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Eye (London, England) Oct 2023In most cases, glaucoma patients require long-term medical and/or surgical treatment. Preference studies investigate how different aspects of glaucoma management, such... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In most cases, glaucoma patients require long-term medical and/or surgical treatment. Preference studies investigate how different aspects of glaucoma management, such as health or process outcomes, are valued and herewith help stakeholders make care more responsive to patients' needs. As, to our knowledge, no overview of these studies is currently available, this study aims to systematically review and critically appraise these studies.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted using keywords for stated-preference studies and glaucoma up to October 2021. Studies were included if they were original research and used a stated-preference methodology to investigate preferences in patients or healthcare professionals for different aspects of glaucoma management. Data were extracted and summarized. Furthermore, a quality appraisal of the included studies was performed using two validated checklists.
RESULTS
The search yielded 1214 articles after removal of duplicates. Of those, 11 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Studies aimed to elicit preferences for glaucoma treatment (27%), glaucoma related health state valuation (36%), and services (36%) from the patient (91%) or ophthalmologists' perspective (9%). Altogether studies included 69 attributes. The majority of attributes were outcome related (62%), followed by process (32%) and cost attributes (6%). Outcome attributes (e.g., effectiveness) were most often of highest importance to the population.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review provides an up-to-date and critical review of stated-preference studies in the field of glaucoma, suggesting that patients have preferences and are willing to trade-off between characteristics, and revealed that outcome attributes are the most influential characteristics of glaucoma management.
Topics: Humans; Glaucoma; Patient Preference
PubMed: 36944711
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02482-3 -
BMC Ophthalmology Nov 2023To evaluate the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with retinal pigment epithelial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparative efficacy of aflibercept and ranibizumab in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration with retinal pigment epithelial detachment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED).
METHODS
Systematic review identifying studies comparing intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR), intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) and intravitreal conbercept (IVC) published before Mar 2022.
RESULTS
One randomized controlled trial and 6 observational studies were selected for meta-analysis (1,069 patients). The change of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in IVA 2.0 mg group was better than IVR 0.5 mg (average difference 0.07) and IVR 2.0 mg (average difference 0.10), the differences were statistically significant. The change of the height of PED in IVA 2.0 group was better than IVR 0.5 group (average difference 45.30), the difference was statistically significant. The proportion of patients without PED at last visit in IVA 2.0 group were better than those in IVR 2.0 group (hazard ratio 1.91), the difference was statistically significant. There was no significant difference compared with IVR 0.5 group (hazard ratio 1.45). IVA required fewer injections than IVR, with a mean difference of -1.58.
CONCLUSIONS
IVA appears to be superior to IVR in improvement of BCVA, height decrease of PED and regression of PED with less injections in nAMD with PED.
Topics: Humans; Ranibizumab; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Retinal Detachment; Network Meta-Analysis; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Retinal Pigment Epithelium; Retrospective Studies; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Intravitreal Injections; Macular Degeneration
PubMed: 37990182
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03214-7 -
Neurosurgical Review Sep 2023Optic canal unroofing (OCU) has gradually become a routine technique for tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) resection. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Optic canal unroofing (OCU) has gradually become a routine technique for tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) resection. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OCU. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature on this topic from 2003 to 2023 were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Rigorous statistical analysis with a p-value was performed for related change in visual improvement, gross total resection (GTR), visual deterioration, and olfactory nerve damage. The study included 15 articles with 384 patients in whom OCU was performed by the transcranial approach (TCA) or the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Of these, 341 patients had preoperative visual loss, and 266 patients had postoperative visual recovery. The overall rate of visual improvement was 0.803 (95% CI: 0.733-0.874, p < 0.01). The rate of visual improvement in the EEA and TCA groups was 0.884 (95% CI: 0.803-0.965, p < 0.01) and 0.788 (95% CI: 0.700-0.875, p < 0.01). Further analysis of classification shows that the rate of visual improvement in Type I: < 2 cm was 0.889(95% CI: 0.739-0.969), Type II:2-4 cm was 0.844(95% CI: 0.755-0.910), Type III: > 4 cm was 0.500(95% CI: 0.068-0.932) and the total was 0.853(95% CI: 0.779-0.927 p < 0.01) with low heterogeneity of I = 20.80%.Twelve studies separately reported GTR with OCU was 293; the rate of GTR was 0.911 (95% CI: 0.848-0.961, p < 0.01). And the rate of GTR in Type I: < 2 cm was 0.933(95% CI: 0.817-0.986), Type II:2-4 cm was 0.880(95% CI: 0.800-0.936), Type III: > 4 cm was 0.600(95% CI: 0.147-0.947). The total was 0.897(95% CI: 0.830-0.965 p < 0.01) with low heterogeneity of I = 34.57%. The related complications of OCU were visual deterioration and olfactory nerve damage. Visual decline was reported in nine studies, and the rate was 0.077 (95% CI: 0.041-0.113, p < 0.01). Six studies reported olfactory nerve damage, and the overall rate was 0.054 (95% CI: 0.019-0.090, p < 0.01). OCU could significantly recover preoperative impaired vision and make GTR easier to achieve, which was also a safe and effective technique in TSM.
Topics: Humans; Meningioma; Postoperative Period; Skull Base Neoplasms; Meningeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37698750
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02151-9 -
Cureus Jan 2024Demodex blepharitis is marked by an excessive presence of Demodex mites on the eyelids, particularly in the lash follicles. While these microscopic mites are a natural... (Review)
Review
Demodex blepharitis is marked by an excessive presence of Demodex mites on the eyelids, particularly in the lash follicles. While these microscopic mites are a natural component of the skin microbiota, their overabundance can lead to ocular complications. Symptoms associated with Demodex blepharitis include eyelid itching, inflammation, and ocular irritation. Our objective is to investigate Lotilaner as a potential treatment for Demodex blepharitis, assessing both the safety and efficacy of the ophthalmic formula in managing this disease. We conducted research in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus up to November 2023. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and it was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence. Our meta-analysis was executed using Review Manager 5.4. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of Lotilaner ophthalmic solution with a concentration of 0.25%. The following outcomes were assessed: clinically meaningful reduction in collarette, collarette cure, composite cure, drop comfort, erythema cure, mite density, and mite eradication. In the case of dichotomous data, we used the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). In our analysis, all included studies, comprising a total of 891 participants, consistently reported clinically meaningful reductions in collarettes. The findings were statistically significant, with Lotilaner demonstrating a substantially higher reduction compared to the vehicle group (RR = 3.09, 95% CI [2.65-3.60]; -value < 0.0001). Notably, results for Drop Comfort outcomes were nonsignificant, indicating no discernible differences compared to the group that used the vehicle (RR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.98-1.07]; -value = 0.26). However, both mite density and mite eradication outcomes exhibited significant improvements with Lotilaner in comparison to the vehicle (RR = 2.58, 95% CI [2.25-2.95]; -value < 0.0001) and (RR = 3.80, 95% CI [2.88-5.01]; -value < 0.0001). The Lotilaner ophthalmic solution at 0.25% showed superior efficacy over the vehicle in reducing collarettes, achieving complete mite eradication within six weeks, and significantly decreasing erythema in Demodex blepharitis. It demonstrated safety with no reported side effects compared to the vehicle. Direct comparative studies with alternative treatments are recommended for a comprehensive assessment of efficacy and safety.
PubMed: 38380217
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52664 -
Cureus Aug 2023Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a tool for dental imaging of impactions, maxillofacial discrepancies, facial trauma, and tumors. In addition, It is used in... (Review)
Review
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a tool for dental imaging of impactions, maxillofacial discrepancies, facial trauma, and tumors. In addition, It is used in treatment planning for dental implants, orthognathic surgery, and general maxillofacial surgery. There are no standardized methods for utilizing CBCT dosimetry, and there is no consensus among dental and medical physics health professionals regarding dental CBCT imaging procedures. The eyes and thyroid glands are radiosensitive organs that lie outside the primary beam but receive a significant amount of radiation due to scattered radiation. This study aimed to assess the dose to eye lens in patients imaged using CBCT. This review aims to evaluate the scattered doses to the eye from CBCT among adult patients seeking dental treatment. The search included published articles in the Web of Science, PubMed (MeSH and Web PubMed), Medline, and Google Scholar databases using the appropriate keywords from January 2010 to July 2022. The inclusion criteria were based on the method of dose measurement (phantom studies using Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and Thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD), language, and type of protocol used. A literature search was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist and flow chart. Out of 653 articles identified, 5 met the inclusion criteria. The results show that the scattered radiation dose ranged between 0.103 mSv and 8.3 mSv. This variation exists due to the difference in the field of vision (FOV), phantom exposure, dosimeters used, degree of rotation in the protocol, and finally, the scanner used. The scattered dose to the eye from CBCT is higher than the background radiation, with huge variability in the range of the dose measured. Clear guidelines for utilizing CBCT should be implemented, and dose reference levels should be established for benchmarking and optimization in practice.
PubMed: 37560052
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43113 -
Eye (London, England) Oct 2023We aim to quantify the co-existence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cognitive impairment or dementia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
We aim to quantify the co-existence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cognitive impairment or dementia.
METHOD
MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched (to June 2020). Observational studies reporting incidence or prevalence of AMD, glaucoma, or DR in people with cognitive impairment or dementia, and of cognitive impairment or dementia among people with AMD, glaucoma, or DR were included.
RESULTS
Fifty-six studies (57 reports) were included but marked by heterogeneities in the diagnostic criteria or definitions of the diseases, study design, and case mix. Few studies reported on the incidence. Evidence was sparse but consistent in individuals with mild cognitive impairment where 7.7% glaucoma prevalence was observed. Prevalence of AMD and DR among people with cognitive impairment ranged from 3.9% to 9.4% and from 11.4% to 70.1%, respectively. Prevalence of AMD and glaucoma among people with dementia ranged from 1.4 to 53% and from 0.2% to 25.9%, respectively. Prevalence of DR among people with dementia was 11%. Prevalence of cognitive impairment in people with AMD, glaucoma, and DR ranged from 8.4% to 52.4%, 12.3% to 90.2%, and 3.9% to 77.8%, respectively, and prevalence of dementia in people with AMD, glaucoma and DR ranged from 9.9% to 62.6%, 2.5% to 3.3% and was 12.5%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Frequency of comorbid eye disease and cognitive impairment or dementia varied considerably. While more population-based estimations of the co-existence are needed, interdisciplinary collaboration might be helpful in the management of these conditions to meet healthcare needs of an ageing population.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration: CRD42020189484.
Topics: Humans; Cognitive Dysfunction; Glaucoma; Aging; Diabetic Retinopathy; Macular Degeneration; Dementia
PubMed: 36922645
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02481-4 -
Translational Vision Science &... Sep 2023The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of trabeculectomy alone or combined with intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of trabeculectomy alone or combined with intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effects of trabeculectomy alone or combined with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma. We searched four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science) up to January 2023 and extracted data on three surgical outcomes: postoperative intraocular pressure, success rate and complications. We used a random-effects model to calculate pooled relative risk (RR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed publication bias using Begg and Egger tests.
RESULTS
We included seven studies with 353 eyes. Compared to trabeculectomy alone, trabeculectomy with anti-VEGF had a lower risk of postoperative complications (RR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41-0.89) and higher success rate (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02-1.40). The intraocular pressure reduction was significantly greater in the trabeculectomy with anti-VEGF augmentation group than the trabeculectomy group from 1 week (SMD, -1.36; 95% CI, -2.76 to 0.04) to 6 months (SMD, -0.79; 95% CI, -1.50 to -0.07) after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
According to current evidence, adding intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents to trabeculectomy may improve the short time outcomes of patients with neovascular glaucoma.
Topics: Humans; Trabeculectomy; Glaucoma, Neovascular; Eye; Tonometry, Ocular; Intraocular Pressure
PubMed: 37728893
DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.9.12 -
The Japanese Dental Science Review Dec 2023Zirconia restorations are increasingly popular in dental treatment. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) needs to be sintered for clinical applications and novel... (Review)
Review
Zirconia restorations are increasingly popular in dental treatment. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) needs to be sintered for clinical applications and novel speed-sintering protocols are being developed for chairside treatments. Whether the properties of speed-sintered YSZ meet clinical requirements, however, remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the influence of speed-sintering on the optical and mechanical properties of dental YSZ according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant articles published between January 1, 2010 and February 28, 2022 in English, Chinese, or Japanese. After full-text evaluation and quality assessment, 26 articles were selected. Meta-analysis revealed that speed-sintering does not significantly affect the CIEDE2000-based translucency parameter, contrast ratio, three-point flexural strength, biaxial flexural strength, or fracture toughness of YSZ ( < 0.01) compared to conventional sintering. However, the CIELab-based translucency parameter of conventionally sintered YSZ is higher than that of speed-sintered YSZ. The descriptive analysis indicated that speed-sintering does not affect the hardness of YSZ compared to that of conventionally sintered YSZ. The results indicate that speed-sintering is suitable for preparing YSZ for dental restorations.
PubMed: 37705876
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2023.08.007 -
Medicine Aug 2023Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) have been extensively studied as the main surgical methods for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) have been extensively studied as the main surgical methods for corneal refractive surgery. However, there is no consensus on whether SMILE is superior to FS-LASIK in corneal biomechanics. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis used the results of ocular response analyzer and corvis ST to explore whether SMILE is superior to FS-LASIK in corneal biomechanics.
METHODS
The literature was searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and Controlled Trials Register databases. The Cochrane Collaboration's "risk of bias" tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included randomized clinical trials, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the included non-randomized controlled trials. The results were analyzed using Revman 5.3.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies (3 randomized clinical trials and 13 non-randomized controlled trials) were included in this meta-analysis. There was no statistical difference in corneal biomechanics between SMILE and FS-LASIK in corneal hysteresis [mean difference (MD), 0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.09, 0.49; P = .18] and corneal resistant factor (MD, 0.31; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.71; P = .13), A1 time (MD, -0.02; 95% CI: -0.11, 0.07; P = .66), A1 length (MD, 0.01; 95% CI: -0.01, 0.03; P = .42), A1 velocity (MD, 0.00; 95% CI: -0.01, 0.01; P = .85), A2 velocity (MD, -0.01; 95% CI: -0.11, 0.09; P = .86), HC time (MD, 0.12; 95% CI: -0.13, 0.38; P = .35), The stiffness parameter at first applanation (MD, -7.91; 95% CI: -17.96, 2.14; P = .12), The ratio between the deformation amplitude 2 mm away from apex and the apical deformation (MD, 0.01; 95% CI: -0.26, 0.27; P = .96).
CONCLUSION
A comprehensive assessment of the parameters of ocular response analyzer and corvis ST showed that SMILE is not superior to LASIK in corneal biomechanics 3 months post-surgery.
Topics: Humans; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; Biomechanical Phenomena; Myopia; Cornea; Prospective Studies; Surgical Wound; Corneal Stroma
PubMed: 37565903
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034580 -
BMC Ophthalmology Jul 2023Dry eye disease (DED) is caused by a persistently unstable tear film leading to ocular discomfort and is treated mainly with tear supplementation. There is emerging... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Dry eye disease (DED) is caused by a persistently unstable tear film leading to ocular discomfort and is treated mainly with tear supplementation. There is emerging evidence that nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists (e.g., varenicline and simpinicline) nasal sprays are effective for DED. Our systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of varenicline nasal spray (VNS) for DED treatment.
METHODS
The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy of VNS versus placebo were included. The efficacy endpoint was the mean change in the anesthetized Schirmer test score (STS), a measure of basal tear production, from baseline. The safety endpoints were serious adverse events (SAEs) and adverse events (AEs). The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used for continuous outcomes, while the risk ratio (RR) was used to demonstrate dichotomous variables. The certainty of the evidence was rated utilizing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials.
RESULTS
Three RCTs (n = 1063) met the eligibility criteria. All RCTs had a low risk of bias. The meta-analysis found a statistically significant increase in the mean STS change from baseline on day 28. The pooled analysis found no significant difference between VNS and placebo in the frequency of SAEs and ocular AEs. However, VNS had a significant effect on developing nasal cavity-related AEs.
CONCLUSION
VNS caused a highly significant improvement regarding the efficacy endpoint but caused an increased frequency of some nasal cavity-related AEs (i.e., cough and throat irritation). However, it caused neither SAEs nor ocular AEs. Included studies had a low risk of bias.
Topics: Humans; Nasal Sprays; Varenicline; Dry Eye Syndromes
PubMed: 37452334
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03069-y