sustained phonation tasks (standard mean difference = 1.79; 95% confidence interval = 0.86, 2.72; ⩽ 0.0001). Significant results were also observed for sound pressure level and semitone standard deviation in reading tasks (standard mean difference = 1.32; 95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.61; ⩽ 0.0001). Additionally, sound pressure levels in monologue tasks showed similar results when SLT was compared to other treatments (standard mean difference = 0.87; 95% confidence interval = 0.46, 1.28; ⩽ 0.0001).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of SLT for reducing Hypokinetic Dysarthria in Parkinson's disease, improving perceptual intelligibility, sound pressure level and semitone standard deviation.
Topics: Dysarthria; Humans; Language Therapy; Parkinson Disease; Speech Therapy
PubMed: 33233932
DOI: 10.1177/0269215520976267 -
International Journal of... Dec 2016Treatment intensity (sometimes referred to as "practice amount") has been well-investigated in learning non-speech tasks, but its role in treating speech disorders has... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Treatment intensity (sometimes referred to as "practice amount") has been well-investigated in learning non-speech tasks, but its role in treating speech disorders has not been largely analysed. This study reviewed the literature regarding treatment intensity in speech disorders.
METHOD
A systematic search was conducted in four databases using appropriate search terms. Seven articles from a total of 580 met the inclusion criteria. The speech disorders investigated included speech sound disorders, dysarthria, acquired apraxia of speech and childhood apraxia of speech. All seven studies were evaluated for their methodological quality, research phase and evidence level.
RESULT
Evidence level of reviewed studies ranged from moderate to strong. With regard to the research phase, only one study was considered to be phase III research, which corresponds to the controlled trial phase. The remaining studies were considered to be phase II research, which corresponds to the phase where magnitude of therapeutic effect is assessed. Results suggested that higher treatment intensity was favourable over lower treatment intensity of specific treatment technique(s) for treating childhood apraxia of speech and speech sound (phonological) disorders.
CONCLUSION
Future research should incorporate randomised-controlled designs to establish optimal treatment intensity that is specific to each of the speech disorders.
Topics: Humans; Speech Disorders; Speech Therapy
PubMed: 27063688
DOI: 10.3109/17549507.2015.1126640 -
Annals of Translational Medicine Dec 2022This study used a network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of various different acupuncture types and language rehabilitation training on post-stroke dysarthria...
The treatment of post-stroke dysarthria with a combination of different acupuncture types and language rehabilitation training: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
This study used a network meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of various different acupuncture types and language rehabilitation training on post-stroke dysarthria (PSD), and examined the possible mechanisms involved. There are often clinical studies comparing the effects of different acupuncture methods on dysarthria after stroke. The efficacy of these methods can be ranked by network meta-analysis. This is necessary for clinical acupoints selection. The results of this study illustrated the comparison of the therapeutic effects of 6 different acupuncture types, which can provide some reference for clinical acupoints selection and research.
METHODS
A comprehensive search for clinical studies related to the use of acupuncture to treat PSD was conducted in eight English and Chinese databases. Patients were divided into six groups based on the acupoints selected, namely, tongue, neck, scalp, body, combination, and traditional acupuncture. The recovery of neurological function in the patients was assessed based on the curative impact and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk bias assessment tool and the STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) criteria. A network meta-analysis was performed using the network-meta package of Stata 15.1 software based on frequency. The heterogeneity test, consistency test, head-to-head mixed comparison, efficacy ranking, and publication bias study were all performed.
RESULTS
A total of 47 studies were finally included. There was a total of 4,197 patients in the eligible studies. The model for network meta-analysis proved robust, with minimal heterogeneity and high consistency. Combined acupuncture combined with language rehabilitation training was the most effective in treating dysarthria symptoms, followed by tongue acupuncture (TA) and nape acupuncture (NA). In addition, the combined effect of acupuncture and language training was superior to that of acupuncture alone. In terms of recovery of nerve function, traditional acupuncture and body acupuncture were more effective. To facilitate the recovery of nerve function, increasing the frequency of acupoints is necessary.
CONCLUSIONS
Combined acupuncture may have the most beneficial healing effect on PSD, followed by acupuncture of the tongue and the nape of the neck. In terms of recovery of nerve function, traditional acupuncture and body acupuncture may have more effective.
PubMed: 36618810
DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5583 -
Integrative Medicine Research Dec 2020The evidence of Acupuncture combined with speech rehabilitation training for post-stroke dysarthria is insufficient and there is no consensus on its efficacy. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The evidence of Acupuncture combined with speech rehabilitation training for post-stroke dysarthria is insufficient and there is no consensus on its efficacy.
METHODS
We searched seven Chinese and English medicine databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to November 2019. The primary outcome measure was the clinical response rate, assessed with the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment (FDA) tool. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence (CoE).
RESULTS
Thirty studies were included in this systematic review, 23 of which were pooled in meta-analysis. Acupuncture combined with speech rehabilitation training is likely beneficial for was response rate ( = 1685; RR = 1.37; 95% CI [1.29, 1.46], < 0.01, = 34%; 17 studies, low CoE) compared to speech rehabilitation treatment alone.
CONCLUSION
The combination of acupuncture and speech rehabilitation training may improve total response rate of stroke patients with dysarthria. However, more RCTs with rigorous study design and validated outcome measures are needed to confirm the evidence.
PubMed: 32637314
DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2020.100431 -
Cancers Nov 2022Awake craniotomy with direct electrical stimulation (DES) is the standard treatment for patients with gliomas in eloquent areas. Even though language is monitored... (Review)
Review
Awake craniotomy with direct electrical stimulation (DES) is the standard treatment for patients with gliomas in eloquent areas. Even though language is monitored carefully during surgery, many patients suffer from postoperative aphasia, with negative effects on their quality of life. Some perioperative factors are reported to influence postoperative language outcome. However, the influence of different intraoperative speech and language errors on language outcome is not clear. Therefore, we investigate this relation. A systematic search was performed in which 81 studies were included, reporting speech and language errors during awake craniotomy with DES and postoperative language outcomes in adult glioma patients up until 6 July 2020. The frequencies of intraoperative errors and language status were calculated. Binary logistic regressions were performed. Preoperative language deficits were a significant predictor for postoperative acute (OR = 3.42, p < 0.001) and short-term (OR = 1.95, p = 0.007) language deficits. Intraoperative anomia (OR = 2.09, p = 0.015) and intraoperative production errors (e.g., dysarthria or stuttering; OR = 2.06, p = 0.016) were significant predictors for postoperative acute language deficits. Postoperatively, the language deficits that occurred most often were production deficits and spontaneous speech deficits. To conclude, during surgery, intraoperative anomia and production errors should carry particular weight during decision-making concerning the optimal onco-functional balance for a given patient, and spontaneous speech should be monitored. Further prognostic research could facilitate intraoperative decision-making, leading to fewer or less severe postoperative language deficits and improvement of quality of life.
PubMed: 36358884
DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215466 -
Disability and Rehabilitation Feb 2020The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of interventions for the treatment of non-progressive dysarthria in adults. Five electronic databases...
The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of interventions for the treatment of non-progressive dysarthria in adults. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PSYCINFO, Cochrane Collaboration) were searched for all studies that described and evaluated treatment used for non-progressive dysarthria in adults. Studies were included if (1) participants were adults (18+ years) with a confirmed diagnosis of non-progressive dysarthria, (2) participants received intervention with pre-post outcome data, and (3) the article was published between 2006 and 2017 (including early online publications). Data extracted included the number of participants; etiology; dysarthria type and severity; age; gender; presence of a control group; intervention tasks, frequency and duration; outcome measures; and conclusions. Data extraction was completed by a member of the research team independently and crosschecked by another team member. Of the 6728 articles identified, 21 met the inclusion criteria. The predominant study design was a case study or case series. The methodological quality of the studies varied. Typically, the interventions included impairment-based and activity level tasks targeting conversation. Approximately half of the interventions adhered to a treatment manual. The evidence base to guide treatment for non-progressive dysarthria is increasing, with interventions showing promise in results, participant numbers, and positive participant feedback.Implications for rehabilitationThe evidence base to guide treatment for non-progressive dysarthria is increasing, but remains limited.The majority of evidence is of moderate methodological quality.The emergence of new research indicates that health professionals need to be continuously aware and critically appraise new literature in the area.
Topics: Disease Management; Dysarthria; Humans; Speech-Language Pathology
PubMed: 30286661
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1497714