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Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology Aug 2023Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, bilateral corneal and conjunctival problem which typically presents in young individuals. VKC is characterized by... (Review)
Review
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic, bilateral corneal and conjunctival problem which typically presents in young individuals. VKC is characterized by itching, photophobia, white mucous discharge, lacrimation, foreign body sensation, and pain due to corneal involvement of shield ulcers. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is categorized within ocular diseases. The diagnosis is clinical, as no sure biomarkers pathognomonic of the disease have yet been identified. The VKC therapy relies on different types of drugs, from antihistamines and topical steroids to cyclosporine or tacrolimus eye drops. In extremely rare cases, there is also the need for surgical treatment for the debridement of ulcers, as well as for advanced glaucoma and cataracts, caused by excessive prolonged use of steroid eye drops. We performed a systematic review of the literature, according to PRISMA guideline recommendations. We searched the PubMed database from January 2016 to June 2023. Search terms were Vernal, Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and VKC. We initially identified 211 articles. After the screening process, 168 studies were eligible according to our criteria and were included in the review. In this study, we performed a systematic literature review to provide a comprehensive overview of currently available diagnostic methods, management of VKC, and its treatments.
Topics: Humans; Conjunctivitis, Allergic; Ulcer; Cyclosporine; Tacrolimus; Ophthalmic Solutions
PubMed: 37658939
DOI: 10.1007/s12016-023-08970-4 -
International Journal of Implant... Jul 2023The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the evidence regarding the indications for placement of zygomatic implants to rehabilitate edentulous maxillae. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the evidence regarding the indications for placement of zygomatic implants to rehabilitate edentulous maxillae.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A focused question using the PIO format was developed, questioning "in patients in need of an implant-supported rehabilitation of the edentulous maxillae, what are the indications for the use of zygomatic implants''. The primary information analyzed and collected was a clear description of the indication for the use of zygomatic implants.
RESULTS
A total of 1266 records were identified through database searching. The full-text review was conducted for 117 papers, and 10 were selected to be included in this review. Zygomatic implant indications were extreme bone atrophy or deficiency secondary to different factors. The quad zygoma concept (two zygomatic implants bilaterally placed and splinted) was applied to 107 patients, the classic zygoma concept (one zygomatic implant bilaterally placed and splinted to standard anterior implants) was used in 88 patients, and the unilateral concept (one zygomatic implant on one side, splinted with one or more conventional implants) was employed in 14 patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The main indication for the use of zygomatic implants was considered extreme maxillary bone atrophy, resulting from many factors. The clear definition of what was considered "extreme bone atrophy" is not uniquely defined in each paper. Further studies are needed to develop clear indications for zygomatic implants.
Topics: Humans; Dental Implants; Atrophy; Databases, Factual; Medicine; Mouth, Edentulous
PubMed: 37391575
DOI: 10.1186/s40729-023-00480-4 -
Cephalalgia : An International Journal... Dec 2023Hypnic headache is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headache attacks that occur exclusively during sleep, leading to awakening. Synthesizing the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Hypnic headache is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headache attacks that occur exclusively during sleep, leading to awakening. Synthesizing the available epidemiological data might inform clinical decision-making.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and Embase for observational studies on hypnic headache published between 1 May 2004, and 22 December 2022. Two investigators independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis with meta-regression to estimate the prevalence of hypnic headache and its clinical features based on epidemiologic data from population-based and clinic-based studies.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies, one population-based and 13 clinic-based, met our eligibility criteria. The population-based study did not identify any people with hypnic headache. From 11 clinic-based studies, the pooled relative frequency of hypnic headache was 0.21% (95%CI, 0.13 to 0.35%; = 87%) in adult patients evaluated for headache. The pooled mean age of onset was 60.5 years, with a slight female predisposition. Hypnic headache was typically bilateral (71%), pressing (73%), of moderate (38%) or severe (44%) pain intensity, and lasted about 115 minutes per attack.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data should be cautiously interpreted due to between-study heterogeneity. The identified clinical presentation of hypnic headache can guide clinical diagnosis, in addition to the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Headache Disorders, Primary; Sleep; Headache
PubMed: 38051816
DOI: 10.1177/03331024231218389 -
Cureus Jul 2023The extensor mechanism of the knee can be damaged due to various modes of injury, which, in most cases, will require urgent surgical intervention for repair. Single... (Review)
Review
The extensor mechanism of the knee can be damaged due to various modes of injury, which, in most cases, will require urgent surgical intervention for repair. Single patellar tendon ruptures are uncommon, but simultaneous bilateral events are even rarer and have been scarcely reviewed in English literature. Research in this area is mainly confined to case series, with some literature reviews but no evidence of more substantial analysis. Therefore, this systematic review was done to analyse the existing literature on bilateral simultaneous patellar tendon ruptures and propose a systematic and standardised approach to diagnosing and managing these injuries. A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The search terms included 'bilateral patellar tendon rupture', 'bilateral', 'patellar', 'tendon' and 'rupture'. Three independent reviewers conducted searches in PubMed, OvidSP for Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library using the same search strategy. The eligibility criteria included studies on bilateral concomitant patellar tendon rupture published in English. Bilateral simultaneous patellar tendon ruptures of traumatic and atraumatic origin in human patients were included. The study types comprised case reports and literature reviews. The key limitation of this study was the low number of patients covered by the eligible literature. Patellar tendon ruptures are a rare and scarcely documented injury, and there is a need for studies with a high level of evidence, especially regarding surgical treatment choice and methods, as well as post-operative management, which could potentially lead to improved outcomes in the management of this injury.
PubMed: 37426403
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41512 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Feb 2024Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) is a novel noninvasive ultrasonic brain stimulation that can increase cortical and corticospinal excitability, induce...
BACKGROUND
Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) is a novel noninvasive ultrasonic brain stimulation that can increase cortical and corticospinal excitability, induce neuroplasticity, and increase functional connectivity within the brain. Several trials have confirmed its potential in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD).
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect and safety of TPS on AD.
DESIGN
A systematic review.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase via Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (China Science and Technology Journal Database), and WanFang were searched from inception to April 1, 2023. Study selection, data extraction, and quality evaluation of the studies were conducted by two reviewers independently, with any controversy resolved by consensus. The Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies was used to assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS
Five studies were included in this review, with a total of 99 patients with AD. For cognitive performance, TPS significantly improved the scores of the CERAD (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease) test battery, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (cognitive), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Mini-Mental Status Examination. For depressive symptoms, TPS significantly reduced the scores of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (affective), Geriatric Depression Score, and Beck Depression Inventory. By functional magnetic resonance imaging, studies have shown that TPS improved cognitive performance in AD patients by increasing functional connectivity in the hippocampus, parahippocampal cortex, precuneus, and parietal cortex, and activating cortical activity in the bilateral hippocampus. TPS alleviated depressive symptoms in AD patients by decreasing functional connectivity between the ventromedial network (left frontal orbital cortex) and the salience network (right anterior insula). Adverse events in this review, including headache, worsening mood, jaw pain, nausea, and drowsiness, were reversible and lasted no longer than 1 day. No serious adverse events or complications were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
TPS is promising in improving cognitive performance and reducing depressive symptoms in patients with AD. TPS may be a safe adjunct therapy in the treatment of AD. However, these findings lacked a sham control and were limited by the small sample size of the included studies. Further research may be needed to better explore the potential of TPS.
PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Patients and the public were not involved in this study.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Brain; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Hippocampus; Mental Status and Dementia Tests; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
PubMed: 37469252
DOI: 10.1111/cns.14372 -
Journal of Neurology Nov 2023To systematically review the published cases of bilateral facial palsy (BFP) to gather evidence on the clinical assessment and management of this pathology. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the published cases of bilateral facial palsy (BFP) to gather evidence on the clinical assessment and management of this pathology.
METHODS
Following PRISMA statement recommendations, 338 abstracts were screened independently by two authors. Inclusion criteria were research articles of human patients affected by BFP, either central or peripheral; English, Italian, French or Spanish language; availability of the abstract, while exclusion criteria were topics unrelated to FP, and mention of unilateral or congenital FP. Only full-text articles reporting the diagnostic work-up, the management, and the prognosis of the BFP considered for further specific data analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 143 articles were included, resulting a total of 326 patients with a mean age of 36 years. The most common type of the paralysis was peripheral (91.7%), and the autoimmune disease was the most frequent aetiology (31.3%). The mean time of onset after first symptoms was 12 days and most patients presented with a grade higher than III. Associated symptoms in idiopathic BFP were mostly non-specific. The most frequently positive laboratory exams were cerebrospinal fluid analysis, autoimmune screening and peripheral blood smear, and the most performed imaging was MRI. Most patients (74%) underwent exclusive medical treatment, while a minority were selected for a surgical or combined approach. Finally, in more than half of cases a complete bilateral recovery (60.3%) was achieved.
CONCLUSIONS
BFP is a disabling condition. If a correct diagnosis is formulated, possibilities to recover are elevated and directly correlated to the administration of an adequate treatment.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Facial Paralysis; Facial Nerve Diseases; Causality; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37523065
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11897-7 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Aug 2023Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH) is a rare, incompletely described disorder of the adrenal medulla that is associated with catecholamine excess.
OBJECTIVE
To increase knowledge about AMH by reviewing the reported cases of this disorder.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the genotype/phenotype relationship in all reported cases of AMH.
SETTING
Literature review and analysis.
PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS
All cases of AMH published to date.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Characteristics of AMH cases and genotype-phenotype relationships.
RESULTS
A total of 66 patients, median age of 48 years, were identified from 29 reports. More than one-half were male (n = 39, 59%). The majority had unilateral (73%, n = 48) disease; 71% (n = 47) were sporadic and 23% (n = 15) were associated with the MEN2. Most (91%, n = 60) displayed signs and symptoms of excess catecholamine secretion, particularly hypertension. Elevated catecholamine concentrations (86%, n = 57) and adrenal abnormalities on imaging were common (80%, n = 53). More than one-half (58%, n = 38) had concurrent tumors: pheochromocytoma (42%, n = 16/38); medullary thyroid cancer (24%, n = 9/38); and adrenocortical adenoma (29%, n = 11/38). Most (88%, n = 58) underwent adrenalectomy with 45/58 achieving symptom resolution. Adrenalectomy was less common in patients under 40 years and those with bilateral disease (both P < .05).
CONCLUSION
AMH may be sporadic or associated with MEN2, most have catecholamine excess and imaging abnormalities. Unilateral involvement is more common. Most reported patients have been treated with adrenalectomy, which is usually curative with regard to catecholamine hypersecretion.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Hyperplasia; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Pheochromocytoma; Adrenal Medulla; Adrenalectomy; Catecholamines
PubMed: 36896586
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad121 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a main cause of medical referrals and hospitalizations in all infants, particularly among newborns. Nevertheless, relatively... (Review)
Review
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a main cause of medical referrals and hospitalizations in all infants, particularly among newborns. Nevertheless, relatively limited evidence on chest tomography (CT) findings has been collected. According to the PRISMA statement, Pubmed, Embase, and medRxiv were searched for eligible observational studies published up to 31 December 2022. Cases were categorized in children and adolescents (age < 18 years), adults and elderly (age ≥ 18 years), and immunocompromised patients, and then pooled in a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics, while reporting bias was assessed by means of funnel plots and regression analysis. A total of 10 studies (217 RSV cases) were retrieved (children, 37.3%; immunocompromised, 41.0%; adults, 21.7%). The most common features were signs of organizing pneumonia (33.65%, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 22.39-47.27), followed by septal thickening (33.19%, 95% CI 21.76-47.03), ground glass opacities (GGOs; 28.03%, 95% CI 14.69-46.82), and tree-in-bud (TIB, 27.44%, 95% CI 15.04-44.68). Interestingly, up to 16.23% (95% CI 8.17-29.69) showed normal findings, while the large majority (76.06%, 95% CI 64.81-84.56) were characterized by bilateral involvement. Studies were highly heterogeneous without substantial reporting bias. Assuming children and adolescents as reference groups, healthy adults were characterized by a higher risk ratio [RR] for septal thickening (RR 3.878, 95% CI 1.253-12.000), nodular lesions (RR 20.197, 95% CI 1.286-317.082), and GGOs (RR 2.121, 95% CI 1.121-4.013). RSV cases are rarely assessed in terms of CT characteristics. Our study identified some specificities, suggesting that RSV infections evolve heterogeneous CT features in children/adolescents and adults, but the paucity of studies recommends a cautious appraisal.
PubMed: 37508666
DOI: 10.3390/children10071169 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023To summarize the existing knowledge about adrenal gland abscesses, including etiology, clinical presentation, common laboratory and imaging findings, management and... (Review)
Review
To summarize the existing knowledge about adrenal gland abscesses, including etiology, clinical presentation, common laboratory and imaging findings, management and overall morbidity and mortality. Systematic literature review. We performed a search in the PubMed database using search terms: 'abscess and adrenal glands', 'adrenalitis', 'infection and adrenal gland', 'adrenal abscess', 'adrenal infection' and 'infectious adrenalitis'. Articles from 2017 to 2022 were included. We found total of 116 articles, and after applying exclusion criteria, data from 73 articles was included in the final statistical analysis. Of 84 patients included in this review, 68 were male (81%), with a mean age of 55 years (range: 29 to 85 years). Weight loss was the most frequent symptom reported in 58.3% patients, followed by fever in 49%. Mean duration of symptoms was 4.5 months. The most common laboratory findings were low cortisol (51.9%), elevated ACTH (43.2%), hyponatremia (88.2%) and anemia (83.3%). Adrenal cultures were positive in 86.4% cases, with (37.3%) being the leading causative agent. Blood cultures were positive in 30% of patients. The majority of the adrenal infections occurred through secondary dissemination from other infectious foci and abscesses were more commonly bilateral (70%). A total of 46.4% of patients developed long-term adrenal insufficiency requiring treatment. Abscess drainage was performed in 7 patients (8.3%) and adrenalectomy was performed in 18 (21.4%) patients. The survival rate was 92.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that the only independent risk factor for mortality was thrombocytopenia ( = 0.048). Our review shows that adrenal abscesses are usually caused by fungal pathogens, and among these, is the most common. The adrenal glands are usually involved in a bilateral fashion and become infected through dissemination from other primary sources of infection. Long-term adrenal insufficiency develops in 46% of patients, which is more common than what is observed in non-infectious etiology of adrenal gland disorders. Mortality is about 7%, and the presence of thrombocytopenia is associated with worse prognosis. Further prospective studies are needed to better characterize optimal testing and treatment duration in patients with this relatively rare but challenging disorder.
PubMed: 37510716
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144601 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Jan 2024This study aimed to provide an up-to-date systematic review of "the long-term outcomes of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of hysterectomy" and perform a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to provide an up-to-date systematic review of "the long-term outcomes of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of hysterectomy" and perform a meta-analysis for the reported associations.
DATA SOURCES
Our study updated a previous systematic review by searching the literature using PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for publications between January 2015 and August 2022.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Our study included studies of women who had a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy vs women who had a hysterectomy with ovarian conservation or no surgery.
METHODS
The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations. Adjusted hazard ratios were extracted and combined to obtain fixed effect estimates.
RESULTS
Compared with hysterectomy or no surgery, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in young women was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.84) but with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.47). In addition, it was associated with an increased risk of total cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, and stroke with hazard ratios of 1.18 (95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.25), 1.17 (95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.25), and 1.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.31), respectively. Compared with no surgery, hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy before the age of 50 years was associated with an increased risk of hyperlipidemia (hazard ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-1.65), diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.24), hypertension (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.20), dementia (hazard ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.69), and depression (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-1.60). The evidence on the association with all-cause mortality in young women showed substantial heterogeneity between the studies (I=85%; P<.01).
CONCLUSION
Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was associated with multiple long-term outcomes. The benefits of the addition of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy to hysterectomy should be balanced against the risks.
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Salpingo-oophorectomy; Ovariectomy; Hysterectomy; Cardiovascular Diseases; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 37364803
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.06.043