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Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral... Feb 2024Mucormycosis has emerged as one of the most fatal complications arising due to COVID-19, though it has to be mentioned that the disease is capable of causing serious... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Mucormycosis has emerged as one of the most fatal complications arising due to COVID-19, though it has to be mentioned that the disease is capable of causing serious illness even on its own.
OBJECTIVES
Through this investigation, we would review the threat that mucormycosis poses, in terms of its prevalence and degree of severity both in the pre- and post-COVID world.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive examination of the studies published in online databases turned up 207 papers, 103 of which had undergone in-depth analysis, using both inclusion and exclusion criteria, shortlisting 15 studies that were appropriate for reviewing.
RESULTS
The incidence of mucormycosis was linked to coronavirus in 7 of the 15 studies that were chosen. The remaining eight studies had sufferers of various systemic diseases, like HIV/AIDS and diabetes.
DISCUSSION
All the cases suffered diabetes mellitus. Regardless of the time period of the chosen article, corticosteroids and antifungal medications were administered to all patients. There were noticeable differences in terms of mortality, predisposing factors, and virulence between pre-COVID and post-COVID mucormycosis.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The prevalence of systemic conditions such as diabetes in cases of mucormycosis has remained the same even after the incidence of this pandemic, showing that the basic treatment modalities continue to remain the same irrespective of the damage that corona virus has caused to the sufferer, although mucormycosis arising due to COVID-19 differs from mucormycosis that was incident before the advent of the pandemic.
PubMed: 38312959
DOI: 10.1007/s12663-023-02028-w -
Patient Preference and Adherence 2022Antipsychotics are a class of medications primarily used to treat individuals with psychotic disorders. They have also been indicated for patients with other psychiatric... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Antipsychotics are a class of medications primarily used to treat individuals with psychotic disorders. They have also been indicated for patients with other psychiatric conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. Non-adherence is prominent amongst individuals prescribed antipsychotics, with medication-related self-stigma and social stigma identified as major factors. No previous reviews have focused on stigma associated specifically with antipsychotic medication. This systematic literature review aimed to synthesise evidence on the prevalence of stigmatising attitudes and behaviours related to antipsychotic treatment and understand their impact on antipsychotic treatment initiation and continuation.
METHODS
Two independent reviewers screened studies from databases, congress proceedings, ClinicalTrials.gov, and PsychU.org; relevant studies reported quantitative or qualitative data on antipsychotic-related stigma in adults with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, borderline personality disorder or anxiety disorders, or healthcare providers or caregivers of these patients, and any impact on treatment. Framework synthesis facilitated extraction and synthesis of relevant information; quantitative and qualitative data were coded and indexed against a pre-specified thematic framework by two independent reviewers.
RESULTS
Forty-five articles reporting on 40 unique studies were included; 22 reported quantitative data, 16 reported qualitative data, and two reported quantitative and qualitative data relating to antipsychotic-related stigma. Framework synthesis identified four themes: 1) impact of antipsychotic treatment on a) social stigma or b) self-stigma; 2) impact of side effects of antipsychotic treatment on a) social stigma or b) self-stigma; 3) impact of route of administration of antipsychotic treatment on stigma; 4) impact of stigma on the use of antipsychotics.
CONCLUSION
This systematic literature review found that antipsychotic-related social and self-stigma is a factor in non-adherence to antipsychotics. Further research should examine stigma in a wider range of patients and the extent to which clinicians' treatment decisions are impacted by the potential stigma associated with antipsychotic medications.
PubMed: 35210756
DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S343211 -
Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics 2023Early detection of pre-cancerous adenomas through screening can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence. Fecal immunochemical tests are commonly used, but have limited... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Progress in the field of noninvasive diagnostics for colorectal cancer: a systematic review for the accuracy of blood-based biomarkers for detection of advanced pre-cancerous lesions.
BACKGROUND
Early detection of pre-cancerous adenomas through screening can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence. Fecal immunochemical tests are commonly used, but have limited sensitivity for pre-cancerous lesions. Blood-based screening may improve test sensitivity. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of blood-based biomarkers for detection of advanced pre-cancerous lesions.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We present the accuracy of blood-based biomarkers for the detection of advanced pre-cancerous lesions. EMBASE, Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched, with study populations limited to adults diagnosed with advanced pre-cancerous lesions at colonoscopy, who had a blood-based biomarker test analyzed with reports of sensitivity and specificity.
RESULTS
69 studies were identified, which assessed 133 unique biomarkers sets. The best performing test was a panel of 6 miRNAs, with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 90% for advanced pre-cancerous lesions. Only 6 biomarkers demonstrated sensitivity ≥ 50% and specificity ≥ 90% for the detection of advanced pre-cancerous lesions.
CONCLUSION
Many different blood-based biomarkers have been assessed for detection of advanced pre-cancerous lesions, but few have progressed beyond the discovery stage. While some biomarkers have reported high sensitivity and specificity, larger prospective studies in unbiased intended-use screening populations are required for validation.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity; MicroRNAs; Biomarkers, Tumor; Early Detection of Cancer; Feces
PubMed: 38044883
DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2290646 -
The Laryngoscope Jan 2021The mechanism by which recurrent croup occurs is unknown. Gastroesophageal reflux is commonly implicated, although this relationship is only loosely documented. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The mechanism by which recurrent croup occurs is unknown. Gastroesophageal reflux is commonly implicated, although this relationship is only loosely documented. We conducted a systematic review with a meta-analysis component to evaluate the relationship between recurrent croup and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and to assess for evidence of improvement in croup symptoms when treated.
STYLE DESIGN
Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.
METHODS
We searched five separate databases. Studies were included if they discussed the relationship between croup and GERD in children, >5 subjects, and available in English. Literature retrieved was assessed according to pre-specified criteria. Retrieved articles were reviewed by two independent authors and decisions mediated by a third author. If there was a difference of opinion after first review, a second review was performed to obtain consensus. Heterogeneity was calculated and summarized in forest plots.
RESULTS
Of 346 initial records, 15 met inclusion criteria. These were two retrospective cohort and 13 cross-sectional studies. Thirteen of 15 articles support an association between recurrent croup and GERD. Although heterogeneity is high among studies that reported prevalence of GERD, there is less uncertainty in results for improvement to recurrent croup after GERD treatment. Most studies lacked a control group and all carry a moderate-to-high risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
There is limited evidence linking GERD to recurrent croup; Further research is needed to assess for causality as most studies are retrospective, lack a control group, and have a study design exposing them to bias. Patients treated with reflux medication appear to demonstrate a reduced incidence of croup symptoms.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
1 Laryngoscope, 131:209-217, 2021.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Croup; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Infant; Recurrence
PubMed: 32040207
DOI: 10.1002/lary.28544 -
Research in Social & Administrative... Dec 2020Older adults with cancer often require multiple medications including cancer-specific treatments and supportive care medications (e.g. analgesics), as well as... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Older adults with cancer often require multiple medications including cancer-specific treatments and supportive care medications (e.g. analgesics), as well as medications for pre-existing medical conditions. Increasing numbers of medications pose risks of potentially inappropriate prescribing, drug-drug interactions and drug-disease interactions. The burden of treatment (i.e. the workload of healthcare and its impact on patient functioning and well-being) may also negatively affect the way patients take their medications. Non-adherence to medication in patients with cancer is associated with treatment failure and increased healthcare costs. Therefore, it is crucial that medicines are optimised for older adults with cancer to enhance appropriate prescribing, reduce the complexity of treatment regimens and minimise the risk of non-adherence.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of evaluations of interventions aimed at optimising medication prescribing and/or adherence in older adults with cancer.
METHODS
A systematic scoping review will be undertaken. Four databases will be searched from inception: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. In order to meet inclusion criteria, studies must evaluate an intervention seeking to improve medication prescribing and/or adherence in older adults (aged ≥65 years) with an active cancer diagnosis using a comparative evaluation (e.g. inclusion of a control group). Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts for inclusion and extract data relating to study population, intervention characteristics, outcome assessments and key findings. Extracted data will be collated using tables, figures and accompanying descriptive summaries. The review will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.
PROJECT IMPACT
The scoping nature of this review will serve to provide an overview of the existing literature on interventions aimed at optimising medication prescribing and adherence in older adults with cancer. The review findings will help to identify research gaps and highlight areas to explore further in future research.
Topics: Aged; Delivery of Health Care; Drug Prescriptions; Humans; Inappropriate Prescribing; Medication Adherence; Neoplasms
PubMed: 32147463
DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.02.021 -
Schizophrenia (Heidelberg, Germany) Dec 2023Response to antipsychotic medications (AP) is subjected to a wide and unpredictable variability and efforts were directed to discover predictive biomarkers to... (Review)
Review
Response to antipsychotic medications (AP) is subjected to a wide and unpredictable variability and efforts were directed to discover predictive biomarkers to personalize treatment. Electroencephalography abnormalities in subjects with schizophrenia are well established, as well as a pattern of EEG changes induced by APs. The aim of this review is to provide a synthesis of the EEG features that are related to AP efficacy, including both pre-treatment signatures and changes induced by APs during treatment. A systematic review of English articles using PubMed, PsychINFO and the Cochrane database of systematic reviews was undertaken until july 2023. Additional studies were added by hand search. Studies having as an endpoint the relationship between AP-related clinical improvement and electroencephalographic features were included. Heterogeneity prevented a quantitative synthesis. Out of 1232 records screened, 22 studies were included in a final qualitative synthesis. Included studies evaluated resting-state and task-related power spectra, functional connectivity, microstates and epileptic abnormalities. At pre-treatment resting-state EEG, the most relevant predictors of a poor response were a change in theta power compared to healthy control, a high alpha power and connectivity, and diminished beta power. Considering EEG during treatment, an increased theta power, a reduced beta-band activity, an increased alpha activity, a decreased coherence in theta, alpha and beta-band were related to a favorable outcome. EEG is promising as a method to create a predictive biomarker for response to APs; further investigations are warranted to harmonize and generalize the contradictory results of reviewed studies.
PubMed: 38071394
DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00419-z -
The Journal of Adolescent Health :... Jan 2022This meta-analysis synthesized the proportion of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who are adherent to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and factors moderating... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This meta-analysis synthesized the proportion of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who are adherent to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and factors moderating adherence. A systematic search was conducted of studies published through May 2020 using PubMed, PsycInfo, Cochrane, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Included studies reported the proportion of AYAs (mean age ≤ 29 years) who were PrEP adherent. PrEP adherence was meta-analyzed using random-effects models. Secondary analyses evaluated potential moderating variables. A total of 41 individual samples, from 29 studies, of 8,679 AYA (weighted average age = 23.8 years) were synthesized. The proportion of AYA who met study-defined thresholds for PrEP adherence was .64 (95% confidence interval .57-.71) across studies. Subgroup analyses revealed that adherence was lower in young cisgender women (.46) than young men who have sex with men (.65) and serodiscordant heterosexual couples (.98). Adherence was higher in studies initiated after 2012 (.70) than earlier studies (.47). No differences based on participant age, country, or strategies to promote adherence were found. Across published studies to date, 64% of AYA demonstrate adequate PrEP adherence. Findings can be used to guide PrEP adherence interventions and also provide directions for future research on PrEP among AYA.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Female; HIV Infections; Homosexuality, Male; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Young Adult
PubMed: 34059426
DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.04.001 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Jan 2022Kidney disease (KD) is one of the serious health issues, which causes worrisome morbidity and economic burden. Therapeutic strategies are available however majority of...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Kidney disease (KD) is one of the serious health issues, which causes worrisome morbidity and economic burden. Therapeutic strategies are available however majority of them are associated with severe adverse effects and poor patient compliance and adherence. This explorative article was undertaken to provide a holistic review of known nephroprotective (NP) phytoconstituents along with their research-based evidences on mechanism, sources, and clinical trials that may play essential role in prevention and cure of KD.
AIM OF THE STUDY
The present systematic review aimed to provide in-depth and better evidences of the global burden of KD, phytoconstituents as NP with emphasis on mechanism of action both in vitro and in vivo, their wide biological sources as well as their clinical efficacy in management of kidney disease and its related disorders.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Comprehensive information was searched systematically from electronic databases, namely, PubMed, Sciencedirect, Wiley, Scopus, Google scholar and Springer until February 2021 to find relevant data for publication on phytoconstituents with nephroprotective potential.
RESULTS
In total, 24,327 articles were screened in first search for "phytoconstituents and medicinal plants for nephroprotection and kidney disorder". On the basis of exclusion and inclusion criteria, 24,091 were excluded. Only 236 papers were spotted to have superlative quality data, which is appropriate under titles and sub-titles of the present review. The phytoconstituents having multiple research evidence along with wide number of medicinal plants sources and mechanism reported for nephroprotection have been selected and reviewed.
CONCLUSION
This review, based on pre-clinical and clinical data of NP phytoconstituents, provides scientific-basis for the rational discovery, development and utilization of these upcoming treatment practices. Further,-more clinical studies are warranted to improve the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic understanding of phytoconstituents. Also, more specific evaluation for natural sources is needed.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 34655670
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114743 -
Dermatologic Therapy May 2022Numerous vaccines are under clinical development and implementation for the prevention of severe course and lethal outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This... (Review)
Review
Numerous vaccines are under clinical development and implementation for the prevention of severe course and lethal outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This systematic review aims to summarize and integrated the findings of studies regarding cutaneous side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. This systematic review conducted by searching the scientific databases of PubMed, Scopus, Science direct, and Web of knowledge from the beginning of the COVID-19 to May 10, 2021. Articles were reviewed and analyzed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Seventeen studies on cutaneous side effects of COVID-19 vaccines were included after the screening of search results based on to the eligibility criteria. The results showed that the most common injection site reactions and delayed large local reactions, arising from all vaccine types, were redness/erythema (39%), followed by: itchiness (28%), urticarial rash (17%) on the neck, upper limbs, and trunk, morbilliform eruptions (6.5%), Pityriasis rosea (3%), swelling, and burning, and so forth. Most cutaneous reactions occurred in women (84%), and middle-aged people, after the first dose of vaccine, with the onset ranged from 1 to 21 days after vaccination. In addition, cutaneous reactions were generally self-limiting, and needed little or no therapeutic intervention, that were not regarded as a barrier to injecting a second dose. In conclusion, severe cutaneous side effects are very rare and approved vaccines have satisfactory safety profiles. Therefore, mild or moderate cutaneous reactions should not discourage people from vaccination. In certain groups such as patients with allergies and a history of local injection reactions, pre-vaccination counseling and assurance, also use of appropriate medications may be helpful. However, more studies are needed to investigate the side effect profile of all COVID-19 vaccines.
Topics: COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Skin; Vaccination; Vaccines
PubMed: 35194894
DOI: 10.1111/dth.15391 -
Intensive & Critical Care Nursing Aug 2021The aim of this review was to explore use of the pre-Medical Emergency Team (pre-MET) tier of Rapid Response Systems to recognise and respond to adult ward patients... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review was to explore use of the pre-Medical Emergency Team (pre-MET) tier of Rapid Response Systems to recognise and respond to adult ward patients experiencing early clinical deterioration.
METHODS
A scoping review of studies published in English reporting on use of a pre-MET tier in adult ward patients was conducted. Three databases were searched (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE) for studies published between January 1995 and September 2020. Two researchers independently performed screening and quality assessments. Findings were synthesised thematically. Reporting of the review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews.
RESULTS
Six of 1669 studies were included in this review. All were single-site studies of single-parameter Rapid Response Systems in Australian hospitals. Five were quantitative studies; one had a qualitative design. Studies fulfilled 50-100% of quality criteria. Two themes were constructed: Afferent processes - Recognising and escalating pre-MET events; and Efferent processes - Pre-MET reviews and associated interventions. There was disparity between clinical practice and pre-MET escalation protocols, and reports of nurse-initiated management of early deterioration. Prospective methods and exploration of multidisciplinary perspectives were notable research gaps.
CONCLUSION
Use of the pre-MET tier of Rapid Response Systems is under-researched. Further research is needed to understand barriers and facilitators influencing use of pre-MET strategies to address patient deterioration.
Topics: Adult; Australia; Clinical Deterioration; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans
PubMed: 33795182
DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2021.103041