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Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction in Hemorrhoid Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Advances in Therapy Jun 2020Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a common and recurrent problem for many adults worldwide. Venoactive drugs, such as micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF; Daflon),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a common and recurrent problem for many adults worldwide. Venoactive drugs, such as micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF; Daflon), have been used to treat HD and their clinical benefits have been demonstrated in previous meta-analyses of clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MPFF across the broader spectrum of signs and symptoms following treatment of patients with HD.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify randomized clinical trials in which MPFF treatment was compared to placebo or no treatment for acute HD or for relief of symptoms after patients had undergone medical management or a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids. The main endpoints investigated were bleeding, pain, pruritus, discharge or leakage, and overall improvement. There was no limit on treatment duration.
RESULTS
From 351 unique records retrieved, 11 studies reported in 13 articles were included. On the basis of findings from qualitative analysis, MPFF was reported in most studies to be beneficial in treating bleeding, pain, pruritus, anal discharge/leakage, and tenesmus, and in overall improvement. Quantitative meta-analysis of four studies indicated that MPFF treatment provided significant benefits for bleeding (odds ratio [OR] 0.082, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.027-0.250; P < 0.001), discharge/leakage (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.04-0.42; P < 0.001), and overall improvement according to patients (OR 5.25, 95% CI 2.58-10.68; P < 0.001) and investigators (OR 5.51, 95% CI 2.76-11.0; P < 0.001). MPFF also tended to decrease pain (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01-1.11; P = 0.06).
CONCLUSION
Taken together, these results suggest that MPFF treatment can improve the most important signs and symptoms of HD.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diosmin; Female; Hemorrhoids; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 32399811
DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01353-7 -
Journal of Palliative Medicine Jul 2020Malignant rectal pain (MRP) and tenesmus cause significant morbidity for cancer patients at all stages of disease. There is little evidence to guide management of these...
Malignant rectal pain (MRP) and tenesmus cause significant morbidity for cancer patients at all stages of disease. There is little evidence to guide management of these symptoms. The objective of this review was to summarize the existing evidence base for palliative management of MRP and tenesmus outside of standard oncologic or surgical management. A systematic review of PubMed and Embase was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using preselected search terms for publications between 1980 and January 2017. Studies that described management for patients with tenesmoid pain from malignant tumors of the rectum, anus, or perineum were identified. The primary outcome was response of pain to treatment. The search produced 1412 titles. Twenty articles met criteria for inclusion in the review, including 11 case series and 9 case reports. A variety of treatments were found with most patients receiving interventional procedures, but overall evidence to support any particular intervention is limited and of poor quality. This review highlights the limited current evidence base for medical and interventional treatments for MRP and tenesmus. Further study is needed to clarify the best approach to managing these challenging symptoms.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Pain; Palliative Care
PubMed: 31682188
DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0139 -
BMJ Open Gastroenterology Jan 2024Mpox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Poxviridae family and Orthopoxvirus genus. Other well-known viruses of the Orthopoxvirus genus...
INTRODUCTION
Mpox is a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Poxviridae family and Orthopoxvirus genus. Other well-known viruses of the Orthopoxvirus genus include the variola virus (smallpox), cowpox virus and vaccinia virus. Although there is a plethora of research regarding the dermatological and influenza-like symptoms of mpox, particularly following the 2022 mpox outbreak, more research is needed on the gastrointestinal (GI) effects.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review is to outline the GI manifestations of the monkeypox virus.
METHODS
The authors conducted this systematic review using guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A search was conducted through the PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from January 1958 to June 2023. The authors selected English language papers that discussed the GI symptoms in mpox patients. A manual search was also conducted in the reference sections of these publications for other relevant papers.
RESULTS
33 papers involving 830 patients were selected for this review. The GI manifestations in mpox patients are proctitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, rectal pain, nausea, tenesmus, rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. Although various papers explored transmission routes, one paper established a direct connection between anal-receptive sex transmission route and the development of a GI complication (proctitis). Another study reported that the mode of transmission could potentially impact the occurrence of GI symptoms and severity of the disease. The reviewed papers did not discover a relation between the severity of dermatological and influenza-like symptoms and the GI manifestations mentioned.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review confirms that GI manifestations are observed in mpox patients. GI symptoms of mpox are crucial for gastroenterologists and other healthcare professionals to recognise in order to address patient discomfort and further understand the pathophysiology of the virus.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Mpox (monkeypox); Proctitis; Vomiting
PubMed: 38184298
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2023-001266 -
World Journal of Urology Jun 2021Radiation dose to the rectum in prostate brachytherapy (PBT) can be reduced by the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel spacers. This reduces the rate of rectal...
INTRODUCTION
Radiation dose to the rectum in prostate brachytherapy (PBT) can be reduced by the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel spacers. This reduces the rate of rectal toxicity and allows dose escalation to the prostate. Our objectives were to provide an overview of technique for injection of a PEG hydrogel spacer, reduction in rectal dosimetry, gastrointestinal toxicity and potential complications.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed the role of PEG hydrogel spacers in PBT using the Cochrane and PRISMA methodology for all English-language articles from January 2013 to December 2019. Data was extracted for type of radiotherapy, number of patients, type of PEG-hydrogel used, mean prostate-rectum separation, rectal dosimetry, acute and late GI toxicity, procedure-related complications and the technique used for hydrogel insertion.
RESULTS
Nine studies (671 patients and 537 controls) met our inclusion criteria. Of these 4 used DuraSeal and 5 used SpaceOAR. The rectal spacing achieved varied between 7.7-16 mm. Failure of hydrogel insertion was seen only in 12 patients, mostly related to failure of hydrodissection in patients undergoing salvage PBT. Where reported, the rectal D2 cc was reduced by between 21.6 and 52.6% and the median rectal V75% cc was reduced by between 91.8-100%. Acute GI complications were mostly limited to grade 1 or 2 toxicity (n = 153, 33.7%) with low levels of grade 3 or 4 toxicity (n = 1, 0.22%). Procedure-related complications were limited to tenesmus (0.14%), rectal discomfort (1.19%), and bacterial prostatitis (0.44%).
CONCLUSIONS
PEG hydrogel spacers are safe to insert. Gel insertion is easy, fast and has a low rate of failure. These studies convincingly demonstrate a significant reduction in rectal dosimetry. Although the results of spacers in reducing rectal toxicity is promising, these need to be confirmed in prospective randomised trial.
Topics: Brachytherapy; Humans; Hydrogels; Injections; Male; Polyethylene Glycols; Prostatic Neoplasms; Radiotherapy Dosage
PubMed: 32840655
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-020-03414-6 -
Clinical and Translational Radiation... Jul 2021Pelvic radiotherapy (RT) often results in gastrointestinal toxicity and clinical trials have demonstrated a potential benefit of dietary supplements in alleviating acute...
The role of dietary supplements, including biotics, glutamine, polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, in reducing gastrointestinal side effects in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Pelvic radiotherapy (RT) often results in gastrointestinal toxicity and clinical trials have demonstrated a potential benefit of dietary supplements in alleviating acute effects. However, no prophylactic agents have been approved to date for relief of gastrointestinal side-effects caused by pelvic radiation. In this systematic review, we evaluated the efficacy of dietary supplements in preventing or alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity in patients undergoing pelvic RT.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to June 2020 for randomised controlled trials. Interventions included four supplement categories: biotics, glutamine, poly-unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. Efficacy was determined with reference to outcomes based on symptoms of acute gastrointestinal toxicity, including diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence/bloating, bowel movement frequency, tenesmus and rectal bleeding.
RESULTS
Twenty-three randomised controlled trials (1919 patients) were identified in this review. Compared with placebo, probiotics (RR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.99), synbiotics (RR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.73) and polyphenols (RR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.70) were significantly associated with a lower risk of diarrhoea. Biotic supplements also reduced the risk of moderate to severe diarrhoea (RR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.67) and the need for anti-diarrhoeal medication (RR = 0.64; 95%CI: 0.44 to 0.92). In contrast, glutamine had no effect on acute symptoms (RR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.29). There was a non-significant trend for reduction in nausea and mean bowel movements per day using dietary supplements.
CONCLUSIONS
Biotic supplements, especially probiotics and synbiotics, reduce acute symptoms of gastrointestinal toxicity in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy.
PubMed: 34027139
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2021.04.006 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Apr 2024The transmission dynamics and presenting symptoms of intestinal spirochaetosis (Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira aalborgi) are poorly understood but is seen more... (Review)
Review
The transmission dynamics and presenting symptoms of intestinal spirochaetosis (Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira aalborgi) are poorly understood but is seen more frequently in men who have sex with men (MSM) where sexual transmission may occur. We aimed to systemically review the literature to define the factors and presenting symptoms associated with intestinal spirochaetosis in MSM. We systematically searched three bibliographical databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus) for manuscripts written in English up to November 2022. The primary author conducted an initial screen and three authors conducted independent reviews to determine the final eligible manuscripts. We only included manuscripts where there were specific data on factors and presenting symptoms associated with intestinal spirochaetosis in MSM. Fifteen manuscripts published between 1981 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria that included 188 MSM. Sexually transmitted intestinal spirochaetosis in MSM was associated with-living with HIV (including having a low CD4 count <200 mm), having a concomitant sexually transmitted infection, a history of a sexually transmitted infection, co-infection with intestinal parasites; and sexual behaviour including oro-anal sexual contact, oro-genital contact, fisting, condom-less anal sex, receptive anal sex, multiple non-regular sexual partners and increased number of lifetime sexual partners. The presenting symptoms of MSM with intestinal spirochaetosis were diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constitutional symptoms and proctitis, including rectal pain, rectal bleeding rectal discharge, flatulence and tenesmus. We have highlighted some biological and behavioural factors and presenting symptoms associated with intestinal spirochaetosis in MSM which provide insight for clinicians, guidelines and future public health control strategies.
Topics: Male; Humans; Homosexuality, Male; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Sexual Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexual Partners; HIV Infections
PubMed: 38031524
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19689 -
Clinical Oncology (Royal College of... May 2024Pelvic radiotherapy can induce gastrointestinal injury and symptoms, which can affect quality of life. We assessed interventions for managing these symptoms. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Pelvic radiotherapy can induce gastrointestinal injury and symptoms, which can affect quality of life. We assessed interventions for managing these symptoms.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A review of randomised controlled trials published between January 1990 and June 2023 from databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, clinicaltrials.gov, ISRCTN and grey literature sources was conducted. Meta-analyses were carried out using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model to produce overall treatment differences with 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies (2392 participants) of varying methodological quality were included. 4% formalin was superior to sucralfate for improving gastrointestinal symptom score (standardised mean difference [SMD] -1.07, 95% confidence interval -1.48 to -0.65). Argon plasma coagulation (APC) was inferior to sucralfate (SMD 1.22, 95% confidence interval 0.84 to 1.59). Counselling positively influenced symptom score (SMD -0.53, 95% confidence interval -0.76 to -0.29), whereas hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed conflicting results. Sucralfate combined with APC increased endoscopic markers of moderate-severe bleeding versus APC alone (risk ratio 2.26, 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 4.55). No definite conclusions on pain, incontinence, diarrhoea, tenesmus or quality of life interventions were confirmed.
CONCLUSIONS
Small study sizes, methodological quality and heterogeneity limit support of any individual intervention. APC and 4% formalin seem to be promising interventions, with further larger randomised controlled trials now warranted.
Topics: Humans; Sucralfate; Quality of Life; Gastrointestinal Tract; Rectum; Formaldehyde
PubMed: 38431427
DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2024.02.011