-
Complementary Medicine Research 2024With the increasing prevalence of Tourette syndrome (TS), the search for alternative therapy for TS is a growing public concern. In recent years, a growing number of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
With the increasing prevalence of Tourette syndrome (TS), the search for alternative therapy for TS is a growing public concern. In recent years, a growing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have revealed the value of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine for the treatment of TS; however, its holistic efficacy and safety remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine and to provide preliminary evidence for clinical practice.
METHODS
Eight databases were searched from their establishment to November 27, 2022, to collect RCTs of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine for TS treatment. Two researchers independently completed the study screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment by using NoteExpress, Excel, and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 (RoB 2.0). Stata 15.0 software was applied to conduct meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 1,400 participants in 18 RCTs were included. Compared with the Western medicine, acupuncture combined with herbal medicine had better curative effect in the field of effective rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.18, 95% CI: [1.12, 1.23], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%), Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) total score (mean difference [MD] = -3.91, 95% CI: [-5.49, -2.33], p < 0.05, I2 = 96.4%), TCM syndrome total score (MD = -2.42, 95% CI: [-3.71, -1.13], p < 0.05, I2 = 87.1%), and serum IgE negative rate (RR = 3.41, 95% CI: [1.69, 6.87], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%). Furthermore, acupuncture combined with herbal medicine reduced the adverse reaction rate (RR = 0.20, 95% CI: [0.14, 0.30], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%) and the recurrence rate (RR = 0.27, 95% CI: [0.13, 0.52], p < 0.05, I2 = 0%).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine, which is probably a better alternative therapy for TS. However, the small number, low quality, and potential bias of the included studies caused the limitations of our results. More high-quality RCTs are required to provide supplementary evidence in the future.
UNLABELLED
Hintergrund Mit der steigenden Prävalenz des Tourette-Syndroms (TS) ist die Suche nach alternativen Therapien für TS zunehmend zu einer Angelegenheit von öffentlichem Interesse geworden. In den vergangenen Jahren zeigte eine immer größer werdende Zahl randomisierter, kontrollierter Studien den Nutzen der Akupunktur in Kombination mit Heilkräutern; ihre ganzheitliche Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit ist jedoch weiterhin nicht klar. Mit dieser Studie sollten die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit von Akupunktur in Kombination mit Heilkräutern beurteilt und erste Belege für die klinische Praxis gewonnen werden.Methoden Acht (8) Datenbanken wurden ab ihrer Einrichtung bis zum 27. November 2022 nach randomisierten kontrollierten Studien (RCTs) über Akupunktur in Kombination mit Heilkräutern zur Behandlung von TS durchsucht. Das Screening der Studien, die Datenextraktion und die Bewertung des Verzerrungsrisikos wurden von zwei unabhängigen Forschern mit Hilfe von NoteExpress, Excel und dem Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0 (RoB 2.0) durchgeführt. Die Metaanalyse erfolgte mit der Software Stata 15.0.Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 1400 Teilnehmer in 18 RCTs eingeschlossen. Im Vergleich zur westlichen Medizin (WM) hatte Akupunktur in Kombination mit Heilkräutern eine bessere kurative Wirkung in Bezug auf die Wirksamkeitsrate (RR = 1,18, 95%-KI [1,12, 1,23],p < 0,05, I2 = 0%), den Gesamtscore der Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) (MD = -3,91, 95%-KI [-5,49, -2,33],p < 0,05, I2 = 96,4%), den TCM-Syndrom-Gesamtscore (MD = -2,42, 95%-KI [-3,71, -1,13],p < 0,05, I2 = 87,1%) und die Serum-IgE-Negativrate (RR = 3,41, 95%-KI [1,69, 6,87],p <0,05, I2 = 0 %). Darüber hinaus verringerte Akupunktur in Kombination mit Heilkräutern die Nebenwirkungsrate (RR = 0,20, 95%-KI [0,14, 0,30],p < 0,05, I2 = 0%) sowie die Rezidivrate (RR = 0,27, 95%-KI [0,13, 0,52],p < 0,05, I2 = 0%).Schlussfolgerung Diese Studie belegt die Wirksamkeit und Sicherheit der Akupunktur in Kombination mit Heilkräutern, die wahrscheinlich eine bessere alternative Therapie für TS darstellt. Unsere Ergebnisse werden allerdings durch die geringe Zahl, die niedrige Qualität und die potenzielle Verzerrung der eingeschlossenen Studien eingeschränkt. Zukünftig sind weitere hochwertige RCTs erforderlich, die zusätzliche Belege liefern.Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Tourette Syndrome; Tics; Plants, Medicinal; Acupuncture Therapy; Plant Extracts; Immunoglobulin E
PubMed: 37844564
DOI: 10.1159/000534115 -
Transplantation Reviews (Orlando, Fla.) Jan 2024Tremor, headache and insomnia have been linked to the immunosuppressant, tacrolimus. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if there is a correlation between... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Tremor, headache and insomnia have been linked to the immunosuppressant, tacrolimus. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if there is a correlation between tacrolimus exposure and new-onset tremor, headache and insomnia experienced by adult kidney transplant recipients.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and CINAHL databases were searched up to 11 April 2023 for published studies which reported on tacrolimus exposure in adult kidney transplant recipients, alongside information on treatment-emergent neurologic manifestations, including tremor, headache and insomnia. Review articles, case studies, conference abstracts and articles not published in English in peer-reviewed journals were excluded. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database and Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scales were used to assess risk of bias. Extracted data was analysed via a narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
Eighteen studies involving 4030 patients in total were included in the final analysis. These comprised five randomised control trials and thirteen observational studies. Studies failed to find significant association between tacrolimus trough concentrations in whole blood and the incidence of neurologic side effects such as tremor, headache and insomnia; however, in one study the incidence of toxicity requiring a dose reduction increased with increasing, supratherapeutic targeted levels. Females, especially Black females, and older age were positively associated with the prevalence of neurologic adverse effects. Results were conflicting regarding whether extended-release formulations were associated with fewer neurologic complications than immediate-release formulations.
CONCLUSION
The varied study designs and criteria for reporting tremor, headache and insomnia impacted on the quality of the data for exploring the relationship between tacrolimus exposure and the onset of neurologic manifestations experienced after kidney transplantation. Studies that examine defined neurologic complications as the primary outcome, and that consider novel markers of tacrolimus exposure while assessing the potential contribution of multiple covariate factors, are required.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Headache; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Tacrolimus; Transplant Recipients; Tremor; Male
PubMed: 38071930
DOI: 10.1016/j.trre.2023.100815 -
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Mar 2024Numerous smartphone and tablet applications (apps) are available to monitor movement disorders, but an overview of their purpose and stage of development is missing. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Numerous smartphone and tablet applications (apps) are available to monitor movement disorders, but an overview of their purpose and stage of development is missing.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review published literature and classify smartphone and tablet apps with objective measurement capabilities for the diagnosis, monitoring, assessment, or treatment of movement disorders.
METHODS
We systematically searched for publications covering smartphone or tablet apps to monitor movement disorders until November 22nd 2023. We reviewed the target population, measured domains, purpose, and technology readiness level (TRL) of the proposed app and checked their availability in common app stores.
RESULTS
We identified 113 apps. Most apps were developed for Parkinson's disease specifically (n = 82; 73%) or for movement disorders in general (n = 17; 15%). Apps were either designed to momentarily assess symptoms (n = 65; 58%), support treatment (n = 22; 19%), aid in diagnosis (n = 16; 14%), or passively track symptoms (n = 11; 10%). Commonly assessed domains across movement disorders included fine motor skills (n = 34; 30%), gait (n = 36; 32%), and tremor (n = 32; 28%) for the motor domain and cognition (n = 16; 14%) for the non-motor domain. Twenty-six (23%) apps were proof-of-concepts (TRL 1-3), while most apps were tested in a controlled setting (TRL 4-6; n = 63; 56%). Twenty-four apps were tested in their target setting (TRL 7-9) of which 10 were accessible in common app stores or as Android Package.
CONCLUSIONS
The development of apps strongly gravitates towards Parkinson's disease and a selection of motor symptoms. Collaboration, re-use and further development of existing apps is encouraged to avoid reinventions of the wheel.
Topics: Humans; Mobile Applications; Smartphone; Parkinson Disease; Tremor
PubMed: 38184466
DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105988 -
Neuromodulation : Journal of the... Apr 2024Guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha-activating activity polypeptide O (GNAO1) syndrome, a rare congenital monogenetic disorder, is characterized by a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha-activating activity polypeptide O (GNAO1) syndrome, a rare congenital monogenetic disorder, is characterized by a neurodevelopmental syndrome and the presence of dystonia. Dystonia can be very pronounced and even lead to a life-threatening status dystonicus. In a small number of pharmaco-refractory cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been attempted to reduce dystonia. In this study, we summarize the current literature on outcome, safety, and outcome predictors of DBS for GNAO1-associated dystonia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on individual patient data. We included 18 studies describing 28 unique patients.
RESULTS
The mean age of onset of symptoms was 2.4 years (SD 3.8); 16 of 28 patients were male, and dystonia was nearly always generalized (20/22 patients). Symptoms were present before DBS for a median duration of 19.5 months, although highly variable, occurring between 3 and 168 months. The exact phenotype, genotype, and radiologic abnormalities varied and seemed to be of little importance in terms of DBS outcome. All studies described an improvement in dystonia. Our meta-analysis focused on pallidal DBS and found an absolute and relative improvement in Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) of 32.5 points (37.9%; motor part; p = 0.001) and 5.8 points (21.5%; disability part; p = 0.043) at last follow-up compared with preoperative state; 80% of patients were considered responders (BFMDRS-M reduction by ≥25%). Although worsening over time does occur, an improvement was still observed in patients after >10 years. All reported cases of status dystonicus resolved after DBS surgery. Skin erosion and infection were observed in 18% of patients.
CONCLUSION
Pallidal DBS can be efficacious and safe in GNAO1-associated dystonia.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Male; Deep Brain Stimulation; Dystonia; Dystonic Disorders; Globus Pallidus; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go; Heredodegenerative Disorders, Nervous System; Treatment Outcome; Infant, Newborn; Infant; Child
PubMed: 37999699
DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.10.187 -
Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism Mar 2024Nonketotic hyperglycemia may occur as a cause of chorea in patients with chronic decompensated diabetes. Because it is rare and consequently poorly studied, diagnosis...
Nonketotic hyperglycemia may occur as a cause of chorea in patients with chronic decompensated diabetes. Because it is rare and consequently poorly studied, diagnosis and treatment can be delayed. Therefore, our objective was to summarize clinical and radiological features, as well as treatments performed, from previously reported cases to facilitate adequate management in clinical practice. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS databases for studies published before April 23, 2021. We included case reports and case series of adults (aged ≥ 18 years) that described hyperglycemic chorea with measurement ofglycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Studies were excluded if participants were pregnant women, aged < 18 years, and had no description of chorea and/or physical examination. We found 121 studies that met the inclusion criteria, for a total of 214 cases. The majority of the included studies were published in Asia (67.3%). Most patients were women(65.3%) aged > 65 years (67.3%). Almost all patients had decompensated diabetes upon arrival at the emergency department (97.2%). The most common MRI finding was abnormalities of the basal ganglia (89.2%). There was no difference in patient recovery between treatment with insulin alone and in combination with other medications. Although rare, hyperglycemic chorea is a reversible cause of this syndrome; therefore, hyperglycemia should always be considered in these cases.
Topics: Pregnancy; Adult; Humans; Female; Male; Chorea; Dyskinesias; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Hyperglycemia; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38530964
DOI: 10.20945/2359-4292-2022-0413 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024This study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of early postoperative seizures in patients with glioma through meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of early postoperative seizures in patients with glioma through meta-analysis.
METHODS
Case-control studies and cohort studies on the prevalence and risk factors of early postoperative seizures in glioma patients were retrieved from various databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, and the retrieval deadline for the data was 1 April 2023. Stata15.0 was used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
This review included 11 studies consisting of 488 patients with early postoperative seizures and 2,051 patients without early postoperative seizures. The research findings suggest that the prevalence of glioma is complicated by seizures (ES = 19%, 95% confidence interval [CI] [14%-25%]). The results also indicated a history of seizures (RR = 1.94, 95% CI [1.76, 2.14], = 0.001), preoperative dyskinesia (RR = 3.13, 95% CI [1.20, 8.15], = 0.02), frontal lobe tumor (RR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.16, 1.83], = 0.001), pathological grade ≤2 (RR = 1.74, 95% CI [1.13, 2.67], = 0.012), tumor≥ 3 cm (RR = 1.70, 95% CI [1.18, 2.45], = 0.005), tumor resection (RR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.36, 1.88], = 0.001), tumor edema ≥ 2 cm (RR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.40, 2.25], = 0.001), and glioma cavity hemorrhage (RR=3.15, 95% CI [1.85, 5.37], = 0.001). The multivariate analysis results showed that a history of seizures, dyskinesia, tumor ≥3 cm, peritumoral edema ≥2 cm, and glioma cavity hemorrhage were indicated as risk factors for glioma complicated with early postoperative seizures.
SIGNIFICANCE
Based on the existing evidence, seizure history, dyskinesia, frontal lobe tumor, pathological grade ≤2, tumor ≥3 cm, partial tumor resection, edema around tumor ≥2 cm, and glioma cavity hemorrhage are indicated as risk factors for glioma complicated with early postoperative seizures.
PubMed: 38572493
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1356715 -
Cerebellum (London, England) Feb 2024Cerebellar ataxia(CA) is defined as a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been a promising treatment for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Cerebellar ataxia(CA) is defined as a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been a promising treatment for neurological and psychiatric diseases. Hence, to find out whether cerebellar rTMS impacts CA as a potential therapy, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Qualified studies through a systematic search were retrieved for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using acknowledged databases. Review Manager 5.4 software was employed to synthesize the data. A total of seven studies were identified as eligible and included in the quantitative review. Comparing real and sham-rTMS interventions, the utilization of rTMS on cerebellum improved the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) (SMD - 0.87, 95% CI - 1.41 to - 0.34; P = 0.001; I = 62%), the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) (SMD - 1.06, 95% CI - 1.47 to - 0.64; P < 0.00001; I = 0%) and Berg balance Scale (BBS) (SMD 0.76, 95% CI 0.33 to 1.19; P = 0.0005; I = 39%). The subgroup analysis demonstrated high-frequency of rTMS had a positive effect (SMD - 1.28, 95% CI - 1.82 to - 0.74; P < 0.00001; I = 0%). For the safety, the incidence of adverse events between the two groups was not significantly different (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.55 to 5.46; P = 0.35; I = 0%). In conclusion, this meta-analysis provided limited evidence, suggesting a possible strategy that rTMS over the cerebellum could be a viable therapy for symptoms associated with CA. Besides, rTMS intervention was well-attended and did not result in unanticipated negative effects.
Topics: Humans; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Cerebellar Ataxia; Cerebellum; Ataxia; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 36604400
DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01508-y -
Journal of Bodywork and Movement... Jul 2024Understanding how the main scapular muscles behave in overhead athletes with scapular dyskinesis (SD). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Understanding how the main scapular muscles behave in overhead athletes with scapular dyskinesis (SD).
DESIGN
Systematic Review.
SETTING
Electronic searches were performed in Pubmed (MedLine), Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases.
PARTICIPANTS
Overhead athletes with SD.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Electromyographic activity of the upper (UT), middle (MT), and lower (LT) trapezius, and serratus anterior (SA).
RESULTS
Eight studies were included in this review. The UT activity showed a tended to increase its activity mainly during tasks over 90° compared to 45°. SA activity had similar behavior, mainly during isometric tasks. The MT also increased its activity mainly in tasks with overhead angulations when compared to lower angulations. The LT activation tended to decrease its EMG activity at angulations below 60° in overhead athletes with SD.
CONCLUSIONS
The EMG behaviour of UT and SA for non-athletes appears to differ from what has already been described in the literature. The MT seems to be the most neglected muscle for scapular stabilization in overhead athletes with SD. The decrease in LT activity suggests that this may have implications for the performance of these athletes.
Topics: Humans; Electromyography; Scapula; Dyskinesias; Muscle, Skeletal; Athletes; Superficial Back Muscles; Biomechanical Phenomena; Range of Motion, Articular; Athletic Injuries
PubMed: 38876694
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.03.014 -
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Nov 2023Premonitory urge (PU) is an aversive bodily sensation that signals the onset of tic disorder.To our knowledge, PU typically precedes the appearance of tic symptoms, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Premonitory urge (PU) is an aversive bodily sensation that signals the onset of tic disorder.To our knowledge, PU typically precedes the appearance of tic symptoms, and both age and tic severity are correlated with PU. However, inconsistent findings have also been reported. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the relationship among premonitory symptoms, patient age and the severity of tic symptoms, as well as to summarize the research on the neural underpinnings of PU in Tourette syndrome (TS).
METHODS
We conducted a literature search of relevant studies published between December 2005 and April 2022 using databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Our analysis was carried out using R software with the assistance of the "meta" and "metafor" packages.
RESULTS
Our meta-analysis included 22 studies with a total of 1236 tic disorder patients. The mean Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (PUTS) score was 20.17, with a 95% confidence interval of [18.14, 21.68]. Through meta-regression, we found that age and tic severity play important moderating roles in PU severity ( < 0.0001). Neuroimaging studies suggest that PU is related to the insula, prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and supplementary motor area (SMA), regardless of the structural or functional level.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis confirmed the positive relationship between the severity of tics and PU and identified age as a significant factor influencing PU. The neural mechanisms underlying PU remain largely unknown, but evidence suggests that the insula, PFC, ACC, and SMA are related regions.
Topics: Humans; Gyrus Cinguli; Neuroimaging; Tic Disorders; Tics; Tourette Syndrome
PubMed: 38176915
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2206159 -
Journal of Neurology Aug 2023Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterised by elevated phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations that can exert neurotoxic effects if untreated... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterised by elevated phenylalanine (Phe) concentrations that can exert neurotoxic effects if untreated or upon treatment discontinuation. This systematic review supported by expert opinion aims to raise awareness among the neurological community on neurological complications experienced by adults with PKU (AwPKU).
METHODS
The PubMed database was searched for articles on neurological signs and symptoms in AwPKU published before March 2022. In addition, two virtual advisory boards were held with a panel of seven neurologists and two metabolic physicians from Germany and Austria. Findings are supported by three illustrative patient cases.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine articles were included. Despite early diagnosis and treatment, neurological signs and symptoms (e.g. ataxia, brisk tendon reflexes, tremor, visual impairment) can emerge in adulthood, especially if treatment has been discontinued after childhood. In PKU, late-onset neurological deficits often co-occur with cognitive impairment and psychiatric symptoms, all of which can be completely or partially reversed through resumption of treatment.
CONCLUSION
Ideally, neurologists should be part of the PKU multidisciplinary team, either to bring lost to follow-up patients back to clinic or to manage symptoms in referred patients, considering that symptoms are often reversible upon regaining metabolic control. The current findings have been combined in a leaflet that will be disseminated among neurologists in Germany and Austria to create awareness.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Expert Testimony; Phenylketonurias; Nervous System Diseases; Tremor
PubMed: 37081197
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11703-4