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BMJ Clinical Evidence May 2015About 50% of term and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice, which usually appears 2 to 4 days after birth, and resolves spontaneously after 1 to 2 weeks. Jaundice is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
About 50% of term and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice, which usually appears 2 to 4 days after birth, and resolves spontaneously after 1 to 2 weeks. Jaundice is caused by bilirubin deposition in the skin. Most jaundice in newborn infants is a result of increased red cell breakdown and decreased bilirubin excretion.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of different wavelengths of light in hospital phototherapy as treatment for unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in term and preterm infants? What are the effects of different intensities of light in hospital phototherapy as treatment for unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in term and preterm infants? What are the effects of different total doses of light in hospital phototherapy as treatment for unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in term and preterm infants? What are the effects of starting hospital phototherapy at different thresholds in term and preterm infants? We searched Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to January 2014 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of different wavelengths, intensities, total doses, and threshold for commencement of the following intervention: hospital phototherapy.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Jaundice, Neonatal; Phototherapy
PubMed: 25998618
DOI: No ID Found -
JAMA Dermatology Jul 2017References to the expected treatment response to phototherapy would be helpful in the management of vitiligo because phototherapy requires long treatment durations over... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
References to the expected treatment response to phototherapy would be helpful in the management of vitiligo because phototherapy requires long treatment durations over several months.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the treatment response of vitiligo to phototherapy.
DATA SOURCES
A comprehensive database search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library from inception to January 26, 2016, was performed for all prospective studies. The main keywords used were vitiligo, phototherapy, psoralen, PUVA, ultraviolet, NBUVB, and narrowband.
STUDY SELECTION
All prospective studies reporting phototherapy outcome for at least 10 participants with generalized vitiligo were included. Of 319 studies initially identified, the full texts of 141 studies were assessed for eligibility, and 35 were finally included in the analysis. Of these, 29 studies included 1201 patients undergoing narrowband UV-B (NBUVB) phototherapy, and 9 included 227 patients undergoing psoralen-UV-A (PUVA) phototherapy.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers independently extracted the following data: study design, number and characteristics of the participants, phototherapy protocol, and rate of repigmentation based on the quartile scale. Single-arm meta-analyses were performed for the NBUVB and PUVA groups. Sample size-weighted means were calculated using a random-effects model for the repigmentation rates of the included studies.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcomes were at least mild (≥25%), at least moderate (≥50%), and marked (≥75%) responses on a quartile scale. Response rates were calculated as the number of participants who showed the corresponding repigmentation divided by the number of all participants enrolled in the individual studies.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 35 unique studies (1428 unique patients). For NBUVB phototherapy, an at least mild response occurred in 62.1% (95% CI, 46.9%-77.3%) of 130 patients in 3 studies at 3 months, 74.2% (95% CI, 68.5%-79.8%) of 232 patients in 11 studies at 6 months, and 75.0% (95% CI, 60.9%-89.2%) of 512 patients in 8 studies at 12 months. A marked response was achieved in 13.0% (95% CI, 2.1%-23.9%) of 106 patients in 2 studies at 3 months, 19.2% (95% CI, 11.4%-27.0%) of 266 patients in 13 studies at 6 months, and 35.7% (95% CI, 21.5%-49.9%) of 540 patients in 9 studies at 12 months. For PUVA phototherapy, an at least mild response occurred in 51.4% (95% CI, 28.1%-74.7%) of 103 patients in 4 studies at 6 months and 61.6% (95% CI, 20.2%-100%) of 72 patients in 3 studies at 12 months. In the subgroup analyses, marked responses were achieved on the face and neck in 44.2% (95% CI, 24.2%-64.2%), on the trunk in 26.1% (95% CI, 8.7%-43.5%), on the extremities in 17.3% (95% CI, 8.2%-26.5%), and on the hands and feet in none after at least 6 months of NBUVB phototherapy.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Long-duration phototherapy should be encouraged to enhance the treatment response in vitiligo. The greatest response is anticipated on the face and neck.
Topics: Humans; PUVA Therapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Phototherapy; Skin Pigmentation; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ultraviolet Therapy; Vitiligo
PubMed: 28355423
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.0002 -
BMJ Open Mar 2017To provide an overview of non-pharmacological interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of non-pharmacological interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia (BPSD).
DESIGN
Systematic overview of reviews.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL and PsycINFO (2009-March 2015).
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Systematic reviews (SRs) that included at least one comparative study evaluating any non-pharmacological intervention, to treat BPSD.
DATA EXTRACTION
Eligible studies were selected and data extracted independently by 2 reviewers.The AMSTAR checklist was used to assess the quality of the SRs.
DATA ANALYSIS
Extracted data were synthesised using a narrative approach.
RESULTS
38 SRs and 129 primary studies were identified, comprising the following categories of non-pharmacological interventions: (1) sensory stimulation interventions (25 SRs, 66 primary studies) that encompassed: shiatsu and acupressure, aromatherapy, massage/touch therapy, light therapy, sensory garden and horticultural activities, music/dance therapy, dance therapy, snoezelen multisensory stimulation therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; (2) cognitive/emotion-oriented interventions (13 SRs; 26 primary studies) that included cognitive stimulation, reminiscence therapy, validation therapy, simulated presence therapy; (3) behaviour management techniques (6 SRs; 22 primary studies); (4) Multicomponent interventions (3 SR; four primary studies); (5) other therapies (5 SRs, 15 primary studies) comprising exercise therapy, animal-assisted therapy, special care unit and dining room environment-based interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
A large number of non-pharmacological interventions for BPSD were identified. The majority of the studies had great variation in how the same type of intervention was defined and applied, the follow-up duration, the type of outcome measured, usually with modest sample size. Overall, music therapy and behavioural management techniques were effective for reducing BPSD.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anxiety; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Complementary Therapies; Dementia; Home Care Services; Humans; Phototherapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Psychomotor Agitation; Review Literature as Topic
PubMed: 28302633
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012759 -
Lasers in Medical Science Jun 2022Melasma is a highly prevalent and cosmetically disfiguring pigmented skin disease. The post-treatment results are often unsatisfactory. A large number of clinical trials... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Melasma is a highly prevalent and cosmetically disfiguring pigmented skin disease. The post-treatment results are often unsatisfactory. A large number of clinical trials have tried to prove the effectiveness of the combination therapy involving laser therapy, but the results have been indeterminate. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment for melasma via a systematic review and meta-analysis. We respectively searched 4 databases and clinicaltrials.gov as of June 8, 2021. Two researchers independently searched for literature and extracted data. Study outcomes were computed by weighted mean differences (WMD). All statistical analyses were performed by the Review Manager version 5.3, STATA version 14 software at 95% confidence interval. We obtained 22 eligible studies which involved a total of 694 patients. After the heterogeneity test and sensitivity analysis, we took a subgroup meta-analysis on the before and after treatment of different laser types. We found that most lasers and laser-based combinations were associated with reduced melasma area and severity index (MASI), such as low-fluence Q-switch 1,064-nm Nd: YAG laser (QSNYL) (WMD: - 2.76; 95% CI: - 3.53 to - 1.99), fractional ablative CO2 laser (WMD: - 9.36; 95% CI: - 12.51 to - 6.21), and fractional ablative 2940-nm Er: YAG laser (WMD: - 2,72; 95% CI: - 3.94 to - 1.49). Significant decrease was seen in neither MASI score of non-ablative 1550-nm fractional laser (WMD: - 1.29; 95% CI: - 2.80 to 0.21) and picosecond laser (WMD: - 0.58; 95% CI: - 1.43 to 0.27), nor melanin index (MI) of low-fluence QSNYL treatment (WMD: 10.17; 95% CI: - 4.11 to 24.46). When using laser to treat melasma, various adverse reactions may occur, most of which will resolve quickly without subsequent treatment, such as edema, erythema, scaling, and burning sensation after treatment. However, for patients with darker skin, there are risks of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. The laser and laser-based combination treatment for melasma could significantly reduce the MASI score, which was showed by our systematic review and meta-analysis.
Topics: Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Laser Therapy; Lasers, Solid-State; Low-Level Light Therapy; Melanosis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35122202
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-022-03514-2 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment May 2022Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common, benign skin condition of follicular hyperkeratosis. Although KP is asymptomatic, the cosmetic appearance of KP can lead to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common, benign skin condition of follicular hyperkeratosis. Although KP is asymptomatic, the cosmetic appearance of KP can lead to psychosocial distress among patients. New emerging treatments are increasingly being utilized. Yet, there is little to no summative data on the treatments of KP and its subtypes.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize existing literature on treatments for KP and its subtypes.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was performed using Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases. The search identified 1150 non-duplicated articles, and 47 articles were included in the review. The primary outcomes measured were KP treatment type and the degree of improvement following therapy.
FINDINGS
Our findings demonstrate that the most supported form of treatment for KP is laser therapy, particularly the QS:Nd YAG laser. Topical treatments - including Mineral Oil-Hydrophil Petrolat, tacrolimus, azelaic acid, and salicylic acid - are also effective at least for improving the appearance of KP.
CONCLUSION
While the measured treatment outcomes varied among studies, laser therapy appears to be the most effective form of treatment. Use of topicals also improved KP lesions.
Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Darier Disease; Eyebrows; Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy
PubMed: 32886029
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1818678 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2023Phototherapy is a widely accepted, effective first-line therapy for neonatal jaundice. It is traditionally used continuously but intermittent phototherapy has been... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Phototherapy is a widely accepted, effective first-line therapy for neonatal jaundice. It is traditionally used continuously but intermittent phototherapy has been proposed as an equally effective alternative with practical advantages of improved maternal feeding and bonding. The effectiveness of intermittent phototherapy compared with continuous phototherapy is unknown.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the safety and effectiveness of intermittent phototherapy compared with continuous phototherapy.
SEARCH METHODS
Searches were conducted on 31 January 2022 in the following databases: CENTRAL via CRS Web, MEDLINE and Embase via Ovid. We also searched clinical trials databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included RCTs, cluster-RCTs and quasi-RCTs comparing intermittent phototherapy with continuous phototherapy in jaundiced infants (both term and preterm) up to the age of 30 days. We compared intermittent phototherapy with continuous phototherapy by any method and at any dose and duration as defined by the authors.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently selected trials, assessed trial quality and extracted data from included studies. We performed fixed-effect analyses and expressed treatment effects as mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR) and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our primary outcomes of interest were rate of decline of serum bilirubin, and kernicterus. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 12 RCTs (1600 infants) in the review. There is one ongoing study and four awaiting classification. There was little or no difference between intermittent phototherapy and continuous phototherapy with respect to rate of decline of bilirubin in jaundiced newborn infants (MD -0.09 micromol/L/hr, 95% CI -0.21 to 0.03; I² = 61%; 10 studies; 1225 infants; low-certainty evidence). One study involving 60 infants reported no incidence of bilirubin induced brain dysfunction (BIND). It is uncertain whether either intermittent or continuous phototherapy reduces BIND because the certainty of this evidence is very low. There was little or no difference in treatment failure (RD 0.03, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.15; RR 1.63, 95% CI 0.29 to 9.17; 1 study; 75 infants; very low-certainty evidence) or infant mortality (RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.01; RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.31 I² = 0%; 10 studies, 1470 infants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence detected little or no difference between intermittent and continuous phototherapy with respect to rate of decline of bilirubin. Continuous phototherapy appears to be more effective in preterm infants, however, the risks of continuous phototherapy and the potential benefits of a slightly lower bilirubin level are unknown. Intermittent phototherapy is associated with a decrease in the total number of hours of phototherapy exposure. There are theoretical benefits to intermittent regimens but there are important safety outcomes that were inadequately addressed. Large, well designed, prospective trials are needed in both preterm and term infants before it can be concluded that intermittent and continuous phototherapy regimens are equally effective.
Topics: Infant; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Jaundice, Neonatal; Phototherapy; Bilirubin; Family
PubMed: 36867730
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008168.pub2 -
Physiotherapy Mar 2022When treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA), rehabilitation exercise is often combined with low-level (LLLT) or high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). However, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effects of low-level and high-intensity laser therapy as adjunctive to rehabilitation exercise on pain, stiffness and function in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
When treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA), rehabilitation exercise is often combined with low-level (LLLT) or high-intensity laser therapy (HILT). However, the effectiveness of these combinations is still uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of LLLT or HILT combined with rehabilitation exercise (LLLT+E or HILT+E) on pain, stiffness and function in KOA.
DATA SOURCES
Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro and SPORTDiscus) were searched for relevant studies published up to 31 December 2019.
STUDY SELECTION
KOA randomised controlled trials, LLLT+E or HILT+E against exercise alone with or without placebo laser, reported clinical outcomes, human studies and English language.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro and Cochrane risk-of-bias scales, and the meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan 5.3.
RESULTS
Of the 10 retrieved studies, six investigated LLLT+E, three on HILT+E, and one evaluated both. All the studies had high PEDro scores. However, as most of the studies employed a single type of laser therapy, only indirect comparison of LLLT+E and HILT+E was possible. This study found all treatment modalities were effective in reducing KOA symptoms. Interestingly, relative to control, the meta-analysis showed significant improvements in knee pain, stiffness and function for the HILT+E.
CONCLUSION
Both LLLT and HILT are beneficial as adjuncts to rehabilitation exercise in the management of KOA. Based on an indirect comparison, the HILT+E seems to have higher efficacy in reducing knee pain and stiffness, and in increasing function. To confirm this finding, a direct comparative investigation of the two types of laser therapy may be necessary. Systematic review registration PROSPERO ID CRD42020206228.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Humans; Laser Therapy; Low-Level Light Therapy; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pain
PubMed: 34654554
DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2021.03.011 -
Medicina Clinica Oct 2017In this systematic review, 55 structured articles on the therapeutic efficacy against pain and clinical signs of oral lichen planus (OLP) were analysed. The literature... (Review)
Review
In this systematic review, 55 structured articles on the therapeutic efficacy against pain and clinical signs of oral lichen planus (OLP) were analysed. The literature search was developed according to the criteria of the PRISMA system, selecting the tests performed using one of the following methodological designs: drug (active ingredient) vs. drug in different excipient or concentration, drug vs. different active principle, drug vs. phytotherapy and drug vs. treatment with phototherapy. Based on the results, an algorithm is proposed to guide the treatment of OLP in its atrophic and erosive clinical forms. The use of clobetasol propionate at 0.025-0.05% of topical application as the first therapeutic alternative is highlighted. Secondly, 0.1% tacrolimus and 1% pimecrolimus also formulated for its topical regimen. And finally, we address the use of systemic corticosteroids and the application of diode lasers.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lasers, Semiconductor; Lichen Planus, Oral; Phototherapy; Phytotherapy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28756997
DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2017.06.024 -
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Oct 2017Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is characterized by extracellular deposition of heterogenic amyloid proteins in the skin without systemic involvement.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is characterized by extracellular deposition of heterogenic amyloid proteins in the skin without systemic involvement. Lichen amyloidosis, macular amyloidosis, and (primary localized cutaneous) nodular amyloidosis are different subtypes of PLCA.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to review the current reported treatment options for PLCA.
METHODS
This systematic review was based on a search in the PubMed database for English and German articles from 1985 to 2016.
RESULTS
Reports on the treatment of PLCA were limited predominantly to case reports or small case series. There were a few clinical trials but these lacked control groups. A variety of treatment options for PLCA were reported including retinoids, corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, amitriptyline, colchicine, cepharanthin, tacrolimus, dimethyl sulfoxide, vitamin D analogs, capsaicin, menthol, hydrocolloid dressings, surgical modalities, laser treatment, and phototherapy.
CONCLUSION
No definitive recommendation of preferable treatment procedures can be made based on the analyzed literature. Randomized controlled trials are needed to offer patients an evidence-based therapy with high-quality standardized treatment regimens for PLCA.
Topics: Amyloidosis, Familial; Bandages, Hydrocolloid; Dermatologic Agents; Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; Europe; Humans; Laser Therapy; Phototherapy; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Skin; Skin Diseases, Genetic
PubMed: 28342017
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-017-0278-9 -
American Journal of Kidney Diseases :... Nov 2017Uremic pruritus is a common and burdensome symptom afflicting patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has been declared a priority for CKD research by... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Uremic pruritus is a common and burdensome symptom afflicting patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has been declared a priority for CKD research by patients. The optimal treatments for uremic pruritus are not well defined.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
SETTING & POPULATION
Adult patients with advanced CKD (stage ≥ 3) or receiving any form of dialysis.
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES
PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from their inception to March 6, 2017, were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of uremic pruritus treatments in patients with advanced CKD (stage ≥ 3) or receiving any form of dialysis. 2 reviewers extracted data independently. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool.
INTERVENTION
Any intervention for the treatment of uremic pruritus was included.
OUTCOMES
A quantitative change in pruritus intensity on a visual analogue, verbal rating, or numerical rating scale.
RESULTS
44 RCTs examining 39 different treatments were included in the review. These treatments included gabapentin, pregabalin, mast cell stabilizers, phototherapy, hemodialysis modifications, and multiple other systemic and topical treatments. The largest body of evidence was found for the effectiveness of gabapentin. Due to the limited number of trials for the other treatments included, we are unable to comment on their efficacy. Risk of bias in most studies was high.
LIMITATIONS
Heterogeneity in design, treatments, and outcome measures rendered comparisons difficult and precluded meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the acknowledged importance of uremic pruritus to patients, with the exception of gabapentin, the current evidence for treatments is weak. Large, simple, rigorous, multiarm RCTs of promising therapies are urgently needed.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Amines; Analgesics; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Antipruritics; Capsaicin; Cromolyn Sodium; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Gabapentin; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Phototherapy; Pregabalin; Pruritus; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Uremia; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
PubMed: 28720208
DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2017.05.018