-
Journal of the European Academy of... Jul 2023Pruritus is a common symptom of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, little is known about its... (Review)
Review
Pruritus is a common symptom of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, little is known about its prevalence, pathophysiology, perceptual characteristics, impact on quality of life and response to antipruritic therapies. The aim of this review was to determine the current knowledge on pruritus in cutaneous GVHD. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses statement. Of the 338 studies screened, 13 were included. The prevalence of pruritus in cutaneous GVHD was reported in three studies, ranging from 37.0% to 63.8%. Only four trials used pruritus assessment tools. There was little or no information on the intensity of pruritus, its qualitative perception, the location of pruritus and the impact of pruritus on quality of life. Antipruritic treatments for GVHD-associated pruritus were mentioned in five studies (38.5%), including topical ointments (steroids, tacrolimus and calcipotriene), broadband UVB, systemic antihistamines and oral ursodeoxycholic acid. In conclusion, pruritus in cutaneous GVHD appears to be common, but very little is known about the pathophysiology, impact on quality of life and effective treatment options. Basic research and controlled clinical trials are warranted to improve knowledge and management of this important issue.
Topics: Humans; Antipruritics; Quality of Life; Skin Diseases; Pruritus; Graft vs Host Disease; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 36950958
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19057 -
International Health Nov 2023Trachomatous trichiasis is the potential stage of trachoma in which the eyelashes scratch the surface of the globe, ultimately causing corneal opacity, visual impairment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Trachomatous trichiasis is the potential stage of trachoma in which the eyelashes scratch the surface of the globe, ultimately causing corneal opacity, visual impairment and blindness. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to obtain the pooled prevalence and associated factors of postoperative trachomatous trichiasis (PTT) in World Health Organization (WHO) trachoma-endemic regions.
METHODS
An inclusive literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases from 30 May 2022 to 28 June 2022. I2 statistics and funnel plots were used to determine heterogeneity and publication bias among included studies. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence, incidence and odds ratios (ORs) with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using RevMan 5.4 software.
RESULTS
Eighteen articles were included in this meta-analysis and systematic review. The pooled prevalence of PTT was 19% (range 18-21). PTT was lower among young adults compared with old adults (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.44 to 0.92]), single-dose oral azithromycin as compared with tetracycline eye ointment users (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.69 to 0.99]) and minor trichiasis before surgery as compared with major trichiasis (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.47 to 0.85]).
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of PTT was higher than the WHO's recommendation. Prescribing single-dose oral azithromycin after surgery, periodic training for trichiasis surgeons, close follow-up and health education after surgery are crucial to minimize the recurrence.Study protocol registration on PROSPERO: CRD42022336003.
Topics: Young Adult; Humans; Trichiasis; Trachoma; Azithromycin; Eyelashes; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 36852770
DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad014 -
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing Oct 2023To identify the effectiveness of interventions to prevent corneal injury in critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To identify the effectiveness of interventions to prevent corneal injury in critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A systematic review of intervention studies was conducted in the following electronic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, LIVIVO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Quality assessment of the randomized and non-randomized studies was performed using the Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) and ROBINS-I Cochrane tools, respectively, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. The certainty of the evidence was assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.
RESULTS
15 studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that the risk of corneal injury in the lubricants group was 66% lower (RR = 0.34; 95 %CI: 0.13-0.92) than in the eye-taping group. The risk of corneal injury in the polyethylene chamber was 68% lower than in the eye ointment group (RR = 0.32; 95 %CI 0.07-1.44). The risk of bias was low in most of the studies included and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated.
CONCLUSIONS
The most effective interventions to prevent corneal injury in critically ill sedated mechanically ventilated, who have compromised blinking and eyelid closing mechanisms, are ocular lubrication, preferably gel or ointment, and protection of the corneas with a polyethylene chamber.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE
Critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients who have compromised blinking and eyelid closing mechanisms must receive interventions to prevent corneal injury. Ocular lubrication, preferably gel or ointment, and protection of the corneas with a polyethylene chamber were the most effective interventions to prevent corneal injury in critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients. A polyethylene chamber must be made commercially available for critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients.
Topics: Humans; Respiration, Artificial; Critical Illness; Ointments; Corneal Injuries; Polyethylenes
PubMed: 37172465
DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2023.103447 -
Lasers in Medical Science Mar 2024This study aimed to investigate the effects and safety of 308 nm excimer laser (308 nm EL) and tacrolimus ointment (TO) in the treatment of facial vitiligo (FV). We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aimed to investigate the effects and safety of 308 nm excimer laser (308 nm EL) and tacrolimus ointment (TO) in the treatment of facial vitiligo (FV). We searched Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, CNKI, and WANGFANG from inception to June 1, 2023. Outcomes included overall response rate (ORR), total adverse reaction rate (TARR), recurrence rate at 3-month (RR-3) and recurrence rate at 6-month (RR-6). The outcome data were presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The risk of bias was assessed by Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and data analysis was performed by RevMan 5.4 software. This study included a total of 19 trials involving 2085 patients. When comparing 308 nm EL monotherapy with 308 nm EL plus TO, significant differences in the ORR (OR = 4.29, 95% CI [2.97, 6.19], I = 0%, P < 0.001), RR-3 (OR = 0.18, 95% CI [0.05, 0.69], I = 0%, P = 0.01), and RR-6 (OR = 0.38, 95% CI [0.14, 1.03], I = 39%, P = 0.06) were found between the two managements. When comparing TO monotherapy with TO plus 308 nm EL, its results showed significant differences in the ORR (OR = 4.21, 95% CI [2.90, 6.11], I = 0%, P < 0.001), TARR (OR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.22, 0.81], I = 4%, P = 0.009), and RR-3 (OR = 0.32, 95% CI [0.01, 8.03], P = 0.49) between the two modalities. The results of this study suggest that the combination of 308 nm EL and TO is more effective than either treatment alone for the treatment of FV.
Topics: Humans; Tacrolimus; Vitiligo; Lasers, Excimer; Ointments; Combined Modality Therapy
PubMed: 38456924
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-024-04033-y -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Aug 2023Radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients varies from mild irritation to life-threatening lesions. Several studies suggest a role for topical corticosteroid ointments in... (Review)
Review
Radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients varies from mild irritation to life-threatening lesions. Several studies suggest a role for topical corticosteroid ointments in the treatment of radiodermatitis. Yet, to avoid the adverse effects of corticosteroids, many authors recommend the use of topical herbal products instead. The therapeutic role of herbal treatments has yet to be fully understood. This systematic review evaluates the role of topical or oral herbal medicines in radiodermatitis prevention and treatment. A systematic search of four databases (Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) was performed without language and time restrictions from their inception until April 2023. The bibliographies of potential articles were also searched manually. Studies evaluated and compared the effects of herbal preparations with the control group, on dermatitis induced by radiotherapy for breast cancer. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the included studies. Thirty-five studies were included in the systematic review. Studies which used herbal drugs including topical and oral formulations were evaluated. Herbal monotherapy and combination therapy were reported, and their effects on radiodermatitis were explained in the systematic review. In conclusion, henna ointments, silymarin gel, and Juango cream were reported to reduce the severity of radiodermatitis. These agents should be considered for radiodermatitis prophylaxis and treatment. The data on aloe gel and calendula ointment were conflicting. Further randomized controlled trials of herbal medications and new herbal formulations are required to determine their effects on breast cancer radiodermatitis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Radiodermatitis; Ointments; Breast Neoplasms; Plant Extracts; Silymarin
PubMed: 37211432
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7894 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to indirectly compare the relative efficacy and safety of the latest JAK inhibitors for moderate-to-severe alopecia areata...
We performed a Bayesian network meta-analysis to indirectly compare the relative efficacy and safety of the latest JAK inhibitors for moderate-to-severe alopecia areata (AA). 13 trials totaling 3,613 patients were included. Two low-dose groups of oral formulations (ritlecitinib 10mg and ivarmacitinib 2mg) and two topical formulations (delgocitinib ointment and ruxolitinib cream) appeared to be relatively ineffective against moderate-to-severe AA. Ranking analysis suggested that brepocitinib 30mg has the best relative effect in reducing the SALT score (sucra = 0.9831), and demonstrated comparable efficacy to deuruxolitinib 12mg (sucra = 0.9245), followed by deuruxolitinib 8mg (sucra = 0.7736). Regarding the SALT response, brepocitinib 30mg ranked highest (sucra = 0.9567), followed by ritlecitinib 50mg (sucra = 0.8689) and deuruxolitinib 12mg (sucra = 0.7690). For achieving the SALT response, deuruxolitinib 12mg had the highest probability (sucra = 0.9761), followed by deuruxolitinib 8mg (sucra = 0.8678) and brepocitinib 30mg (sucra = 0.8448). Deuruxolitinib 12mg might be the most effective therapy for patients with severe AA (sucra = 0.9395), followed by ritlecitinib 50mg (sucra = 0.8753) and deuruxolitinib 8mg (sucra = 0.8070). Deuruxolitinib 12mg/8mg demonstrated notable efficacy for moderate-to-severe AA, and is expected to be a new treatment option for AA. It was worth noting that deuruxolitinib exhibit a greater likelihood of causing adverse events in comparison to other JAK inhibitors. Ritlecitinib 50mg seemed to exhibit fewer adverse effects in the high-dose groups of oral JAK inhibitors and might be an optimal choice to balance safety and efficacy. The majority of JAK inhibitors exhibited acceptable short-term safety profiles. To enhance the applicability and accuracy of our research, further head-to-head trials with longer follow-up periods are needed. identifier [CRD42022368012].
PubMed: 38659584
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1372810 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2014Until recently, phimosis has been treated surgically by circumcision or prepuceplasty; however, recent reports of non-invasive treatment using topical corticosteroids... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Until recently, phimosis has been treated surgically by circumcision or prepuceplasty; however, recent reports of non-invasive treatment using topical corticosteroids applied for four to eight weeks have been favourable. The efficacy and safety of topical corticosteroids for treating phimosis in boys has not been previously systematically reviewed.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to 1) compare the effectiveness of the use of topical corticosteroid ointment applied to the distal stenotic portion of the prepuce in the resolution of phimosis in boys compared with the use of placebo or no treatment, and 2) determine the rate of partial resolution (improvement) of phimosis, rate of re-stenosis after initial resolution or improvement of phimosis, and the rate of adverse events of topical corticosteroid treatment in boys with phimosis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register through contact with the Trials' Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. Date of last search: 16 June 2014.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared use of any topical corticosteroid ointment with placebo ointment or no treatment for boys with phimosis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed titles, abstracts and the full-text of eligible studies, extracted data relating to the review's primary and secondary outcomes, and assessed studies' risk of bias. Statistical analyses were performed using the random-effects model and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We contacted authors of primary articles asking for details of study design and specific outcome data.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 12 studies that enrolled 1395 boys in this review. We found that both types of corticosteroids investigated and treatment duration varied among studies.Compared with placebo, corticosteroids significantly increased complete or partial clinical resolution of phimosis (12 studies, 1395 participants: RR 2.45, 95% CI 1.84 to 3.26). Our analysis of studies that compared different types of corticosteroids found that these therapies also significantly increased complete clinical resolution of phimosis (8 studies, 858 participants: RR 3.42, 95% CI 2.08 to 5.62). Although nine studies (978 participants) reported that assessment of adverse effects were planned in the study design, these outcomes were not reported.Overall, we found that inadequate reporting made assessing risk of bias challenging in many of the included studies.Selection bias, performance and detection bias was unclear in the majority of the included studies: two studies had adequate sequence generation, none reported allocation concealment; two studies had adequate blinding of participants and personnel and one had high risk of bias; one study blinded outcome assessors. Attrition bias was low in 8/12 studies and reporting bias was unclear in 11 studies and high in one study.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Topical corticosteroids offer an effective alternative for treating phimosis in boys. Although sub optimal reporting among the included studies meant that the size of the effect remains uncertain, corticosteroids appear to be a safe, less invasive first-line treatment option before undertaking surgery to correct phimosis in boys.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Beclomethasone; Betamethasone; Clobetasol; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Male; Mometasone Furoate; Ointments; Phimosis; Pregnadienediols; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triamcinolone
PubMed: 25180668
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008973.pub2 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Dec 2017Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. known locally as "Plai" in Thai, has been used for treating bruise, sprain and musculoskeletal pain. Several pre-clinical studies demonstrated... (Review)
Review
Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. known locally as "Plai" in Thai, has been used for treating bruise, sprain and musculoskeletal pain. Several pre-clinical studies demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of Plai. However, current evidence of clinical effects of Plai is still unclear. This study aimed to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of Plai among all identified indications. Of the 808 articles identified by a systematic review, six studies were included. Four studies were randomized controlled trials, while two studies were quasi-experimental studies involving 178 patients in intervention group and 177 patients in control group. Duration of treatment ranged from 7days to 2 months. Our findings showed that 14% Plai cream had a strong trend of benefits in pain reduction for muscle pain and ankle sprain. However, evidence supporting the effects of Plai on acne vulgaris treatment and anti-histamine effect are still unclear.
Topics: Analgesics; Ankle; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Humans; Musculoskeletal Pain; Ointments; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Sprains and Strains; Thailand; Zingiberaceae
PubMed: 29154071
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.09.009 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2016Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, decubitus ulcers and pressure injuries, are localised areas of injury to the skin or the underlying tissue, or both. A range of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, decubitus ulcers and pressure injuries, are localised areas of injury to the skin or the underlying tissue, or both. A range of treatments with antimicrobial properties, including impregnated dressings, are widely used in the treatment of pressure ulcers. A clear and current overview is required to facilitate decision making regarding use of antiseptic or antibiotic therapies in the treatment of pressure ulcers. This review is one of a suite of Cochrane reviews investigating the use of antiseptics and antibiotics in different types of wounds. It also forms part of a suite of reviews investigating the use of different types of dressings and topical treatments in the treatment of pressure ulcers.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of systemic and topical antibiotics, and topical antiseptics on the healing of infected and uninfected pressure ulcers being treated in any clinical setting.
SEARCH METHODS
In October 2015 we searched: the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations), Ovid EMBASE, and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched three clinical trials registries and the references of included studies and relevant systematic reviews. There were no restrictions based on language or date of publication or study setting.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials which enrolled adults with pressure ulcers of stage II or above were included in the review.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently performed study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 12 trials (576 participants); 11 had two arms and one had three arms. All assessed topical agents, none looked at systemic antibiotics. The included trials assessed the following antimicrobial agents: povidone iodine, cadexomer iodine, gentian violet, lysozyme, silver dressings, honey, pine resin, polyhexanide, silver sulfadiazine, and nitrofurazone with ethoxy-diaminoacridine. Comparators included a range of other dressings and ointments without antimicrobial properties and alternative antimicrobials. Each comparison had only one trial, participant numbers were low and follow-up times short. The evidence varied from moderate to very low quality.Six trials reported the primary outcome of wound healing. All except one compared an antiseptic with a non-antimicrobial comparator. There was some moderate and low quality evidence that fewer ulcers may heal in the short term when treated with povidone iodine compared with non-antimicrobial alternatives (protease-modulating dressings (risk ratio (RR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 0.98) and hydrogel (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97)); and no clear difference between povidone iodine and a third non-antimicrobial treatment (hydrocolloid) (low quality evidence). Pine resin salve may heal more pressure ulcers than hydrocolloid (RR 2.83, 95% CI 1.14 to 7.05) (low quality evidence). There is no clear difference between cadexomer iodine and standard care, and between honey a combined antiseptic and antibiotic treatment (very low quality evidence).Six trials reported adverse events (primary safety outcome). Four reported no adverse events; there was very low quality evidence from one showing no clear evidence of a difference between cadexomer iodine and standard care; in one trial it was not clear whether data were appropriately reported.There was limited reporting of secondary outcomes. The five trials that reported change in wound size as a continuous outcome did not report any clear evidence favouring any particular antiseptic/anti-microbial treatments. For bacterial resistance, one trial found some evidence of more MRSA eradication in participants with ulcer treated with a polyhexanide dressing compared with a polyhexanide swab (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.13); patients in the dressing group also reported less pain (MD -2.03, 95% CI -2.66 to -1.40). There was no clear evidence of a difference between interventions in infection resolution in three other comparisons. Evidence for secondary outcomes varied from moderate to very low quality; where no GRADE assessment was possible we identified substantial limitations which an assessment would have taken into account.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The relative effects of systemic and topical antimicrobial treatments on pressure ulcers are not clear. Where differences in wound healing were found, these sometimes favoured the comparator treatment without antimicrobial properties. The trials are small, clinically heterogenous, generally of short duration, and at high or unclear risk of bias. The quality of the evidence ranges from moderate to very low; evidence on all comparisons was subject to some limitations.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Apitherapy; Bandages, Hydrocolloid; Humans; Iodophors; Pressure Ulcer; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Resins, Plant; Wound Healing
PubMed: 27040598
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011586.pub2 -
Cureus Jul 2023Uremic xerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus (CKD-ap) are the most commonly occurring dermatological problems faced by most of the CKD patients on... (Review)
Review
Management of Uremic Xerosis and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)-Associated Pruritus (CKD-ap) With Topical Preparations: A Systematic Review and Implications in the Indian Context.
Uremic xerosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD)-associated pruritus (CKD-ap) are the most commonly occurring dermatological problems faced by most of the CKD patients on hemodialysis which are not only annoying and draining to the patients but also have an intense effect on patients' quality of life. The PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched for the literature with the following search terms: uremic xerosis OR CKD-ap OR uremic pruritus AND topical therapy OR topical ointment OR natural oil from the year 2002 -2022, and finally, 22 articles were chosen to write this review. Out of 22 studies, six used pharmacological preparations and remaining 16 studies used natural oils and components. All the articles were experimental studies (Pre/Quazi/RCT/True experimental) focusing on managing itch and xerosis associated with CKD and hemodialysis by topical application. The topical agents tried in various research studies are effective in managing itch and xerosis associated with CKD. They are safe, easy to use, and without allergic reactions. Natural oils like almond, chia seed, clove, glycerin, paraffin, and virgin coconut oil are readily available in home-care settings and can be used as a nurse-led intervention. Topical preparations for uremic xerosis and pruritus are effective, safe, and easy to apply on large body surface areas without systematic side effects. Natural oil-based topical preparations are cost-effective, safe, and easy to use.
PubMed: 37641756
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42587