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British Journal of Anaesthesia Jul 2023Postoperative ulnar neuropathy (PUN) is an injury manifesting in the sensory or motor distribution of the ulnar nerve after anaesthesia or surgery. The condition... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Postoperative ulnar neuropathy (PUN) is an injury manifesting in the sensory or motor distribution of the ulnar nerve after anaesthesia or surgery. The condition frequently features in cases of alleged clinical negligence by anaesthetists. We performed a systematic review and applied narrative synthesis with the aim of summarising current understanding of the condition and deriving implications for practice and research.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched up to October 2022 for primary research, secondary research, or opinion pieces defining PUN and describing its incidence, predisposing factors, mechanism of injury, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and prevention.
RESULTS
We included 83 articles in the thematic analysis. PUN occurs after approximately 1 in 14 733 anaesthetics. Men aged 50-75 yr with pre-existing ulnar neuropathy are at highest risk. Preventative measures, based on consensus and expert opinion, are summarised, and an algorithm of suspected PUN management is proposed, based upon the identified literature.
CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative ulnar neuropathy is rare and the incidence is probably decreasing over time with general improvements in perioperative care. Recommendations to reduce the risk of postoperative ulnar neuropathy are based on low-quality evidence but include anatomically neutral arm positioning and padding intraoperatively. In selected high-risk patients, further documentation of repositioning, intermittent checks, and neurological examination in the recovery room can be helpful.
Topics: Male; Humans; Ulnar Neuropathies; Ulnar Nerve; Anesthesia; Postoperative Period; Incidence
PubMed: 37198029
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2023.04.010 -
Journal of General Internal Medicine Aug 2015Studies suggest that smoking may be a risk factor for the development of microvascular complications such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The objective of this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Studies suggest that smoking may be a risk factor for the development of microvascular complications such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between smoking and DPN in persons with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane clinical trials databases was conducted for the period from January 1966 to November 2014 for cohort, cross-sectional and case-control studies that assessed the relationship between smoking and DPN. Separate meta-analyses for prospective cohort studies and case-control or cross-sectional studies were performed using random effects models.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight studies (10 prospective cohort and 28 cross-sectional) were included. The prospective cohort studies included 5558 participants without DPN at baseline. During follow-up ranging from 2 to 10 years, 1550 cases of DPN occurred. The pooled unadjusted odds ratio (OR) of developing DPN associated with smoking was 1.26 (95% CI 0.86-1.85; I(2) = 74%; evidence grade: low strength). Stratified analyses of the prospective studies revealed that studies of higher quality and with better levels of adjustment and longer follow-up showed a significant positive association between smoking and DPN, with less heterogeneity. The cross-sectional studies included 27,594 participants. The pooled OR of DPN associated with smoking was 1.42 (95% CI 1.21-1.65; I(2) = 65%; evidence grade: low strength). There was no evidence of publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Smoking may be associated with an increased risk of DPN in persons with diabetes. Further studies are needed to test whether this association is causal and whether smoking cessation reduces the risk of DPN in adults with diabetes.
Topics: Diabetic Neuropathies; Humans; Incidence; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Smoking
PubMed: 25947882
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-015-3354-y -
Frontiers in Public Health 2023Early identification and intervention of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is beneficial to improve clinical outcome. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Early identification and intervention of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is beneficial to improve clinical outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a risk prediction model for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
METHODS
The derivation cohort was from a meta-analysis. Risk factors and the corresponding risk ratio (RR) were extracted. Only risk factors with statistical significance were included in the model and were scored by their weightings. An external cohort were used to validate this model. The outcome was the occurrence of DPN.
RESULTS
A total of 95,604 patients with T2DM from 18 cohorts were included. Age, smoking, body mass index, duration of diabetes, hemoglobin A1c, low HDL-c, high triglyceride, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease were enrolled in the final model. The highest score was 52.0. The median follow-up of validation cohort was 4.29 years. The optimal cut-off point was 17.0, with a sensitivity of 0.846 and a specificity of 0.668, respectively. According to the total scores, patients from the validation cohort were divided into low-, moderate-, high- and very high-risk groups. The risk of developing DPN was significantly increased in moderate- (RR 3.3, 95% CI 1.5-7.2, = 0.020), high- (RR 15.5, 95% CI 7.6-31.6, < 0.001), and very high-risk groups (RR 45.0, 95% CI 20.5-98.8, < 0.001) compared with the low-risk group.
CONCLUSION
A risk prediction model for DPN including 11 common clinical indicators were established. It is a simple and reliable tool for early prevention and intervention of DPN in patients with T2DM.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetic Neuropathies; Risk Factors; Glycated Hemoglobin; Diabetic Retinopathy
PubMed: 36908480
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1128069 -
BMC Neurology Dec 2023Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) emerged as one of the main side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination. We pooled and summarized the evidence on the clinical features and...
BACKGROUND
Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) emerged as one of the main side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination. We pooled and summarized the evidence on the clinical features and outcomes of NMD associated with COVID-19 vaccination.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched three databases, Medline, Embase, and Scopus, using the key terms covering "Neuromuscular disease" AND "COVID-19 vaccine", and pooled the individual patient data extracted from the included studies.
RESULTS
A total of 258 NMD cases following COVID-19 have been reported globally, of which 171 cases were Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), 40 Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS), 22 Myasthenia Gravis (MG), 19 facial nerve palsy (FNP), 5 single fiber neuropathy, and 1 Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. All (100%) SFN patients and 58% of FNP patients were female; in the remaining NMDs, patients were predominantly male, including MG (82%), GBS (63%), and PTS (62.5%). The median time from vaccine to symptom was less than 2 weeks in all groups. Symptoms mainly appeared following the first dose of vector vaccine, but there was no specific pattern for mRNA-based.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 vaccines might induce some NMDs, mainly in adults. The age distribution and gender characteristics of affected patients may differ based on the NMD type. About two-thirds of the cases probably occur less than 2 weeks after vaccination.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Male; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Neuromuscular Diseases; Myasthenia Gravis; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Bell Palsy; Facial Paralysis
PubMed: 38082244
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03486-y -
European Journal of Pain (London,... Jan 2023Neuropathic pain is an occasionally reported complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has received increased attention in scientific literature. In this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Neuropathic pain is an occasionally reported complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has received increased attention in scientific literature. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to provide information on the frequency of neuropathic pain associated with COVID-19.
DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT
We systematically reviewed and analysed literature regarding neuropathic pain associated with COVID-19. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. We considered prospective and retrospective studies published up until September 2022 (limitations included English language, full-text publications and studies including at least 10 patients). A random effects meta-analysis was performed and heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.
RESULTS
We identified 149 studies. We included 17 studies in the systematic review, and six studies reporting the frequency of neuropathic pain in the acute/subacute phase of COVID-19 in the meta-analysis. The estimated frequency of neuropathic pain ranged between 0.4 and 25%. Forest plot analysis showed that the random effect overall frequency was 10% (95% confidence interval: 5%-15%), with a high level of heterogeneity (Chi = 104; Tau = 0.004; df = 5; I = 95%; test for overall effect: Z = 3.584; p < 0.0005). The overall risk of bias was moderate in all studies selected, particularly due to the poor description of neuropathic pain diagnostic criteria.
CONCLUSIONS
The pooled estimated frequency of neuropathic pain associated with COVID-19 should be considered with caution due to the high heterogeneity across studies and the poor description of the neuropathic pain diagnostic criteria applied.
SIGNIFICANCE
Emerging evidence supports the development of neuropathic pain as a complication of COVID-19. However, longitudinal studies enrolling consecutive patients with COVID-19 that detail the diagnostic criteria for neuropathic pain are needed to better assess the frequency of this condition.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Neuralgia
PubMed: 36367322
DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2055 -
Journal of Pain Research 2019Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) has shown a neuroprotective effect in patients with peripheral neuropathies of different etiologies. Preclinical studies demonstrated a central...
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) has shown a neuroprotective effect in patients with peripheral neuropathies of different etiologies. Preclinical studies demonstrated a central anti-nociceptive action, both in neuropathic and nociceptive pain models. The present review aims to provide the knowledge on the efficacy of ALC in patients with painful peripheral neuropathy, based on the evidence. Consistent with the PRISMA statement, authors searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for relevant papers, including those issued before April 2018. Two authors independently selected studies for inclusion and data extraction: only trials including patients with a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and involving at least 10 patients were considered for the purposes of this review. Fourteen clinical trials were revised, to provide the level of evidence for neuropathy. To assess the global efficacy of ALC in painful peripheral neuropathy, a meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials was performed. Mean difference in pain reduction as measured on a 10-cm VAS, and 95% CIs were used for pooling continuous data from each trial. Four randomized controlled trials tested ALC in patients with neuropathy secondary to diabetes and to antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Compared to placebo, ALC produced a significant pain reduction equal to 20.2% (95% CI: 8.3%-32.1%, <0.0001) with respect to baseline. Clinical trials also showed beneficial effects on nerve conduction parameters and nerve fiber regeneration, with a good safety profile. These data indicate that ALC provides an effective and safe treatment in patients with painful peripheral neuropathy. We recommend further studies to assess the optimal dose and duration of the therapeutic effect (also after treatment withdrawal).
PubMed: 31118753
DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S190231 -
Pain and Therapy Dec 2022Immunoglobulins (IG) are widely used for the treatment of a variety of immune-mediated diseases. The exact mechanism of action remains unknown, but IG modulate the...
BACKGROUND
Immunoglobulins (IG) are widely used for the treatment of a variety of immune-mediated diseases. The exact mechanism of action remains unknown, but IG modulate the expression and function of Fc receptors, interfere with complement activation and production of cytokines, neutralize pathogenic autoantibodies, and affect the activation and effector functions of B and T lymphocytes. Immunoglobulins are usually delivered intravenously, and are effective in ameliorating motor symptoms, and/or preventing disease progression in immune-mediated neuropathies, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the potential of IG for the treatment of painful peripheral neuropathy (PPN). The outcome of interest was the percentage of patients with PPN who achieved pain relief following IG administration.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search on March 17, 2022, in the PubMed database without any publication date restrictions. We also looked for unpublished or ongoing trials in clinicaltrials.org. Pain reduction following IG treatment had to be within the aims (primary or secondary).
RESULTS
The aforementioned literature search strategy revealed five studies (two open-label, three randomized placebo-controlled) eligible to be included. The pooled estimate of the percentage of patients with PPN who received immunoglobulins and reported pain relief was found to be 65% (95% CI 58-71%). The likelihood of achieving pain relief with immunoglobulin treatment was 2.9 times higher (95% CI 1.6-5.2) compared to placebo (p = 0.0003).
CONCLUSION
The use of IG for the treatment of pain due to peripheral neuropathy has a potential therapeutic benefit. Further studies across patients with different types of painful peripheral neuropathy are needed to better characterize this effect. Registration number on PROSPERO: CRD42022319614.
PubMed: 35925489
DOI: 10.1007/s40122-022-00416-7 -
Muscle & Nerve Mar 2017No treatments for axonal peripheral neuropathy are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although patient- and clinician-reported outcomes... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
No treatments for axonal peripheral neuropathy are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although patient- and clinician-reported outcomes are central to evaluating neuropathy symptoms, they can be difficult to assess accurately. The inability to identify efficacious treatments for peripheral neuropathies could be due to invalid or inadequate outcome measures.
METHODS
This systematic review examined the content validity of symptom-based measures of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, HIV neuropathy, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
RESULTS
Use of all FDA-recommended methods to establish content validity was only reported for 2 of 18 measures. Multiple sensory and motor symptoms were included in measures for all 3 conditions; these included numbness, tingling, pain, allodynia, difficulty walking, and cramping. Autonomic symptoms were less frequently included.
CONCLUSIONS
Given significant overlap in symptoms between neuropathy etiologies, a measure with content validity for multiple neuropathies with supplemental disease-specific modules could be of great value in the development of disease-modifying treatments for peripheral neuropathies. Muscle Nerve 55: 366-372, 2017.
Topics: Diabetic Neuropathies; HIV Infections; Humans; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
PubMed: 27447116
DOI: 10.1002/mus.25264 -
The Journal of International Medical... Jul 2023The exact etiology of Parsonage-Turner syndrome is unknown, but it is known to be preceded by infection, vaccination, or surgical intervention. In this review, we... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The exact etiology of Parsonage-Turner syndrome is unknown, but it is known to be preceded by infection, vaccination, or surgical intervention. In this review, we describe associations of Parsonage-Turner syndrome with COVID-19 infection and vaccination.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Microsoft Excel was used for data extraction and statistical analysis. The quality of case reports and case series was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool.
RESULTS
We selected 44 case reports and 10 case series, including 68 patients (32 post-vaccination and 36 with post-COVID-19 infection Parsonage-Turner syndrome). Middle-aged males were predominantly affected in both groups. The most frequently administered vaccine was Comirnaty (Pfizer) (53%). The mean latency was 11.7 days in the post-vaccination group and 20.3 days in the post-infection group. The most affected nerves in both groups were the axillary, suprascapular, and musculocutaneous nerves; and 78.1% and 38.9% of patients showed partial amelioration of their symptoms in the post-vaccination and post-infection groups, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Post-vaccination Parsonage-Turner syndrome presents earlier than post-infection disease. Pain and sensorimotor deficits of the upper limb are common in both situations. Complete or partial recovery occurs in most cases.
Topics: Male; Middle Aged; Humans; Brachial Plexus Neuritis; COVID-19; Pain; Upper Extremity; Vaccination
PubMed: 37523491
DOI: 10.1177/03000605231187939 -
Journal of Diabetes Research 2017To systematically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of monofilament tests for detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of monofilament tests for detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
METHODS
We searched EMBASE (OvidSP), MEDLINE (OvidSP), the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify diagnostic accuracy trials of monofilament tests for detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We used a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics (HSROC) model to conduct the meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy of monofilament tests for detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
RESULTS
A total of 19 comparative trials met the inclusion criteria and were part of the qualitative synthesis. Eight trials using nerve conduction studies as the reference standard were selected for the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of monofilament tests for detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy were 0.53 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32 to 0.74) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.94), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 4.56 (95% CI 2.93 to 7.10) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.81), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review indicated that monofilament tests had limited sensitivity for screening diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The clinical use of the monofilament test in the evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy cannot be encouraged based on currently available evidence.
Topics: Diabetic Neuropathies; Humans; Neural Conduction; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Physical Examination; Sensitivity and Specificity; Touch Perception
PubMed: 29119118
DOI: 10.1155/2017/8787261