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NPJ Digital Medicine Sep 2022Sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent and undertreated. Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions (IMIs) could be a promising addition to close this... (Review)
Review
Sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent and undertreated. Internet- and mobile-based psychological interventions (IMIs) could be a promising addition to close this treatment gap, given their accessibility, anonymity, and scalability. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the efficacy of IMIs for sexual dysfunctions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in August 2021 on randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of IMIs on sexual functioning and satisfaction compared to a control condition. Twelve RCTs with 14 comparisons were reviewed with six IMIs targeting female and six IMIs targeting male sexual dysfunctions and n = 952 participants were evaluated in the meta-analysis. IMIs were significantly more effective than control conditions (k = 11 waitlist control group, k = 3 online discussion board) at post-treatment for female sexual functioning (g = 0.59, CI: 0.28-0.90, I= 0%) and satisfaction (g = 0.90, CI: 0.02-1.79, I= 82%), and male sexual functioning (g = 0.18, CI: 0.02-0.34, I= 0%). No significant effect was found for male sexual satisfaction (g = 0.69, CI: -0.13-1.51, I= 88%) with substantial heterogeneity in studies. Most studies showed high dropout, with ten studies indicating some concern of risk of bias, and two studies showing high risk of bias. The results suggest that IMIs can be an effective treatment for sexual dysfunctions, although additional high-quality research is needed. Given the limited availability of specialized treatment for sexual dysfunctions and individual preferences for discrete treatment options, IMIs seem to be a valuable addition to routine care, empowering individuals to promote their sexual health on a guided self-help basis.
PubMed: 36085306
DOI: 10.1038/s41746-022-00670-1 -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B May 2023Impaired processing speed (PS) can affect patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, it is usually considered a nonspecific clinical feature and is not... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Impaired processing speed (PS) can affect patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, it is usually considered a nonspecific clinical feature and is not measured, but this raises lexical and methodological problems. This review aims to evaluate the existing terminology and assessment methods of PS in patients with TLE.
METHODS
A scoping review was conducted based on the extended guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. The electronic literature search was conducted on Medline-PubMed, American Psychological Association-PsycINFO, Elton Bryson Stephens Company, and Google Scholar, using the keywords "temporal lobe epilepsy" and "speed" or "slowing" plus "processing," "cognitive," "psychomotor," or "mental." Peer-reviewed articles published before December 2022 were analyzed if they were in English, including patients older than 14 years and at least one neuropsychological measure, reported original research focused on PS and had the selected keywords in the title, keywords, and abstract.
RESULTS
Seven articles published between December 2004 and September 2021 were selected. The terms "processing speed," "psychomotor speed," and "information processing speed," based on similar theoretical constructs, were the most frequently used. Assessment methods included non-computerized or paper-and-pencil tests (WAIS-III Digit Symbol and Symbol Search subtests, Purdue Pegboard and Grooved Pegboard Tests, Trail Making Test and Stroop Color-Word Test) and computerized tests (Sternberg Memory Scanning Test, Pattern Comparison Processing Speed, Computerized Visual Searching). In some studies, impairment was associated with white and gray matter damage in the brain, independent of clinical and treatment variables.
CONCLUSION
Clinical research on TLE has focused inconsistently on PS. Different evaluation terms and methods have been used while referring to similar theoretical constructs. These findings highlight a gap between the clinical importance of PS and its assessment. Studies are needed to share terms and tools among clinical centers and clarify the position of PS in the TLE phenotype.
Topics: Humans; Processing Speed; Neuropsychological Tests; Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe; Cognition; Temporal Lobe
PubMed: 36963317
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109169 -
The Lancet. Digital Health Mar 2023Digital health interventions are effective for hypertension self-management, but a comparison of the effectiveness and implementation of the different modes of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Effectiveness, reach, uptake, and feasibility of digital health interventions for adults with hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Digital health interventions are effective for hypertension self-management, but a comparison of the effectiveness and implementation of the different modes of interventions is not currently available. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of SMS, smartphone application, and website interventions on improving blood pressure in adults with hypertension, and to report on their reach, uptake, and feasibility.
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and APA PsycInfo on May 25, 2022, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from Jan 1, 2009, that examined the effectiveness of digital health interventions on reducing blood pressure in adults with hypertension. Screening was carried out using Covidence, and data were extracted following Cochrane's guidelines. The primary endpoint was change in the mean of systolic blood pressure. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Data on systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction were synthesised in a meta-analysis, and data on reach, uptake and feasibility were summarised narratively. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria were used to evaluate the level of evidence. The study was registered with PROSPERO CRD42021247845.
FINDINGS
Of the 3235 records identified, 29 RCTs from 13 regions (n=7592 participants) were included in the systematic review, and 28 of these RCTs (n=7092 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. 11 studies used SMS as the primary mode of delivery of the digital health intervention, 13 used smartphone applications, and five used websites. Overall, digital health intervention group participants had a -3·62 mm Hg (95% CI -5·22 to -2·02) greater reduction in systolic blood pressure, and a -2·45 mm Hg (-3·83 to -1·07) greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure, compared with control group participants. No statistically significant differences between the three different modes of delivery were observed for both the systolic (p=0·73) and the diastolic blood pressure (p=0·80) outcomes. Smartphone application interventions had a statistically significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (-2·45 mm Hg [-4·15 to -0·74]); however, there were no statistically significant reductions for SMS interventions (-1·80 mm Hg [-4·60 to 1·00]) or website interventions (-3·43 mm Hg [-7·24 to 0·38]). Due to the considerable heterogeneity between included studies and the high risk of bias in some, the level of evidence was assigned a low overall score. Interventions were more effective among people with greater severity of hypertension at baseline. SMS interventions reported higher reach and smartphone application studies reported higher uptake, but differences were not statistically significant.
INTERPRETATION
SMS, smartphone application, and website interventions were associated with statistically and clinically significant systolic and diastolic blood pressure reductions, compared with usual care, regardless of the mode of delivery of the intervention. This conclusion is tempered by the considerable heterogeneity of included studies and the high risk of bias in most. Future studies need to describe in detail the mediators and moderators of the effectiveness and implementation of these interventions, to both further improve their effectiveness as well as increase their reach, uptake, and feasibility.
FUNDING
European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Feasibility Studies; Hypertension; Blood Pressure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36828607
DOI: 10.1016/S2589-7500(23)00002-X -
Archives of Dermatological Research Apr 2023Metastases to the nail unit/distal phalanx (NU/DP), although rare, carry a poor prognosis and are frequently misdiagnosed due to variable clinical presentation.... (Review)
Review
Metastases to the nail unit/distal phalanx (NU/DP), although rare, carry a poor prognosis and are frequently misdiagnosed due to variable clinical presentation. Metastases to the NU/DP may be the initial presenting sign of a new or recurrent malignancy. Since the most recent systematic review of case reports (133 patients total) was conducted in 2001, we conducted a systematic review from 1900 to 2021 (244 patients total) to assess any changes in trends in demographics, clinical presentation, and morphology and to report on more updated differential diagnoses. We also examined cases for age, sex, race, ethnicity, Fitzpatrick skin type, laterality, distribution, and diagnostic methods. The PubMed database (1900-2021) was used to detect case-level data per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We found that the most common primary tumors were lung, kidney, and esophagus. A NU/DP metastasis was the presenting sign of malignancy in 31.00% of patients without a former cancer diagnosis. Male to female ratio was 2:1, with average age at diagnosis 58 years. Metastases most often affected a single digit (79.91%), particularly the thumb, followed by the fourth digit. This systematic review corroborates that metastases to the NU/DP may be the initial presenting sign of a new or recurrent malignancy and provides updated diagnostic guidelines. NU/DP metastasis should be considered in both healthy patients and patients with a former malignancy diagnosis presenting with nail changes involving a single digit. Prompt diagnosis and treatment may improve prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Skin Neoplasms; Nails; Melanoma; Nail Diseases; Fingers; Carcinoma
PubMed: 36260150
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-022-02411-6 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Dec 2023Children have been suggested to benefit from digit replantation due to a greater neurogenerative capacity. We aimed to conduct a systematic review on digit replantation...
BACKGROUND
Children have been suggested to benefit from digit replantation due to a greater neurogenerative capacity. We aimed to conduct a systematic review on digit replantation in children to provide a comprehensive overview of survival rates and functional outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials for studies published between 1980 and 2023. We included peer-reviewed studies reporting on digit survival rates in pediatric patients under the age of 18 years who underwent single or multiple digit replantations distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative outcomes were extracted, and pooled estimates were derived using univariable analysis.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies reporting on 761 patients and 814 digit replantations were included in our study. Most replantations occurred in the index (n = 74), Tamai zone I (n = 168), and from clean-cut injuries (n = 190). The mean survival rate was 76% (n = 618/814), with a mean range of motion at the distal interphalangeal joint ranging from 64 degrees to 90 degrees and two-point discrimination ranging from 3.8 mm to 6.4 mm. Compared with clean-cut injuries, digit replantations from avulsion [odds ratio (OR), 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74-0.89] or crush (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59-0.82) injuries were associated with a lower odds of survival. Digit replantations performed with two venous (OR, 1.43, 95% CI; 1.28-1.59) or arterial anastomoses (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.48-1.81) were associated with a higher odds of survival.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review suggests that digit replantation may be a viable option in children. Further research is required to explore functionality after digit replantation in diverse pediatric populations.
PubMed: 38098954
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005482 -
Hormones and Behavior Nov 2020The ratio of length between the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D) is commonly used as an indicator of prenatal sex hormone exposure. Several approaches have been used to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The ratio of length between the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D) is commonly used as an indicator of prenatal sex hormone exposure. Several approaches have been used to try to validate the measure, including examining 2D:4D in people with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a suite of conditions characterised by elevated adrenal androgen production secondary to defective steroidogenesis. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis that examines the relationship between these two variables. Twelve articles relating to nine CAH cohorts were identified, and 2D:4D comparisons have been made between cases and controls in eight of these cohorts. Altogether, at least one 2D:4D variable has been compared between n = 251 females with CAH and n = 358 unaffected females, and between n = 108 males with CAH and n = 204 unaffected males. A previous meta-analysis (Hönekopp and Watson, 2010) reported lower right hand (R2D:4D) and left hand (L2D:4D) digit ratios in patients with CAH relative to sex-matched controls. Our meta-analysis showed the same pattern, with medium effect sizes for R2D:4D and small effect sizes for L2D:4D. Differences of small magnitude were also observed for M2D:4D, and no significant effects were observed for D. Notably, the only effects that remained statistically significant when stratified by sex were R2D:4D in males and L2D:4D in females, and the average effect size had reduced by 46.70% since the meta-analysis of Hönekopp and Watson (2010). We also found that individual comparisons in this literature were considerably underpowered, and that patterns of sexual dimorphism in 2D:4D were similar in CAH samples as in typically developing populations. Findings are discussed in relation to the prenatal androgen hypothesis as well as alternative explanations.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital; Adult; Androgens; Body Weights and Measures; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Fingers; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Male; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Sex Characteristics; Young Adult
PubMed: 32998030
DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104867 -
Hand (New York, N.Y.) Mar 2023Metastatic lesions to the hand or wrist are rare and can mimic inflammatory and benign processes such as gout and infections. This often leads to misdiagnosis,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Metastatic lesions to the hand or wrist are rare and can mimic inflammatory and benign processes such as gout and infections. This often leads to misdiagnosis, underreporting, and delays in treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine all known cases of metastasis to the hand or wrist available in the literature and to analyze demographic trends, metastasis characteristics, and clinical course, and provide recommendations for management.
METHODS
An online systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 7, 2022, was completed. Studies outlining the care of a patient with acrometastases of the hand were included. Data extracted included age, sex, site of primary tumor and metastasis, presence of other metastases, time from primary diagnosis to acrometastasis diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, and survival.
RESULTS
Between 1889 and present, 871 lesions were described in 676 patients who met the inclusion criteria. There was no predilection for hand dominance or site of previous trauma. The mean age among patients was 59.5 (1.5-91) years, and male sex was more common (64.6%). The most common primary cancer source was the lung (39.2%), followed by the kidney (10.8%). The distal phalanx was the most frequently cited tumor location (33.7%). Mean survival after diagnosis of acrometastasis was 6.3 months (0.25-50) ± 11.5 months.
CONCLUSION
Acrometastasis remains an uncommon presentation of metastatic disease with poor prognosis. Treatment currently focuses on pain management and optimizing functional outcomes. Our review led to the development of 7 treatment recommendations when managing these patients.
PubMed: 36856295
DOI: 10.1177/15589447231153175 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery... Aug 2022Although numerous surgical techniques have been described and deployed, flexor tenolysis remains one of the most challenging procedures in hand surgery and there is no...
Although numerous surgical techniques have been described and deployed, flexor tenolysis remains one of the most challenging procedures in hand surgery and there is no standardised way of recording the outcomes. The aim of this study is to systematically review the evidence supporting current concepts and outcomes in flexor tenolysis. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published in English using the keyword search terms 'flexor' or 'tendon' and 'tenolysis' or 'tenoarthrolysis'. A total of 555 articles were listed and further screening provided fourteen studies remaining for final inclusion. The parameters for data extraction included number of digits operated on, age of the patients, initial injury mechanism requiring flexor tenolysis, outcome assessment method, follow-up period, results and complications. The primary outcome was postoperative active range of motion. 556 digits were included across all studies and the age of patients ranged between 1 and 75 years. Eleven out of fourteen of the articles used the Strickland criteria to report their outcomes. Other outcome measures used were total active motion (TAM), Buck-Gramcko and pulp-to-palm distance. In the studies which used the Strickland criteria, the average percentage of outcomes reported as 'good' or 'excellent' was 68% with a range between 45% and 91%. Three other studies used Buck-Gramcko, TAM and pulp-to-palm distance outcome reporting and achieved 72% 'good' or 'excellent', 84% improvement and 30% able to touch distal palm crease respectively. Although the literature contains a limited number of observational studies, the current evidence shows that 68% of well-selected patients who undergo flexor tenolysis achieve a good or excellent outcome as measured by the Strickland criteria. Level III (Therapeutic).
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Child; Child, Preschool; Dissection; Humans; Infant; Middle Aged; Movement; Orthopedic Procedures; Tendon Injuries; Tendons; Young Adult
PubMed: 35965368
DOI: 10.1142/S2424835522500576 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery Dec 2023The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the available randomized controlled trial data comparing needle fasciotomy and collagenase... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the available randomized controlled trial data comparing needle fasciotomy and collagenase treatment for single-digit Dupuytren contractures with a minimum of 3-year follow-up and determine whether one treatment is superior regarding contracture correction and functional outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by searching four databases for randomized controlled trials investigating the single-digit treatment outcomes for Dupuytren contracture comparing collagenase treatment and needle fasciotomy with a minimum of 3-year follow-up. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model in anticipation of unobserved heterogeneity. The primary outcome measure was contracture recurrence. Secondary outcome measures included final fixed flexion contracture (FFC), Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores, and Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scores.
RESULTS
After screening 264 articles, 4 randomized clinical trials were eligible for final inclusion. One trial had a high risk of bias, and two trials had some concern for bias. The final meta-analysis included 347 patients, 169 who underwent collagenase treatment and 178 who underwent needle fasciotomy. No significant differences were noted between the groups in contracture recurrence, FFC, and URAM scores. The pooled data showed a higher QuickDASH score in the collagenase treatment group compared with the needle fasciotomy group, but the observed difference was less than what would be expected to be clinically relevant.
CONCLUSIONS
Needle fasciotomy and collagenase treatment have similar outcomes with regards to contracture recurrence, final FFC, QuickDASH scores, and URAM scores for the single-digit treatment for Dupuytren contracture at a minimum of 3-year follow-up. Relevant factors that may be considered during the shared decision-making process for treatment selection include surgeon and patient preferences, costs of treatment, and the disparate complication profiles of these two treatments.
TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic II.
Topics: Humans; Dupuytren Contracture; Fasciotomy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Collagenases; Treatment Outcome; Joint Dislocations; Microbial Collagenase
PubMed: 37725027
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.08.008 -
Digital Health 2023Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S., and disease management largely falls onto patients' family caregivers. The long-term burden... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S., and disease management largely falls onto patients' family caregivers. The long-term burden and stress of caregiving negatively impact caregivers' well-being and ability to provide care. Digital health interventions have the potential to support caregivers. This article aims to provide an updated review of interventions using digital health tools to support family caregivers and the scope of the Human-Centered Design (HCD) approaches.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search on July 2019 and January 2021 in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, ERIC, and ACM Digital Library, limiting to 2014-2021 to identify family caregiver interventions assisted by modern technologies. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation were used to evaluate the articles. Data were abstracted and evaluated using Rayyan and Research Electronic Data Capture.
RESULTS
We identified and reviewed 40 studies from 34 journals, 10 fields, and 19 countries. Findings included patients' conditions and relationships with family caregivers, how the technology is used to deliver the intervention, HCD methods, theoretical frameworks, components of the interventions, and family caregiver health outcomes.
CONCLUSION
This updated and expanded review revealed that digitally enhanced health interventions were robust at providing high-quality assistance and support to caregivers by improving caregiver psychological health, self-efficacy, caregiving skills, quality of life, social support, and problem-coping abilities. Health professionals need to include informal caregivers as an essential component when providing care to patients. Future research should include more marginalized caregivers from diverse backgrounds, improve the accessibility and usability of the technology tools, and tailor the intervention to be more culturally and linguistically sensitive.
PubMed: 37223775
DOI: 10.1177/20552076231171967