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Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Jul 2022Lymphedema describes the accumulation of interstitial fluid that results from lymphatic failure. Lymphedema can be of primary or secondary origin and has been estimated... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Lymphedema describes the accumulation of interstitial fluid that results from lymphatic failure. Lymphedema can be of primary or secondary origin and has been estimated to affect 200 million people worldwide. Secondary lymphedema is commonly due to damage to the lymphatic vessels after surgical procedures. Treatments include compression bandaging and exercise regimens. However, at present, no pharmacologic therapy has been approved. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that had investigated pharmacologic and cell-based therapies for secondary lymphedema.
METHODS
We searched the databases MEDLINE, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 2010 to May 2021. Only RCTs that had investigated pharmacologic and/or cell-based therapies for secondary lymphedema were eligible for inclusion. Those studies that had examined only active filarial infection were excluded. Two of us (J.W., S.T.) independently screened the studies for eligibility.
RESULTS
We identified eight RCTs that met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the studies were of poor quality with a high risk of bias. Ketoprofen demonstrated promising improvements in skin thickness and tissue histopathologic scores. Some evidence was found to suggest that doxycycline might be beneficial for nonfilarial secondary lymphedema, and a single, small RCT demonstrated that selenium might also confer some benefit. Neither synbiotics nor platelet-rich plasma resulted in reduced lymphedema volumes or symptom severity. Also, although bone marrow-derived stem cells resulted in improved symptom scores, no significant volume reduction was detected. Although positive results were demonstrated in trials investigating benzopyrones, previous meta-analyses have cast doubt on their efficacy. No two studies assessed the same intervention; thus, we could not perform a meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Although the results from some studies appeared promising, the available evidence at present is insufficient for any pharmacologic or cell-based therapy for patients with secondary lymphedema. Furthermore, large, high-quality RCTs are required before treatment recommendations will be possible.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Exercise; Humans; Lymphatic Vessels; Lymphedema
PubMed: 34587525
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.09.004 -
The Journal of Antimicrobial... Mar 2021Resistance to tetracyclines, the first-line treatment for urogenital infections caused by Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species, is increasing worldwide. The aim of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Resistance to tetracyclines, the first-line treatment for urogenital infections caused by Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species, is increasing worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the global status of resistance to this class of antibiotics.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched using keywords including 'Mycoplasma', 'Mycoplasma hominis', 'M. hominis', 'Ureaplasma', 'Ureaplasma urealyticum', 'Ureaplasma parvum', 'U. urealyticum', 'U. parvum', 'Ureaplasma species', 'resistance', 'antibiotic resistance', 'antibiotic susceptibility', 'antimicrobial resistance', 'antimicrobial susceptibility', 'tetracycline', 'doxycycline' and 'minocycline'. Finally, after some exclusions, 37 studies from different countries were included in the study and meta-analysis was performed on the data collected.
RESULTS
The midrange resistance rates for M. hominis and U. urealyticum/parvum to tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline were 50.0%, 9.0% and 16.7% and 43.3%, 28.6% and 9.0%, respectively. A high level of heterogeneity was observed in all studies (I2 > 50%, P value < 0.05), except those representing doxycycline resistance in M. hominis isolates (I2 = 39.1%, P = 0.02). No evidence of publication bias was observed in the studies and neither Egger's test nor Begg's test showed significant publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study show that the overall resistance to tetracyclines is relatively high and prevalent among M. hominis and Ureaplasma species throughout the world. This highlights the importance of and necessity for regional and local antibiotic susceptibility testing before treatment choice as well as development of newer generations of tetracyclines to prevent antibiotic misuse, emergence and spread of resistant strains and, finally, the failure of treatment.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Mycoplasma Infections; Mycoplasma hominis; Ureaplasma; Ureaplasma Infections; Ureaplasma urealyticum
PubMed: 33367765
DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa538 -
BMC Oral Health Sep 2019To compare the effectiveness of systemic doxycycline as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) with SRP alone in improving periodontal clinical attachment level... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To compare the effectiveness of systemic doxycycline as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) with SRP alone in improving periodontal clinical attachment level and glycemic control in diabetic patients with periodontitis.
METHODS
Two independent reviewers (KY and SJ) screened two electronic databases, PubMed and Scopus, for randomized clinical trials on the use of systemic doxycycline as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in improving periodontal status and glycemic control in diabetic patients with periodontitis using predetermined selection criteria within a 3-month period. The reviewers independently did data screening, data selection, data extraction and risk of bias. Quality of studies involved was analysed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0. Weighted standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects meta-analysis model. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot. Quality of evidence was evaluated by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
RESULTS
Electronic searches provided 1358 records and six studies were selected. The meta-analyses indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of periodontal status with the use of systemic doxycycline as an adjunct for scaling and root planing (SRP). SMD of clinical attachment levels (- 0.22 [- 0.52, 0.08]) and HbA1c levels (- 0.13 [- 0.41, 0.15]) were calculated. Overall risk of bias is high in 2 out of 6 studies involved.
CONCLUSION
Systemic doxycycline when used in addition to scaling and root planing yields no significant improvement of clinical attachment levels for periodontal status and reduction of HbA1c levels in treatment of diabetic patients with periodontitis when comparing the test group to the control group.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dental Scaling; Diabetes Complications; Diabetes Mellitus; Doxycycline; Glycated Hemoglobin; Humans; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontitis; Root Planing
PubMed: 31488125
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-019-0873-7 -
BMC Oral Health Aug 2020Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a highly prevalent oral mucosal disease. The management of RAS is quite challenging, and as yet, there is no definitive cure. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a highly prevalent oral mucosal disease. The management of RAS is quite challenging, and as yet, there is no definitive cure. The present systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of a single application of topical doxycycline for the management of RAS.
METHODS
A comprehensive online search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify all relevant studies published up to March 31, 2019. All randomized clinical trials that assessed the efficacy of a single application of topical doxycycline in the management of RAS were included. Primary outcome measures were pain scores and/or healing time, while secondary outcomes included the associated side effects. RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis.
RESULTS
Five clinical trials fulfilled the eligibility criteria, three of which were included in the meta-analysis. All of the included studies found doxycycline effective in alleviating signs and symptoms of RAS. The results of the pooled 3 studies revealed a statistically significant decrease in the healing time in favor of the doxycycline group as compared to the control groups (I = 51%; MD: -1.77, 95% CI: - 2.11, - 1.42, P <0.00001); however, the results showed no significant differences between doxycycline and control groups with regard to pain reduction (I = 96%; MD: -1.28, 95% CI: - 2.83, 0.27; P = 0.11).
CONCLUSION
Although still inconclusive, the available evidence suggests that a single application of topical doxycycline might be effective for reducing signs and symptoms of RAS. However, owing to the limited number of the included studies, further well-designed clinical trials with adequate sample sizes are required to discern the clinical efficacy of topical doxycycline in patients with RAS.
Topics: Doxycycline; Humans; Mouth Diseases; Pain; Stomatitis, Aphthous; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32831085
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-020-01220-5 -
Military Medicine Jan 2021After the 1990 to 1991 conflict in the Persian Gulf, many Gulf War Veterans began reporting numerous unexplained symptoms including, but not limited to, systemic pain,...
INTRODUCTION
After the 1990 to 1991 conflict in the Persian Gulf, many Gulf War Veterans began reporting numerous unexplained symptoms including, but not limited to, systemic pain, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and difficulty with memory/concentration. These symptom clusters are now referred to as Gulf War Illness (GWI). Although the etiology of GWI is still debated, as many as 250,000 former service members have been continually suffering from GWI since 1991, making the need for treatment urgent. A broad variety of treatments have been considered for GWI, but there has not been a broad and comprehensive assessment of what is known and not known about GWI treatment. We conducted a systematic review to catalogue the types of treatments that have been examined for GWI, to evaluate the effectiveness and harms of these interventions, and to identify promising and ongoing areas of future GWI treatment research.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched electronic databases, trial registries, and reference lists through September 2019 for randomized controlled trial and nonrandomized controlled trial and cohort studies directly comparing interventions for Veterans with GWI to each other, placebo, or usual care. We abstracted data on study design, demographics, interventions, and outcomes. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion, quality, and strength of evidence (SOE) using prespecified criteria. We resolved discordant ratings by discussion and consensus.
RESULTS
We identified 12 randomized controlled trials, each of which examined a different intervention for GWI. We found moderate SOE that cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise, separately and in combination, were associated with improvements in several GWI symptom domains. There was low SOE of benefit from two mindfulness-based interventions and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Mindfulness-based stress reduction improved pain, cognitive functioning, fatigue, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whereas mind-body bridging improved fatigue, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and sleep, although pain and other outcomes did not improve. Continuous positive airway pressure improved overall physical health, pain, cognitive functioning, fatigue, mental health, and sleep quality in a small study of Veterans with sleep-disordered breathing and GWI. We found moderate SOE that doxycycline is ineffective for GWI in mycoplasma DNA-positive Veterans and increases the risk of adverse events compared with placebo. We also found 33 ongoing, single-arm pilot, or unpublished studies examining a variety of interventions.
CONCLUSION
Cognitive behavioral therapy (moderate SOE), exercise (moderate SOE), and mindfulness-based interventions (low SOE) may be effective in improving several symptom domains in patients with GWI. Doxycycline was ineffective and associated with harms (moderate SOE). Larger, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm the benefits found in completed trials. A wide array of treatments are being assessed in ongoing trials. A sufficient evidence base will need to be developed to guide clinicians about which treatments are most likely to be effective in clinical practice and which treatments should be avoided.
PubMed: 33128563
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa260 -
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD Nov 2020Oral tetracyclines are the most widely prescribed systemic antibiotic for acne. Synthesis of efficacy and safety of traditional and novel oral tetracyclines is highly...
Oral tetracyclines are the most widely prescribed systemic antibiotic for acne. Synthesis of efficacy and safety of traditional and novel oral tetracyclines is highly informative to clinical practice. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed to identify large interventional and observational studies utilizing oral tetracyclines as an acne treatment. We identified 13 articles meeting inclusion for this review, which represented 226,019 pediatric and adult acne patients. Oral tetracyclines that were included in this systematic review were sarecycline (a novel narrow-spectrum tetracycline), doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline. Based on shared and divergent outcome measures, different oral tetracyclines were variably effective against facial acne. Sarecycline also demonstrated efficacy in truncal acne. Members of the oral tetracycline class also differed in their ability to minimize antibiotic resistance and gut dysbiosis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19:11(Suppl):s4-11.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Oral; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dermatology; Doxycycline; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Dysbiosis; Face; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Minocycline; Observational Studies as Topic; Propionibacteriaceae; Skin; Tetracycline; Tetracyclines; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33196746
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Oral Health Jun 2021Pulpal and periodontal healing are two main concerns of delayed replantation of avulsed teeth. The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical...
BACKGROUND
Pulpal and periodontal healing are two main concerns of delayed replantation of avulsed teeth. The objective of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical and systemic application of tetracyclines on pulpal and periodontal healing after tooth replantation.
METHODS
A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in six databases. This systematic review was carried out according to Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.
RESULTS
After exclusion of 246 irrelevant papers, 14 animal studies and one human study were included in this review. The human study showed that avulsed permanent teeth treated with doxycycline did not show a better clinical outcome for pulp and periodontal healing compared with treatment with normal saline. As for animal studies, significant more pulpal healing was observed in immature teeth treated with topical doxycycline in two researches, while another one study showed that there is no difference between teeth treated with normal saline and teeth treated with doxycycline. Systemic doxycycline exerted no significant effect on pulpal revascularization illustrated by one research. Only one out of four articles illustrated the positive effect of systemic tetracyclines on periodontal healing. One paper reported that intracanal application of demeclocycline promoted favorable periodontal healing. Two articles showed topical doxycycline contributed to favorable periodontal healing, while five studies showed no significant effect of topical tetracyclines on periodontal healing.
CONCLUSIONS
As a result of data heterogeneity and limitations of the studies, the effect of topical or systemic application of tetracyclines on pulpal and periodontal healing is inconclusive. More studies are required to get more clinically significant conclusions.
Topics: Animals; Dental Pulp; Humans; Periodontal Ligament; Tetracyclines; Tooth Avulsion; Tooth Replantation; Wound Healing
PubMed: 34090399
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-021-01615-y -
Management of juvenile and aneurysmal bone cysts: a systematic literature review with meta-analysis.European Journal of Trauma and... Feb 2023Numerous approaches to the management of juvenile and aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are described in the specialist literature together with discussion of the associated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Numerous approaches to the management of juvenile and aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are described in the specialist literature together with discussion of the associated healing and recurrence rates. Since there is currently no evidence-based treatment standard for these conditions, the aim of this systematic literature review with meta-analysis was to examine the different management approaches, evaluate the corresponding clinical outcomes and, as appropriate, to formulate a valid treatment recommendation.
METHODS
A systematic search on OVID Medline based on a pre-existing search strategy returned 1333 publications. Having defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and analysis of the relevant full texts, 167 publications were included in the descriptive analysis and 163 in the meta-analysis. For this purpose, different subgroups were created, based on the type of cyst and the therapeutic procedure. Those subgroups were then analysed in relation to their healing rates, the number of recurrences and complication rates.
RESULTS
For aneurysmal bone cysts, both surgical removal and Doxycycline injection lead to excellent outcomes (98% healing) and low recurrence rates (6% and 11% resp.). Curettage (91% healing), including its combination with autologous cancellous bone graft (96% healing), showed very good healing rates but higher recurrence rates (22% and 15%, resp.), which were however improved by preoperative selective arterial embolization. A critical view must be taken of radiotherapy (90% healing) and the injection of alcohol (92% healing) because of their high complication rates (0.43/cyst and 0.42/cyst, resp.). In the management of juvenile bone cysts, surgical interventions like curettage and cancellous bone graft (87% healing) are far superior to non-surgical approaches (51% healing), furthermore, the application of autologous cancellous bone graft reduced the recurrence rate (3% recurrence) compared to curettage alone (20% recurrence). In subgroup analysis, treatment by ESIN was found to produce excellent outcomes (100% healing), though the patient collectives were small.
CONCLUSION
Surgical procedures to treat aneurysmal bone cysts appear to be the method of choice whereby Doxycycline injection may be an alternative. A surgical approach should be preferred in the treatment of juvenile bone cysts.
Topics: Humans; Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal; Doxycycline; Bone Cysts; Curettage; Bone Transplantation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35989377
DOI: 10.1007/s00068-022-02077-9 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022The aim of this study was to determine the association between fluoroquinolones (FQs) use, the risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection (AAD), and the prognosis of...
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the association between fluoroquinolones (FQs) use, the risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection (AAD), and the prognosis of patients with pre-existing AAD.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science on 31 March 2022. Observational studies that evaluated the association of FQs with AAD risk in the general population or FQs with the prognosis of patients with preexisting AAD and presented adjusted effect estimates were included. Two reviewers assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias and certainty of evidence using GRADE.
RESULTS
Of the 13 included studies, 11 focused on the association of FQs with AAD incidence, and only one study investigated the association of FQs with the patient with AAD prognosis. FQ use was associated with an increased risk of AAD within 30 days (RR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.11-1.81; very low certainty) and 60 days (RR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.26-1.64; low certainty). Specifically, the association was significant when compared with amoxicillin, azithromycin, doxycycline, or no antibiotic use. Furthermore, patients with preexisting AAD exposure to FQ had an increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.50-1.73; moderate certainty) and aortic-specific mortality (RR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.50-2.15; moderate certainty), compared to the non-exposed FQ group within a 60-day risk period.
CONCLUSION
FQs were associated with an increased incidence of AAD in the general population and a higher risk of adverse outcomes in patients with preexisting AAD. Nevertheless, the results may be affected by unmeasured confounding factors. This should be considered by physicians contemplating using FQs in patients with aortic dilation and those at high risk of AAD.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021230171].
PubMed: 36017083
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.949538 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2024Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common underlying cause of dry eye disease (DED). MGD leads to pathological alteration of the composition or quantity of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the most common underlying cause of dry eye disease (DED). MGD leads to pathological alteration of the composition or quantity of meibum, or both, which subsequently results in tear evaporation and the typical signs and symptoms associated with DED. The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System (LipiFlow) is a medical device used to treat MGD in office; however, it is unclear if LipiFlow can outperform other DED treatments.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of LipiFlow for treating DED signs and symptoms and the safety of LipiFlow compared with sham or other available treatments for MGD in adults.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Eyes and Vision Information Specialist searched the electronic databases for randomized controlled trials. There were no restrictions on language or date of publication. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, including the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2022, Issue 6), MEDLINE Ovid, Embase.com, PubMed, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database), ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) electronic databases. We also examined the reference lists of identified trials, review articles, and guidelines for information about relevant trials that may not have been identified by our search strategy. We contacted investigators regarding ongoing trials. The last database search was performed on 24 October 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included studies conducted in adults (over 18 years of age) with DED or MGD as defined by the primary trial investigators. We imposed no restrictions on race, ethnicity, or sex. We considered trials involving contact lens wearers if they were equally represented between groups.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We applied standard Cochrane methodology.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 13 trials that randomized a total of 1155 participants (28 to 236 participants randomized per study). Six trials were conducted in the USA, three in China, two in Thailand, one in France, and one in Italy. Eight trials were of single-center design, while four trials were of multicenter design; one trial did not report the number of participating centers. Study characteristics The study population of the included trials was 66% female (range 48% to 80%), with an age range of 19 to 86 years. LipiFlow, used as a stand-alone intervention, was compared with basic warm compresses in five studies, thermostatic device in five studies, oral intervention in one trial, and topical dry eye medications in one trial. LipiFlow was also evaluated together with eyelid hygiene product versus eyelid hygiene products alone in one trial. Findings Five trials compared LipiFlow with a basic warm compress applied for varying durations and frequencies during the trial period; only one of these trials combined a warm compress with eyelid massage. Analyzing symptom scores by different questionnaires (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness [SPEED]) yielded conflicting evidence of a difference in symptoms between LipiFlow and basic warm compresses after four weeks. There was no evidence of a difference in meibomian gland expression, meibum quality, or tear breakup time when comparing LipiFlow with basic warm compresses. Another five trials compared LipiFlow with thermostatic devices. Analysis of symptom scores at four weeks showed that thermostatic devices had reduced OSDI scores by a mean difference (MD) of 4.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23 to 7.95; I = 0, P = 0.007; 553 participants; very low certainty evidence) as compared with LipiFlow. When we compared LipiFlow plus eyelid hygiene with eyelid hygiene alone, there was no evidence of difference in signs or symptoms at any time point evaluated. Only one trial compared LipiFlow with a topical DED medication (lifitegrast 5%). The single-trial estimate suggested that 5% lifitegrast may increase meibomian gland expression scores compared with LipiFlow at day 42 (MD -1.21, 95% CI -2.37 to -0.05; 50 participants; low certainty evidence) by using a meibomian gland expression scale of 0 to 8. One trial compared LipiFlow with an oral intervention (doxycycline), finding that LipiFlow may result in significantly better SPEED scores than doxycycline at three months (MD -4.00, 95% CI -7.33 to -0.67; 24 participants; very low certainty evidence). No other significant differences in signs or symptoms were found between LipiFlow and doxycycline at three months. We did not find any other statistically significant differences in symptoms or signs for any other analysis performed in this review at the one- to four-week time point. Adverse events No trial reported any intervention-related, vision-threatening adverse events.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
LipiFlow performs similarly to other commonly used DED treatments with regard to DED signs and symptoms. The best available evidence was deemed to have a high level of bias, leading to low or very low certainty evidence. Additional research with adequate masking, a standardized testing methodology, and a sample representative of the MGD population is therefore needed before any firm conclusions can be drawn regarding comparative benefits and harms.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Doxycycline; Dry Eye Syndromes; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; China; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Phenylalanine; Sulfones
PubMed: 38314898
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015448.pub2