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Cureus Jul 2023While the exact cause of IBD is unknown, there are a number of factors that are thought to contribute to its development, including environmental and genetic factors.... (Review)
Review
While the exact cause of IBD is unknown, there are a number of factors that are thought to contribute to its development, including environmental and genetic factors. While exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a promising therapy for Crohn's disease (CD), it is not yet considered a first-line treatment. Additionally, the efficacy of EEN compared to corticosteroid treatment is still being investigated. EEN is suggested as a first-line therapy by which guidelines and in which age groups, as it may differ in pediatric and adult recommendations. Another finding was that dietary changes involving an increase in anti-inflammatory foods and decreased intake of foods high in inflammatory compounds are linked to a beneficial outcome both metabolically and microbiologically in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in remission. For relevant medical literature, we examined PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar as examples of medical databases. The articles were identified, evaluated, and eligibility applied, and nine publications were found. The finished articles investigated the role of several diet alternatives for patients with IBD. Some others have shown that following a normal low-fat diet may be effective in reducing the occurrence of subclinical colitis. The EEN and partial enteral nutrition (PEN) indicated no significant differences between both regimens, but both had good outcomes during active IBD. Other strict diets, such as the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) versus the Mediterranean diet (MD), demonstrate excellent outcomes in patients with IBD. Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) dietary counseling improves gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in IBD patients. Based on the above, we concluded that more studies determining which component of the diet is not clear (proteins, carbs balanced) or diet types are required to establish a particular diet employed as a treatment intervention in these individuals.
PubMed: 37601990
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42057 -
World Neurosurgery Jun 2022In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we review the literature regarding patients with Cushing's disease (CD) with negative or inconclusive magnetic resonance... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we review the literature regarding patients with Cushing's disease (CD) with negative or inconclusive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
METHODS
A quantitative systematic review was performed. Article selection was performed by searching MEDLINE (using PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane electronic bibliographic databases.
RESULTS
28 articles described surgical management of inconclusive MRI or MRI-negative CD. A total of 858 patients underwent surgery for their Cushing adenoma. Different types of surgery, including endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) (190 cases) and microscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (METS) (488 cases), were performed on patients with MRI-negative CD. 7 studies, which included 164 patients, did not describe any surgery. EETS and METS are conducted to achieve selective adenomectomy (231 cases), partial adenomectomy (80 cases), total adenomectomy (13 cases), hemihypophysectomy (15 cases), or enlarged adenomectomy (48 cases). Based on available data on these studies, the remission rate, persistence rate, and recurrence rate after different types of surgeries on patients with MRI-negative CD were 72.97%, 27.03%, and 12.05%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between EETS and METS in the subanalysis regarding recurrence rate, remission rate, and persistence rate. However, the recurrence rate in the METS group is almost 3 times higher than in the EETS group.
CONCLUSIONS
Surgery has a good prognosis in patients with MRI-negative CD in terms of remission, and EETS has a lower rate of disease recurrence than METS; therefore, EETS seems to be the potential recommended treatment technique, while to confirm the therapeutic method of choice, further investigations should be done.
Topics: Adenoma; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion; Pituitary Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35338018
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.03.076 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2023This is an updated version of an original Cochrane Review published in 2013 (Walker 2013). Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting 0.5% to 1% of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This is an updated version of an original Cochrane Review published in 2013 (Walker 2013). Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting 0.5% to 1% of the population. Pharmacological treatment remains the first choice to control epilepsy. However, up to 30% of people do not respond to drug treatment, and therefore do not achieve seizure remission. Experimental and clinical evidence supports a role for inflammatory pathway activation in the pathogenesis of epilepsy which, if effectively targeted by immunomodulatory interventions, highlights a potentially novel therapeutic strategy.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and tolerability of immunomodulatory interventions on seizures, adverse effect profile, cognition, and quality of life, compared to placebo controls, when used as additional therapy for focal epilepsy in children and adults.
SEARCH METHODS
For the latest update, we searched the following databases on 11 November 2021: Cochrane Register of Studies (CRS Web) and Medline (Ovid) 1946 to 10 November 2021. CRS Web includes randomised or quasi-randomised, controlled trials from PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Specialized Registers of Cochrane Review Groups including Epilepsy. We placed no language restrictions. We reviewed the bibliographies of retrieved studies to search for additional reports of relevant studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised placebo-controlled trials of add-on immunomodulatory drug interventions, in which an adequate method of concealment of randomisation was used. The studies were double-, single- or unblinded. Eligible participants were children (aged over 2 years) and adults with focal epilepsy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. We assessed the following outcomes. 1. 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency. 2. Seizure freedom. 3. Treatment withdrawal for any reason. 4. Quality of life. 5.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
We used an intention-to-treat (ITT) population for all primary analyses, and we presented results as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% Cl).
MAIN RESULTS
We included three randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials on a total of 172 participants. All trials included children and adults over two years of age with focal epilepsy. Treatment phases lasted six weeks and follow-up from six weeks to six months. One of the three included trials described an adequate method of concealment of randomisation, whilst the other two trials were rated as having an unclear risk of bias due to lack of reported information around study design. Effective blinding of studies was reported in all three trials. All analyses were by ITT. One trial was sponsored by the manufacturer of an immunomodulatory agent and therefore was at high risk of funding bias. Immunomodulatory interventions were significantly more effective than placebo in reducing seizure frequency (risk ratio (RR) 2.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 to 4.60; 3 studies, 172 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). For treatment withdrawal, there was insufficient evidence to conclude that people were more likely to discontinue immunomodulatory intervention than placebo (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.28 to 3.80; 3 studies, 172 participants; low-certainty evidence). The RR for adverse effects was 1.16 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.59; 1 study, 66 participants; low-certainty evidence). Certain adverse effects such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disorders were more often associated with immunomodulatory interventions. There were little to no data on cognitive effects and quality of life. No important heterogeneity between studies was found for any of the outcomes. We judged the overall certainty of evidence (using the GRADE approach) as low to moderate due to potential attrition bias resulting from missing outcome data and imprecise results with wide confidence intervals.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Immunomodulatory interventions as add-on treatment for children and adults with focal epilepsy appear to be effective in reducing seizure frequency. It is not possible to draw any conclusions about the tolerability of these agents in children and adults with epilepsy. Further randomised controlled trials are needed.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Aged; Anticonvulsants; Quality of Life; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epilepsies, Partial; Seizures; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37842826
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009945.pub3 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Mar 2022The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tetracyclines for treatment of pemphigoid. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Web of Science, and the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tetracyclines for treatment of pemphigoid. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies involving pemphigoid patients treated with tetracyclines published in English before 29 February 2020. References of included studies were also screened to widen the scope of the literature search. Data regarding predefined clinical outcomes of 341 patients from 77 studies were extracted and analyzed. A meta-analysis was conducted on the basis of 4 studies including 2 randomized controlled trials and 2 comparative studies. The patients had a mean age of 74.60 ± 13.18 years, 45.4% were males, and 54.6% were females. There were 185 patients with mild-to-moderate and 143 patients with severe disease. The average initial doses were 1.62 ± 0.39 g/day for tetracycline, 0.20 ± 0.01 g/day for doxycycline, and 0.11 ± 0.05 g/day for minocycline. The average time on tetracyclines was 3.74 ± 5.99 months, and 261 (81.3%) patients reported partial or complete remission. Relapses occurred in 72 (28.3%) cases. Adverse effects were experienced by 130 (41.9%) patients. The pooled ORs for short-term effectiveness, relapse, adverse effects, and 1-year survival in patients treated with oral tetracyclines vs. systemic corticosteroids were 0.40 (95% CI, 0.22-0.76), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.44-1.10), 0.47 (95% CI, 0.27-0.82) and 2.02 (95% CI, 1.16-3.50), respectively. Compared to doxycycline and minocycline, tetracycline was significantly associated with better treatment outcomes and fewer adverse effects (p < 0.05). This review revealed tetracyclines' efficacy and safety in pemphigoid treatment and may offer support for clinical use of tetracyclines in pemphigoid.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Pemphigoid, Bullous; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tetracyclines
PubMed: 33774726
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-021-02216-z -
JMIR Dermatology Mar 2022Delusional infestation, also known as Ekbom syndrome, is a rare delusional disorder characterized by the fixed belief that one is infested with parasites, worms,...
BACKGROUND
Delusional infestation, also known as Ekbom syndrome, is a rare delusional disorder characterized by the fixed belief that one is infested with parasites, worms, insects, or other organisms. Although delusional infestation is a psychiatric condition, patients often consult dermatologists with skin findings, and it is currently unclear what treatments are recommended for this disorder.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to systematically review and describe the treatment and management of patients presenting with primary delusional infestation.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted using Ovid on MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials. Relevant data, including treatment, dosage, response, adherence, and side effects, were extracted and analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 15 case series were included, comprising 280 patients (mean age 53.3 years, 65.4% female) with delusional infestation. Overall, aripiprazole had the highest complete remission rate at 79% (11/14), although this was limited to 14 patients. Among drug classes, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most effective with a 79% (11/14) complete remission rate and 43% (9/21) partial remission rate in patients with comorbid depression, anxiety, or trichotillomania. First-generation antipsychotics and second-generation antipsychotics had similar complete remission rates (56/103, 54.4% vs 56/117, 47.9%, respectively) and partial remission rates (36/103, 35% vs 41/117, 35%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the rarity of delusional infestation, we only found 15 case series. However, we found that first-generation antipsychotics appear to be similar in effectiveness to second-generation antipsychotics for the treatment of primary delusional infestation. Larger studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological therapy for delusional infestation.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42020198161; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=198161.
PubMed: 37632851
DOI: 10.2196/34323 -
BMJ Mental Health Nov 2023Partial remission of major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating and distressing clinical state related to chronicity, morbidity and relapse. Although one-third of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
QUESTION
Partial remission of major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating and distressing clinical state related to chronicity, morbidity and relapse. Although one-third of patients remit partially, evidence for treatment efficacy is unclear. We provide an overview of treatment options and their efficacy.
STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS
Embase, PsycINFO, Medline and SCOPUS were systematically searched through February 2023. Included were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining any treatment in patients with partially remitted MDD aged 13-65 years, reporting data on severity, remission or relapse.
FINDINGS
Seven RCTs examining psychotherapy including 1024 patients were eligible. There were not enough RCTs to examine effects of pharmacotherapy. Psychotherapy was associated with lower depressive symptom severity at post-treatment (Hedges' g=0.50; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.76), but not at follow-up up to 1 year (Hedges' g=0.36; 95% CI -0.30 to 1.02) or longer (Hedges' g=0.02; 95% CI -0.09 to 0.12). Psychotherapy was associated with superior remission rates at post-treatment (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.71 to 3.87) and follow-up 6 months or longer (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.21 to 2.53), although not with improved relapse rates at post-treatment (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.01 to 4.83) or follow-up 6 months or longer (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.21 to 1.03). Overall methodological quality was poor.
CONCLUSIONS
Psychotherapy targeting partial remission may be effective in lowering depressive symptom severity and patients may potentially achieve full remission twice as likely. Yet, long-term and prophylactic effects are lacking. Given the risk of chronicity, more high-quality RCTs are needed.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020188451.
Topics: Humans; Depressive Disorder, Major; Psychotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Recurrence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37914347
DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2023-300827 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Conventional treatment techniques have limited efficacy and more side effects in the treatment of prurigo nodularis. The better alternative treatment option for better...
BACKGROUND
Conventional treatment techniques have limited efficacy and more side effects in the treatment of prurigo nodularis. The better alternative treatment option for better outcomes of the disease is dupilumab.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to systematically review dupilumab-related treatment outcomes in prurigo nodularis.
METHODS
Several databases like Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library were searched for data acquisition on October 8, 2022. Based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, 24 publications were included in this study.
RESULTS
After 4,12,16 and more than 16 weeks of dupilumab treatment, 8.3% (n=5/60), 34.4% (n=11/32), 3.6% (n=2/56), and 45.3% (n=29/64) of patients had complete remission, respectively. In addition, 85.0% (n=51/60), 59.4% (n=19/32), 83.9% (n=47/56), and 43.8% (n=28/64) had partial remission, respectively. Moreover, 6.7% (n=4/60), 6.3% (n=2/32), 12.5% (n=7/56), and 10.9% (n=7/64) showed no remission, respectively, and significant reduction of numeric rating scale itch intensity (from 9.0 to 4.9, 2.1, 2.8, 0.9) was attained. There were no serious adverse events observed during treatment, but the most common event observed was conjunctivitis (12.6%, n=15/119).
CONCLUSIONS
Dupilumab has definite effectiveness and safety in prurigo nodularis treatment.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier (CRD42022365802).
Topics: Humans; Prurigo; Pruritus; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36742321
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1092685 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Feb 2022For severe cases of lichen planopilaris (LPP), unresponsive to first line therapy, systemic or potent agents may be required for disease control. There have been several... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
For severe cases of lichen planopilaris (LPP), unresponsive to first line therapy, systemic or potent agents may be required for disease control. There have been several reports of the off-label use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in patients with LPP or have developed adverse effects to initial agents.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to recommended Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies with ≥5 cases reporting the outcomes of MMF in LPP were pooled and a meta-analysis of proportion was performed. Case reports were excluded from analysis.
RESULTS
A total of six studies were identified and included for meta-analysis, comprising 94 LPP patients. The pooled proportion of any good response (partial or complete) was 69.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 47.8-77). The pooled proportion of complete response was 20% (95% CI: 10.1-36.3). The pooled proportion of partial responses was 49.2% (95% CI: 30.5-63.7). Side effects occurred in 16.9% (95% CI: 17.6-33.2). of cases, which included elevated LFTs, edema, hyperlipidemia, anemia, herpes zoster infection, photosensitivity, and urinary tract infection.
CONCLUSION
The current evidence for MMF remains limited. However, it appears to be a potential treatment option for patients with severe or recalcitrant LPP who have failed hydroxychloroquine and other immunosuppressants.
Topics: Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lichen Planus; Mycophenolic Acid; Remission Induction
PubMed: 32281437
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1755416 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Oct 2022Achievement of remission is a desirable outcome and the identification of predictors of remission may aid in the clinical management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Achievement of remission is a desirable outcome and the identification of predictors of remission may aid in the clinical management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Our aim was to summarise predictors of remission in people with axSpA.
METHODS
In this systematic literature review (SLR), we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from their inception to May 20, 2022, and 2020-2021 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) meeting abstracts. We included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies in which prognostic factors associated with remission were investigated by multivariable analysis.
RESULTS
The SLR comprised 21 articles from 4592 citations. Three studies investigated "sustained remission" (≥3 consecutive visits), while the other assessed "point remission" (at single points in time, varying from 12 weeks to 8 years). The most used remission criteria were Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) inactive disease (14 studies) and Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society partial remission criteria (11 studies). Younger age, HLA-B27 positivity, male gender, lower baseline Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), lower baseline Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), lower baseline ASDAS-C-reactive protein, treatment with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), and concomitant use of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), were the most consistent predictors of remission. Additionally, shorter disease duration, lower Health Assessment Questionnaire for the spondyloarthropathies and TNFi naivety were predictors of remission in two studies. Other factors were found to be predictors of remission in one study only.
CONCLUSIONS
Predictors of remission in axSpA were identified. However, many of these predictors were only identified in 1-2 studies. Considering the differences in study design, further well-designed prognostic studies are needed to confirm and allow generalisation of these predictors to the general axSpA population.
Topics: Antirheumatic Agents; Axial Spondyloarthritis; Humans; Male; Severity of Illness Index; Spondylarthritis; Spondylitis, Ankylosing; Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
PubMed: 35944350
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152078 -
Renal Failure 2023This study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of immunosuppressive agents, specifically Voclosporin, when used in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of immunosuppressive agents, specifically Voclosporin, when used in conjunction with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) induction therapy for the management of lupus nephritis (LN).
METHODS
A systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted on randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of immunosuppressant-induced therapy for LN. The random effects model was used in the analysis. I was used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the model. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% credible intervals (CrI) were computed to assess and compare the relative effectiveness and safety of various treatment protocols.
RESULTS
The study included a total of 16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2444 patients with LN. The analysis results indicated that there was no significant difference in terms of partial remission (PR) between the drugs. However, when considering complete remission (CR), the combination of Voclosporin with MMF showed the highest remission rate, followed by Tacrolimus (TAC). Unfortunately, Voclosporin in combination with MMF had the highest risk of infection and serious infection, indicating a lower safety profile.
CONCLUSIONS
Voclosporin in combination with MMF demonstrated the highest efficacy as an induction therapy for LN. However, it should be noted that the risk of infection and serious infection was found to be high with this regimen. On the other hand, TAC not only showed efficacy but also had a lower risk of infection and serious infection, making it a favorable option in terms of safety. This study did' not include results on other adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Lupus Nephritis; Cyclophosphamide; Induction Chemotherapy; Network Meta-Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Immunosuppressive Agents; Tacrolimus; Mycophenolic Acid; Remission Induction; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38087473
DOI: 10.1080/0886022X.2023.2290365