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BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Sep 2017To estimate the benefits and harms of using corticosteroids as an adjunct treatment for sore throat. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To estimate the benefits and harms of using corticosteroids as an adjunct treatment for sore throat. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), trial registries up to May 2017, reference lists of eligible trials, related reviews. Randomised controlled trials of the addition of corticosteroids to standard clinical care for patients aged 5 or older in emergency department and primary care settings with clinical signs of acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or the clinical syndrome of sore throat. Trials were included irrespective of language or publication status. Reviewers identified studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the evidence, independently and in duplicate. A parallel guideline committee ( Rapid Recommendation) provided input on the design and interpretation of the systematic review, including the selection of outcomes important to patients. Random effects model was used for meta-analyses. Quality of evidence was assessed with the GRADE approach. 10 eligible trials enrolled 1426 individuals. Patients who received single low dose corticosteroids (the most common intervention was oral dexamethasone with a maximum dose of 10 mg) were twice as likely to experience pain relief after 24 hours (relative risk 2.2, 95% confidence interval 1.2 to 4.3; risk difference 12.4%; moderate quality evidence) and 1.5 times more likely to have no pain at 48 hours (1.5, 1.3 to 1.8; risk difference 18.3%; high quality). The mean time to onset of pain relief in patients treated with corticosteroids was 4.8 hours earlier (95% confidence interval -1.9 to -7.8; moderate quality) and the mean time to complete resolution of pain was 11.1 hours earlier (-0.4 to -21.8; low quality) than in those treated with placebo. The absolute pain reduction at 24 hours (visual analogue scale 0-10) was greater in patients treated with corticosteroids (mean difference 1.3, 95% confidence interval 0.7 to 1.9; moderate quality). Nine of the 10 trials sought information regarding adverse events. Six studies reported no adverse effects, and three studies reported few adverse events, which were mostly complications related to disease, with a similar incidence in both groups. Single low dose corticosteroids can provide pain relief in patients with sore throat, with no increase in serious adverse effects. Included trials did not assess the potential risks of larger cumulative doses in patients with recurrent episodes of acute sore throat. PROSPERO CRD42017067808.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Dexamethasone; Drug Administration Schedule; Humans; Pharyngitis; Tonsillitis
PubMed: 28931508
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j3887 -
Lancet (London, England) Jun 2023Tonsillectomy is regularly performed in adults with acute tonsillitis, but with scarce evidence. A reduction in tonsillectomies has coincided with an increase in acute... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Tonsillectomy is regularly performed in adults with acute tonsillitis, but with scarce evidence. A reduction in tonsillectomies has coincided with an increase in acute adult hospitalisation for tonsillitis complications. We aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of conservative management versus tonsillectomy in patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis.
METHODS
This pragmatic multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial was conducted in 27 hospitals in the UK. Participants were adults aged 16 years or older who were newly referred to secondary care otolaryngology clinics with recurrent acute tonsillitis. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive tonsillectomy or conservative management using random permuted blocks of variable length. Stratification by recruiting centre and baseline symptom severity was assessed using the Tonsil Outcome Inventory-14 score (categories defined as mild 0-35, moderate 36-48, or severe 49-70). Participants in the tonsillectomy group received elective surgery to dissect the palatine tonsils within 8 weeks after random assignment and those in the conservative management group received standard non-surgical care during 24 months. The primary outcome was the number of sore throat days collected during 24 months after random assignment, reported once per week with a text message. The primary analysis was done in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. This study is registered with the ISRCTN registry, 55284102.
FINDINGS
Between May 11, 2015, and April 30, 2018, 4165 participants with recurrent acute tonsillitis were assessed for eligibility and 3712 were excluded. 453 eligible participants were randomly assigned (233 in the immediate tonsillectomy group vs 220 in the conservative management group). 429 (95%) patients were included in the primary ITT analysis (224 vs 205). The median age of participants was 23 years (IQR 19-30), with 355 (78%) females and 97 (21%) males. Most participants were White (407 [90%]). Participants in the immediate tonsillectomy group had fewer days of sore throat during 24 months than those in the conservative management group (median 23 days [IQR 11-46] vs 30 days [14-65]). After adjustment for site and baseline severity, the incident rate ratio of total sore throat days in the immediate tonsillectomy group (n=224) compared with the conservative management group (n=205) was 0·53 (95% CI 0·43 to 0·65; <0·0001). 191 adverse events in 90 (39%) of 231 participants were deemed related to tonsillectomy. The most common adverse event was bleeding (54 events in 44 [19%] participants). No deaths occurred during the study.
INTERPRETATION
Compared with conservative management, immediate tonsillectomy is clinically effective and cost-effective in adults with recurrent acute tonsillitis.
FUNDING
National Institute for Health Research.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adult; Young Adult; Tonsillectomy; Conservative Treatment; Tonsillitis; Pharyngitis; Respiration Disorders; Pain; United Kingdom
PubMed: 37209706
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00519-6 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Mar 2020In surgical patients undergoing general anaesthesia, coughing at the time of extubation is common and can result in potentially dangerous complications. We performed a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
In surgical patients undergoing general anaesthesia, coughing at the time of extubation is common and can result in potentially dangerous complications. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of i.v. lidocaine administration during the perioperative period to prevent cough and other airway complications.
METHODS
We searched Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, Excerpta Medica database, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for RCTs comparing the perioperative use of i.v. lidocaine with a control group in adult patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia. The RCTs were assessed using risk-of-bias assessment, and the quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE).
RESULTS
In 16 trials (n=1516), the administration of i.v. lidocaine compared with placebo or no treatment led to large reductions in post-extubation cough (risk ratio [RR]: 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48-0.86) and in postoperative sore throat at 1 h (RR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.32-0.67). There was no difference in incidence of laryngospasm (risk difference [RD]: 0.02; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.03) or incidence of adverse events related to the use of lidocaine.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of i.v. lidocaine perioperatively decreased airway complications, including coughing and sore throat. There was no associated increased risk of harm.
Topics: Anesthesia, General; Anesthetics, Local; Cough; Device Removal; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Intubation, Intratracheal; Lidocaine; Perioperative Care; Pharyngitis; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 32000978
DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2019.11.033 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Feb 2019
Topics: Female; Humans; Laryngeal Diseases; Larynx; Melanosis; Middle Aged; Pharyngitis
PubMed: 30885004
DOI: 10.1177/0145561318823317 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Mar 2019
Topics: Child; Female; Fever; Humans; Pharyngitis; Pharynx; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 30855746
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMicm1810556 -
Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Dec 2022
Topics: Humans; Pharyngitis; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 36444626
DOI: 10.1002/iid3.738 -
American Family Physician Jul 2016Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection causes 15% to 30% of sore throats in children and 5% to 15% in adults, and is more common in the late winter and... (Review)
Review
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infection causes 15% to 30% of sore throats in children and 5% to 15% in adults, and is more common in the late winter and early spring. The strongest independent predictors of GABHS pharyngitis are patient age of five to 15 years, absence of cough, tender anterior cervical adenopathy, tonsillar exudates, and fever. To diagnose GABHS pharyngitis, a rapid antigen detection test should be ordered in patients with a modified Centor or FeverPAIN score of 2 or 3. First-line treatment for GABHS pharyngitis includes a 10-day course of penicillin or amoxicillin. Patients allergic to penicillin can be treated with firstgeneration cephalosporins, clindamycin, or macrolide antibiotics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are more effective than acetaminophen and placebo for treatment of fever and pain associated with GABHS pharyngitis; medicated throat lozenges used every two hours are also effective. Corticosteroids provide only a small reduction in the duration of symptoms and should not be used routinely.
Topics: Amoxicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antigens, Bacterial; Exudates and Transudates; Fever; Humans; Lymphadenopathy; Neck; Pain Management; Penicillins; Pharyngitis; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 27386721
DOI: No ID Found -
BMJ Case Reports Aug 2018A 17-year-old man initially presented to his primary care physician with throat pain for 1 week and was started on amoxicillin. After four additional days of ongoing...
A 17-year-old man initially presented to his primary care physician with throat pain for 1 week and was started on amoxicillin. After four additional days of ongoing pain and difficulty swallowing with decreased oral intake, he presented to the emergency department. Exam showed fullness to the right posterior oropharynx and palpable mass in the right neck without stridor. Initial imaging was soft tissue neck CT with contrast, which showed cystic 8 cm mass in the parapharyngeal space. Patient additionally underwent MRI, which showed an 8.6 cm mass in the right posterior oropharynx with obliteration of the vallecula. Differential diagnosis included abscess; therefore, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist was consulted for possible drainage. Intraoperatively, there was no abscess; alternatively a biopsy was obtained, which was identified by pathology as a ganglioneuroma. Patient was referred to paediatric ENT specialist, underwent extensive resection confirming diagnosis of ganglioneuroma and did well postoperatively.
Topics: Adolescent; Deglutition Disorders; Diagnosis, Differential; Ganglioneuroma; Humans; Male; Neck; Oropharynx; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Pharyngitis
PubMed: 30131403
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-225763 -
RMD Open Dec 2023-associated autoinflammatory disease (-AID) is an autosomal dominant autoinflammatory disorder caused by variants of gene. We aimed to report a cohort of Chinese adult... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
-associated autoinflammatory disease (-AID) is an autosomal dominant autoinflammatory disorder caused by variants of gene. We aimed to report a cohort of Chinese adult patients with -AID and summarised phenotypes and genotypes.
METHODS
Twenty patients were diagnosed with -AID after performing whole-exome sequencing and were included in our cohort. Demographic information, clinical data and treatment response were collected and evaluated. A literature review of -AID was performed, and the clinical features and mutated sites were summarised and compared with our cohort.
RESULTS
Among the 20 -AID patients, the main clinical features of -AID included fever, cutaneous rash, arthralgia/arthritis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, lymphadenopathy, myalgia and abdominal pain/diarrhoea. Thirteen variants were detected as F402L, G39V, R1030X, R7G, E24A, Q90X, A218V, A259V, W581X, G729R, R859W, c.-150T>C and c.*126G>C. Glucocorticoids were used in 14 patients, immunosuppressive agents in 13, and tocilizumab in 2. Seventeen patients had good responses to therapy. When compared with 50 -AID patients from other countries, Chinese patients had fewer variants in exon 3, higher incidences of cutaneous rash, pharyngitis/tonsillitis and lymphadenopathy. Among all these 70 -AID patients, patients carrying non-exon-3 variants had higher frequencies of ocular involvement, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, headache and lymphadenopathy than those with exon-3 variants.
CONCLUSION
This is the largest cohort of -AID in the world and seven novel variants of were identified. Chinese adult patients of -AID had more non-specific symptoms such as pharyngitis/tonsillitis and lymphadenopathy when compared with patients from other countries, for which the less occurrence of exon-3 variants might be one possible reason.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases; Mutation; Lymphadenopathy; Pharyngitis; Tonsillitis; Exanthema; China; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
PubMed: 38123482
DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003598 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2018Antibiotic treatment of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is important in acute rheumatic fever (ARF) prevention, however clinical guidelines for prescription... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Antibiotic treatment of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is important in acute rheumatic fever (ARF) prevention, however clinical guidelines for prescription vary. GAS carriers with acute viral infections may receive antibiotics unnecessarily. This review assessed the prevalence of GAS pharyngitis and carriage in different settings.
METHODS
A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. Prevalence estimates for GAS+ve pharyngitis, serologically-confirmed GAS pharyngitis and asymptomatic pharyngeal carriage were generated. Findings were stratified by age group, recruitment method and country income level. Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant literature published between 1 January 1946 and 7 April 2017. Studies reporting prevalence data on GAS+ve or serologically-confirmed GAS pharyngitis that stated participants exhibited symptoms of pharyngitis or upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) were included. Included studies reporting the prevalence of asymptomatic GAS carriage needed to state participants were asymptomatic.
RESULTS
285 eligible studies were identified. The prevalence of GAS+ve pharyngitis was 24.1% (95% CI: 22.6-25.6%) in clinical settings (which used 'passive recruitment' methods), but less in sore throat management programmes (which used 'active recruitment', 10.0%, 8.1-12.4%). GAS+ve pharyngitis was more prevalent in high-income countries (24.3%, 22.6-26.1%) compared with low/middle-income countries (17.6%, 14.9-20.7%). In clinical settings, approximately 10% of children swabbed with a sore throat have serologically-confirmed GAS pharyngitis, but this increases to around 50-60% when the child is GAS culture-positive. The prevalence of serologically-confirmed GAS pharyngitis was 10.3% (6.6-15.7%) in children from high-income countries and their asymptomatic GAS carriage prevalence was 10.5% (8.4-12.9%). A lower carriage prevalence was detected in children from low/middle income countries (5.9%, 4.3-8.1%).
CONCLUSIONS
In active sore throat management programmes, if the prevalence of GAS detection approaches the asymptomatic carriage rate (around 6-11%), there may be little benefit from antibiotic treatment as the majority of culture-positive patients are likely carriers.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Carrier State; Developed Countries; Developing Countries; Humans; Pharyngitis; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Rheumatic Fever; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 29554121
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006335