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World Journal of Gastroenterology Jul 2015To investigate the prevalence and the clinical characteristics of Asian patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. (Review)
Review
AIM
To investigate the prevalence and the clinical characteristics of Asian patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases for original studies, case series, and individual case reports of eosinophilic esophagitis in Asian countries published from January 1980 to January 2015. We found 66 and 80 articles in the PubMed and Web of Science databases, respectively; 24 duplicate articles were removed. After excluding animal studies, articles not written in English, and meeting abstracts, 25 articles containing 217 patients were selected for analysis.
RESULTS
Sample size-weighted mean values were determined for all pooled prevalence data and clinical characteristics. The mean age of the adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis was approximately 50 years, and 73% of these patients were male. They frequently presented with allergic diseases including bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, and atopic dermatitis. Bronchial asthma was the most frequent comorbid allergic disease, occurring in 24% of patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. Dysphagia was the primary symptom reported; 44% of the patients complained of dysphagia. Although laboratory blood tests are not adequately sensitive for an accurate diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis, endoscopic examinations revealed abnormal findings typical of this disease, including longitudinal furrows and concentric rings, in 82% of the cases. One-third of the cases responded to proton pump inhibitor administration.
CONCLUSION
The characteristics of eosinophilic esophagitis in Asian patients were similar to those reported in Western patients, indicating that this disease displays a similar pathogenesis between Western and Asian patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Asia; Asian People; Asthma; Child; Child, Preschool; Comorbidity; Deglutition Disorders; Eosinophilic Esophagitis; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Sex Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 26217096
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i27.8433 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2014Most patients with oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal carcinoma are diagnosed at an advanced stage and require palliative intervention. Although there are many kinds of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Most patients with oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal carcinoma are diagnosed at an advanced stage and require palliative intervention. Although there are many kinds of interventions, the optimal one for the palliation of dysphagia remains unclear. This review updates the previous version published in 2009.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to systematically analyse and summarise the efficacy of different interventions used in the palliation of dysphagia in primary oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal carcinoma.
SEARCH METHODS
To find new studies for this updated review, in January 2014 we searched, according to the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases model, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL; and major conference proceedings (up to January 2014).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in which patients with inoperable or unresectable primary oesophageal cancer underwent palliative treatment. Different interventions like rigid plastic intubation, self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) insertion, brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapy, oesophageal bypass surgery, chemical and thermal ablation therapy, either head-to-head or in combination, were included. The primary outcome was dysphagia improvement. Secondary outcomes included recurrent dysphagia, technical success, procedure related mortality, 30-day mortality, adverse effects and quality of life.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data collection and analysis were performed in accordance with the methods of the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases Review Group.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 3684 patients from 53 studies. SEMS insertion was safer and more effective than plastic tube insertion. Thermal and chemical ablative therapy provided comparable dysphagia palliation but had an increased requirement for re-interventions and for adverse effects. Anti-reflux stents provided comparable dysphagia palliation to conventional metal stents. Some anti-reflux stents might have reduced gastro-oesophageal reflux and complications. Newly-designed double-layered nitinol (Niti-S) stents were preferable due to longer survival time and fewer complications compared to simple Niti-S stents. Brachytherapy might be a suitable alternative to SEMS in providing a survival advantage and possibly a better quality of life, and might provide better results when combined with argon plasma coagulation or external beam radiation therapy.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Self-expanding metal stent insertion is safe, effective and quicker in palliating dysphagia compared to other modalities. However, high-dose intraluminal brachytherapy is a suitable alternative and might provide additional survival benefit with a better quality of life. Some anti-reflux stents and newly-designed stents lead to longer survival and fewer complications compared to conventional stents. Combinations of brachytherapy with self-expanding metal stent insertion or radiotherapy are preferable due to the reduced requirement for re-interventions. Rigid plastic tube insertion, dilatation alone or in combination with other modalities, and chemotherapy alone are not recommended for palliation of dysphagia due to a high incidence of delayed complications and recurrent dysphagia.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Brachytherapy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Deglutition Disorders; Esophageal Neoplasms; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Laser Therapy; Palliative Care; Photochemotherapy; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Stents
PubMed: 25354795
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005048.pub4 -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences Nov 2015Esophageal food impaction (EFI) can be the initial presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE is characterized by persistent esophageal eosinophilia (EE). Both... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Esophageal food impaction (EFI) can be the initial presentation of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE is characterized by persistent esophageal eosinophilia (EE). Both EFI and EE are related to a variety of conditions. To date, the relationship between EFI, EE, and EoE remains unclear.
AIMS
To review our institutional experience with EFIs and combine our knowledge with the existing literature to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for delineating the relationship between EFI, EE, and EoE.
METHODS
We reviewed medical records of 72 children with EFI presenting to our emergency center between 2007 and 2013. PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were screened from inception until July 2014 to identify studies linking EFI and EoE. Included studies were methodically assessed for the quality and strength of association between EFI and EoE.
RESULTS
Our institutional experience highlighted the possibility of proton-pump inhibitor therapy-responsive EE (PPI-REE) as an underrecognized risk factor for EFI. A systematic review of 14 studies, including ours, revealed that most studies did not eliminate other causes of EFI or EE. The meta-analysis revealed that esophageal biopsies were obtained from 54% (40-68) of individuals presenting with EFI, and the overall EoE-attributable EFI among those who were biopsied was 54% (43-65). Substantial heterogeneity was noted among the studies.
DISCUSSION
PPI-REE is an underestimated risk factor for EFI. The quality of existing evidence linking EFI and EoE is limited by several important factors. Future studies with robust design are warranted to delineate the relationship between EFI, EE, and EoE.
Topics: Adolescent; Biopsy; Child; Child, Preschool; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Eosinophilic Esophagitis; Esophagus; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26065368
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-015-3723-8 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2015Sore throat is a common side-effect of general anaesthesia and is reported by between 30% and 70% of patients after tracheal intubation. The likelihood of a sore throat... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Sore throat is a common side-effect of general anaesthesia and is reported by between 30% and 70% of patients after tracheal intubation. The likelihood of a sore throat varies with the type, diameter, and cuff pressure of the endotracheal tube used. If intubation is essential, it may be helpful to give drugs prophylactically to alleviate postoperative sore throat. Local anaesthetics and steroids have been used for this purpose. This review was originally published in 2009 and was updated in 2015.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and any harm caused by topical and systemic lidocaine used prophylactically to prevent postoperative sore throat in adults undergoing general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 9), MEDLINE (January 1966 to October 2013), and EMBASE (1980 to October 2013). We also contacted manufacturers and researchers in the field. The original search was undertaken in June 2007. We reran the search in February 2015 and found four studies of interest. We will deal with those studies when we next update the review.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of topical and systemic prophylactic lidocaine therapy versus control (using air or saline) that reported on the risk and severity of postoperative sore throat as an outcome.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information, such as the risk of any adverse effects.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 19 studies involving 1940 participants in this updated review. Of those 1940 participants, 952 received topical or systemic lidocaine therapy and 795 were allocated to the control groups. Topical and systemic lidocaine therapy appeared to reduce the risk of postoperative sore throat (16 studies, 1774 participants, risk ratio (RR) was 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48 to 0.85), the quality of the evidence was low), although when only high-quality trials were included (eight studies, 814 participants) the effect was no longer significant (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.09). Lidocaine given systemically in two studies (320 participants) did not reveal evidence of an effect (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.19 to 1.05 ). The severity of sore throat as measured on a visual-analogue scale (VAS) was reduced by lidocaine therapy (six trials, 611 participants, (mean difference (MD) -10.80, 95% CI -14.63 to -6.98). The adverse effects of lidocaine were not reported in these studies, though toxicity is generally rare.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In our revised systematic review, although the results of included studies show generally positive results, they should be interpreted carefully. The effect size of lidocaine appeared to be affected by study quality; drug concentration; route of administration; management of cuff pressure during anaesthesia; the included population; and the type of outcome measured.
Topics: Anesthesia, General; Anesthetics, Local; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Lidocaine; Pharyngitis; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26171894
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004081.pub3 -
Respiratory Medicine Aug 2016The precise coordination between breathing and swallowing is an important mechanism to prevent pulmonary aspiration. Factors that alter breathing patterns and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The precise coordination between breathing and swallowing is an important mechanism to prevent pulmonary aspiration. Factors that alter breathing patterns and ventilation, such as chronic respiratory diseases, may influence that precise coordination of breathing and swallowing.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this systematic literature review is to examine the effects of chronic respiratory diseases on swallowing function.
METHOD
Literature searches were performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Embase. All articles meeting the eligibility criteria up to March 2016 were included.
RESULTS
All articles included studied Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA); no studies involving other respiratory diseases were found. A total of 1069 abstracts were retrieved, of which twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria; eleven studies dealt with OSA and fifteen studies dealt with COPD.
CONCLUSION
The outcome data indicate that chronic respiratory diseases increase the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in patients. However, the relative small number of studies, differences in selection criteria, definitions and assessment techniques used for diagnosing OSA, COPD, and OD point to the need for further research.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Respiration; Respiratory Aspiration; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
PubMed: 27492514
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.05.024 -
Surgical Innovation Dec 2023Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the most common standard technique worldwidely for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Another type of fundoplication,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the most common standard technique worldwidely for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Another type of fundoplication, laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF), intends to reduce incidence of postoperative complications. A systematic review and meta-analysis are required on short- and long-term outcomes based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between LNF and LTF.
METHODS
We searched databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Knowledge for RCTs comparing LNF and LTF. Outcomes included postoperative reflux recurrence, postoperative heartburn, dysphagia and postoperative chest pain, inability to belch, gas bloating, satisfaction with intervention, postoperative esophagitis, postoperative DeMeester scores, operating time (min), in-hospital complications, postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors, reoperation rate, postoperative lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure (mmHg). We assessed data using risk ratios and weighted mean differences in meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Eight eligible RCTs comparing LNF (n = 605) and LTF (n = 607) were identified. There were no significant differences between the LNF and LTF in terms of postoperative reflux recurrence, postoperative heartburn, postoperative chest pain, satisfaction with intervention, reoperation rate in short and long term, in-hospital complications, esophagitis in short term, and gas bloating, postoperative DeMeester scores, postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors, reoperation rate in long term. LTF had lower LOS pressure (mmHg), fewer postoperative dysphagia and inability to belch in short and long term and gas bloating in short term compared to LNF.
CONCLUSION
LTF were equally effective at controlling reflux symptoms and improving the quality of life, but with lower rate of complications compared to LNF. We concluded that LTF surgical treatment was superior for over 16 years old patients with typical symptoms of GERD and without upper abdominal surgical history upon high-level evidence of evidence-based medicine.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Fundoplication; Deglutition Disorders; Heartburn; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Laparoscopy; Esophagitis; Pain, Postoperative; Chest Pain
PubMed: 36998190
DOI: 10.1177/15533506231165829 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Apr 2024Centor and McIsaac scores are clinical prediction rules for diagnosing group A streptococcus (GAS) infection in patients with pharyngitis. Their recommended thresholds... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Centor and McIsaac scores are clinical prediction rules for diagnosing group A streptococcus (GAS) infection in patients with pharyngitis. Their recommended thresholds vary between guidelines.
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the McIsaac and Centor scores to diagnose GAS pharyngitis and evaluate their impact on antibiotic prescribing at each threshold in patients presenting to secondary care.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to September 2022.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Studies of patients presenting with acute pharyngitis to emergency or outpatient clinics that estimated the accuracy of McIsaac or Centor scores against throat cultures and/or rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) as reference standards.
TESTS
Centor or McIsaac score.
REFERENCE STANDARD
Throat cultures and/or RADT.
ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS
Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS
The sensitivities and specificities of the McIsaac and Centor scores were pooled at each threshold using bivariate random effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included (eight McIsaac and six Centor scores). Eight studies had unclear and six had a high risk of bias. The McIsaac score had higher estimated sensitivity and lower specificity relative to Centor scores at equivalent thresholds but with wide and overlapping confidence regions. Using either score as a triage to RADT to decide antibiotic treatment would reduce antibiotic prescription to patients with non-GAS pharyngitis relative to RADT test for everyone, but also reduce antibiotic prescription to patients with GAS.
DISCUSSION
Centor and McIsaac scores are equally ineffective at triaging patients who need antibiotics presenting with pharyngitis at hospitals. At high thresholds, too many true positive cases are missed, whereas at low thresholds, too many false positives are treated, leading to the over prescription of antibiotics. The former may be compensated by adequate safety netting by clinicians, ensuring that patients can seek help if symptoms worsen.
Topics: Humans; Secondary Care; Streptococcal Infections; Pharyngitis; Streptococcus pyogenes; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 38182052
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.12.025 -
Cancer Treatment and Research... 2022Induction Chemotherapy (IC) has the potential advantage of resulting in early eradication of micro metastasis thereby reducing distant failure in Nasopharyngeal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Induction Chemotherapy (IC) has the potential advantage of resulting in early eradication of micro metastasis thereby reducing distant failure in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC). This study is to evaluate the effectiveness of induction chemotherapy in NPC based on published phase III Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) METHODS: : We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases for phase III trials evaluating the role of IC in NPC using the following key words: nasopharyngeal carcinoma, locally advanced, locoregionally advanced, induction chemotherapy, and concurrent chemoradiation. We included phase 3 RCTs of NPC in which intervention patients received induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) and the control patients received CCRT alone.
RESULTS
Six phase III RCTs have reported the data on effectiveness of IC in NPC so far. All except one study found statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome. One study demonstrated improved relapse free survival (RFS) with IC (stratified HR for recurrence or death 0.51; p=0.0001). Two studies reported improvement in disease free survival (DFS) with IC [adjusted HR 0.739 (p=0.0264) in one study; HR for 3-year and stratified HR for 5-year DFS 0.67 (p=0.028) and 0.66 (p=007) respectively in the other study]. One study demonstrated improvement in failure free survival (FFS) with IC [HR for 3-year and 5-year FFS 0.68 (p=0.034) and 0.67 (p=0.019) respectively] and another study reported improved progression free survival (PFS) [HR 0.44; p=0.042)]. Grade 3-4 acute adverse events were higher among patients who received IC.
CONCLUSION
IC followed by CCRT showed superior clinical outcomes in NPC compared to CCRT alone. Conflicting results were found with regard to overall survival.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Humans; Induction Chemotherapy; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35724627
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2022.100589 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Feb 2017OBJECTIVE To critically assess available data from controlled observational studies on the pathogenic role of Mycoplasma spp in the upper respiratory tract (URT) and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE To critically assess available data from controlled observational studies on the pathogenic role of Mycoplasma spp in the upper respiratory tract (URT) and lower respiratory tract (LRT) of cats. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. SAMPLE 12 studies. PROCEDURES Seven electronic databases were searched for relevant publications. Risk of bias was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses, stratified by URT versus LRT disease, were performed to estimate pooled ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between Mycoplasma isolation and URT or LRT disease. Subanalyses by diagnostic method, sampling site, and environment (shelter vs nonshelter) were planned for studies on URT disease. RESULTS A significant association was found between isolation of mycoplasmal organisms and URT disease (pooled OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.40) but not LRT disease (pooled OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 0.51 to 4.76). The association with URT disease was only significant when conjunctival or pharyngeal samples from nonshelter cats were analyzed with a Mycoplasma felis-specific PCR assay. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that M felis may be a primary pathogen in cats with URT disease, warranting treatment in infected cats. The environment was important to consider when interpreting a mycoplasma-positive sample because of aclinical carriage, especially in shelter cats. Further investigations are needed to determine the role, if any, of mycoplasmal organisms in LRT disease of cats.
Topics: Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Cat Diseases; Cats; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasma Infections; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 28165317
DOI: 10.2460/javma.250.4.397 -
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Sep 2023Peritonsillar abscess is a localised infection in the peritonsillar space. Pus from the abscess can contain anaerobes. Many clinicians prescribe metronidazole in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Peritonsillar abscess is a localised infection in the peritonsillar space. Pus from the abscess can contain anaerobes. Many clinicians prescribe metronidazole in addition to penicillin, but evidence to support this is limited. This review assessed the evidence of benefit of metronidazole for the treatment of peritonsillar abscess.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted of the literature and databases including Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, PubMed and Cochrane library. Search terms included all variations of peritonsillar abscess, penicillin and metronidazole.
RESULTS
Three randomised, control trials were included. All studies assessed the clinical outcomes after treatment for peritonsillar abscess, including recurrence rate, length of hospital stay and symptom improvement. There was no evidence to suggest additional benefit with metronidazole, with studies suggesting increased side effects.
CONCLUSION
Evidence does not support the addition of metronidazole in first-line management of peritonsillar abscess. Further trials to establish optimum dose and duration schedules of oral phenoxymethylpenicillin would benefit clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Peritonsillar Abscess; Metronidazole; Penicillins; Penicillin V; Drainage; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 37194922
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215123000804