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Frontiers in Pediatrics 2014Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 68 children in the United States. Even though it is a common disorder, only two... (Review)
Review
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 68 children in the United States. Even though it is a common disorder, only two medications (risperidone and aripiprazole) are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms associated with ASD. However, these medications are approved to treat irritability, which is not a core symptom of ASD. A number of novel medications, which have not been approved by the FDA to treat ASD have been used off-label in some studies to treat ASD symptoms, including medications approved for Alzheimer's disease. Interestingly, some of these studies are high-quality, double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) studies. This article systematically reviews studies published through April, 2014, which examined the use of Alzheimer's medications in ASD, including donepezil (seven studies, two were DBPC, five out of seven reported improvements), galantamine (four studies, two were DBPC, all reported improvements), rivastigmine (one study reporting improvements), tacrine (one study reporting improvements), and memantine (nine studies, one was DBPC, eight reported improvements). An evidence-based scale was used to rank each medication. Collectively, these studies reported improvements in expressive language and communication, receptive language, social interaction, irritability, hyperactivity, attention, eye contact, emotional lability, repetitive or self-stimulatory behaviors, motor planning, disruptive behaviors, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, lethargy, overall ASD behaviors, and increased REM sleep. Reported side effects are reviewed and include irritability, gastrointestinal problems, verbal or behavioral regression, headaches, irritability, rash, tremor, sedation, vomiting, and speech problems. Both galantamine and memantine had sufficient evidence ranking for improving both core and associated symptoms of ASD. Given the lack of medications approved to treat ASD, further studies on novel medications, including Alzheimer's disease medications, are needed.
PubMed: 25202686
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00087 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2022Due to nonspecific symptoms, rare dyslipidaemias are frequently misdiagnosed, overlooked, and undertreated, leading to increased risk for severe cardiovascular disease,...
Due to nonspecific symptoms, rare dyslipidaemias are frequently misdiagnosed, overlooked, and undertreated, leading to increased risk for severe cardiovascular disease, pancreatitis and/or multiple organ failures before diagnosis. Better guidelines for the recognition and early diagnosis of rare dyslipidaemias are urgently required. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of a Pakistani paediatric patient with hypertriglyceridemia, and from his parents and siblings. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed, and an expanded dyslipidaemia panel was employed for genetic analysis. The NGS revealed the presence of a homozygous missense pathogenic variant c.230G>A (NM_178172.6) in exon 3 of the (glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1) gene resulting in amino acid change p.Cys77Tyr (NP_835466.2). The patient was 5.5 years old at the time of genetic diagnosis. The maximal total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured at the age of 10 months (850.7 mg/dl, 22.0 mmol/L and 5,137 mg/dl, 58.0 mmol/L, respectively). The patient had cholesterol deposits at the hard palate, eruptive xanthomas, lethargy, poor appetite, and mild splenomegaly. Both parents and sister were heterozygous for the familial variant in the gene. Moreover, in the systematic review, we present 62 patients with pathogenic variants in the gene and clinical findings, associated with hyperlipoproteinemia. In a child with severe hypertriglyceridemia, we identified a pathogenic variant in the gene causing hyperlipoproteinemia (type 1D). In cases of severe elevations of plasma cholesterol and/or triglycerides genetic testing for rare dyslipidaemias should be performed as soon as possible for optimal therapy and patient management.
PubMed: 36051701
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.983283 -
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2018Recent randomized controlled trials indicated that aripiprazole was the effective treatment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
BACKGROUND
Recent randomized controlled trials indicated that aripiprazole was the effective treatment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
OBJECTIVE
This study systematically reviewed the efficacy, acceptability and tolerability of aripiprazole in treatment of ASD children and adolescents.
DATA SOURCES
Electronic search of databases including, Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was performed in July 2017.
METHODS
The full-text versions of included trials were meticulously evaluated and extracted. The main efficacious outcomes consisted of pooled mean change scores of the standardized rating scales for ASD and the pooled response rate.
RESULTS
A total of 408 randomized patients from eligible trials were included for synthesizing in this meta-analysis. The pooled mean change scores in aripiprazole-treated group for the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC)-Irritability, ABC-Hyperactivity/noncompliance, ABC-Inappropriate speech and ABC-Stereotypic behavior were significantly greater than those of the placebo-treated group. Unfortunately, the significant difference between two groups was not found for ABC-Lethargy/social withdrawal. The overall pooled response rate of the aripiprazole-treated group was significantly higher than that of the placebo-treated group. The pooled overall discontinuation rate in aripiprazole-treated group was significantly better than that of placebo-treated group. The pooled discontinuation rates due to adverse events in aripiprazole-treated group significantly differed from the placebo-treated group (RR [95% CI] of 1.43 [0.65, 3.18], =0%).
LIMITATION
A small number of studies were gathered in this review.
CONCLUSION
Aripiprazole has efficacy in the treatment of behavioral disturbances, including irritability, hyperactivity/noncompliance, inappropriate speech and stereotypic behavior found in ASD children and adolescents; however, it could not improve the lethargy/social withdrawal in such patients. The present evidence also indicates that it is safe, acceptable and tolerable in such treatment. As a small sample size, further well-defined and large sample size studies should be conducted to warrant those findings.
PubMed: 30519027
DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S174622 -
The Journal of Nutrition Mar 2017Effective treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are still lacking. We aimed to update the data on the effectiveness of ω-3 (n-3) fatty... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effective treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are still lacking. We aimed to update the data on the effectiveness of ω-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) supplementation as a treatment for ASD. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched up until August 2016 with no language restrictions for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ω-3 FA supplementation with placebo or with no supplementation. Participants were children diagnosed with ASD. All functional outcome measures reported were considered. For dichotomous outcomes, the results for individual studies and pooled statistics were reported as RRs. Mean differences (MDs) were calculated for continuous outcomes. Five RCTs (183 participants) were included. With 4 exceptions, there were no statistically significant differences in ASD symptoms between groups measured by validated scales. Among studies that used the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, parents' ratings indicated significant improvement in lethargy symptoms in the ω-3 FA group compared with the placebo group (2 RCTs) (pooled MD: 1.98; 95% CI: 0.32, 3.63). Among studies that used the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, parents' ratings indicated significant worsening of both externalizing behavior (2 RCTs) (pooled MD: -6.22; 95% CI: -10.9, -1.59) and social skills (1 RCT) (MD: -7; 95% CI: -13.62, -0.38) in the ω-3 FA group compared with the placebo group. One RCT reported a significant improvement in the ω-3 FA group for the daily-living component of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (MD: 6.2; 95% CI: 0.37, 12.03). Adverse effects were similar in both groups. Because of the limited number of included studies and small sample sizes, no firm conclusions can be drawn. However, the limited data currently available suggest that ω-3 FA supplementation does not enhance the performance of children with ASD.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans
PubMed: 28077731
DOI: 10.3945/jn.116.242354 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Given the rising interest in complementary therapeutic strategies for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the...
BACKGROUND
Given the rising interest in complementary therapeutic strategies for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of animal-assisted activities and therapies (AAAT) on various ASD symptoms.
METHODS
A meticulous search of databases, including Scopus and PubMed, was conducted to gather relevant research on AAAT for ASD. This process led to the selection of 45 studies encompassing 1,212 participants. The chosen studies were then subjected to a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of AAAT in alleviating core ASD symptoms.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in several core ASD symptoms due to AAAT. Notably, there were improvements in social communication (MD = -4.96, 95% CI [-7.49, -2.44]), irritability (MD = -2.38, 95% CI [-4.06, -0.71]), hyperactivity (MD = -4.03, 95% CI [-6.17, -1.89]), and different word usage skills (MD = 20.48, 95% CI [7.41, 33.55]). However, social awareness (MD = -1.63, 95% CI [-4.07, 0.81]), social cognition (MD = -3.60, 95% CI [-9.36, 2.17]), social mannerisms (MD = -0.73, 95% CI [-2.55, 1.09]), social motivation (MD = -1.21, 95% CI [-2.56, 0.13]), lethargy (MD = -1.12, 95% CI [-3.92, 1.68]), and stereotypical behaviors (MD = -0.23, 95% CI [-1.27, 0.80]) did not significantly improve.
CONCLUSION
The study demonstrates the potential of AAAT in improving certain core symptoms of ASD, such as social communication, irritability, hyperactivity, and word usage skills. However, the effectiveness of AAAT in other ASD symptom domains remains uncertain. The research is limited by the absence of long-term follow-up data and a high risk of bias in existing studies. Therefore, while the findings indicate the promise of AAAT in specific areas, caution is advised in generalizing its efficacy across all ASD symptoms.
PubMed: 38895710
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1403527 -
Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic... 2021Diarrhea-associated-hemolytic-uremic-syndrome (D+HUS) is a common from of HUS. Central-nervous-system (CNS) involvement is one of the most common extrarenal organ...
Diarrhea-associated-hemolytic-uremic-syndrome (D+HUS) is a common from of HUS. Central-nervous-system (CNS) involvement is one of the most common extrarenal organ involvements in children with D+HUS. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to recognize the frequency of neurological complications in pts with HUS. Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched systematically to find the papers on neurological involvement in HUS pts. Two researchers independently assessed the papers' quality and extracted data. CMA v. 2.2.064. was used for data analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I-squared (I2) test, and a fixed/random-effects model was used when appropriate. In this review, 21 studies including 2,189 participants with a median age between 1.3-40-year-old, entered the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis in D+HUS patients indicated 27.0% with neurological complications (95% CI, 22.0%-32.6%), 25.5% of symptoms weren't categorized (95% CI, 15.9%-38.3%), 20.8% of them developed the seizures (95% CI, 2.3%-74.4%). In D-HUS pts, 20.8% of them were presented neurological symptoms (95% CI, 17.9%-24.0%), of which 29.0% weren't categorized (95% CI, 19.2%-41.2%), 17.5% of pts got into coma (95% CI, 9.6%-29.7%), 5.6 % showed hemiparesis (95% CI, 2.8%-10.9%), 17.2% experienced lethargy (95% CI, 5.2%-44.1%), 30.5% developed the seizures (95% CI, 18.2%-46.2%), 7.4% manifested speech abnormalities (95% CI, 0.2%-7.22%), 6.4% of D-HUS pts presented visual-disturbances (95% CI, 3.4%-11.6%). This systematic review and meta-analysis indicated more than one-fourth of both D+HUS and D-HUS patients were presented with neurological symptoms, and the most prevalent symptoms were seizures, which can lead to an epilepsy sequel.
PubMed: 34956937
DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.35.91 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2021This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for severe hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD). The PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Sinomed, WanFang, CNKI, and...
This study aimed to identify potential risk factors for severe hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD). The PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Sinomed, WanFang, CNKI, and VIP databases were searched (up to August 2021). Twenty-nine studies (9,241 and 927,355 patients with severe HFMD and controls, respectively; all from China) were included. EV71 was associated with higher odds of severe HFMD compared with other agents (OR = 4.44, 95%CI: 3.12-6.33, < 0.001). Being home-raised (OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.59-2.50, < 0.001), higher number of children in the family (OR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.93-2.27, < 0.001), poor hand hygiene (OR = 2.74, 95%CI: 1.78-4.23, < 0.001), and no breastfeeding (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.45-2.79, < 0.001) were risk factors for severe HFMD. First consulting to a district-level or above hospital (OR = 0.34, 95%CI: 0.25-0.45, < 0.001) and diagnosis of HFMD at baseline (OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.13-0.24, < 0.001) were protective factors against severe HFMD. Fever, long fever duration, vomiting, lethargy, leukocytosis, tic, and convulsions were each associated with severe HFMD (all < 0.05), while rash was not. EV71, lifestyle habits, frequent hospital visits, and symptoms are risk factors for severe HFMD in children in China, while early diagnosis and admission to higher-level hospitals are protective factors.
PubMed: 34858899
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.716039 -
Journal of Global Health Apr 2021Nurses represent the major proportion of frontline health care professionals delivering 24/7 services to patients with an increased vulnerability towards COVID-19... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Nurses represent the major proportion of frontline health care professionals delivering 24/7 services to patients with an increased vulnerability towards COVID-19 infection. Mental health issues among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic are poorly reported across the globe. Henceforth, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to explore the prevalence and determinants of mental health outcomes (anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, insomnia) among nurses across the globe due to the COVID-19.
METHODS
A PRISMA compliant systematic review (PROSPERO-CRD 42020204120) was carried out to identify articles from multiple databases reporting the prevalence of mental health outcomes among nurses. Proportion random effect analysis, statistic, quality assessment, and sensitivity analysis were carried out.
RESULTS
Pooled data on mental health outcomes were generated from 25 cross-sectional studies: 32% anxiety (95% confidence interval (CI) = 21%-44%, n (number of studies) = 21, N (sample size) = 13 641), 40.6% stress (95% CI = 25.4%-56.8%, n = 10, N = 4204), 32% depression (95% CI = 21%-44%, n = 17, N = 12 294), 18.6% PTSD (95% CI = 4.8%-38%, n = 3, N = 638), 38.3% insomnia (95% CI = 5.8%-78.6%, n = 2, N = 261) and significant risk factors for mental ailments includes; caring for COVID-19 patients, being a female, low self-efficacy, resilience, social support and having physical symptoms (sore-throat, breathlessness, cough, lethargy, myalgia, fever).
CONCLUSION
The study results highlighted a higher proportion of poor mental health outcomes namely, anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD and insomnia among nurses from different parts of the world. Poor mental health outcomes among nurses warrants the need to implement proactive psychological interventions to deter the collapse of health care systems in responding to the pandemic and in particular all possible efforts should be undertaken to mitigate the risk factors. Health care organizations should provide support to nurses with sufficient flexibility. The disaster preparedness plan envisaged by nations should have provisions to address the mental health of nurses. Greater investment in addressing the global shortage of nurses should be given priority in national health policies. Attractive salary packages should be offered to nurses to prevent their emigration from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42020204120).
Topics: COVID-19; Global Health; Humans; Mental Disorders; Nurses
PubMed: 33884193
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.05009 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare rheumatologic disorder that may affect the neurological system with various presentations. In this study, we present a case and...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare rheumatologic disorder that may affect the neurological system with various presentations. In this study, we present a case and summarize the clinical characteristics of RP-associated meningoencephalitis.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 48-year-old man presented with first-ever seizures that were well controlled by valproate. Physical examination results were unremarkable, except for binaural deformation. The initial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without contrast and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings were normal. However, the patient subsequently developed recurrent fever, scleritis, headache, lethargy, and left arm paresis. Repeated brain MRI with contrast demonstrated increased enhancement of the pia mater and abnormal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) signals in the bilateral auricles. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed 2 leukocytes/μL, 736.5 mg/L of protein, and no evidence of infectious disease or autoimmune encephalitis. Meningoencephalitis secondary to RP was considered. The patient's condition improved significantly and quickly with the administration of dexamethasone (10 mg per day). Oral methylprednisolone was continued, and the patient remained well without relapse during the 9-month follow-up period.
CONCLUSION
RP-associated meningoencephalitis is rare but fatal. Although symptoms vary, red or deformed ears remain the most common and suggestive features. Non-specific parenchymal changes and/or meningeal enhancement can be observed on brain MRI scans. CSF lymphocytic pleocytosis with mild protein elevation was observed in most patients.
PubMed: 38033767
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1265345 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy (ANE) is a condition characterized by symmetric, bilateral lesions affecting the thalamus and potentially other areas of the brain...
Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy (ANE) is a condition characterized by symmetric, bilateral lesions affecting the thalamus and potentially other areas of the brain following an acute febrile illness. It manifests clinically as abrupt development of encephalopathy, or alteration in mental status that often includes development of seizures and progression to coma. Treatment strategies combine immunosuppressive therapies and supportive care with varying levels of recovery, however there are no universally accepted, data-driven, treatment algorithms for ANE. We first report a case of a previously healthy 10-year-old female with acute onset diplopia, visual hallucinations, lethargy, and seizures in the setting of subacute non-specific viral symptoms and found to have bilateral thalamic and brainstem lesions on MRI consistent with ANE. She was treated with a combination of immunomodulatory therapies and ultimately had a good outcome. Next, we present a meta-analysis of 10 articles with a total of 158 patients meeting clinical and radiographic criteria for ANE. Each article reported immunosuppressive treatments received, and associated morbidity or mortality outcome for each individual patient. Through our analysis, we confirm the effectiveness of high-dose, intravenous, methylprednisolone (HD-IV-MP) therapy implemented early in the disease course (initiation within 24 h of neurologic symptom onset). There was no significant difference between patients treated with and without intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). There was no benefit of combining IVIG with early HD-IV-MP. There is weak evidence suggesting a benefit of IL-6 inhibitor tocilizumab, especially when used in combination with early HD-IV-MP, though this analysis was limited by sample size. Finally, plasma exchange (PLEX) improved survival. We hope this meta-analysis will be useful for clinicians making treatment decisions for patients with this potentially devastating condition.
PubMed: 37745654
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1239746