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Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Dec 2020We present a consecutive case series and a systematic review of surgically treated pediatric PCs. We hypothesized that the symptomatic PC is a progressive disease with... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
We present a consecutive case series and a systematic review of surgically treated pediatric PCs. We hypothesized that the symptomatic PC is a progressive disease with hydrocephalus at its last stage. We also propose that PC microsurgery is associated with better postoperative outcomes compared to other treatments.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. No clinical study on pediatric PC patients was available. We performed a comprehensive evaluation of the available individual patient data of 43 (22 case reports and 21 observational series) articles.
RESULTS
The review included 109 patients (72% females). Ten-year-old or younger patients harbored smaller PC sizes compared to older patients (p < 0.01). The pediatric PCs operated on appeared to represent a progressive disease, which started with unspecific symptoms with a mean cyst diameter of 14.5 mm, and progressed to visual impairment with a mean cyst diameter of 17.8 mm, and hydrocephalus with a mean cyst diameter of 23.5 mm in the final stages of disease (p < 0.001). Additionally, 96% of patients saw an improvement in their symptoms or became asymptomatic after surgery. PC microsurgery linked with superior gross total resection compared to endoscopic and stereotactic procedures (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Surgically treated pediatric PCs appear to behave as a progressive disease, which starts with cyst diameters of approximately 15 mm and develops with acute or progressive hydrocephalus at the final stage. PC microneurosurgery appears to be associated with a more complete surgical resection compared to other procedures.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Central Nervous System Cysts; Child; Cysts; Female; Humans; Male; Microsurgery; Pineal Gland
PubMed: 32691194
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04792-3 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2022The objective of this systematic review was (a) to explore the current clinical applications of AI/ML (Artificial intelligence and Machine learning) techniques in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this systematic review was (a) to explore the current clinical applications of AI/ML (Artificial intelligence and Machine learning) techniques in diagnosis and treatment prediction in children with CLP (Cleft lip and palate), (b) to create a qualitative summary of results of the studies retrieved.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic search was carried out using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science Core Collection. Two reviewers searched the databases separately and concurrently. The initial search was conducted on 6 July 2021. The publishing period was unrestricted; however, the search was limited to articles involving human participants and published in English. Combinations of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) phrases and free text terms were used as search keywords in each database. The following data was taken from the methods and results sections of the selected papers: The amount of AI training datasets utilized to train the intelligent system, as well as their conditional properties; Unilateral CLP, Bilateral CLP, Unilateral Cleft lip and alveolus, Unilateral cleft lip, Hypernasality, Dental characteristics, and sagittal jaw relationship in children with CLP are among the problems studied.
RESULTS
Based on the predefined search strings with accompanying database keywords, a total of 44 articles were found in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science search results. After reading the full articles, 12 papers were included for systematic analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Artificial intelligence provides an advanced technology that can be employed in AI-enabled computerized programming software for accurate landmark detection, rapid digital cephalometric analysis, clinical decision-making, and treatment prediction. In children with corrected unilateral cleft lip and palate, ML can help detect cephalometric predictors of future need for orthognathic surgery.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Child; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Humans; Machine Learning
PubMed: 36078576
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710860 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Jan 2020Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a commonly used modality for treatment of lymphatic malformations (LMs) of the head, face, and neck. The safety and efficacy of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a commonly used modality for treatment of lymphatic malformations (LMs) of the head, face, and neck. The safety and efficacy of sclerotherapy with various agents for diverse pathologic types of LMs have not been fully established. We present the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the safety and efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy for treatment of LMs of the head, face, and neck.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase from 2000 to 2018 for studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of percutaneous sclerotherapy of head, face, and neck LMs. Two independent reviewers selected studies and abstracted data. The primary outcomes were complete and partial resolution of the LM. Data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
There were 25 studies reporting on 726 patients included. The overall rate of complete cure of any pathologic type of LM after percutaneous sclerotherapy with any agent was 50.5% (95% confidence interval, 36.6%-64.3%). Macrocystic lesions had a cure rate of 53.1% compared with cure rates of 35.1% for microcystic lesions and 31.1% for mixed lesions. Regarding agents, doxycycline had the highest cure rate (62.4%) compared with all other agents. Overall permanent morbidity or mortality was 1.2% (95% confidence interval, 0.4%-2.0%) with no deaths. I values were >50% for most outcomes, indicating substantial heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 studies and >700 patients found that percutaneous sclerotherapy is a safe and effective modality for treatment of LMs of the head, neck, and face.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Head; Humans; Infant; Lymphatic Abnormalities; Lymphatic System; Male; Neck; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sclerosing Solutions; Sclerotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 31734224
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2019.09.007 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open Jul 2023To evaluate the pooled prevalence and identify risk factors of congenital anomalies among neonates in Africa. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the pooled prevalence and identify risk factors of congenital anomalies among neonates in Africa.
METHODS
The pooled birth prevalence of congenital anomalies was the first outcome of this review, and the pooled measure of association between congenital anomalies and related risk factors in Africa was the second. We conducted a thorough search of the databases PubMed/ Medline, PubMed Central, Hinary, Google, Cochrane Library, African Journals Online, Web of Science and Google Scholar up to 31 January 2023. The JBI appraisal checklist was used to evaluate the studies. STATA V.17 was used for the analysis. The I test and Eggers and Beggs tests were used to measure study heterogeneity and publication bias respectively. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies was calculated using DerSimonian and Laird random-effect model. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were also performed.
RESULT
This systematic review and meta-analysis includes 32 studies with a total of 626 983 participants. The pooled prevalence of congenital anomalies was 23.5 (95% CI 20 to 26.9) per 1000 newborns. Not taking folic acid (pooled OR=2.67; 95% CI (1.42 to 5.00)), history of maternal illness (pooled OR=2.44, 95% CI (1.2 to 4.94)), history of drug use (pooled OR=2.74, 95% CI (1.29 to 5.81)), maternal age (>35 years.) (Pooled OR=1.97, 95% CI (1.15 to 3.37)), drinking alcohol (pooled OR=3.15, 95% CI (1.4 to 7.04)), kchat chewing (pooled OR=3.34, 5% CI (1.68 to 6.65)) and urban residence (pooled OR=0.58, 95% CI (0.36 to 0.95)) were had significant association with congenital anomalies.
CONCLUSION
The pooled prevalence of congenital abnormalities in Africa was found to be substantial, with significant regional variation. Appropriate folate supplementation during pregnancy, proper management of maternal sickness, proper antenatal care, referring healthcare personnel before using drugs, avoiding alcohol intake and kchat chewing are all important in lowering the occurrence of congenital abnormalities among newborns in Africa.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Africa; Congenital Abnormalities; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37429669
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002022 -
BMJ Paediatrics Open Oct 2023To estimate the prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants with a systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants with a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHOD
A literature search was conducted in April 2023, using databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, CNKI, and SinoMed, without language restrictions. Eligible studies included cross-sectional studies reporting the prevalence of DDH among infants aged 0-12 months. Two independent reviewers manually selected and coded the studies, with any disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the prevalence of DDH. Regression analysis examined the trend of DDH prevalence, and stratification analysis explored heterogeneity between studies.
RESULTS
A total of 65 studies involving 3 451 682 infants were included in the meta-analysis. None of the studies were classified as high quality, four were medium-to-high quality, 50 were low-to-medium quality, and eight were low quality. The pooled prevalence of DDH was 1.40% (95% CI: 0.86 to 2.28, I=100%), and prevalence of dysplasia, subluxation, and dislocation was 1.45% (95% CI: 0.93 to 2.24, I=97%), 0.37% (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.60, I=94%), and 0.21% (95% CI: 0.13 to 0.34, I=92%), respectively. Notably, the overall prevalence has a slight upward trend in the last three decades (β=0.24, p=0.35), but the dysplasia was downward trend (β=-0.48, p<0.01). Girls have higher risk of DDH than boys (1.46% vs 0.66%; Q=5.83, df=1, p=0.02). There were no significant differences based on gender, country, setting, or screening technique.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of DDH among infants is approximately one in a 100, with girls being at higher risk. Though the prevalence of dysplasia has decreased, there is a slight upward trend in overall DDH. Therefore, routine screening for DDH in infants is recommended to prevent more serious developmental problems.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Infant; Prevalence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip; Hip Dislocation, Congenital; Mass Screening
PubMed: 37879719
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002080 -
European Journal of Pediatrics May 2023to review recent literature concerning long-term health issues and transitional care in esophageal atresia (EA) patients. PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
to review recent literature concerning long-term health issues and transitional care in esophageal atresia (EA) patients. PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases were screened for studies regarding EA patients aged more than or equal to 11 years, published between August 2014 and June 2022. Sixteen studies involving 830 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 27.4 years (range 11-63). EA subtype distribution was: type C (48.8%), A (9.5%), D (1.9%), E (0.5%) and B (0.2%). 55% underwent primary repair, 34.3% delayed repair, 10.5% esophageal substitution. Mean follow-up was 27.2 years (range 11-63). Long-term sequelae were: gastro-esophageal reflux (41.4%), dysphagia (27.6%), esophagitis (12.4%), Barrett esophagus (8.1%), anastomotic stricture (4.8%); persistent cough (8.7%), recurrent infections (4.3%) and chronic respiratory diseases (5.5%). Musculo-skeletal deformities were present in 36 out of 74 reported cases. Reduced weight and height were detected in 13.3% and 6% cases, respectively. Impaired quality of life was reported in 9% of patients; 9.6% had diagnosis or raised risk of mental disorders. 10.3% of adult patients had no care provider. Meta-analysis was conducted on 816 patients. Estimated prevalences are: GERD 42.4%, dysphagia 57.8%, Barrett esophagus 12.4%, respiratory diseases 33.3%, neurological sequelae 11.7%, underweight 19.6%. Heterogeneity was substantial (> 50%). Conclusion: EA patients must continue follow-up beyond childhood, with a defined transitional-care path by a highly specialized multidisciplinary team due to the multiple long-term sequelae.
WHAT IS KNOWN
• Survival rates of esophageal atresia patients is now more than 90% thanks to the improvements in surgical techniques and intensive care, therefore patients' needs throughout adolescence and adulthood must be taken into account.
WHAT IS NEW
• This review, by summarizing recent literature concerning long term sequelae of esophageal atresia, may contribute to raise awareness on the importance of defining standardized protocols of transitional and adulthood care for esophageal atresia patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Humans; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Barrett Esophagus; Deglutition Disorders; Disease Progression; Esophageal Atresia; Follow-Up Studies; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Quality of Life; Transitional Care
PubMed: 36905437
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04893-6 -
Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Apr 2022Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are disorders of connective tissue that lead to a wide range of clinical presentations. While we are beginning to understand the... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are disorders of connective tissue that lead to a wide range of clinical presentations. While we are beginning to understand the association between EDS and psychological manifestations, it is critical that we further elucidate the relationship between the two. Understanding the correlation between EDS and mental health will better ensure swift diagnosis and effective treatment for patients.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to systematically examine and report the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the EDS population.
METHODS
The PubMed database was searched on June 14, 2021 for articles published from January 2011 to June 2021. We included original, evidence-based, peer-reviewed journal articles in English that reported information on psychiatric disorders among EDS patients. Psychiatric disorders and psychological conditions were limited to those included in the "psychology" and "mental disorders" Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search terms defined by the National Library of Medicine. Publications identified utilizing this search strategy by M.K. were imported into the Covidence system, where they first underwent a title and abstract screening process by three independent reviewers (M.K., K.L., H.G.). During the full-text review, two independent reviewers read the full text of the questionable articles to assess their eligibility for inclusion. Studies were excluded if they did not meet our target objective or if they were not in English or if they were opinion pieces, conference abstracts, or review articles. Data were extracted from the shortlisted studies by reviewers. During the data extraction phase, the quality and risk of publication bias were assessed by two independent reviewers utilizing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Study Quality Assessment Tools. Any disagreements in study selection, data extraction, or quality assessment were adjudicated via discussion between the two reviewers, utilizing a third reviewer as a decider if necessary.
RESULTS
Out of 73 articles identified, there were no duplicates. A total of 73 records were screened, but only 40 articles were assessed in full text for eligibility. A total of 23 articles were ultimately included, which collectively discussed 12,298 participants. Ten (43.5%) of the included studies were cross-sectional in design, three (13.0%) were case reports, and three (13.0%) were retrospective chart reviews. The remaining seven (30.4%) articles were either case-control, cohort, qualitative, controlled observational, or validation studies. Twelve (52.2%) of the studies reported data on depression disorders, six of which reported prevalence data. Nine (39.1%) of the studies reported data on anxiety disorders, five of which reported prevalence data. Studies that reported nonprevalence data presented odds-ratio, mean scores on psychiatric evaluations, and other correlation statistics. Psychiatric disorders that were most reported in these articles were mood disorders (n=11), anxiety disorders (n=9), and neurodevelopmental disorders (n=7). Although the reports varied, the highest psychiatric prevalence reports in EDS patients involved language disorders (63.2%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (52.4%), anxiety (51.2%), learning disabilities (42.4%), and depression (30.2%).
CONCLUSIONS
Although mood disorders were cited in more articles, the highest reported prevalence was for language disorders and ADHD. This discrepancy highlights the importance of performing more research to better understand the relationship between EDS and psychiatric disorders.
Topics: Anxiety; Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome; Humans; Language Disorders; Mental Disorders; Retrospective Studies; United States
PubMed: 35420002
DOI: 10.1515/jom-2021-0267 -
Nutrients Apr 2023Maternal dietary factors have been suggested as possible contributing influences for congenital anomalies (CAs). We aimed to assess the association between vitamin D... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Maternal dietary factors have been suggested as possible contributing influences for congenital anomalies (CAs). We aimed to assess the association between vitamin D supplementation or vitamin D status (s-25OHD) during pregnancy and CAs in the offspring. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the three electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Included studies were critically appraised using appropriate tools (risk of bias 2, ROBINS-I). A protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42019127131). A meta-analysis of four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including 3931 participants showed no effect of vitamin D supplementation on CAs, a relative risk of 0.76 (95% CI 0.45; 1.30), with moderate certainty in the effect estimates by GRADE assessment. Of the nine identified observational studies, six were excluded due to a critical risk of bias in accordance with ROBINS-I. Among the included observational studies, two studies found no association, whereas one case-control study identified an association between s-25OHD < 20 nmol/L and neural tube defects, with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.34 (95% CI: 1.07; 5.07). Interpretation of the results should be cautious given the low prevalence of CAs, RCTs with onset of supplementation after organogenesis, and low-quality observational studies.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Neural Tube Defects; Case-Control Studies; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37432271
DOI: 10.3390/nu15092125 -
Environmental Health Perspectives Aug 2023Neural tube defects (NTDs) affect pregnancies worldwide annually. Few nongenetic factors, other than folate deficiency, have been identified that may provide... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neural tube defects (NTDs) affect pregnancies worldwide annually. Few nongenetic factors, other than folate deficiency, have been identified that may provide intervenable solutions to reduce the burden of NTDs. Prenatal exposure to toxic metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb)] may increase the risk of NTDs. Although a growing epidemiologic literature has examined associations, to our knowledge no systematic review has been conducted to date.
OBJECTIVE
Through adaptation of the Navigation Guide systematic review methodology, we aimed to answer the question "does exposure to As, Cd, Hg, Mn, or Pb during gestation increase the risk of NTDs?" and to assess challenges to evaluating this question given the current evidence.
METHODS
We selected available evidence on prenatal As, Cd, Hg, Mn, or Pb exposure and risk of specific NTDs (e.g., spina bifida, anencephaly) or all NTDs via a comprehensive search across MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and TOXLINE databases and applied inclusion/exclusion criteria. We rated the quality and strength of the evidence for each metal. We applied a customized risk of bias protocol and evaluated the sufficiency of evidence of an effect of each metal on NTDs.
RESULTS
We identified 30 studies that met our criteria. Risk of bias for confounding and selection was high in most studies, but low for missing data. We determined that, although the evidence was limited, the literature supported an association between prenatal exposure to Hg or Mn and increased risk of NTDs. For the remaining metals, the evidence was inadequate to establish or rule out an effect.
CONCLUSION
The role of gestational As, Cd, or Pb exposure in the etiology of NTDs remains unclear and warrants further investigation in high-quality studies, with a particular focus on controlling confounding, mitigating selection bias, and improving exposure assessment. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11872.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Cadmium; Lead; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Neural Tube Defects; Mercury; Manganese; Arsenic
PubMed: 37647124
DOI: 10.1289/EHP11872 -
Jornal de Pediatria 2023Meckel diverticulum (MD) is a common malformation of the digestive tract, often accompanied by serious complications. It is important to find safe and effective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Meckel diverticulum (MD) is a common malformation of the digestive tract, often accompanied by serious complications. It is important to find safe and effective diagnostic methods for screening MD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a technetium-99m (Tc-99m) scan for pediatric bleeding MD.
METHODS
The authors conducted a systematic review of studies published in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science before 1 January 2023. Studies based on PICOS were included in this systematic review. The flow chart was made by PRISMA software. The quality of included studies was assessed by RevMan5 software (QUADAS-2: Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2). The sensitivity, specificity, and other measurements of accuracy were pooled using Stata/SE 12.0 software.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies with 1115 children were included in this systematic review. A randomized-effects model was used for the meta-analysis because of significant heterogeneity. The combined sensitivity and specificity were 0.80 [Confidence Interval (95% CI, 0.73-0.86) and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86-0.98)], respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.85-0.90). Publication bias (Begg's test p = 0.053) was observed.
CONCLUSION
Tc-99m scan has high specificity, but moderate sensitivity, which is always influenced by some factors. Hence, the Tc-99m scan has some limitations in the diagnosis of pediatric bleeding MD.
Topics: Child; Humans; Technetium; Meckel Diverticulum; Radionuclide Imaging; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 37277097
DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2023.03.009