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Spine Dec 2023Systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the role of systemic steroids in treating patients with sciatica due to lumbar disk herniation (LDH).
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
The association between LDH and sciatica has been well described. The use of steroids seems logical in this context; however, their efficacy is not well described, and their use remains controversial.
METHODS
A comprehensive search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases (up to February 15, 2022) was performed to identify randomized clinical trials that included patients with symptoms of sciatica due to LDH that were treated with systemic steroids. The risk of bias was judged using the Cochrane risk-of-Bias2 tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to estimate the between-group effect size for pain and functional outcomes. The risk of developing adverse events (AE) was computed using relative risks. All pooled results are reported with their 95% confidence interval (CI) and certainty of evidence analyzed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework.
RESULTS
Ten studies met inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 1017 participants: 540 in the treatment group and 477 in the control group. Steroid treatment was associated with a significant superior reduction of pain (SMD = -0.42, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.08, weak effect, very-low certainty) and reduction in disability (SMD = -0.30, 95% CI -0.51 to -0.10, weak effect, very-low certainty). Corticosteroid administration was associated with a significant increased risk of developing an AE (relative risks = 2.00, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.85, low certainty).
CONCLUSION
The use of systemic steroids in the treatment of sciatica due to LDH seems reasonable despite a 2-fold higher risk of developing mild AEs. However, the effect size is small for reducing pain in the short term and improving functional outcomes at long-term follow-up.
Topics: Humans; Sciatica; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Steroids; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Pain
PubMed: 37642478
DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000004801 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Jun 2024This study aimed to compare unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy (UBED) with microdiscectomy (MD) for treating lumbar disk herniation (LDH). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study Review
PURPOSE
This study aimed to compare unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy (UBED) with microdiscectomy (MD) for treating lumbar disk herniation (LDH).
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Web of Science databases from database inception to April 2023 to identify studies comparing UBED and MD for treating LDH. This study evaluated the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), Macnab scores, operation time, estimated blood loss, hospital stay, and complications, estimated blood loss, visual analog scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Macnab scores at various pre- and post-surgery stages. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 9 distinct studies with a total of 1001 patients. The VAS scores for low back pain showed no significant differences between the groups at postoperative 1-3 months (P = 0.09) and final follow-up (P = 0.13); however, the UBED group had lower VAS scores at postoperative 1-3 days (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in leg pain VAS scores at baseline (P = 0.05), postoperative 1-3 days (P = 0.24), postoperative 1-3 months (P = 0.78), or at the final follow-up (P = 0.43). ODI comparisons revealed no significant differences preoperatively (P = 0.83), at postoperative 1 week (P = 0.47), or postoperative 1-3 months (P = 0.13), and the UBED group demonstrated better ODI at the final follow-up (P = 0.03). The UBED group also exhibited a shorter mean operative time (P = 0.03), significantly shorter hospital stay (P < 0.00001), and less estimated blood loss (P = 0.0002). Complications and modified MacNab scores showed no significant differences between the groups (P = 0.56 and P = 0.05, respectively).
CONCLUSION
The evidence revealed no significant differences in efficacy between UBED and MD for LDH treatment. However, UBED may offer potential benefits such as shorter hospital stays, lower estimated blood loss, and comparable complication rates.
Topics: Humans; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Lumbar Vertebrae; Diskectomy; Endoscopy; Treatment Outcome; Microsurgery
PubMed: 38388729
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-08116-2 -
Ophthalmic Research 2024Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) can mimic glaucoma and consequently cause difficulties in differential diagnosis. The purpose of this paper was to summarize... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) can mimic glaucoma and consequently cause difficulties in differential diagnosis. The purpose of this paper was to summarize differences in diagnostic tests that can help perform a correct diagnosis.
METHODS
The search strategy was performed according to the PRISMA 2009 guidelines, and four databases were used: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Totally, 772 references were eligible; 39 were included after screening with respect to inclusion criteria that included English language and published in the 20 years before search date.
RESULTS
Ninety percent (n = 35) of included studies used optical coherence tomography (OCT). Glaucomatous eyes had a significantly greater cup area, volume and depth, cup-to-disk ratio, a lower rim volume and area, and a thinner Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning in glaucomatous eyes occurred primarily at the superotemporal, inferotemporal, and inferonasal sectors, while AION eyes demonstrated mostly superonasal thinning. Glaucoma eyes showed greater macular ganglion cell layer thickness, except at the inferotemporal sector. OCT angiography measurements demonstrated a significant decrease in superficial and deep macular vessel density (VD) in glaucoma compared to AION with similar degree of visual field damage; the parapapillary choroidal VD was spared in AION eyes compared to glaucomatous eyes.
CONCLUSION
By use of OCT imaging, optic nerve head parameters seem most informative to distinguish between glaucoma and AION. Although both diseases affect the RNFL thickness, it seems to do so in different sectors. Differences in structure and vascularity of the macula can also help in making the differential diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic; Diagnosis, Differential; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Nerve Fibers; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Optic Disk; Glaucoma; Visual Fields; Intraocular Pressure
PubMed: 38262372
DOI: 10.1159/000535568 -
BMC Pediatrics Nov 2023Spondylodiscitis (SD), a rare disease in children, poses diagnostic challenges due to non-specific presenting symptoms, scarcity in incidence, and difficulty expressing...
BACKGROUND
Spondylodiscitis (SD), a rare disease in children, poses diagnostic challenges due to non-specific presenting symptoms, scarcity in incidence, and difficulty expressing pain in non-verbal children.
METHOD
A comprehensive search was conducted on three databases, including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus until March 2023. The inclusion criteria were studies that investigated the clinical characteristics, treatment, and complications of children's spondylodiscitis. Full text of cross-sectional and cohort studies were added. The quality assessment of cohort studies was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The search, screening, and data extraction were performed by two researchers independently.
RESULT
Clinical manifestations of discitis in children are nonspecific, such as back pain, fever, reduced ability or inability to walk or sit, limping, and reduced range of movements. The mean delay in the time of diagnosis was 4.8 weeks. The most affected site of all the studies was the lumbar spine. 94% of studies reported increased inflammatory markers such as white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Less than 30% of patients had positive blood cultures and biopsy findings. The most common microbiological results (64%) were Staphylococcus Aureus and Kingella kingae. In radiographic evaluation, intervertebral disk narrowing, lumbar lordosis reduction, loss of disk height, and destruction of the vertebral body have been reported. In all studies, antibiotic therapy was initiated; in 52% immobilization was employed, and 29% of studies reported surgery was performed, and the follow-up period differed from 1.5 months to 156 months. 94% of studies reported complications such as vertebral body destruction, back pain, kyphosis, reduced range of movement, scoliosis, and neurological complications.
CONCLUSION
Spondylodiscitis is an uncommon, heterogeneous, multifactorial disease with resulting difficult and delayed diagnosis. Due to its morbidity, it is essential to investigate children with refusal to walk, gait disturbances, or back pain, particularly when associated with elevated inflammatory markers.
Topics: Humans; Child; Discitis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Lumbar Vertebrae; Staphylococcal Infections; Back Pain; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37980513
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04395-2 -
Acta Ophthalmologica Feb 2024Optic disc drusen (ODD) are calcium-containing deposits in the optic nerve head, capable of causing visual field defects and sudden visual loss. The underlying... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Optic disc drusen (ODD) are calcium-containing deposits in the optic nerve head, capable of causing visual field defects and sudden visual loss. The underlying pathophysiology remains inadequately understood and treatment options are missing. In this paper, we systematically reviewed prevalence studies of ODD in non-selected populations to provide an overview of its prevalence, conducted meta-analyses to determine modality-specific prevalence estimates and performed a forecasting study to estimate current and future global population number of individuals with ODD. We searched 11 literature databases on 25 October 2022 for prevalence studies of ODD in non-selected populations. Eight eligible studies provided data from a total of 27 463 individuals. Prevalence estimates were stratified according to diagnostic modalities: ophthalmoscopy 0.37% (95% CI: 0.10-0.95%), fundus photography 0.12% (95% CI: 0.03-0.24%), spectral domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging 2.21% (95% CI: 1.25-3.42%) and histopathology 1.82% (95% CI: 1.32-2.38%). Using histopathology-based summary prevalence estimate, we forecast 145 million individuals with ODD currently, a number expected to increase further due to world population growth. These numbers underscore the importance of including ODD in health education and highlight the necessity of continuing research in ODD.
Topics: Humans; Optic Disk; Optic Disk Drusen; Prevalence; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 37144704
DOI: 10.1111/aos.15690 -
Clinical Spine Surgery Mar 2024Systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the results of endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for patients with lumbar degenerative diseases.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
The MIS-TLIF has been widely used in lumbar degenerative diseases and achieved favorable clinical effects. The main disadvantage is the limited working space and visualization, especially in the deeper operational field, for preparing fusion bed. In recent years, with the development of surgical techniques, optical technology, and special instruments, Endo-TLIF has gradually been applied.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies between Endo-TLIF and MIS-TLIF in the lumbar degenerative diseases. The following outcome measures were extracted: visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index, fusion rate, disk height, segmental lordosis, operative time, length of hospital stay and complications. Data analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3.
RESULTS
Eight studies comprising 687 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled result revealed there was no significant differences in the VAS of leg, Oswestry Disability Index, fusion rate, disk height, segmental lordosis, and complication rate between the 2 groups ( P >0.05). However, the VAS of back in the Endo-TLIF group was significantly less than those in the MIS-TLIF group within 2 weeks after surgery [weighted mean difference (WMD)=-1.33 (-1.98, -0.68), P <0.0001] and at 3 months postoperatively [WMD=-0.72(-0.85, -0.59), P <0.00001]. The Endo-TLIF group also seemed to fewer VAS of back at the last follow-up (≥12 mo) [WMD=-0.12 (-0.25, -0.00), P =0.05]. Compared with the MIS-TLIF group, the Endo-TLIF group was associated with longer operation time [WMD=26.74 (2.14, 51.34), P =0.03], but shorter length of hospital stay [WMD=-1.98(-2.91, -1.05), P <0.0001].
CONCLUSIONS
Compared with minimally invasive TLIF, endoscopic TLIF achieved comparable improvement of symptoms and intervertebral fusion, longer operation time, and smaller surgical trauma. Endoscopic TLIF, which requires a demanding learning curve, maybe a feasible and effective technique for the patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative diseases.
Topics: Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Lordosis; Treatment Outcome; Spinal Fusion; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36727763
DOI: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001428 -
Journal of Cranio-maxillo-facial... Apr 2024To evaluate the association between clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings in patients with... (Review)
Review
To evaluate the association between clinical signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Relevant articles on humans over 18 years of age were obtained from five databases (Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) up to August 2022. Risk of bias assessment was completed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. The GRADEpro (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) instrument was applied to assess the level of evidence across studies in a GRADE Summary of Findings table. In total, 22 studies were included in this systematic review. Of these, 11 studies highlighted that joint pain was positively associated with particular MRI findings: joint effusion, bone marrow edema, disk displacement with/without reduction, and condylar erosion. Masticatory muscle pain was found to have a strong positive correlation with disk displacement in four studies. Five studies found no significant association between MRI findings and masticatory muscle pain. Range of motion and MRI findings were examined in six studies. Limited mouth opening was found to be correlated with disk displacement in five studies. Of the 11 studies evaluating the correlation between joint noise and MRI findings, eight reported a significant association between disk displacement and TMJ noise. The results suggested that patients with joint pain and limited range of motion may benefit from MRI. Patients exhibiting primarily muscle pain are unlikely to benefit clinically from MRI. Future studies with improved quality are warranted.
PubMed: 38724287
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2024.04.006 -
Neuroprotective Strategies for Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review.Korean Journal of Ophthalmology : KJO Aug 2023Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the second most common form of optic neuropathy. Most patients show no improvement over time. Until now, there...
PURPOSE
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the second most common form of optic neuropathy. Most patients show no improvement over time. Until now, there is still no definitive therapy for NAION. The available literatures on the possible treatment of NAION are quite diverse and controversial. Neuroprotection strategies have been suggested as one of the potential treatments for NAION. This review aims to critically evaluate the literature on neuroprotective strategy for NAION.
METHODS
This report was written in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. We performed a systematic literature search in Pubmed, Science Direct, Proquest, and Cochrane databases. Only neuroprotective agents that directly work in protecting neurons were included. The outcome of interest in this review is retinal ganglion cell density and apoptosis for animal studies and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness for human studies.
RESULTS
The systematic search identified 591 studies of which 24 met the eligibility criteria, including 21 animal studies and three human studies. Only a few of the studies evaluated the same treatments, showing how diverse neuroprotector treatments are currently being evaluated as NAION treatment. From 21 animal studies, 14 studies showed significantly higher retinal ganglion cell density (1.49- to 2.81-fold) with neuroprotective treatment compared to control group. Two of three human studies in this review had also found a beneficial effect of preserving retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in NAION patients.
CONCLUSIONS
This review suggests the potential of neuroprotection as a viable option in the quest for an effective treatment strategy for NAION. Further studies, particularly clinical studies, are necessary to establish its efficacy in NAION patients.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic; Optic Disk; Neuroprotection; Visual Acuity; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 37563973
DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2022.0166 -
Clinical Biochemistry Jun 2024Bladder cancer (BC) represents a prevalent malignancy in North America and Europe, posing significant health burdens. The identification of a reliable biomarker for... (Review)
Review
Bladder cancer (BC) represents a prevalent malignancy in North America and Europe, posing significant health burdens. The identification of a reliable biomarker for early BC detection is imperative to enhance prognostic outcomes. Our aim for this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy and potential clinical utility of Angiogenin/Ribonuclease 5 (ANG/RNase 5) as a biomarker for detection of BC. A systematic literature search across multiple databases up to March 20, 2024, was conducted. CMA 3.7 and Meta-disk 1.4 were used to analyze specificity, sensitivity, AUC, DOR, LR+, LR-, Q*index, and SROC for ANG as a urinary biomarker in BC patients. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression asymmetry and Begg's rank correlation tests. Additional diagnosing analyses were performed using Python programming language version 3.12.1. In this meta-analysis of seven case-control studies comprising 1,051 participants (576 cases and 481 controls), pooled sensitivity was 0.701 (95 % CI: 0.662-0.738), specificity was 0.787 (95 % CI: 0.752-0.819), LR + was 3.582 (95 % CI: 2.260-5.676), LR- was 0.398 (95 % CI: 0.327-0.485), and DOR was 10.637 (95 % CI: 6.106-18.529). The AUC and Q* index values were 0.823 and 0.756, respectively. Both Begg and Mazumdar Rank Correlation Test (p = 0.229) and Egger's Test of the Intercept (p = 0.135) revealed no significant evidence of publication bias. Our meta-analysis confirms ANG/RNase 5 as a reliable biomarker for early bladder cancer detection, showing strong diagnostic accuracy and no publication bias.
PubMed: 38906363
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2024.110780 -
Pain Physician Jan 2024Calcified lumbar disc herniation (CLDH) is a subtype characterized by calcification, leading to increased surgical complexity. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Calcified lumbar disc herniation (CLDH) is a subtype characterized by calcification, leading to increased surgical complexity. Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a minimally invasive technique, but its effectiveness and complications in CLDH patients remain to be fully evaluated.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness and complications of PELD in treating CLDH patients.
STUDY DESIGN
A retrospective cohort study combined with a systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING
Department of Pain Medicine, an affiliated hospital of a university.
METHODS
Data from patients who underwent PELD in our department between March 2020 and May 2021 were collected. Forty CLDH patients were included in the study group, and equally matched cases with uncalcified lumbar disc herniation (UCLDH) served as controls. A systematic search was conducted on October 5, 2022, using EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, the China Biology Medicine disk, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wanfang databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled results.
RESULTS
Eighty patients were included in the retrospective cohort, and 41 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Both the retrospective cohort and meta-analysis consistently showed a significant decrease in visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores in the CLDH group after the operation. In the retrospective cohort, the excellent or good rate according to the MacNab classification was 85%, with no reported complications. The meta-analysis revealed a pooled excellent or good rate of 91.8% and a low complication rate of 2.9%. Combining the findings from our retrospective cohort and meta-analysis, we observed that the CLDH group had longer operation times and slightly higher postoperative ODI scores compared to the UCLDH group.
LIMITATIONS
Small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up in the retrospective cohort, as well as limited inclusion of comparative studies in the meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION
PELD is an effective and safe treatment option for CLDH patients. In comparison to UCLDH patients, CLDH patients may experience longer operation times and slightly slower functional recovery than those with UCLDH.
Topics: Humans; Diskectomy, Percutaneous; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Lumbar Vertebrae; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38285024
DOI: No ID Found