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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma... Dec 2023To analyze the outcome of surgical treatment of tarsal coalition, assess the role of the surgical technique, as well as of coalition size and type on outcomes. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To analyze the outcome of surgical treatment of tarsal coalition, assess the role of the surgical technique, as well as of coalition size and type on outcomes.
METHODS
The search followed the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis and was performed in four databases: MEDLINE, Central, Scopus and Web of Science. The protocol has been registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews. Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), complications, revisions and radiographic recurrence were collected. Risk of bias was assessed using MINORS criteria. A random-effects model for meta-analysis was applied for analysis of data heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies including 760 tarsal coalitions were included and had a weighted average follow-up of 44 months. Studies scored fair to poor on the risk of bias assessment with a mean MINORS score of 67% (44-81%). In 77.8% (37.5-100%) of surgically treated tarsal coalitions, good/excellent/non-limiting or improved PROMs were reported. Calculated data heterogeneity was moderate (I = 57%). Open bar resection with material interposition had a clinical success rate of 78.8% (50-100%). Complications occurred in 4.96% of cases. Coalition size did not prove to be a determining factor in postoperative outcome. The influence of the coalition type was not investigated by any of the studies.
CONCLUSION
Data on outcomes of surgical management for tarsal coalitions is limited to retrospective case series with high risk of bias and moderate data heterogeneity. In about ¾ of cases, open resection and interposition of material results in improved PROMs. The arbitrary margin of ≥ 50% of TC coalition size in relation to the posterior facet has little importance in surgical decision-making. None of the studies reported on the influence of the coalition type on postoperative clinical success.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Synostosis; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Tarsal Bones; Tarsal Coalition
PubMed: 37462747
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-023-04982-z -
Foot & Ankle Specialist Aug 2023Noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy affects both athletes and sedentary individuals, and its incidence is rising. Conservative management is the mainstay of treatment,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy affects both athletes and sedentary individuals, and its incidence is rising. Conservative management is the mainstay of treatment, but a variety of operative techniques have been described to treat recalcitrant cases. We seek to outline the current available evidence for surgical management of noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
A systematic review was performed using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, and all articles were reviewed by at least 2 authors. Each article was assigned a level of evidence in accordance with the standards of . The available data were reviewed and a level of evidence was assigned to each intervention of interest, based on the revised classifications of Wright.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
A total of 46 articles met inclusion and exclusion criteria. There is fair evidence (grade B) in support of open debridement with 1 level II study, 1 level III study, and 8 level IV studies. There is fair evidence (grade B) in support of arthroscopic or minimally invasive surgical techniques. There is poor evidence (grade C) in support of flexor hallucis longus transfer, longitudinal tenotomy, peritenolysis, gastrocnemius recession, and plantaris excision. There is insufficient evidence (grade I) to provide a recommendation about other surgical treatment methods for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy. .
Topics: Humans; Achilles Tendon; Tendinopathy; Tenotomy; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 33749355
DOI: 10.1177/19386400211001261 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Yoga is a non-pharmacological conservative therapeutic modality that can be employed for the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP). In this overview, we have...
BACKGROUND
Yoga is a non-pharmacological conservative therapeutic modality that can be employed for the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP). In this overview, we have summarized and evaluated data from current systematic reviews (SRs) on the use of yoga for CLBP.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched SRs on the use of yoga for CLBP in nine electronic databases from inception to September 2023. The methodological quality was evaluated using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Review Scale-2 (AMSTAR-2). The reporting quality of the included SRs was evaluated using the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis-2020 (PRISMA-2020), and the quality of data was graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Two independent researchers performed the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment process of SRs.
RESULTS
A total of 13 SRs were included. The results of the AMSTAR-2 indicated that the methodological quality of the included studies was relatively low. The PRISMA-2020 checklist evaluation results indicated that methodological limitations in reporting, especially regarding data processing and presentation, were the main weaknesses. The GRADE assessment indicated that 30 outcomes were rated moderate, 42 were rated low level, and 20 were rated very low level. Downgrading factors were mainly due to the limitations of the included studies.
CONCLUSION
Yoga appears to be an effective and safe non-pharmacological therapeutic modality for the Management of CLBP. Currently, it may exhibit better efficacy in improving pain and functional disability associated with CLBP. However, the methodological quality and quality of evidence for SRs/MAs in the included studies were generally low, and these results should be interpreted cautiously.
PubMed: 37965167
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1273473 -
Nursing Open Aug 2023To review the literature related to symptom management, clinical significance and related theoretical framework systems in adult patients with brain tumours. (Review)
Review
AIM
To review the literature related to symptom management, clinical significance and related theoretical framework systems in adult patients with brain tumours.
BACKGROUND
As understanding of symptoms or symptom clusters and underlying biologic mechanisms has grown, it is apparent that symptom science is moving forward. Although some progress has been made in the symptom science of solid tumours such as breast and lung neoplasms, insufficient attention has been paid to symptom management for patients suffering from brain tumours. Further research is needed to achieve effective symptom management for these patients.
DESIGN
A literature review with a systematic search of symptom management in adult brain tumours.
METHODS
Electronic data bases were searched to obtain relevant published literature on symptom management in adults with brain tumours. This was then analysed and a synthesis of relevant findings is presented.
FINDINGS
Four significant general themes relating to symptom management of brain tumours in adults were identified: (1) The potential theoretical foundation related to symptom management was revealed. (2) Widely accepted validated scales or questionnaires for the assessment of single symptoms or symptom clusters were recommended. (3) Several symptom clusters and the underlying biologic mechanisms have been reported. (4) Specific symptom interventions for adults with brain tumours were collected and classified as evidence-based or insufficient evidence.
CONCLUSION
There are still many challenges in the effective management of symptoms in adults with brain tumours. The guiding role of theoretical frameworks or models related to symptom management should be utilized in future research. Using the concept of symptom clustering for research into symptoms found in patients with brain tumours, exploring common biological mechanisms for specific symptom clusters and making full use of modern big data resources to build a strong evidence base for an effective intervention or management program may inform the management of symptoms among these patients leading to better results.
NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION
This is a literature review.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
The ultimate goal is obviously not only improving the survival rate of patients with brain tumours, but also enhancing their quality of life. Several important findings from our review include the theoretical foundations, validated assessment tools, the assessment of symptom clusters and the underlying biologic mechanism, and the identification of the evidence base for symptom interventions. These are of relevance for managers, researchers and practitioners and may function as a reference to help the effective symptom management for adults with brain tumours.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Biological Products; Brain Neoplasms; Lung Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Syndrome
PubMed: 37120840
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1795 -
Open Life Sciences 2023The interaction between intestinal microecological dysregulation, altered inflammatory factors, and cirrhosis is unclear. The aim of this systematic review and... (Review)
Review
The interaction between intestinal microecological dysregulation, altered inflammatory factors, and cirrhosis is unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the results of previous studies to assess the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of cirrhosis and their effect on inflammatory factors, as well as to explore the relationship between gut microecological dysregulation and liver disease to gain a deeper understanding of this interaction. Up to December 2022, eligible studies were identified by searching the following databases: National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Library. Statistical analysis was performed using software RevMan Version 5.4. A total of 33 eligible randomized controlled trials were included in the study, and data on probiotic strains, duration of intervention, measures in the control group, and outcomes were extracted and evaluated. Compared to the control group, the experimental group had significant improvements in overall efficacy. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that probiotic use significantly decreased biochemical parameters for liver function, including aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, and total bilirubin. Similar result was obtained in interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and endotoxin. However, probiotic intervention did not significantly affect interleukin-2 and interleukin-10. The current meta-analysis illustrates that probiotic supplementation reduces inflammatory markers and biochemical parameters for liver function in patients with cirrhosis, suggesting that probiotic management may be a novel treatment for cirrhosis. Furthermore, the interaction of the gut microbiota, associated metabolites, and inflammation factors with cirrhosis may provide a promising therapeutic target for the pharmacological and clinical treatment of cirrhosis.
PubMed: 37872967
DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0741 -
Asian Journal of Urology Jan 2024To conduct a systematic literature review on urethral calculi in a contemporary cohort describing etiology, investigation, and management patterns. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic literature review on urethral calculi in a contemporary cohort describing etiology, investigation, and management patterns.
METHODS
A systematic search of MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases was performed. Articles, including case reports and case series on urethral calculi published between January 2000 and December 2019, were included. Full-text manuscripts were reviewed for clinical parameters including symptomatology, etiology, medical history, investigations, treatment, and outcomes. Data were collated and analyzed with univariate methods.
RESULTS
Seventy-four publications met inclusion criteria, reporting on 95 cases. Voiding symptoms (41.1%), pain (40.0%), and acute urinary retention (32.6%) were common presenting features. Urethral calculi were most often initially investigated using plain X-ray (63.2%), with almost all radio-opaque (98.3%). Urethral calculi were frequently associated with coexistent bladder or upper urinary tract calculi (16.8%) and underlying urethral pathology (53.7%) including diverticulum (33.7%) or stricture (13.7%). Urethral calculi were most commonly managed with external urethrolithotomy (31.6%), retrograde manipulation (22.1%), and endoscopic lithotripsy (17.9%).
CONCLUSION
This unique systematic review of urethral calculi provided a summary of clinical features and treatment trends with a suggested treatment algorithm. Management in contemporary urological practice should be according to calculus size, shape, anatomical location, and presence of urethral pathology.
PubMed: 38312816
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajur.2021.12.011 -
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Aug 2023Routinely available laboratory tests for Treponema pallidum remain suboptimal for diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and monitoring purposes. Biomarkers with enhanced...
BACKGROUND
Routinely available laboratory tests for Treponema pallidum remain suboptimal for diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and monitoring purposes. Biomarkers with enhanced performance characteristics can improve diagnostic confidence and facilitate management. We conducted a systematic review to examine the utility of biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of syphilis.
METHODS
We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to identify articles for inclusion and independently reviewed them for eligibility and study quality using a 3-stage procedure. The search, conducted by a senior library informationist, used PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus and included any study published before May 2022.
RESULTS
Of the 111 studies identified, 31 (27.9%) were included in our review. Most studies were cross-sectional or prospective. The data were strikingly heterogeneous examining a variety of biomarkers across different syphilis stages, using different methodologies and definitions of treatment success. Available publications chiefly focused on diagnosing various syphilis stages, neurosyphilis and congenital syphilis, serological cure, the serofast state, and reinfection.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite increasing attempts to identify novel biomarkers, we found limited evidence to support the use of any biomarker in clinical decision making at this time; the syphilis biomarker literature is heterogenous and lacks measurement of clinically meaningful end points. We recommend the formation of a working group to set priorities for syphilis biomarker research and to guide future study of clinically meaningful biomarkers.
Topics: Humans; Syphilis; Prospective Studies; Treponema pallidum; Neurosyphilis; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37010823
DOI: 10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001813 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Mar 2024Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common chronic condition in women of child-bearing age. There is currently no effective treatment, so early and long-term... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common chronic condition in women of child-bearing age. There is currently no effective treatment, so early and long-term management is essential. However, there are many problems in the practice of disease management in women with PCOS that make it difficult to achieve good outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To explore women's experience of PCOS management and identify the relevant facilitators and barriers to management.
SEARCH STRATEGY
A structured search was undertaken in five bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane) from the date of establishment of the database up to December 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All qualitative and mixed-methods studies available in English describing the experience of PCOS management from the patients' perspective were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument was used to appraise study quality. The evidence was synthesized using a pragmatic meta-aggregative approach guided by the capability, opportunity, and motivation model of behavior (COM-B).
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 13 studies were included with 85 equivocal findings and 12 credible findings. The findings were meta-aggregated into three themes: (1) capability of women with PCOS, including patients' attitudes toward disease and management, knowledge, and skills of the disease; (2) opportunities in PCOS management, including information about PCOS, diagnostic delay, disease characteristics, disease management plan, and logistical and environmental problems; and (3) motivation in PCOS management, including impact of symptoms, perceived needs, support and feedback, and unpleasant medical experience.
CONCLUSIONS
This study identifies facilitators and barriers to PCOS management from the patient perspective, which can guide the design and implementation of PCOS management programs for patients. This study also provides information for future research into how the COM-B theory can be incorporated into specific management plans to promote patient action.
Topics: Humans; Female; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Delayed Diagnosis; Motivation
PubMed: 37605982
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15031 -
Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany) Nov 2023Children with non-refluxing primary megaureter are mostly managed by a watchful approach with close follow-up and serial imaging. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Children with non-refluxing primary megaureter are mostly managed by a watchful approach with close follow-up and serial imaging.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support the current non-surgical management strategy in these patients.
DATA SOURCES
A comprehensive search including electronic literature databases, clinical trial registries, and conference proceedings was performed.
DATA SYNTHESIS METHODS
Outcomes were estimated as pooled prevalence. If meta-analytical calculations were not appropriate, outcomes were provided in a descriptive manner.
RESULTS
Data from 8 studies (290 patients/354 renal units) were included. For the primary outcome, differential renal function estimated by functional imaging, meta-analysis was impossible due to reported data not being precise. Pooled prevalence for secondary surgery was 13% (95% confidence interval: 8-19%) and for resolution 61% (95% confidence interval: 42-78%). The risk of bias was moderate or high in most studies.
LIMITATIONS
This analysis was limited by the low number of eligible studies with few participants and high clinical heterogeneity, and the poor quality of the available data.
CONCLUSIONS
The low pooled prevalence of secondary surgical intervention and high pooled prevalence of resolution may support the current non-surgical management in children with non-refluxing primary megaureter. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited available body of evidence. Future studies should overcome existing limitations of imaging methods by using standardized, comparable criteria and report outcome parameters in a quantitative manner. This would allow more sufficient data synthesis to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical decision-making and counseling.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
The protocol was registered on PROSPERO under CRD42019134502.
Topics: Humans; Child; Kidney Function Tests; Kidney
PubMed: 36995462
DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-05938-6 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Smart wearable devices enable personalized at-home healthcare by unobtrusively collecting patient health data and facilitating the development of intelligent platforms... (Review)
Review
Smart wearable devices enable personalized at-home healthcare by unobtrusively collecting patient health data and facilitating the development of intelligent platforms to support patient care and management. The accurate analysis of data obtained from wearable devices is crucial for interpreting and contextualizing health data and facilitating the reliable diagnosis and management of critical and chronic diseases. The combination of edge computing and artificial intelligence has provided real-time, time-critical, and privacy-preserving data analysis solutions. However, based on the envisioned service, evaluating the additive value of edge intelligence to the overall architecture is essential before implementation. This article aims to comprehensively analyze the current state of the art on smart health infrastructures implementing wearable and AI technologies at the far edge to support patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). In particular, we highlight the contribution of edge intelligence in supporting the integration of wearable devices into IoT-aware technology infrastructures that provide services for patient diagnosis and management. We also offer an in-depth analysis of open challenges and provide potential solutions to facilitate the integration of wearable devices with edge AI solutions to provide innovative technological infrastructures and interactive services for patients and doctors.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Awareness; Chronic Disease; Heart Failure; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 37571678
DOI: 10.3390/s23156896