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Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and... Dec 2023Greater occipital nerve (GON) blockade is a short-term preventive therapy for cluster headache (CH). We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and...
BACKGROUND
Greater occipital nerve (GON) blockade is a short-term preventive therapy for cluster headache (CH). We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of GON blockade in patients with CH.
METHODS
On 23 October 2020, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Embase Classic, PsycINFO, CINAHL, CENTRAL and Web of Science databases from their inception date. Studies included participants with a CH diagnosis who received corticosteroid and local anaesthetic suboccipital region injections. Outcomes were change in the frequency/severity/duration of attacks; proportion of participants responding to treatment, time to attack freedom from an attack, change in attack bout length and/or the presence of adverse effects after GON blockade. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias V.2.0 (RoB2)/Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS- I) tools and a specific tool for case reports/series.
RESULTS
Two RCTs, eight prospective and eight retrospective studies, and four case reports were included in the narrative synthesis. Every effectiveness study found a significant response in one or more of frequency/severity/duration of individual attacks or proportion of patients responding to treatment (47.8%-100.0%). There were five instances of potentially irreversible adverse effects. A higher injectate volume and use of concurrent prophylaxis may be associated with an increased likelihood of response. Methylprednisolone may have the best safety profile of available corticosteroids.
DISCUSSION
GON blockade is safe and effective for CH prevention. Higher injectate volumes may improve likelihood of response, and the likelihood of serious adverse events may be reduced by using methylprednisolone.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020208435.
Topics: Humans; Cluster Headache; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Methylprednisolone; Nerve Block
PubMed: 36948579
DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-331066 -
BMJ Open Respiratory Research Jan 2024Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated conflicting results regarding the effects of corticosteroids on the treatment of severe community-acquired... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated conflicting results regarding the effects of corticosteroids on the treatment of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of different corticosteroids on patients who were hospitalised for severe CAP.
METHODS
We performed a systematic search through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to May 2023. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Data analysis was performed using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 10 RCTs comprising 1962 patients were included. Corticosteroids were associated with a lower rate of all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR), 0.70 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.90); I=0.00%). When stratified into different corticosteroid types, hydrocortisone was associated with an approximately 50% lower mortality risk (RR, 0.48 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.72); I=0.00%). However, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone or prednisolone were not associated with an improvement in mortality. Furthermore, hydrocortisone was associated with a reduction in the rate of mechanical ventilation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock and duration of intensive care unit stay. These trends were not observed for dexamethasone, methylprednisolone or prednisolone. Corticosteroids were not associated with an increased risk of adverse events including gastrointestinal bleeding, secondary infection or hyperglycaemia.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of hydrocortisone, but not other types of corticosteroids, was associated with a reduction in mortality and improvement in pneumonia outcomes among patients hospitalised with severe CAP.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023431360.
Topics: Humans; Hydrocortisone; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Methylprednisolone; Community-Acquired Infections; Pneumonia; Dexamethasone
PubMed: 38262670
DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-002141 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Mar 2024Due to ethical considerations, antenatal dose finding for prednisolone and dexamethasone in pregnant women is limited, leading to a knowledge gap.
CONTEXT
Due to ethical considerations, antenatal dose finding for prednisolone and dexamethasone in pregnant women is limited, leading to a knowledge gap.
OBJECTIVE
In order to guide the clinician in weighing benefits vs risks, the aim is to systematically review the current literature on the side effects of antenatal predniso(lo)ne and dexamethasone use on the fetus, newborn, and (pre)pubertal child.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
The search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase using prespecified keywords and Medical Subject Headings. This systematic review investigated studies published until August 2022, with the following inclusion criteria: studies were conducted in humans and assessed side effects of long-term antenatal predniso(lo)ne and dexamethasone use during at least one of the trimesters on the child during the fetal period, neonatal phase, and during childhood.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
In total, 328 papers in PubMed and 193 in Embase were identified. Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion. Seven records were added through references. Antenatal predniso(lo)ne use may be associated with lower gestational age, but was not associated with miscarriages and stillbirths, congenital abnormalities, differences in blood pressure or low blood glucose levels at birth, or with low bone mass, long-term elevated cortisol and cortisone, or high blood pressure at prepubertal age. Increased risks of antenatal dexamethasone use include association with miscarriages and stillbirths, and from age 16 years, associations with disturbed insulin secretion and higher glucose and cholesterol levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the limited evidence found, predniso(lo)ne may have less side effects compared with dexamethasone in short- and long-term outcomes. Current literature shows minimal risk of side effects in the newborn from administration of a prenatal predniso(lo)ne dose of up to 10 mg per day.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Child; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Stillbirth; Abortion, Spontaneous; Prenatal Care; Dexamethasone; Fetus
PubMed: 37715964
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad547 -
European Archives of... Mar 2024Bell's palsy is a condition affecting cranial nerve VII that results in acute peripheral unilateral facial weakness or paralysis of unclear etiology. Corticosteroids are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Bell's palsy is a condition affecting cranial nerve VII that results in acute peripheral unilateral facial weakness or paralysis of unclear etiology. Corticosteroids are the primary therapy choice, because they improve outcomes. According to a recent study, prednisolone effectively treats Bell's palsy in the short and long term. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of Single-Dose Intravenous Methylprednisolone to Oral Prednisolone in treating Bell's palsy patients.
METHODS
PRISMA statement guidelines were used to design and conduct this systemic review. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were used in our search. We conducted the database search in November 2022.
RESULTS
Thirty-three publications were reviewed as a result of the literature review. Three studies were included in the meta-analysis after applying our criteria. 317 Bell's palsy patients were included in our study. Regarding complete recovery to grade 1 in 1 month, IV methylprednisolone was higher than oral prednisolone; (log OR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.08, 0.97], P = 0.022). However, at 3 months, the two groups had no significant difference. Patients with grade 4 Bell's palsy were more likely to fully recover to grade 1 in 1 month with IV methylprednisolone than with oral prednisolone (log OR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.19, 1.26], P = 0.008), but not for patients with grade 3 or grade 2 Bell's palsy.
CONCLUSION
This study shows evidence that patients with Bell's palsy can fully recover to grade 1 in 1 month when IV methylprednisolone is used instead of oral prednisolone. At 3 months, however, there was no discernible difference between the two treatments. Within 3 days of the onset of symptoms, IV methylprednisolone treatment can be started, which may help patients recover fully to grade 1 in 1 month. However, administering IV methylprednisolone may not always have long-term advantages compared to oral prednisolone.
Topics: Humans; Bell Palsy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Glucocorticoids; Methylprednisolone; Facial Paralysis
PubMed: 37940744
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08288-z -
Seminars in Ophthalmology Aug 2023Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a class of monoclonal antibodies that are used as a mainstay of immunotherapy for multiple solid organ malignancies. With the recent...
INTRODUCTION
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a class of monoclonal antibodies that are used as a mainstay of immunotherapy for multiple solid organ malignancies. With the recent increase in popularity of these agents, immune-related adverse events including optic neuropathy are becoming more frequently reported. This review aims to explore the association between immune checkpoint inhibitors and optic neuropathy through analysis of incidence, clinical features, investigations, treatment, and patient outcomes.
METHOD
A systematic search of the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL was performed from inception to September 2022. Data collection and risk of bias analysis was subsequently conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
Eleven articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The results showed an increased incidence of optic neuropathy among patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy compared to the general population. Presentation with painless reduced visual acuity and optic disc swelling was most common. Investigation findings were poorly documented. The only two patients who achieved full resolution of symptoms were treated with oral prednisolone.
CONCLUSION
There is a strong association between immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and development of optic neuropathy. Although it remains uncommon, the incidence of optic neuropathy in this population exceeds that of the general population. Future research is needed to further characterise the risk profiles of patients who are most likely to develop ICI-associated optic neuropathy, and treatment pathways for these patients.
Topics: Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Neoplasms; Optic Nerve Diseases; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic; Antibodies, Monoclonal
PubMed: 36683270
DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2023.2168494 -
Sarcoidosis, Vasculitis, and Diffuse... Dec 2023Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are rare multi-system conditions, usually presenting in older age groups. However, younger...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are rare multi-system conditions, usually presenting in older age groups. However, younger individuals are also affected. The average increase of childbearing age and lack of studies in pregnancy necessitates this comprehensive review of data to guide the management of AAV in pregnancy. This systematic review (SR) aimed to summarise the incidence, clinical features, management and maternal and foetal outcomes in female patients with AAV.
METHODS
The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023437482). Articles published in Medline, Embase and Cochrane Databases from 1946 until June 2023 were included. Single case reports, reviews and conference abstracts were excluded. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were examined by two authors. Data on demographics, treatment, clinical features, flares during pregnancy and maternal and foetal outcomes were extracted.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included, detailing 82 pregnancies in 64 women. The most common drugs used for remission induction pre-conception were cyclophosphamide, rituximab, prednisolone and azathioprine. Serious maternal complications in pregnancy included progressive tracheal/subglottic stenosis (n=5), renal disease (n=2), preeclampsia (n=10) and miscarriages (n=5). Foetal anomalies were rare (n=5). The mean birth weight was 3.37kgs and mean gestation age was 38.26 weeks. No maternal deaths or vasculitis in newborns were reported. Conclusions: Patients can have positive maternal and foetal outcomes following strong induction therapy, vigorous monitoring and prompt treatment of flares during pregnancy. Serious complications and flares are not associated with worse outcomes for newborns.
PubMed: 38126499
DOI: 10.36141/svdld.v40i4.15094 -
Neurology(R) Neuroimmunology &... Jan 2024We characterize clinical and neuroimaging features of SARS-CoV-2-related acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE).
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
We characterize clinical and neuroimaging features of SARS-CoV-2-related acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE).
METHODS
Systematic review of English language publications in PubMed and reference lists between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for sporadic and genetic ANE were included.
RESULTS
From 899 articles, 20 cases (17 single case reports and 3 additional cases) were curated for review (50% female; 8 were children). Associated COVID-19 illnesses were febrile upper respiratory tract infections in children while adults had pneumonia (45.6%) and myocarditis (8.2%). Children had early neurologic deterioration (median day 2 in children vs day 4 in adults), seizures (5 (62.5%) children vs 3 of 9 (33.3%) adults), and motor abnormalities (6 of 7 (85.7%) children vs 3 of 7 (42.9%) adults). Eight of 12 (66.7%) adults and 4 (50.0%) children had high-risk ANE scores. Five (62.5%) children and 12 (66.7%) adults had brain lesions bilaterally and symmetrically in the putamina, external capsules, insula cortex, or medial temporal lobes, in addition to typical thalamic lesions of ANE. Hypotension was only seen in adults (30%). Hematologic derangements were common: lymphopenia (66.7%), coagulopathy (60.0%), or elevated D-dimers (100%), C-reactive protein (91.7%), and ferritin (62.5%). A pathogenic heterozygous c/.1754 C>T variant in was present in 2 children: one known to have this before SARS-CoV-2 infection, and a patient tested because the SARS-CoV-2 infection was the second encephalopathic illness. Three other children with no prior encephalopathy or family history of encephalopathy were negative for this variant. Fifteen (75%) received immunotherapy (with IV methylprednisolone, immunoglobulins, tocilizumab, or plasma exchange): 6 (40.0%) with monotherapy and 9 (60.0%) had combination therapy. Deaths were in 8 of 17 with data (47.1%): a 2-month-old male infant and 7 adults (87.5%) of median age 56 years (33-70 years), 4 of whom did not receive immunotherapy.
DISCUSSION
Children and adults with SARS-CoV-2 ANE have similar clinical features and neuroimaging characteristics. Mortality is high, predominantly in patients not receiving immunotherapy and at the extremes of age.
Topics: Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Brain Diseases; COVID-19; Methylprednisolone; SARS-CoV-2; Seizures; Aged
PubMed: 38086061
DOI: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000200186 -
BMC Pediatrics Mar 2024Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a first-line treatment for children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Higher doses of IVIg are associated with a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Can low-dose intravenous immunoglobulin be an alternative to high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a first-line treatment for children with newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Higher doses of IVIg are associated with a more insupportable financial burden to pediatric patients' families and may produce more adverse reactions. Whether low-dose IVIg (LD-IVIg) can replace high-dose IVIg (HD-IVIg) has yet to be established. We conducted a comprehensive literature search from the establishment of the database to May 1, 2023, and eventually included 22 RCTs and 3 cohort studies compared different dosages of IVIg. A total of 1989 patients were included, with 991 patients in the LD-IVIg group and 998 patients in the HD-IVIg group. Our results showed no significant differences between the two groups in the effective rate (LD-IVIg: 91% vs. HD-IVIg: 93%; RR: 0.99; 95%CI: 0.96-1.02) and the durable remission rate (LD-IVIg: 65% vs. HD-IVIg: 67%; RR: 0.97; 95%CI: 0.89-1.07). Similar results were also found in the time of platelet counts (PC) starting to rise (MD: 0.01, 95%CI: -0.06-0.09), rising to normal (MD: 0.16, 95%CI: -0.03-0.35), and achieving hemostasis (MD: 0.11, 95%CI: -0.02-0.23) between the two groups. Subgroup analysis showed the effective rate of 0.6 g/kg was equal to 1 g/kg subgroup (91%) but higher than 0.8 g/kg subgroup (82%), and a combination with glucocorticoid may contribute to effect enhancement (combined with glucocorticoid: 91% vs. IVIg alone: 86%) whether combined with dexamethasone (92%) or methylprednisolone (91%). Besides, the incidence rate of adverse reactions in the LD-IVIg group (3%) was significantly lower than the HD-IVIg group (6%) (RR: 0.61; 95%CI: 0.38-0.98). So low-dose IVIg (≤ 1 g/kg) is effective, safe, and economical, which can replace high-dose IVIg (2 g/kg) as an initial treatment. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022384604).
Topics: Child; Humans; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Glucocorticoids; Platelet Count; Methylprednisolone
PubMed: 38515126
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04677-3 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023This review of systematic reviews evaluated the effectiveness and safety of the preemptive use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs in the management of...
This review of systematic reviews evaluated the effectiveness and safety of the preemptive use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs in the management of postoperative pain, edema, and trismus in oral surgery. The databases searched included the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Scopus, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library, up to March 2023. Pairs of reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data, and rated their methodological quality using the AMSTAR-2 tool. All of the 19 studies reviewed had at least two critical methodological flaws. Third molar surgery was the most common procedure ( = 15) and the oral route the most frequent approach ( = 14). The use of betamethasone (10, 20, and 60 mg), dexamethasone (4 and 8 mg), methylprednisolone (16, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 125 mg), and prednisolone (10 and 20 mg) by different routes and likewise of celecoxib (200 mg), diclofenac (25, 30, 50, 75, and 100 mg), etoricoxib (120 mg), ibuprofen (400 and 600 mg), ketorolac (30 mg), meloxicam (7.5, 10, and 15 mg), nimesulide (100 mg), and rofecoxib (50 mg) administered by oral, intramuscular, and intravenous routes were found to reduce pain, edema, and trismus in patients undergoing third molar surgery. Data on adverse effects were poorly reported. Further randomized clinical trials should be conducted to confirm these findings, given the wide variety of drugs, doses, and routes of administration used.
PubMed: 38328575
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1303382 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing May 2024Few reviews have addressed delirium prevention among intermediate to high-risk older surgical patients. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Few reviews have addressed delirium prevention among intermediate to high-risk older surgical patients.
AIMS
To map preoperative delirium prevention interventions for older surgical patients at intermediate to high risk of developing delirium, assess outcomes and identify gaps in knowledge.
DESIGN
Systematic narrative review of randomised controlled trials reported following the PRISMA checklist.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted of the literature published from 1990 to October 2022 in Medline, CINAHL and Ageline and of the grey literature in Google Scholar. Randomised controlled trials were retrieved that assessed the effectiveness of preoperative delirium prevention interventions for older surgical patients at intermediate to high risk of delirium. Data were extracted using a data extraction tool, and results were tabulated. Studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies met the selection criteria including N = 5096 participants. Two studies tested cognitive training, two studies tested fascia iliaca compartment block and one study assessed femoral nerve block. Ten studies tested prophylactic medications including methylprednisolone. Five studies investigated geriatric assessment and management. One study assessed transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation. In the two studies testing fascia iliaca compartment block, there was a reduction in postoperative delirium for orthopaedic patients. Methylprednisolone reduced postoperative delirium in orthopaedic patients and in those undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Results of all other interventions on the occurrence of postoperative delirium and additional outcomes including the severity and duration of delirium were inconclusive.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the promising results for fascia iliaca compartment block and methylprednisolone, there is limited knowledge regarding evidence-based delirium prevention interventions. Most studies had small sample sizes indicating that the current evidence is exploratory. There is an urgent need for the funding and conduct of trials to test preventative interventions for older surgical patients at intermediate to high risk of developing delirium.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Emergence Delirium; Delirium; Preoperative Care; Methylprednisolone
PubMed: 38284498
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17020