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The Saudi Dental Journal Nov 2021Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is one of the common oral potentially malignant disorders that can result in severe morbidity. Depending upon the stage of disease,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is one of the common oral potentially malignant disorders that can result in severe morbidity. Depending upon the stage of disease, multiple management therapies exist which include medicinal and surgical approaches. Although the surgical approach is preferred in severe conditions, numerous studies have reported its post-surgical deteriorating outcomes including increased fibrotic changes. To reduce these post-surgical complications, Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (Laser) has been introduced and studied as a non-invasive technique to treat oral submucous fibrosis. However, there exists a lack of knowledge about 'which laser shows a better post-treatment outcome'. Accordingly, this review aims to answer this question.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of the published literature was performed using an electronic search in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, J- STAGE, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases, from 1952 till 2019 using keywords like, 'Oral submucous fibrosis', 'Treatment', 'Laser', 'Trismus', ' Fibrosis', 'Surgical', 'Non-invasive', and 'Postoperative results'.
RESULTS
The search strategy revealed 20 relevant published studies in which laser had been used to treat 250 patients of OSMF. Effective results were found without any complications in all the cases after follow up.
CONCLUSION
Observing the current literature, it can be concluded that laser might be used as a potential non-invasive approach in the management of OSMF, however, large scale studies are required to investigate the efficacy and other effects of this technology
PubMed: 34803281
DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2020.11.005 -
European Review For Medical and... Nov 2018The main limit of radiation therapy is the dose-dependent toxicity to healthy tissues. The 36% of patients exposed to radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies reporting...
OBJECTIVE
The main limit of radiation therapy is the dose-dependent toxicity to healthy tissues. The 36% of patients exposed to radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies reporting gastrointestinal symptoms as incontinence, pain, mucus discharge, and bleeding (radiation proctopathy). In the cervix cancer, healthy tissues exposed to radiations easily develop inflammation of vaginal mucosa, bleeding and pain and to improve these symptoms, some medical devices were developed. One of the most interesting for its features is undoubtedly the hyaluronic acid. Considering the histological similarity between the vaginal and the rectal mucosa, the application of hyaluronic acid for the radiation proctopathy represents an interesting opportunity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Research Gate for studies published up to March 2018. The following combination of medical subject headings, terms and free text words were used: 'hyaluronic acid', 'hyaluronate', 'topical application' and 'radiation proctitis'.
RESULTS
After the screening of titles and abstracts, and using the established criteria, 7 studies were selected for inclusion in the systematic review.
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical use of hyaluronic acid for topical administration in patients with inflammatory conditions at the level of the vaginal and anal mucosa, following radio and chemo-therapies, resulted an innovative approach to help patients in managing the AEs. Hyaluronic acid confirmed its totally safety profile and resulted effective in the inflammation decrease, improving the tissue health and the symptoms related. For all these reasons, we can easily promote the clinical application of hyaluronic acid on inflamed tissues though a substantial work is necessary to investigate more deeply the hyaluronic acid role on this context.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Neoplasms; Radiation Injuries; Radiotherapy
PubMed: 30468506
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201811_16298 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2018Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder in which abnormal mucus in the lungs is associated with susceptibility to persistent infection. Pulmonary exacerbations are when... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder in which abnormal mucus in the lungs is associated with susceptibility to persistent infection. Pulmonary exacerbations are when symptoms of infection become more severe. Antibiotics are an essential part of treatment for exacerbations and inhaled antibiotics may be used alone or in conjunction with oral antibiotics for milder exacerbations or with intravenous antibiotics for more severe infections. Inhaled antibiotics do not cause the same adverse effects as intravenous antibiotics and may prove an alternative in people with poor access to their veins. This is an update of a previously published review.
OBJECTIVES
To determine if treatment of pulmonary exacerbations with inhaled antibiotics in people with cystic fibrosis improves their quality of life, reduces time off school or work and improves their long-term survival.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Group's Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register. Date of the last search: 03 October 2018.We searched ClinicalTrials.gov, the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry and WHO ICTRP for relevant trials. Date of last search: 09 October 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials in people with cystic fibrosis with a pulmonary exacerbation in whom treatment with inhaled antibiotics was compared to placebo, standard treatment or another inhaled antibiotic for between one and four weeks.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected eligible trials, assessed the risk of bias in each trial and extracted data. They assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE criteria. Authors of the included trials were contacted for more information.
MAIN RESULTS
Four trials with 167 participants are included in the review. Two trials (77 participants) compared inhaled antibiotics alone to intravenous antibiotics alone and two trials (90 participants) compared a combination of inhaled and intravenous antibiotics to intravenous antibiotics alone. Trials were heterogenous in design and two were only available in abstract form. Risk of bias was difficult to assess in most trials, but for all trials we judged there to be a high risk from lack of blinding and an unclear risk with regards to randomisation. Results were not fully reported and only limited data were available for analysis.Inhaled antibiotics alone versus intravenous antibiotics aloneOnly one trial (n = 18) reported a perceived improvement in lifestyle (quality of life) in both groups (very low-quality of evidence). Neither trial reported on time off work or school. Both trials measured lung function, but there was no difference reported between treatment groups (very low-quality evidence). With regards to our secondary outcomes, one trial (n = 18) reported no difference in the need for additional antibiotics and the second trial (n = 59) reported on the time to next exacerbation. In neither case was a difference between treatments identified (both very low-quality evidence). The single trial (n = 18) measuring adverse events and sputum microbiology did not observe any in either treatment group for either outcome (very low-quality evidence).Inhaled antibiotics plus intravenous antibiotics versus intravenous antibiotics aloneNeither trial reported on quality of life or time off work or school. Both trials measured lung function, but found no difference between groups in forced expiratory volume in one second (one trial, n = 28, very low-quality evidence) or vital capacity (one trial, n = 62). Neither trial reported on the need for additional antibiotics or the time to the next exacerbation; however, one trial (n = 28) reported on hospital admissions and found no difference between groups. Both trials reported no difference between groups in adverse events (very low-quality evidence) and one trial (n = 62) reported no difference in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms (very low-quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is little useful high-level evidence to judge the effectiveness of inhaled antibiotics for the treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis. The included trials were not sufficiently powered to achieve their goals. Hence, we are unable to demonstrate whether one treatment was superior to the other or not. Further research is needed to establish whether inhaled tobramycin may be used as an alternative to intravenous tobramycin for some pulmonary exacerbations.
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Amikacin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Carbenicillin; Ceftazidime; Cystic Fibrosis; Disease Progression; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Pseudomonas Infections; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Tract Infections; Ticarcillin; Tobramycin
PubMed: 30376155
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008319.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2019Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the commonest inherited life-shortening illness in white populations, caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the cystic fibrosis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the commonest inherited life-shortening illness in white populations, caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR), which functions as a salt transporter. This mutation mainly affects the airways where excess salt absorption dehydrates the airway lining leading to impaired mucociliary clearance. Consequently, thick, sticky mucus accumulates making the airway prone to chronic infection and progressive inflammation; respiratory failure often ensues. Other complications include malnutrition, diabetes and subfertility.Increased understanding of the condition has allowed pharmaceutical companies to design mutation-specific therapies targeting the underlying molecular defect. CFTR potentiators target mutation classes III and IV and aim to normalise airway surface liquid and mucociliary clearance, which in turn impacts on the chronic infection and inflammation. This is an update of a previously published review.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of CFTR potentiators on clinically important outcomes in children and adults with CF.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles, reviews and online clinical trial registries. Last search: 21 November 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of parallel design comparing CFTR potentiators to placebo in people with CF. A separate review examines trials combining CFTR potentiators with other mutation-specific therapies.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The authors independently extracted data, assessed the risk of bias in included trials and used GRADE to assess evidence quality. Trial authors were contacted for additional data.
MAIN RESULTS
We included five RCTs (447 participants with different mutations) lasting from 28 days to 48 weeks, all assessing the CFTR potentiator ivacaftor. The quality of the evidence was moderate to low, mainly due to risk of bias (incomplete outcome data and selective reporting) and imprecision of results, particularly where few individuals experienced adverse events. Trial design was generally well-documented. All trials were industry-sponsored and supported by other non-pharmaceutical funding bodies.F508del (class II) (140 participants)One 16-week trial reported no deaths, or changes in quality of life (QoL) or lung function (either relative or absolute change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (moderate-quality evidence). Pulmonary exacerbations and cough were the most reported adverse events in ivacaftor and placebo groups, but there was no difference between groups (low-quality evidence); there was also no difference between groups in participants interrupting or discontinuing treatment (low-quality evidence). Number of days until the first exacerbation was not reported, but there was no difference between groups in how many participants developed pulmonary exacerbations. There was also no difference in weight. Sweat chloride concentration decreased, mean difference (MD) -2.90 mmol/L (95% confidence interval (CI) -5.60 to -0.20).G551D (class III) (238 participants)The 28-day phase 2 trial (19 participants) and two 48-week phase 3 trials (adult trial (167 adults), paediatric trial (52 children)) reported no deaths. QoL scores (respiratory domain) were higher with ivacaftor in the adult trial at 24 weeks, MD 8.10 (95% CI 4.77 to 11.43) and 48 weeks, MD 8.60 (95% CI 5.27 to 11.93 (moderate-quality evidence). The adult trial reported a higher relative change in FEV1 with ivacaftor at 24 weeks, MD 16.90% (95% CI 13.60 to 20.20) and 48 weeks, MD 16.80% (95% CI 13.50 to 20.10); the paediatric trial reported this at 24 weeks, MD 17.4% (P < 0.0001)) (moderate-quality evidence). These trials demonstrated absolute improvements in FEV1 (% predicted) at 24 weeks, MD 10.80% (95% CI 8.91 to 12.69) and 48 weeks, MD 10.44% (95% CI 8.56 to 12.32). The phase 3 trials reported increased cough, odds ratio (OR) 0.57 (95% CI 0.33 to 1.00) and episodes of decreased pulmonary function, OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.82) in the placebo group; ivacaftor led to increased dizziness in adults, OR 10.55 (95% CI 1.32 to 84.47). There was no difference between groups in participants interrupting or discontinuing treatment (low-quality evidence). Fewer participants taking ivacaftor developed serious pulmonary exacerbations; adults taking ivacaftor developed fewer exacerbations (serious or not), OR 0.54 (95% CI 0.29 to 1.01). A higher proportion of participants were exacerbation-free at 24 weeks with ivacaftor (moderate-quality evidence). Ivacaftor led to a greater absolute change from baseline in FEV1 (% predicted) at 24 weeks, MD 10.80% (95% CI 8.91 to 12.69) and 48 weeks, MD 10.44% (95% CI 8.56 to 12.32); weight also increased at 24 weeks, MD 2.37 kg (95% CI 1.68 to 3.06) and 48 weeks, MD 2.75 kg (95% CI 1.74 to 3.75). Sweat chloride concentration decreased at 24 weeks, MD -48.98 mmol/L (95% CI -52.07 to -45.89) and 48 weeks, MD -49.03 mmol/L (95% CI -52.11 to -45.94).R117H (class IV) (69 participants)One 24-week trial reported no deaths. QoL scores (respiratory domain) were higher with ivacaftor at 24 weeks, MD 8.40 (95% CI 2.17 to 14.63), but no relative changes in lung function were reported (moderate-quality evidence). Pulmonary exacerbations and cough were the most reported adverse events in both groups, but there was no difference between groups; there was no difference between groups in participants interrupting or discontinuing treatment (low-quality evidence). Number of days until the first exacerbation was not reported, but there was no difference between groups in how many participants developed pulmonary exacerbations. No changes in absolute change in FEV1 or weight were reported. Sweat chloride concentration decreased, MD -24.00 mmol/L (CI 95% -24.69 to -23.31).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence supporting the use of ivacaftor in people with the F508del mutation. Both G551D phase 3 trials demonstrated a clinically relevant impact of ivacaftor on outcomes at 24 and 48 weeks in adults and children (over six years of age) with CF. The R117H trial demonstrated an improvement in the respiratory QoL score, but no improvement in respiratory function.As new mutation-specific therapies emerge, it is important that trials examine outcomes relevant to people with CF and their families and that adverse events are reported robustly and consistently. Post-market surveillance is essential and ongoing health economic evaluations are required.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aminophenols; Child; Chloride Channel Agonists; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Cystic Fibrosis; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Mucociliary Clearance; Mutation; Quality of Life; Quinolones; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 30616300
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009841.pub3 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2021The risk factors of bronchiectasis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have not yet been established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The risk factors of bronchiectasis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have not yet been established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate and identify potential risk factors for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease accompanied by bronchiectasis. We reviewed eight electronic journal databases from their inception to November 2019 for observational studies with no language restrictions. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was applied to evaluate the quality of the literature. Binary variables were pooled using odds ratios and continuous variables using the standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals. The confidence of evidence was assessed according to the grading of the recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation method. Eight case-control studies met the inclusion criteria. Tuberculosis history, smoking history, hospitalization stays, admissions in the past year, and duration of symptoms were considered risk factors. In addition, the ratio between the forced expiratory volume in 1s and forced vital capacity, the percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1s, the forced expiratory volume in 1s as a percentage of the predicted value, purulent sputum, purulent mucus sputum, positive sputum culture, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, arterial oxygen pressure, daily dyspnea, C-reactive protein, leukocytes, and the percentage of neutrophils were found to be closely related to bronchiectasis. However, these were not considered risk factors. The evidence of all outcomes was judged as "low" or "very low." Additional prospective studies are required to elucidate the underlying risk factors and identify effective preventive interventions.
Topics: Bronchiectasis; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Risk Factors
PubMed: 33886788
DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2021/e2420 -
Thorax Aug 2020Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a common cause of admission to intensive care units (ICUs). Mucoactive agents are medications that promote mucus clearance and are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a common cause of admission to intensive care units (ICUs). Mucoactive agents are medications that promote mucus clearance and are frequently administered in patients with ARF, despite a lack of evidence to underpin clinical decision making. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if the use of mucoactive agents in patients with ARF improves clinical outcomes.
METHODS
We searched electronic and grey literature (January 2020). Two reviewers independently screened, selected, extracted data and quality assessed studies. We included trials of adults receiving ventilatory support for ARF and involving at least one mucoactive agent compared with placebo or standard care. Outcomes included duration of mechanical ventilation. Meta-analysis was undertaken using random-effects modelling and certainty of the evidence was assessed using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomised controlled trials were included (1712 patients), investigating four different mucoactive agents. Mucoactive agents showed no effect on duration of mechanical ventilation (seven trials, mean difference (MD) -1.34, 95% CI -2.97 to 0.29, I=82%, very low certainty) or mortality, hospital stay and ventilator-free days. There was an effect on reducing ICU length of stay in the mucoactive agent groups (10 trials, MD -3.22, 95% CI -5.49 to -0.96, I=89%, very low certainty).
CONCLUSION
Our findings do not support the use of mucoactive agents in critically ill patients with ARF. The existing evidence is of low quality. High-quality randomised controlled trials are needed to determine the role of specific mucoactive agents in critically ill patients with ARF.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42018095408.
Topics: Acute Disease; Critical Care; Expectorants; Humans; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory Insufficiency
PubMed: 32513777
DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2019-214355 -
Digestive Endoscopy : Official Journal... Jan 2019The aim of the present review was to clarify how we should detect and diagnose sessile serrated polyps (SSP) endoscopically. A systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE...
The aim of the present review was to clarify how we should detect and diagnose sessile serrated polyps (SSP) endoscopically. A systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE from January 2004 through March 2018. Nine findings: (i) proximal location; (ii) size >10 mm; (iii) irregular shape; (iv) indistinctive border; (v) cloud-like surface; (vi) mucus cap; (vii) rim of debris in white-light endoscopy; (viii) dilated vessels; and (ix) dilated crypts (pits) in image-enhanced endoscopy were considered to be candidate discriminators of SSP from hyperplastic polyps. Prospective studies in a general setting are warranted to validate the above-mentioned endoscopic features of SSP during real-time colonoscopy and to determine whether these features are useful for the differential diagnosis of SSP.
Topics: Colonic Polyps; Diagnosis, Differential; Endoscopy; Humans; Narrow Band Imaging
PubMed: 30151942
DOI: 10.1111/den.13263 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2014Treatment for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) includes administering complementary oxygen. The effectiveness of oxygen therapy and of different delivery... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Treatment for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) includes administering complementary oxygen. The effectiveness of oxygen therapy and of different delivery methods remains uncertain.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness and safety of oxygen therapy and oxygen delivery methods in the treatment of LRTIs and to define the indications for oxygen therapy in children with LRTIs.
SEARCH METHODS
For this update, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS from March 2008 to October 2014.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or non-RCTs comparing oxygen versus no oxygen therapy or different methods of oxygen delivery in children with LRTI aged from three months to 15 years. To determine the indications for oxygen therapy, we included observational studies or diagnostic test accuracy studies.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently scanned the search results to identify studies for inclusion. Two authors independently performed the methodological assessment and the third author resolved any disagreements. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes and adverse events (AEs). We performed fixed-effect meta-analyses for the estimation of pooled effects whenever there was no heterogeneity between included RCTs. We summarised the results reported in the included observational studies for the clinical indicators of hypoxaemia.
MAIN RESULTS
In this review update, we included four studies (479 participants) assessing the efficacy of non-invasive delivery methods for the treatment of LRTI in children and 14 observational studies assessing the clinical sign indicators of hypoxaemia in children with LRTIs.Three RCTs (399 participants) compared the effectiveness of nasal prongs or nasal cannula with nasopharyngeal catheter; one non-RCT (80 participants) compared head box, face mask, nasopharyngeal catheter and nasal cannula. The nasopharyngeal catheter was the control group. Treatment failure was defined as number of children failing to achieve adequate arterial oxygen saturation. All included studies had a high risk of bias because of allocation methods and lack of blinded outcome assessment.For nasal prongs versus nasopharyngeal catheter, the pooled effect estimate for RCTs showed a worrying trend towards no difference between the groups (two RCTs; 239 participants; RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.36 to 2.38). Similar results were shown in the one non-RCT (RR 1.0, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.27). The overall quality of this evidence is very low. Nasal obstruction due to severe mucus production was different between treatment groups (three RCTs, 338 participants; RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.44; I(2) statistic = 0%). The quality of this evidence is low.The use of a face mask showed a statistically significant lower risk of failure to achieve arterial oxygen > 60 mmHg than the nasopharyngeal catheter (one non-RCT; 80 participants; odds ratio (OR) 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.88).The use of a head box showed a non-statistically significant trend towards a reduced risk of treatment failure compared to the nasopharyngeal catheter (one non-RCT; OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.12). The quality of this evidence is very low.To determine the presence of hypoxaemia in children presenting with LRTI, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of nine clinical signs reported by the included observational studies and used this information to calculate likelihood ratios. The results showed that there is no single clinical sign or symptom that accurately identifies hypoxaemia.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
It appears that oxygen therapy given early in the course of pneumonia via nasal prongs at a flow rate of 1 to 2 L/min does not prevent children with severe pneumonia from developing hypoxaemia. However, the applicability of this evidence is limited as it comes from a small pilot trial.Nasal prongs and nasopharyngeal catheter are similar in effectiveness when used for children with LRTI. Nasal prongs are associated with fewer nasal obstruction problems. The use of a face mask and head box has been poorly studied and it is not superior to a nasopharyngeal catheter in terms of effectiveness or safety in children with LRTI.Studies assessing the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and oxygen delivery methods in children with different baseline risks are needed.There is no single clinical sign or symptom that accurately identifies hypoxaemia in children with LRTI. The summary of results presented here can help clinicians to identify children with more severe conditions.This review is limited by the small number of trials assessing oxygen therapy and oxygen delivery methods as part of LRTI treatment. There is insufficient evidence to determine which non-invasive delivery methods should be used in children with LRTI and low levels of oxygen in their blood.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Bronchiolitis; Child; Child, Preschool; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Humans; Hypoxia; Infant; Masks; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy; Pneumonia, Viral; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 25493690
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005975.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2020Chest physiotherapy is widely prescribed to assist the clearance of airway secretions in people with cystic fibrosis. Oscillating devices generate intra- or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Chest physiotherapy is widely prescribed to assist the clearance of airway secretions in people with cystic fibrosis. Oscillating devices generate intra- or extra-thoracic oscillations orally or external to the chest wall. Internally they create variable resistances within the airways, generating controlled oscillating positive pressure which mobilises mucus. Extra-thoracic oscillations are generated by forces outside the respiratory system, e.g. high frequency chest wall oscillation. This is an update of a previously published review.
OBJECTIVES
To identify whether oscillatory devices, oral or chest wall, are effective for mucociliary clearance and whether they are equivalent or superior to other forms of airway clearance in the successful management of secretions in people with cystic fibrosis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Trials Register comprising references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and hand searches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Latest search of the Cystic Fibrosis Trials Register: 29 July 2019. In addition we searched the trials databases ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Latest search of trials databases: 15 August 2019.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled studies and controlled clinical studies of oscillating devices compared with any other form of physiotherapy in people with cystic fibrosis. Single-treatment interventions (therapy technique used only once in the comparison) were excluded.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria to publications, assessed the quality of the included studies and assessed the evidence using GRADE.
MAIN RESULTS
The searches identified 82 studies (330 references); 39 studies (total of 1114 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Studies varied in duration from up to one week to one year; 20 of the studies were cross-over in design. The studies also varied in type of intervention and the outcomes measured, data were not published in sufficient detail in most of these studies, so meta-analysis was limited. Few studies were considered to have a low risk of bias in any domain. It is not possible to blind participants and clinicians to physiotherapy interventions, but 13 studies did blind the outcome assessors. The quality of the evidence across all comparisons ranged from low to very low. Forced expiratory volume in one second was the most frequently measured outcome and while many of the studies reported an improvement in those people using a vibrating device compared to before the study, there were few differences when comparing the different devices to each other or to other airway clearance techniques. One study identified an increase in frequency of exacerbations requiring antibiotics whilst using high frequency chest wall oscillation when compared to positive expiratory pressure (low-quality evidence). There were some small but significant changes in secondary outcome variables such as sputum volume or weight, but not wholly in favour of oscillating devices and due to the low- or very low-quality evidence, it is not clear whether these were due to the particular intervention. Participant satisfaction was reported in 13 studies but again with low- or very low-quality evidence and not consistently in favour of an oscillating device, as some participants preferred breathing techniques or techniques used prior to the study interventions. The results for the remaining outcome measures were not examined or reported in sufficient detail to provide any high-level evidence.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There was no clear evidence that oscillation was a more or less effective intervention overall than other forms of physiotherapy; furthermore there was no evidence that one device is superior to another. The findings from one study showing an increase in frequency of exacerbations requiring antibiotics whilst using an oscillating device compared to positive expiratory pressure may have significant resource implications. More adequately-powered long-term randomised controlled trials are necessary and outcomes measured should include frequency of exacerbations, individual preference, adherence to therapy and general satisfaction with treatment. Increased adherence to therapy may then lead to improvements in other parameters, such as exercise tolerance and respiratory function. Additional evidence is needed to evaluate whether oscillating devices combined with other forms of airway clearance is efficacious in people with cystic fibrosis.There may also be a requirement to consider the cost implication of devices over other forms of equally advantageous airway clearance techniques. Using the GRADE method to assess the quality of the evidence, we judged this to be low or very low quality, which suggests that further research is very likely to have an impact on confidence in any estimate of effect generated by future interventions.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Breathing Exercises; Chest Wall Oscillation; Child; Cystic Fibrosis; Disease Progression; Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Middle Aged; Mucociliary Clearance; Mucus; Patient Satisfaction; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sputum; Vibration
PubMed: 32352564
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006842.pub5 -
Italian Journal of Pediatrics Aug 2021Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disorder, caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. These cause a reduced secretion of...
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystem disorder, caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. These cause a reduced secretion of chloride, a marked absorption of sodium and, therefore, of water, through the epithelium, resulting in the formation of thickened secretions in organs such as lung or pancreas. These viscous secretions lead to airway obstruction, chronic infection and inflammation resulting in progressive lung damage, bronchiectasis and eventual respiratory failure. Although the average life expectancy has increased over the last 30 years, lung disease is the most common cause of death in people with CF. For these reasons, the improvement of sputum clearance is a major therapeutic aim in CF and early initiation of airway clearance is widely recommended and implemented. Symptomatic mucolytic therapy today is mainly based on inhalation of DNase, hypertonic saline or mannitol, in combination with physiotherapy. Mucolytic agents break down the gel structure of mucus and therefore decrease its elasticity and viscosity, reducing the pulmonary exacerbation frequency and to improve and stabilize lung function. Nevertheless, high quality studies comparing these mucolytic drugs are still few, and the individual experiences of patients and caregivers explain the high variability of their use globally. This review will summarize the current knowledge on hypertonic saline in the treatment of CF lung disease. Furthermore, we report the real-world prescription of inhaled mucolytic agents in CF.
Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Cystic Fibrosis; Expectorants; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Saline Solution, Hypertonic
PubMed: 34362426
DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01117-1