-
PloS One 2024To evaluate the effect of olfactory and/or gustatory stimulation interventions on feeding outcomes in preterm infants. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
To evaluate the effect of olfactory and/or gustatory stimulation interventions on feeding outcomes in preterm infants.
METHODS
We conducted systematic searches across various academic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang Database, and the Wipu Database. These searches aimed to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the impact of olfactory and/or gustatory stimulation on preterm infants. The search period spanned from the inception of the databases until December 2022. Two independent evaluators autonomously reviewed the literature, extracted pertinent data, assessed the quality of the included studies, and conducted a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS
A total of 7 randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies were included, with a total of 871 participants. Olfactory and gustatory stimulation demonstrated a reduction in the time to full enteral feeds in preterm infants when compared to usual care (MD = -1.60 days; 95% CI = -2.31, -0.89; p<0.0001). No substantial evidence was identified regarding the influence of olfactory and gustatory stimulation on the duration of gastric tube placement, length of hospitalization, incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, or occurrence of spontaneous bowel perforation in preterm infants.
CONCLUSIONS
Olfactory and gustatory stimulation show potential benefits for preterm infants. However, due to the low to very low level of certainty associated with the available data, our ability to assess the effects is limited. Further trials and studies are essential to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms and effectiveness of olfactory and gustatory stimulation therapies.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Premature; Infant, Newborn; Enteral Nutrition; Smell; Taste; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38713686
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301186 -
Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy... 2023More than six million people died due to COVID-19, and 10-15% of infected individuals suffer from post-covid syndrome. Corticosteroids are widely used in the management...
BACKGROUND
More than six million people died due to COVID-19, and 10-15% of infected individuals suffer from post-covid syndrome. Corticosteroids are widely used in the management of severe COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 symptoms. This study synthesizes current evidence of the effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on mortality, hospital length-of-stay (LOS), and improvement of smell scores in patients with COVID-19.
METHODS
We searched Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus until Aug 2022. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of studies. We evaluated the effectiveness of ICS in COVID-19 patients through measures of mortality, LOS, alleviation of post-acute COVID-19 symptoms, time to sustained self-reported cure, and sense of smell (visual analog scale (VAS)).
RESULTS
Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Our study showed a significant decrease in the LOS in ICS patients over placebo (MD = -1.52, 95% CI [-2.77 to -0.28], = 0.02). Patients treated with intranasal corticosteroids (INC) showed a significant improvement in VAS smell scores from week three to week four (MD =1.52, 95% CI [0.27 to 2.78], = 0.02), and alleviation of COVID-related symptoms after 14 days (RR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.09 to 1.26], < 0.0001). No significant differences were detected in mortality (RR= 0.69, 95% CI [0.36 to 1.35], = 0.28) and time to sustained self-reported cure (MD = -1.28, 95% CI [-6.77 to 4.20], = 0.65).
CONCLUSION
We concluded that the use of ICS decreased patient LOS and improved COVID-19-related symptoms. INC may have a role in improving the smell score. Therefore, using INC and ICS for two weeks or more may prove beneficial. Current data do not demonstrate an effect on mortality or time to sustained self-reported cure. However, the evidence is inconclusive, and more studies are needed for more precise data.
PubMed: 37781348
DOI: 10.29390/001c.84260 -
PloS One 2023Olfactory dysfunction is a common manifestation in COVID-19 patients and can significantly impact their quality of life. Corticosteroids have been proposed as a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Olfactory dysfunction is a common manifestation in COVID-19 patients and can significantly impact their quality of life. Corticosteroids have been proposed as a potential treatment, but their efficacy remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to comprehensively analyze the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy for treating COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases up to March 1, 2023. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of corticosteroids on olfactory dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 were included. The primary outcome was the olfactory score at the end of follow-up, and the secondary outcomes were the duration and the rate of recovery from olfactory dysfunction.
RESULTS
Seven randomized controlled trials with 999 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, corticosteroid treatment resulted in a statistically significant improvement in olfactory score with a standardized mean difference of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.15 to 0.95). Topical corticosteroids were found to be effective, but systemic corticosteroids were not. In addition, longer durations and higher dosages of corticosteroids treatment may also be associated with significant improvements in olfactory scores. No significant effect was observed on the duration or recovery rate of olfactory dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that topical corticosteroid treatment is a viable option for improving COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction, but further research is needed to investigate optimal treatment protocols and safety profiles.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; COVID-19; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Glucocorticoids; Olfaction Disorders
PubMed: 38127940
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289172 -
World Journal of Oncology Oct 2023To date, early cancer detection is considered vital to reduce the global cancer burden through low-cost, but accurate screening modalities. The anatomical positioning of...
BACKGROUND
To date, early cancer detection is considered vital to reduce the global cancer burden through low-cost, but accurate screening modalities. The anatomical positioning of prostate cancer (PCa) created a potentially distinctive diagnostic method through the identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urine, which might be detectable not by humans but by canine species. This review aimed to capture the potential of the medical detection canine (MDC) to detect PCa by providing its diagnostic accuracy estimation on urine odor testing.
METHODS
Databases, e.g., MEDLINE, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest, were searched to identify the studies. We focused on accessible original research, comparing the diagnostic utility of trained female MDC and histopathology examination as the gold standard for PCa diagnosis. The statistical analysis was performed in Meta-DiSc 1.4 and presented in diagnostic values, i.e., sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive or negative likelihood ratio (LR+ or LR-), diagnostic odd ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) value, to conclude the Sn-Sp in a single outcome.
RESULTS
Female German Shepherds were the most commonly utilized MDC from the five studies included in the final analysis. We estimate the pooled diagnostic value of eight different MDCs, with the findings as follows: Sn (0.95 (0.94 - 0.97)), Sp (0.92 (0.90 - 0.93)), LR+ (4.48 (1.90 - 10.58)), LR- (0.12 (0.01 - 1.42)), DOR (35.39 (2.90 - 432.53)), and an AUC value of 0.9232.
CONCLUSIONS
MDC's olfaction ability holds considerable potential on its diagnostic accuracies to distinguish the urine of PCa individuals by identifying its volatilome property.
PubMed: 37869239
DOI: 10.14740/wjon1635 -
European Archives of... Sep 2023We aimed to summarize the available data on the objective rhinologic outcome after endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal (ETT) surgery. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
We aimed to summarize the available data on the objective rhinologic outcome after endoscopic transnasal-transsphenoidal (ETT) surgery.
METHODS
Retrospective study on a consecutive cohort of treatment-naïve patients undergoing ETT pituitary gland surgery. Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis with focus on the rhinologic outcome, including postoperative smell function was performed.
RESULTS
The institutional series incorporated 168 patients. A concomitant endoscopic septoplasty was performed in 29/168 patients (17.3%). A nasoseptal flap was used for reconstruction of large skull-base defects or high-flow CSF leaks in 4/168 (2.4%) patients. Early postoperative rhinologic complications (< 4 weeks) included epistaxis (3%), acute rhinosinusitis (1.2%) and late postoperative complications (≥ 8 weeks) comprised prolonged crusting (15.6%), symptomatic synechiae (11.9%) and septal perforation (0.6%). Postoperative smell function was not impaired (Fisher's exact test, p = 1.0). The systematic review included 19 studies on 1533 patients with a median postoperative epistaxis rate of 1.4% (IQR 1.0-2.2), a postoperative acute rhinosinusitis rate of 2.3% (IQR 2.1-3.0), a postoperative synechiae rate of 7.5% (IQR 1.8-19.1) and a postoperative septal perforation rate of 2.2% (IQR 0.5-5.4). Seven studies including a total of 206 patients reported adequate outcome measures for smell function before and after ETT surgery. Only 2/7 studies reported an impairment of smell function postoperatively, especially in patients with nasoseptal flap harvesting.
CONCLUSION
Early and late postoperative rhinologic complication rates after ETT surgery for pituitary lesions seem to be low. A thorough evaluation of smell function, in particular in patients at risk for nasoseptal flap harvesting, may be an important factor in optimal postoperative care.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Epistaxis; Surgical Flaps; Endoscopy; Pituitary Gland; Skull Base; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36988686
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-07934-w -
Clinical and Applied... 2024Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare neurovascular condition that has been observed in individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This systematic...
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare neurovascular condition that has been observed in individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This systematic review aimed to explore the sex differences and characteristics of concurrent COVID-19 and CVST cases. A total of 212 CVST patients were included in the study. Women with CVST had a slightly higher mean age compared to men (47.359 years vs 46.08 years). Women were more likely to report symptoms such as fever (56.1%) and decreased sense of smell or taste (71.4%), while men more frequently experienced nausea or vomiting (55.6%), headache (62.9%), and seizures (72%). Notably, current smokers, who were predominantly men, had a higher occurrence of CVST. On the other hand, women had a higher likelihood of CVST risk factors such as oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use and autoimmune diseases. Treatment approaches also showed sex-based differences. Unfractionated heparin was administered more often to women with CVST (63.2%). The in-hospital mortality rate for CVST patients was 21.3%, with men having a significantly higher mortality rate than women (65.2% vs 34.8%, = .027). Survival analysis revealed that factors such as smoking history, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, OCP use, COVID-19 symptoms, CVST symptoms, and the need for intubation significantly influenced survival outcomes. Understanding these sex differences in COVID-19-related CVST is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of considering sex as a factor in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with COVID-19 and concurrent CVST.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Heparin; Sex Characteristics; Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial; COVID-19; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38551022
DOI: 10.1177/10760296241240748 -
Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy... 2023Inhaled hypertonic saline (HS) is an effective mucolytic agent in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, adverse events can impair the clinical utility of...
The effectiveness of hyaluronic acid in reducing adverse effects associated with inhaled hypertonic saline therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Inhaled hypertonic saline (HS) is an effective mucolytic agent in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, adverse events can impair the clinical utility of hypertonic saline (HS) in this patient population. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) in reducing these adverse events.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted across three electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane Central, and EMBASE) from inception through February 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of hyaluronic acid (HA) in reducing adverse events in patients taking hypertonic saline (HS) for CF were included in the analysis. Outcomes of interest included cough, throat irritation, unpleasant taste, and FEV1. Evaluations were reported as risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (CRBT) was employed to assess the quality of RCTs. The New Castle Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of observational studies.
RESULTS
From the 1960 articles retrieved from the initial search, five relevant studies (n=236 patients) were included in the final analysis. Compared with patients only on HS, patients with HS and HA were significantly less likely to experience cough (RR: 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.72, =0.001), throat irritation (RR: 0.43; 95% CI, 0.22-0.81, = 0.009), and unpleasant smell (RR: 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23 - 0.80, =0.09). In addition, patients with HS with HA had significantly less forced expiratory volume (FEV1) (MD: -2.97; 95% CI, -3.79-2.15, =0.52) compared to patients only on HS.
DISCUSSION
The addition of HA to HS was linked to a better tolerability profile. When HS was coupled with HA, there was a reduction in all side effects. This may permit tolerance of the medication in otherwise difficult patients, improve adherence to patients receiving frequent inhalations, and improve therapeutic outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The addition of HA is advantageous in CF patients who require continuous HS therapy and have previously shown poor tolerance to therapy.
PubMed: 37927455
DOI: 10.29390/001c.89093 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2024Olfactory testing is emerging as a potentially effective screening method for identifying mild cognitive impairment in the elderly population.
BACKGROUND
Olfactory testing is emerging as a potentially effective screening method for identifying mild cognitive impairment in the elderly population.
OBJECTIVE
Olfactory impairment is comorbid with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults but is not well-documented in subdomains of either olfactory or subtypes of cognitive impairments in older adults. This meta-analysis was aimed at synthesizing the differentiated relationships with updated studies.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in seven databases from their availability to April 2023. A total of 38 publications were included, including 3,828 MCI patients and 8,160 healthy older adults. Two investigators independently performed the literature review, quality assessment, and data extraction. The meta-analyses were conducted with Stata to estimate the average effects and causes of the heterogeneity.
RESULTS
Compared to normal adults, MCI patients had severe impairments in olfactory function and severe deficits in specific domains of odor identification and discrimination. Olfactory impairment was more severe in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment than in patients with non-amnestic MCI. Diverse test instruments of olfactory function caused large heterogeneity in effect sizes.
CONCLUSION
Valid olfactory tests can be complementary tools for accurate screening of MCI in older adults.
PubMed: 38419646
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1349196 -
PloS One 2024Long COVID is a devastating, long-term, debilitating illness which disproportionately affects healthcare workers, due to the nature of their work. There is currently...
BACKGROUND
Long COVID is a devastating, long-term, debilitating illness which disproportionately affects healthcare workers, due to the nature of their work. There is currently limited evidence specific to healthcare workers about the experience of living with Long COVID, or its prevalence, pattern of recovery or impact on healthcare.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to assess the effects of Long COVID among healthcare workers and its impact on health status, working lives, personal circumstances, and use of health service resources.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic rapid review according to current methodological standards and reported it in adherence to the PRISMA 2020 and ENTREQ statements.
RESULTS
We searched relevant electronic databases and identified 3770 articles of which two studies providing qualitative evidence and 28 survey studies providing quantitative evidence were eligible. Thematic analysis of the two qualitative studies identified five themes: uncertainty about symptoms, difficulty accessing services, importance of being listened to and supported, patient versus professional identity and suggestions to improve communication and services for people with Long COVID. Common long-term symptoms in the survey studies included fatigue, headache, loss of taste and/or smell, breathlessness, dyspnoea, difficulty concentrating, depression and anxiety.
CONCLUSION
Healthcare workers struggled with their dual identity (patient/doctor) and felt dismissed or not taken seriously by their doctors. Our findings are in line with those in the literature showing that there are barriers to healthcare professionals accessing healthcare and highlighting the challenges of receiving care due to their professional role. A more representative approach in Long COVID research is needed to reflect the diverse nature of healthcare staff and their occupations. This rapid review was conducted using robust methods with the codicil that the pace of research into Long COVID may mean relevant evidence was not identified.
Topics: Humans; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; COVID-19; Health Facilities; Health Resources; Health Personnel; Chronic Disease; Dyspnea
PubMed: 38442116
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299743