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Journal of Gastroenterology and... Oct 2022Symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and celiac disease (CeD) often overlap, and studies suggest a link between SIBO and CeD. We thus conducted a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and celiac disease (CeD) often overlap, and studies suggest a link between SIBO and CeD. We thus conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare SIBO prevalence in CeD patients and controls and assessed effects of antimicrobial therapy on gastrointestinal symptoms in SIBO positive CeD patients.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched until February 2022 for studies reporting SIBO prevalence in CeD. Prevalence rates, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of SIBO in CeD and controls were calculated.
RESULTS
We included 14 studies, with 742 CeD patients and 178 controls. The pooled prevalence of SIBO in CeD was 18.3% (95% CI: 11.4-28.1), with substantial heterogeneity. Including case-control studies with healthy controls, SIBO prevalence in CeD patients was significantly increased (OR 5.1, 95% CI: 2.1-12.4, P = 0.0001), with minimal heterogeneity. Utilizing breath tests, SIBO prevalence in CeD patients was 20.8% (95% CI: 11.9-33.7), almost two-fold higher compared with culture-based methods at 12.6% (95% CI: 5.1-28.0), with substantial heterogeneity in both analyses. SIBO prevalence in CeD patients nonresponsive to a gluten free diet (GFD) was not statistically higher as compared with those responsive to GFD (OR 1.5, 95% CI: 0.4-5.0, P = 0.511). Antibiotic therapy of SIBO positive CeD patients resulted in improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms in 95.6% (95% CI: 78.0-99.9) and normalization of breath tests.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests a link between SIBO and CeD. While SIBO could explain nonresponse to a GFD in CeD, SIBO prevalence is not statistically higher in CeD patients non-responsive to GFD. The overall quality of the evidence is low, mainly due to substantial "clinical heterogeneity" and the limited sensitivity/specificity of the available diagnostic tests.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Breath Tests; Case-Control Studies; Celiac Disease; Humans; Intestine, Small; Prevalence
PubMed: 35734803
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15920 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Patients with COVID-19 and tuberculosis coinfection are at an increased risk of severe disease and death. We therefore sought to evaluate the current evidence which...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Patients with COVID-19 and tuberculosis coinfection are at an increased risk of severe disease and death. We therefore sought to evaluate the current evidence which assessed the immune response in COVID-19 and tuberculosis coinfection.
METHODS
We searched Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify articles published between 2020 and 2021. We included observational studies evaluating the immune response in patients with tuberculosis and COVID-19 compared to patients with COVID-19 alone.
RESULTS
Four cross-sectional studies (372 participants) were identified. In patients with asymptomatic COVID-19 and latent tuberculosis (LTBI), increased cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and humoral responses were found. In addition, patients with symptomatic COVID-19 and LTBI had higher leukocytes counts and less inflammation. Regarding patients with COVID-19 and active tuberculosis (aTB), they exhibited decreased total lymphocyte counts, CD4 T cells specific against SARS-CoV-2 and responsiveness to SARS-CoV-2 antigens compared to patients with only COVID-19.
CONCLUSION
Although the evidence is limited, an apparent positive immunomodulation is observed in patients with COVID-19 and LTBI. On the other hand, patients with COVID-19 and aTB present a dysregulated immune response. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and expand knowledge.
Topics: COVID-19; Coinfection; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Immunity; Latent Tuberculosis; SARS-CoV-2; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 36090983
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992743 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jan 2022Although there is interest in developing pharmacotherapies for the treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated enterocolitis (ICIC), there is currently no...
BACKGROUND
Although there is interest in developing pharmacotherapies for the treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated enterocolitis (ICIC), there is currently no consensus on how to optimally measure disease activity in this condition.
AIMS
To identify all scoring indices used for the measurement of disease activity in ICIC, assess their operating properties, and explore their potential utility as outcome measures.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to November 2020 to identify studies that evaluated disease activity and severity in patients with ICI-associated enterocolitis. These scoring tools could be designed specifically for ICIC or adapted from other diseases, and assessed clinical, endoscopic, or histologic disease activity.
RESULTS
Sixty-four studies were included. The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events is commonly used to describe symptoms, although has only been partially validated and was not designed as a disease activity index. Endoscopic and histologic indices used in inflammatory bowel disease have been adopted for ICIC including the Mayo Endoscopic Subscore, Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity, Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's Disease, Nancy Histological Index, Robarts Histopathological Index, and Geboes Score, among others. None of these indices has been validated for use in ICIC, and all lacked content validity and responsiveness.
CONCLUSIONS
There are no validated clinical, endoscopic, or histologic outcomes to assess disease activity in ICIC. Development and validation of reliable and responsive outcome measures that can be used to measure disease activity will be paramount for both clinical practice and for the development of treatments.
Topics: Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Enterocolitis; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 34821404
DOI: 10.1111/apt.16718 -
Cutaneous Rosai-Dorfman disease: a systematic review and reappraisal of its treatment and prognosis.Archives of Dermatological Research Jun 2024Cutaneous Rosai Dorfman disease (CRDD) is a rare histiocytic disorder that shows distinctive clinical presentation and prognosis. Sufficient data is currently lacking... (Review)
Review
Cutaneous Rosai Dorfman disease (CRDD) is a rare histiocytic disorder that shows distinctive clinical presentation and prognosis. Sufficient data is currently lacking regarding evidence-based management of CRDD. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of CRDD, focusing on treatment approaches and outcomes. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies on CRDD from June 1st, 2013 to May 31st, 2023. Articles describing cases of CRDD confirmed with histological examination were eligible for inclusion. All interventions for CRDD were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was the response of cutaneous lesions to treatment including complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and no response. The secondary outcome measures were mortality rate, relapse rate, and the occurrence of adverse events related to CRDD treatment. Eighty-seven articles describing 118 CRDD cases were included. The mean age was 48.2±16.8 years. The sex ratio (F/M) was 1.53. Nodular (46.6%) erythematous (45.3%) lesions, located on the face (38.1%) were the most prevalent presentations. Associated hematological malignancies were noted in 8 (6.8%) cases. Surgical excision was the most prevalent intervention (51 cases) with CR in 48 cases. Systemic corticosteroids were used in 32 cases with 20 CR/PR, retinoids in 10 cases with 4 CR/PR, thalidomide in 9 cases with 5 CR/PR, methotrexate in 8 cases with 7 CR/PR while observation was decided in 10 cases with 6 CR/PR. Factors independently associated with the absence of response to treatment were facial involvement (OR = 0.76, p = 0.014), and cutaneous lesion size (OR = 1.016, p = 0.03). This systematic review shows distinctive clinical characteristics of CRDD and provides insights into the appropriate management of the disease. It allowed a proposal of a treatment algorithm that should be interpreted in the context of current evidence and would help practitioners in treating this rare disease.
Topics: Humans; Histiocytosis, Sinus; Prognosis; Treatment Outcome; Female; Skin; Male; Middle Aged; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Retinoids; Skin Diseases; Methotrexate; Adult
PubMed: 38878198
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-02982-6 -
International Immunopharmacology Jan 2024Upadacitinib, a novel and selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1, has demonstrated promising efficacy in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Upadacitinib, a novel and selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1, has demonstrated promising efficacy in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our primary aim was to comprehensively assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety profile of upadacitinib in the treatment of patients with IBD.
METHODS
We conducted an extensive literature search across prominent databases, including Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central, to identify pertinent studies providing insights into the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in IBD. The primary endpoint was the achievement of clinical remission, while secondary endpoints encompassed clinical response, endoscopic response, endoscopic remission, and the evaluation of adverse events (AEs).
RESULTS
In this meta-analysis of nine studies, we categorized results by study type. Clinical remission rates were: RCTs 36 % (95 % CI = 30-42 %), real-world studies 25 % (95 % CI = 1-49 %), retrospective studies 40 % (95 % CI = 24-56 %), cohort studies 55 % (95 % CI = 25-85 %). Clinical response rates were: RCTs 61 % (95 % CI = 55-67 %), real-world studies 42 % (95 % CI = 14-70 %), cohort studies 65 % (95 % CI = 57-73 %). Endoscopic remission rates were: RCTs 19 % (95 % CI = 15-24 %), cohort studies 29 % (95 % CI = 5-52 %). Endoscopic response rates were: RCTs 41 % (95 % CI = 36-47 %), cohort studies 57 % (95 % CI = 31-83 %). Incidence rate for any AEs: IBD 69 % (95 % CI = 63-76 %), UC 65 % (95 % CI = 57-74 %), CD 75 % (95 % CI = 67-82 %).
CONCLUSION
Cumulative data from real-world studies and trials confirm the efficacy of upadacitinib in IBD induction and maintenance, with consistent safety. However, further long-term studies are needed to understand its sustained effectiveness and safety.
Topics: Humans; Crohn Disease; Retrospective Studies; Remission Induction; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Colitis, Ulcerative; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37977068
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111229 -
Environmental Research May 2021Air pollution is a major public health threat. The present study is the first systematic review (SR) to determine the association of exposure to air pollution and... (Review)
Review
Air pollution is a major public health threat. The present study is the first systematic review (SR) to determine the association of exposure to air pollution and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Progression. A Literature search was carried out using relevant keywords within several international databases. A comprehensive literature search was carried out systematically and yielded 24 eligible studies concerning the relationship of exposure to air pollution including criteria air pollutants such as particulate matter, NOx and SOx, CO, traffic noise, etc. and MS disease. The results of the included studies reveal that there was a significant relationship between exposure to air pollution and MS development and progression. Although the effect of air pollution in the pathogenesis of MS is notfully known, according to the results of the included studies exposure to polluted air can stimulate several mechanisms that act as risk factors for developing MS and for having disease relapses or neurological disability. The major potential mechanism is Dysimmune inflammatory responses subsequent oxidative stress (OS), which leads to neuroinflammation and breakdown of the normal balance between immunity and self-tolerance. Air pollutants induce and sustain chemical reactions that produce reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and nitrogen reactive species (RNSs) which can initiate inflammatory cascades via the redox-sensitive mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB that recruit and activate neutrophils, monocytes, and dendritic cells that stimulate the adaptive immune responses such as Th1 and Th17 inflammatory responses. The uncontrolled inflammatory responses following these events cause cell death and the release of self-antigens capable of stimulating the production of auto-aggressive T-cells via enhancing antigen presentation and facilitate entry of these cells to the central nervous system. Thus, oxidative stress is the culprit in the systemic inflammation and immune imbalance development and progression, powerful risk factors in MS.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Central Nervous System; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 33129851
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110386 -
Occupational and Environmental Medicine Nov 2020There is consistent evidence of increased respiratory symptoms in occupational cleaners; however, uncertainty remains on type of respiratory health effects, underlying... (Review)
Review
There is consistent evidence of increased respiratory symptoms in occupational cleaners; however, uncertainty remains on type of respiratory health effects, underlying causal agents, mechanisms and respiratory phenotypes. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and if possible, a meta-analysis of the available literature to characterise and quantify the cleaning-related respiratory health effects. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and included studies that evaluated the association of any respiratory health outcome with exposure to cleaning occupation or products in occupational cleaners. A modified GRADE was used to appraise the quality of included studies. We retrieved 1124 articles, and after applying our inclusion criteria, 39 were selected for the systematic review. We performed a meta-analysis of the 21 studies evaluating asthma which showed a 50% increased pooled relative risk in cleaners (meta-relative risk (RR)=1.50; 95% CI 1.44 to 1.56). Population-based cross-sectional studies showed more stable associations with asthma risk. No evidence of atopic asthma as dominant phenotype emerged. Also, we estimated a 43% increased risk (meta-RR=1.43; 95% CI 1.31 to 1.56) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Evidence for associations with bronchial-hyper-responsiveness, lung function decline, rhinitis, upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms was weaker. In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we found that working as a cleaner is associated with an increased risk of reversible and even irreversible obstructive airway diseases. All studies lacked quantitative exposure assessment to cleaning products; this would help elucidate underlying causal agents and mechanisms. Exposure control and respiratory surveillance among cleaners is warranted to prevent the associated respiratory health burden. Trial registration number: CRD4201705915.
PubMed: 33234692
DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2020-106776 -
European Radiology Aug 2023In approximately 45% of invasive breast cancer (IBC) patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is present. Recent studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Imaging findings for response evaluation of ductal carcinoma in situ in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
In approximately 45% of invasive breast cancer (IBC) patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is present. Recent studies suggest response of DCIS to NST. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarise and examine the current literature on imaging findings for different imaging modalities evaluating DCIS response to NST. More specifically, imaging findings of DCIS pre- and post-NST, and the effect of different pathological complete response (pCR) definitions, will be evaluated on mammography, breast MRI, and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM).
METHODS
PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies investigating NST response of IBC, including information on DCIS. Imaging findings and response evaluation of DCIS were assessed for mammography, breast MRI, and CEM. A meta-analysis was conducted per imaging modality to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity for detecting residual disease between pCR definition no residual invasive disease (ypT0/is) and no residual invasive or in situ disease (ypT0).
RESULTS
Thirty-one studies were included. Calcifications on mammography are related to DCIS, but can persist despite complete response of DCIS. In 20 breast MRI studies, an average of 57% of residual DCIS showed enhancement. A meta-analysis of 17 breast MRI studies confirmed higher pooled sensitivity (0.86 versus 0.82) and lower pooled specificity (0.61 versus 0.68) for detection of residual disease when DCIS is considered pCR (ypT0/is). Three CEM studies suggest the potential benefit of simultaneous evaluation of calcifications and enhancement.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Calcifications on mammography can remain despite complete response of DCIS, and residual DCIS does not always show enhancement on breast MRI and CEM. Moreover, pCR definition effects diagnostic performance of breast MRI. Given the lack of evidence on imaging findings of response of the DCIS component to NST, further research is demanded.
KEY POINTS
• Ductal carcinoma in situ has shown to be responsive to neoadjuvant systemic therapy, but imaging studies mainly focus on response of the invasive tumour. • The 31 included studies demonstrate that after neoadjuvant systemic therapy, calcifications on mammography can remain despite complete response of DCIS and residual DCIS does not always show enhancement on MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography. • The definition of pCR has impact on the diagnostic performance of MRI in detecting residual disease, and when DCIS is considered pCR, pooled sensitivity was slightly higher and pooled specificity slightly lower.
Topics: Humans; Female; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating; Breast Neoplasms; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Breast; Mammography; Calcinosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast
PubMed: 37020070
DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09547-7 -
Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy... Jan 2023No studies have synthesized the literature regarding mechanical muscle function (ie, strength, power, rate of force development [RFD]) in people with Parkinson disease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
No studies have synthesized the literature regarding mechanical muscle function (ie, strength, power, rate of force development [RFD]) in people with Parkinson disease (PD). Here, we aimed to expand our understanding of mechanical muscle function in people with PD (PwPD) by systematically reviewing (1) the psychometric properties of isokinetic/isometric dynamometry in PD, (2) the literature comparing mechanical muscle function in PwPD with healthy controls (HC), and (3) reported associations between muscle mechanical muscle function and functional capacity and/or disease severity.
METHODS
Systematic literature search in 6 databases. Included studies had to (1) enroll and report data on PwPD, (2) include assessment(s) of psychometric properties (ie, validity, reliability, responsiveness) of isokinetic/isometric dynamometry in PD, and/or (3) assess mechanical muscle function in both PwPD and HC using isokinetic/isometric dynamometry.
RESULTS
A total of 40 studies were included. Aim 1 studies (n = 2) showed high reliability for isometric dynamometry (hip-abductor/dorsiflexor/trunk flexor-extensor/handgrip: intraclass correlations coefficients range = 0.92-0.98). Aim 2 studies (n = 40) showed impaired mechanical muscle function (ie, strength, power, RFD) in PwPD compared with HC (effect sizes range = 0.52-1.89). Aim 3 studies (n = 11) showed weak-to-strong associations between overall and lower extremities muscle strength and functional capacity and/or disease severity outcomes (ie, Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Sparse methodological evidence suggests high reliability when using dynamometry in PwPD. Muscle strength, power, and RFD are impaired in PwPD compared with HC. Muscle strength is associated with functional capacity and disease severity.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A403 ).
Topics: Humans; Hand Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Parkinson Disease; Reproducibility of Results; Muscle Strength
PubMed: 36318503
DOI: 10.1097/NPT.0000000000000421 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract usually characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. IBD... (Review)
Review
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the digestive tract usually characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain. IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis as the main entities. IBD is a debilitating condition that can lead to life-threatening complications, involving possible malignancy and surgery. The available therapies aim to achieve long-term remission and prevent disease progression. Biologics are bioengineered therapeutic drugs that mainly target proteins. Although they have revolutionized the treatment of IBD, their potential therapeutic benefits are limited due to large interindividual variability in clinical response in terms of efficacy and toxicity, resulting in high rates of long-term therapeutic failure. It is therefore important to find biomarkers that provide tailor-made treatment strategies that allow for patient stratification to maximize treatment benefits and minimize adverse events. Pharmacogenetics has the potential to optimize biologics selection in IBD by identifying genetic variants, specifically single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are the underlying factors associated with an individual's drug response. This review analyzes the current knowledge of genetic variants associated with biological agent response (infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, and vedolizumab) in IBD. An online literature search in various databases was conducted. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 reports from the 1685 results were employed for the review. The most significant SNPs potentially useful as predictive biomarkers of treatment response are linked to immunity, cytokine production, and immunorecognition.
Topics: Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Colitis, Ulcerative; Crohn Disease; Biological Products; Biomarkers
PubMed: 38612528
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073717