-
International Forum of Allergy &... Oct 2023Olfactory dysfunction has been reported to be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. However, gustatory dysfunction in PD has not been evaluated as in-depth... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Olfactory dysfunction has been reported to be involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. However, gustatory dysfunction in PD has not been evaluated as in-depth as olfactory dysfunction. We reviewed the previously published studies regarding gustatory function in PD patients and suggested the possibility that gustatory dysfunction may also be associated with PD.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched for studies evaluating gustatory function in PD patients. We used the standardized mean difference and a 95% confidence interval (CI) as the effect analysis index regarding the taste strip test. The relative risk and 95% CI were used as the effect analysis index for the questionnaires and propylthiouracil (PTU)/phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) perception test. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using forest plots, Cochran's Q, and the I statistic; heterogeneity was considered high when I was over 75%. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and the Egger bias test.
RESULTS
We identified 19 articles that reported the results of gustatory function tests in PD patients and healthy controls. Most of these studies used various gustatory tests, including taste strips, questionnaires, taste solutions, PTU/PTC perception tests, and electrogustometry, and reported significantly lower gustatory function in PD patients than in the controls. However, several articles reported contradictory results.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on these studies, gustatory dysfunction is closely related to PD. However, the number of studies and enrolled subjects was small, and a unified gustatory function test was lacking. Therefore, further studies with larger populations and normalized gustatory function tests are needed.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Taste Disorders; Smell; Taste Perception; Phenylthiourea; Olfaction Disorders
PubMed: 36934313
DOI: 10.1002/alr.23158 -
Cureus May 2024Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune condition of the thyroid. The hyperthyroidism manifested by patients affected by this disease is caused by the production of... (Review)
Review
Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune condition of the thyroid. The hyperthyroidism manifested by patients affected by this disease is caused by the production of autoantibodies against the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, or thyrotropin) receptor (TSHR), which mimic the effects of the hormone on thyroid cells, thereby stimulating autonomic production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Deciding on a therapeutic approach to this condition presents intricate dilemmas for both clinicians and patients. Each of the three available treatment modalities is grounded in evidence-based medicine, affirming its efficacy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of carbimazole (CBM), radioactive iodine (RAI), and surgery in treating GD and provide evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers regarding the optimal management of the condition based on a comprehensive analysis of effectiveness, safety, patient satisfaction, and recovery outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We used the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to conduct a thorough web search for articles published between January 2019 and September 2023. The meta-analysis was carried out using Resource Manager (Revman) 5.4.1. The study found that propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole/carbimazole (MMI/CBM) treatment increases the risk of hyperlipidemia in patients with hyperthyroidism. Once in a euthyroid state, glucose tolerance increases; for children with GD, a computer model for customized dosing has been created. To sum up, CBM, surgery, and RAI are all useful treatment options for GD. Using steroids in conjunction with radiation therapy may help prevent Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO).
PubMed: 38910658
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60829