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Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Oct 2022This systematic review explored coping with voice problems in professional voice users. The objectives were to: 1) evaluate how voice-related coping is assessed in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review explored coping with voice problems in professional voice users. The objectives were to: 1) evaluate how voice-related coping is assessed in professional voice users 2) investigate how they cope with voice problems, and 3) identify factors associated with voice-related coping.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of ten electronic databases using both EBSCOhost and OVID online platforms was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Only peer-reviewed articles which assessed coping in the context of voice problems in professional voice users were included. Methodological quality was assessed using Johanna-Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal checklists. Data analysis was conducted using narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Following deduplication, abstract and full-text screening, seven articles were included in the review. All participants (n=2484) were teachers; no other professional voice users were covered. 98% of the cases studied were females. The tools used to assess voice-related coping were Utrecht Coping List (UCL) and Voice Disability Coping Questionnaire (VDCQ). Studies which used UCL reported a passive coping pattern in teachers with high vocal handicap whereas VDCQ showed increased use of social support. Factors associated with coping were not examined by any of the studies.
CONCLUSION
Seeking social support was highlighted as a frequently used coping strategy across studies and measures. Teachers with high vocal handicap used a passive coping pattern and active coping styles were not significantly used. Current evidence does not sufficiently specify factors affecting coping in professional voice users. More research on voice-related coping involving all professional voice users is warranted to identify associated factors and further ascertain its influence on vocal health.
PubMed: 36243556
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.08.024 -
Impact of Voice Therapy on Pediatric Patients With Dysphonia and Vocal Nodules: A Systematic Review.Cureus Apr 2022One of the most prevalent pediatric ailments around the world is voice disorders. Around 5-million children suffer from voice disorders, and three out of five of them... (Review)
Review
One of the most prevalent pediatric ailments around the world is voice disorders. Around 5-million children suffer from voice disorders, and three out of five of them suffer from vocal nodule-induced persistent dysphonia. Nineteen out of 20 otolaryngologists recommend voice therapies for the treatment of pediatric vocal fold nodules. However, the benefits of these therapies still remain to be assessed systematically. The objective of this study is to systematically review the impact of voice therapy (direct and indirect) on pediatric patients with vocal nodules. In this systematic review of randomized control trials (RCTs), four electronic databases, PubMed, CENTRAL (Cochrane), Science Direct, and Lancet, were explored for the literature survey. The impact of direct and indirect voice therapies on pediatric cases with vocal nodules was reviewed based on the results of the selected articles. Based on stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, six articles were selected. All these studies examined the effects of direct and indirect voice therapies on two types of voice disorders, that is, dysphonia and vocal nodules. Only one of the six studies reported significant alleviation of the patient condition post-intervention. However, none of the studies discussed the clinical significance of the interventions. Three of the six included studies used both direct and indirect voice therapies and reported substantial differences in the data collected before and after the interventions. However, overall, the studies reported more significant improvements in patient conditions. More studies in this domain are still warranted, especially to help understand and define the meaning of the term "effectiveness" with respect to voice therapies.
PubMed: 35637836
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24433 -
Global Spine Journal Apr 2018Systematic review. (Review)
Review
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
OBJECTIVES
Cervical arthroplasty is an increasingly popular treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. An understanding of the potential adverse events (AEs) is important to help both clinicians and patients. We sought to provide a comprehensive systematic review of the AEs reported in all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of cervical disc arthroplasty in an attempt to characterize the quality of reporting.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of MEDLINE and Web of Science for RCTs of cervical disc arthroplasty reporting AEs. We reported the most frequently mentioned AEs, including dysphagia/dysphonia, vascular compromise, dural injury, and infections. We recorded the presence of industry funding and scored the quality of collection methods and reporting of AEs.
RESULTS
Of the 3734 identified articles, 29 articles met full inclusion criteria. The quality of AE reporting varied significantly between studies, and a combined meta-analysis was not feasible. The 29 articles covered separate 19 RCTs. Eight studies were US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigational device exemption (IDE) trials. Rates were recorded for the following AEs: dysphagia/dysphonia (range = 1.3% to 27.2%), vascular compromise (range = 1.1% to 2.4%), cervical wound infection (range = 1.2% to 22.5%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak (range = 0.8% to 7.1%).
CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of consistency in reporting of AEs among RCTs of cervical arthroplasty. FDA IDE trials scored better in AE event reporting compared to other studies. Standardized definitions for AEs and standardized data collection methodology are needed to improve future studies.
PubMed: 29662749
DOI: 10.1177/2192568217720681 -
Journal of Hospital Medicine Apr 2015Dysphagia is associated with aspiration, pneumonia, and malnutrition, but remains challenging to identify at the bedside. A variety of exam protocols and maneuvers are... (Review)
Review
Dysphagia is associated with aspiration, pneumonia, and malnutrition, but remains challenging to identify at the bedside. A variety of exam protocols and maneuvers are commonly used, but the efficacy of these maneuvers is highly variable. We conducted a comprehensive search of 7 databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus, from each database's earliest inception through June 9, 2014. Studies reporting diagnostic performance of a bedside examination maneuver compared to a reference gold standard (videofluoroscopic swallow study or flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing with sensory testing) were included for analysis. From each study, data were abstracted based on the type of diagnostic method and reference standard study population and inclusion/exclusion characteristics, design, and prediction of aspiration. The search strategy identified 38 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Overall, most bedside examinations lacked sufficient sensitivity to be used for screening purposes across all patient populations examined. Individual studies found dysphonia assessments, abnormal pharyngeal sensation assessments, dual axis accelerometry, and 1 description of water swallow testing to be sensitive tools, but none were reported as consistently sensitive. A preponderance of identified studies was in poststroke adults, limiting the generalizability of results. No bedside screening protocol has been shown to provide adequate predictive value for presence of aspiration. Several individual exam maneuvers demonstrated reasonable sensitivity, but reproducibility and consistency of these protocols was not established. More research is needed to design an optimal protocol for dysphagia detection.
Topics: Databases, Factual; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Point-of-Care Systems; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 25581840
DOI: 10.1002/jhm.2313 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2023Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a pain-alleviating and muscle-relaxing treatment used in physio-therapeutic clinical practice, has recently appeared... (Review)
Review
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a pain-alleviating and muscle-relaxing treatment used in physio-therapeutic clinical practice, has recently appeared to be just as effective in dysphonia. This review aimed at clarifying whether TENS can be an effective practice in dysphonia therapy and/or management on its own or combined with other types of interventions and, hence, whether its practice can be a useful, more widespread establishment to speech and language therapy intervention methods. A search was conducted on the PubMed database using specific terms based on the PICO search strategy. Eventually, four randomized controlled studies and four clinical trials were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the physiotherapy evidence-based database (PEDro) assessment tool, and this indicated high-quality research with an average score of 8.43. The studies utilized various TENS devices, predominantly the Dualpex 961 device (frequency of 10 Hz, phase of 200 ms). The assessment methods varied, including auditory perception, vocal therapy, electrostimulation, audio and video perceptual assessments, and laryngeal evaluations. The clinical outcomes of TENS showed a reduction in musculoskeletal pain in various areas, while the acoustic analysis results were significant in only one study. TENS was compared to manual laryngeal therapy (LMT), placebo TENS, and vocal therapy in different studies with mixed results. This review supports the idea that a multidimensional approach, incorporating various therapeutic modalities (TENS, LMT, speech therapy, and vocal training) can yield positive outcomes for patients with voice disorders. Further research is needed to explore the specific mechanisms of action and optimal treatment protocols for TENS in voice therapy.
Topics: Humans; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Dysphonia; Musculoskeletal Pain; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37893455
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101737 -
European Respiratory Review : An... Jun 2021Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are indicated for the prevention of exacerbations in COPD; however, a significant proportion of patients at low risk of exacerbations are... (Review)
Review
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are indicated for the prevention of exacerbations in COPD; however, a significant proportion of patients at low risk of exacerbations are treated with ICSs. We conducted a systematic review including a diversity of types of study designs and safety outcomes with the objective of describing the risk of adverse effects associated with the long-term use of ICSs in patients with COPD.A total of 90 references corresponding to 83 studies were included, including 26 randomised clinical trials (RCTs), 33 cohort studies, and 24 nested case-control (NCC) studies. Analysis of 19 RCTs showed that exposure to ICSs for ≥1 year increased the risk of pneumonia by 41% (risk ratio 1.41, 95% CI 1.23-1.61). Additionally, cohort and NCC studies showed an association between ICSs and risk of tuberculosis and mycobacterial disease. There was a strong association between ICS use and local disorders such as oral candidiasis and dysphonia. The association between ICSs and the risk of diabetes and fractures was less clear and appeared significant only at high doses of ICSs.Since most patients with COPD are elderly and with frequent comorbidities, an adequate risk-benefit balance is crucial for the indication of ICSs.
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Aged; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 34168063
DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0075-2021 -
International Forum of Allergy &... Sep 2022Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease that often requires otolaryngology care. Individuals with CF commonly have chronic rhinosinusitis but also present with...
BACKGROUND
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disease that often requires otolaryngology care. Individuals with CF commonly have chronic rhinosinusitis but also present with hearing loss and dysphonia. Given these manifestations of CF, otolaryngologists are frequently involved in the care of patients with CF; however, there is limited consensus on optimal management of sinonasal, otologic, and laryngologic symptoms.
METHODS
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation convened a multidisciplinary team of otolaryngologists, pulmonologists, audiologists, pharmacists, a social worker, a nurse coordinator, a respiratory therapist, two adults with CF, and a caregiver of a child with CF to develop consensus recommendations. Workgroups developed draft recommendation statements based on a systematic literature review, and a ≥80% consensus was required for acceptance of each recommendation statement.
RESULTS
The committee voted on 25 statements. Eleven statements were adopted recommending a treatment or intervention, while five statements were formulated recommending against a specific treatment or intervention. The committee recommended eight statements as an option for select patients in certain circumstances, and one statement did not reach consensus.
CONCLUSION
These multidisciplinary consensus recommendations will help providers navigate decisions related to otolaryngology consultation, medical and surgical management of CF-CRS, hearing, and voice in individuals with CF. A collaborative and multidisciplinary approach is advocated to best care for our patients with CF. Future clinical research is needed utilizing standardized, validated outcomes with comprehensive reporting of patient outcome, effects of modulator therapies, and genetic characteristics to help continue to advance care, decrease morbidity, and improve the quality of life for individuals with CF.
Topics: Adult; Child; Consensus; Cystic Fibrosis; Humans; Otolaryngology; Quality of Life; Sinusitis
PubMed: 35089650
DOI: 10.1002/alr.22974 -
Discover Oncology Sep 2022Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the cancers with the highest morbidity and mortality. Sorafenib used to be the main treatment for unresectable HCC patients.... (Review)
Review
Efficacy and safety of monotherapy and combination therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors as first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review, meta-analysis and network meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the cancers with the highest morbidity and mortality. Sorafenib used to be the main treatment for unresectable HCC patients. However, regimens based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have attracted attention in recent years because of their reported benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of monotherapy and combination therapy of ICIs as first-line treatment for unresectable HCC patients by conducting a systematic review, meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis.
METHODS
Studies published up to 11st August 2022 were searched from 4 commonly used databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Clinical trials.gov. All eligible clinical trials were included. Data about reported objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were extracted.
RESULTS
Of the 8579 studies retrieved, 24 met the inclusion criteria. In patients with unresectable HCC taking ICIs-based therapy as first-line treatment, the pooled result of median PFS and median OS was 5.76 months (95% CI 4.82-6.69) and 16.35 months (95% CI 15.19-17.51) The ORR and DCR were 25.1% (95% CI 20.8-29.5%) and 75.2% (95% CI 70.3-80.2%) measured by RECIST v1.1 or 40.2% (95% CI 31.7-48.6%) with 75.2% (95% CI 68.3-82.1%) measured by mRECIST v1.1. Compared to sorafenib, ICIs-based therapy significantly prolonged OS. The combination treatment of sintilimab plus IBI305 had the highest ORR, while atezolizumab plus bevacizumab had the highest DCR. The pooled incidence of any grade TRAEs was 82.3% (95% CI 73.9-90.7%), with highest incidence appeared in dysphonia.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that first-line ICIs-based therapies could provide survival benefits for patients with unresectable HCC, with manageable TRAEs. The potential of combination treatment to become the new treatment trend in clinical practice is promising.
PubMed: 36171533
DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00559-1 -
Reviews in the Neurosciences Apr 2021The ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 27 million confirmed cases and 8,90,000 deaths all around the world. Verity of viral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected more than 27 million confirmed cases and 8,90,000 deaths all around the world. Verity of viral infections can infect the nervous system; these viral infections can present a wide range of manifestation. The aim of the current study was to systematically review the COVID-19 associated central nervous system manifestations, mental and neurological symptoms. For that we conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review of four online databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Embase. All relevant articles that reported psychiatric/psychological symptoms or disorders in COVID-19 without considering time and language restrictions were assessed. All the study procedures were performed based on the PRISMA criteria. Due to the screening, 14 studies were included. The current study result indicated that, the pooled prevalence of CNS or mental associated disorders with 95% CI was 50.68% (6.68-93.88). The most prevalence symptoms were hyposmia/anosmia/olfactory dysfunction (number of study: 10) with 36.20% (14.99-60.51). Only one study reported numbness/paresthesia and dysphonia. Pooled prevalence of numbness/paresthesia and dysphonia was 5.83% (2.17-12.25) and 2.39% (10.75-14.22). The pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety was 3.52% (2.62-4.54) and 13.92% (9.44-19.08). Our findings demonstrate that COVID-19 has a certain relation with neurological symptoms. The hypsomia, anosmia or olfactory dysfunction was most frequent symptom. Other symptoms were headache or dizziness, dysgeusia or ageusia, dysphonia and fatigue. Depression, anxiety, and confusion were less frequent symptoms.
Topics: Anosmia; Anxiety; COVID-19; Depression; Dysgeusia; Dysphonia; Fatigue; Headache; Humans; Hypesthesia; Nervous System Diseases; Paresthesia; Prevalence; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 33618441
DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0108 -
PloS One 2019Despite evidence of physical (illness) and mental (stress) health problems, there appears to be a lack of studies or concern regarding occupational safety and health...
BACKGROUND
Despite evidence of physical (illness) and mental (stress) health problems, there appears to be a lack of studies or concern regarding occupational safety and health among educators in Malaysia.
OBJECTIVE
To review the prevalence of illness, stress, and corresponding risk factors among educators in Malaysia.
METHOD
Scopus, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, CAB, and other computerized databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies published between January 2013 and April 2019 on the prevalence and associated risk factors of illness and stress among educators (S1 Checklist). The keywords used included educator, teacher, lecturer, academic staff, teaching profession, university staff, academician, faculty, illness, injury, disease, pain, WMSD, dysphonia, hoarseness, stress, mental health, strain, health problem, disorder, and/or Malaysia. Selected studies were evaluated by quality assessment.
RESULTS
Twenty-two articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The prevalence of illness and stress was determined for low back pain (33.3-72.9%); upper back pain (33.33-56.4%); neck/shoulder pain (40.4-80.1%); upper arm discomfort (91.3%); forearm pain (89.6%); wrist pain (16.7-93.2%); hip pain (13.2-40.9%); thigh discomfort (91.8%); lower leg discomfort (90.5%); knee pain (23.7-88.0%); ankle/feet pain (19.3-87.7%); elbow pain (3.5-13.0%); voice disorder (10.4-13.0%) and stress (5.5-25.9%). Sex, education level, teaching experience, quality of life, anxiety, depression, coping styles, and others were reported as associated risk factors across the studies.
CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be a cause for concern regarding musculoskeletal disorders, voice disorder, and stress reported among educators in Malaysia. While most risk factors matched those reported in studies elsewhere, others such as school characteristics (school level, government or private school, and location [rural/urban]) have not been investigated.
Topics: Female; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Pain; Prevalence; Quality of Life; Risk Factors; School Teachers; Stress, Psychological; Voice Disorders
PubMed: 31136594
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217430