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The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Jul 2016A systematic review was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different therapeutic interventions available for the management of isolated cricopharyngeal... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of different therapeutic interventions available for the management of isolated cricopharyngeal dysfunction.
METHODS
Studies were identified using the following databases: Ovid (Medline, Embase), the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Google Scholar. An initial search identified 339 articles. All titles and abstracts were reviewed. Fifty-six relevant articles were inspected in more detail; of these, 47 were included in the qualitative analysis.
RESULTS
No relevant randomised trials were found. A range of case series were used to perform a qualitative analysis. Botulinum toxin A injection and cricopharyngeal dilatation were associated with a higher risk of recurrence, but appear to be more suitable in elderly and co-morbid patients. In those patients requiring formal myotomy, endoscopic approaches appear to be as effective but less morbid when compared with classical open surgery.
CONCLUSION
There is good evidence for the safety and efficacy of the different therapeutic options for isolated cricopharyngeal dysfunction. However, further studies are required to compare the efficacy of the various treatment modalities.
Topics: Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Deglutition Disorders; Dilatation; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Laryngoscopy; Neuromuscular Agents; Pharyngeal Diseases; Pharyngeal Muscles
PubMed: 27194375
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215116007994 -
Oral Oncology Dec 2023Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is increasingly employed in the management of oropharyngeal cancer without adjuvant treatment. Attaining safe surgical margins is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is increasingly employed in the management of oropharyngeal cancer without adjuvant treatment. Attaining safe surgical margins is paramount to preventing local recurrence (LR), but the necessary surgical margin dimension remains contentious.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting margin status and LR following TORS without adjuvant therapy for primary OPSCC.
RESULTS
The search identified 269 articles and 11 were selected for inclusion, with 406 patients included in the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was noted in the definition of "close" margins. Random-effects pooled rate of positive margins was 7 % (95 % CI 0.04-0.12, I = 54 %, p = 0.02) and close margins was 7 % (95 % CI 0.02-0.27, I = 86 %, p=<0.01). The random-effects overall rate of LR was 6 % (95 % CI 0.04-0.10, I = 11 %, p = 0.35), 13 % (95 % CI 0.02-0.620, I = 0 %, p = 1.0) after a positive margin, and 3 % (95 % CI 0.03-0.24, I = 23 %, p = 0.26) after a close margin. Odds ratio (OR) for LR indicated higher risk of LR for positive compared to close margins (7.5; 95 % CI 1.31-42.91, I = 0 %, p = 0.51), and a slightly lower risk of LR between close and negative margins (2.22; 95 % CI 0.67-7.38, I = 0 %, p = 0.8). A lack of frozen-section analysis (OR 2.91, p = 0.36) and HPV-negative disease (OR 1.68, p = 0.03) were associated with an elevated risk of LR.
CONCLUSIONS
TORS as a standalone treatment is associated with low rates of LR; however, the literature is hampered by considerable heterogeneity in margin definitions. Larger multicentre studies are required to determine the precise margin cut-off required for oropharyngeal tumours managed with TORS alone.
Topics: Humans; Margins of Excision; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Combined Modality Therapy; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Odds Ratio; Retrospective Studies; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 37951118
DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106610 -
American Journal of Otolaryngology 2018To determine the oncologic and functional outcomes of patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after initial management... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To determine the oncologic and functional outcomes of patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after initial management with surgery and adjuvant therapy.
DATA SOURCES
Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Clinicaltrials.gov.
REVIEW METHODS
A structured search was performed of the literature to identify studies that included patients undergoing surgical salvage for local, regional, or locoregional recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma without known distant metastases who had been treated with initial surgery and post-operative adjuvant radio- or chemoradiotherapy. Studies were excluded if they did not report at least 1-year survival estimates, included patients who underwent primary non-surgical management, or included those treated with non-surgical salvage therapies or supportive care alone.
RESULTS
The search strategy yielded 3746 abstracts. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, 126 full-texts were reviewed and six studies were included with a total of 222 patients. All studies were retrospective in design and included diverse disease subsites and stages. Complications and functional outcomes were inconsistently reported. Five-year survival estimates ranged between 10% and 40% between studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after initial surgery and adjuvant therapy may have a particularly poor prognosis. Future studies are needed to determine functional and quality of life outcomes in this patient population and to identify specific prognostic factors for re-recurrence and survival.
Topics: Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Postoperative Period; Reoperation; Salvage Therapy
PubMed: 29398187
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2018.01.009 -
Respiratory Medicine Aug 2016The precise coordination between breathing and swallowing is an important mechanism to prevent pulmonary aspiration. Factors that alter breathing patterns and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The precise coordination between breathing and swallowing is an important mechanism to prevent pulmonary aspiration. Factors that alter breathing patterns and ventilation, such as chronic respiratory diseases, may influence that precise coordination of breathing and swallowing.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this systematic literature review is to examine the effects of chronic respiratory diseases on swallowing function.
METHOD
Literature searches were performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Embase. All articles meeting the eligibility criteria up to March 2016 were included.
RESULTS
All articles included studied Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); no studies involving other respiratory diseases were found. A total of 1069 abstracts were retrieved, of which twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria; eleven studies dealt with OSA and fifteen studies dealt with COPD.
CONCLUSION
The outcome data indicate that chronic respiratory diseases increase the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in patients. However, the relative small number of studies, differences in selection criteria, definitions and assessment techniques used for diagnosing OSA, COPD, and OD point to the need for further research.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Respiration; Respiratory Aspiration; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
PubMed: 27492514
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.05.024 -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences Aug 2022Studies evaluating the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers have reported promising results. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Studies evaluating the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers have reported promising results. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of ESD in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers.
METHODS
We reviewed several databases from inception to September 03, 2020, to identify studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of ESD in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers. Our outcomes of interest were en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, adverse events, and rates of local recurrence. Pooled rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all outcomes were calculated using random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I statistic. We assessed publication bias by using funnel plots and Egger's test. We conducted meta-regression analysis to explore heterogeneity in analyses.
RESULTS
Ten studies were included in analyses. All studies were from Asia. Pooled rates (95% CI) for en bloc resection and complete resection were 94% (87%, 97%) and 72% (62%, 80%), respectively. The pooled rates (95% CI) for adverse events and local recurrence were 10% (5%, 17%) and 1.9% (0.9%, 4%), respectively. Most of the analyses were limited by substantial heterogeneity. On meta-regression analysis, the heterogeneity was explained by size of tumor and histology. Funnel plots and Egger's test showed no evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis including studies from Asian countries demonstrated that ESD is an efficacious and safe option in the management of superficial pharyngeal cancers. More studies and studies from Western countries are needed to further validate these findings.
Topics: Asia; Endoscopic Mucosal Resection; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34505257
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07225-6 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer Jun 2016Liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults. It represents approximately 20 % of all mesenchymal malignancies. It most frequently involves... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults. It represents approximately 20 % of all mesenchymal malignancies. It most frequently involves retroperitoneum, trunk, and extremities. Hypopharyngeal and esophageal localization of liposarcoma is extremely rare.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of literature and reported 26 and 33 cases of hypopharyngeal and esophageal liposarcoma. We analyzed natural history, imaging features, histology, treatment, and prognosis, with a specific focus to similarities and differences between tumors of hypopharynx and esophagus.
RESULTS
Hypopharyngeal and esophageal liposarcomas have more similarities than differences. Incidence has a peak at 6th and 7th decades. The diagnostic procedures are barium swallow, endoscopic examination, and CT/MR imaging. Well-differentiated liposarcoma represents the most frequent histological subtype. Surgical excision is the main treatment. Endoscopic resection can be useful for pedunculated tumors of hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. Differences between hypopharyngeal and esophageal liposarcoma are represented by local recurrence rate (greater for hypopharyngeal tumors), number of giant tumors, and time to recurrence (greater for esophageal tumors). Finally, liposarcomas of distal esophagus need more extended approaches.
CONCLUSIONS
Liposarcomas of hypopharynx and cervical esophagus could be considered a unique pathological entity, with similar features and treatment options. Survival rate is dependent on histological type and location. Local recurrence is common, especially for hypopharyngeal liposarcoma, while the risk of lymph node or distant metastasis is very low. Patients should undergo regular examinations to rule out local recurrence, also for a long time, especially for esophageal tumors.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Esophagus; Female; Humans; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms; Hypopharynx; Liposarcoma; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult
PubMed: 26875081
DOI: 10.1007/s12029-016-9808-6 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Apr 2024Centor and McIsaac scores are clinical prediction rules for diagnosing group A streptococcus (GAS) infection in patients with pharyngitis. Their recommended thresholds... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Centor and McIsaac scores are clinical prediction rules for diagnosing group A streptococcus (GAS) infection in patients with pharyngitis. Their recommended thresholds vary between guidelines.
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the McIsaac and Centor scores to diagnose GAS pharyngitis and evaluate their impact on antibiotic prescribing at each threshold in patients presenting to secondary care.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to September 2022.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Studies of patients presenting with acute pharyngitis to emergency or outpatient clinics that estimated the accuracy of McIsaac or Centor scores against throat cultures and/or rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) as reference standards.
TESTS
Centor or McIsaac score.
REFERENCE STANDARD
Throat cultures and/or RADT.
ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS
Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS
The sensitivities and specificities of the McIsaac and Centor scores were pooled at each threshold using bivariate random effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included (eight McIsaac and six Centor scores). Eight studies had unclear and six had a high risk of bias. The McIsaac score had higher estimated sensitivity and lower specificity relative to Centor scores at equivalent thresholds but with wide and overlapping confidence regions. Using either score as a triage to RADT to decide antibiotic treatment would reduce antibiotic prescription to patients with non-GAS pharyngitis relative to RADT test for everyone, but also reduce antibiotic prescription to patients with GAS.
DISCUSSION
Centor and McIsaac scores are equally ineffective at triaging patients who need antibiotics presenting with pharyngitis at hospitals. At high thresholds, too many true positive cases are missed, whereas at low thresholds, too many false positives are treated, leading to the over prescription of antibiotics. The former may be compensated by adequate safety netting by clinicians, ensuring that patients can seek help if symptoms worsen.
Topics: Humans; Secondary Care; Streptococcal Infections; Pharyngitis; Streptococcus pyogenes; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 38182052
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.12.025 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2015Antibiotics are sometimes used to prevent recurrent sore throat, despite concern about resistance. However, there is conflicting primary evidence regarding their... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Antibiotics are sometimes used to prevent recurrent sore throat, despite concern about resistance. However, there is conflicting primary evidence regarding their effectiveness.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of antibiotics in patients with recurrent sore throat.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group (CENTDG) Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the CENTDG Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2015, Issue 5); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Clinicaltrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 25 June 2015.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of antibiotics in adults and children suffering from pre-existing recurrent sore throat, defined as three or more sore throats in a year, examining the incidence of sore throat recurrence, with follow-up of at least 12 months post-antibiotic therapy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Multiple attempts to contact the authors of one study yielded no response.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified no trials that met the inclusion criteria for the review. We discarded the majority of the references retrieved from our search following screening of the title and abstract. We formally excluded four studies following review of the full-text report.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of antibiotics for preventing recurrent sore throat. This finding must be balanced against the known adverse effects and cost of antibiotic therapy, when considering antibiotics for this purpose. There is a need for high quality RCTs that compare the effects of antibiotics versus placebo in adults and children with pre-existing recurrent sore throat on the following outcomes: incidence of sore throat recurrence, adverse effects, days off work and absence from school, and the incidence of complications. Future studies should be conducted and reported according to the CONSORT statement.
Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Humans; Pharyngitis; Recurrence; Secondary Prevention
PubMed: 26171901
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008911.pub2 -
Neurogastroenterology and Motility Aug 2023The majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop oropharyngeal dysphagia during the course of their disease. However, the efficacy of dysphagia treatments... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The majority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop oropharyngeal dysphagia during the course of their disease. However, the efficacy of dysphagia treatments for these patients remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate treatment efficacy based on the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
Five electronic databases were systematically searched from inception date to April 2022. Two reviewers independently extracted and analyzed the data. The outcome measures were changes in swallowing-related characteristics based on instrumental swallowing assessments.
KEY RESULTS
An initial search identified 187 RCT studies of relevance. After screening, nine studies with a total sample size of 286 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled effect size for all dysphagia treatments compared with control comparators was significant and medium (SMD [95% CI] = 0.58 [0.22, 0.94], p = 0.001; I = 50%). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant and medium pooled effect size for stimulation treatments (brain stimulation, peripheral neurostimulation and acupuncture) (SMD [95% CI] = 0.54 [0.15, 0.92]; p = 0.006; I = 22%). Specifically, the effect sizes for the single RCTs on neuromuscular stimulation (SMD [95% CI] = 1.58 [0.49, 2.86]; p = 0.005) and acupuncture (SMD [95% CI] = 0.82 [0.27, 1.37]; p = 0.003) were significant and large.
CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES
Our results showed that overall, dysphagia treatments, particularly stimulation treatments, can potentially benefit PD patients. However, given the limited number of small RCTs for each type of treatment, the evidence remains weak and uncertain. Further large-scale, multicenter RCTs are warranted to fully explore their clinical efficacy in the PD population.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Parkinson Disease; Acupuncture Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Multicenter Studies as Topic
PubMed: 36546568
DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14517 -
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral... May 2023The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current literature on osteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine (C-ORN) and to summarize the risk factors, presenting... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current literature on osteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine (C-ORN) and to summarize the risk factors, presenting symptoms and management strategies of this rare condition.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic review of the literature on C-ORN was completed using PubMed. Nineteen articles met criteria; 97 patient cases were identified. Statistical analysis was completed from the patient cases.
RESULTS
Of the analyzed patients, 72% are male and 28% are female with an average age of 57.7 years. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was the most common initial diagnosis (72%). Thyroid and other lower neck cancers were associated with a later onset of C-ORN compared with other cancers. C-ORN more commonly occurred in the clivus to C2 (55.3%, P = .004). Onset of C-ORN significantly differed for men (n = 6.99 years) and women (n = 17.5 years) (P = .022).
CONCLUSION
C-ORN can be a devastating complication of head and neck radiation therapy. C-ORN is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and most commonly affects the area of the clivus to cervical vertebrae C2. Cancers of the lower neck and female sex are associated with later onset. Initial presentation ranges from asymptomatic to severe neurologic deficits; the degree of intervention should be congruent with the severity of presenting symptoms. As long-term survival of patients with head and neck cancer increase, this complication may become more prevalent.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Cervical Vertebrae; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Osteoradionecrosis; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36529672
DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2022.08.019