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Journal of Current Ophthalmology 2022To assess the real-world efficacy and safety of aflibercept for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To assess the real-world efficacy and safety of aflibercept for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases. Articles were included if participants had DME and received aflibercept treatment for a minimum of 52 ± 4 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT). A risk of bias assessment of studies was completed, pooled estimates were obtained, and a meta-regression was performed. Information on adverse events was collected.
RESULTS
The search yielded 2112 articles, of which 30 were included. Aflibercept was more effective than laser photocoagulation functionally (12-month BCVA-weighted mean difference [WMD] = 10.77 letters, < 0.001; 24 months = 8.12 letters, < 0.001) and anatomically (12-month CMT WMD = -114.12 μm, < 0.001; 24 months = -90.4 μm, = 0.004). Compared to bevacizumab, aflibercept was noninferior at improving BCVA at 12 months (WMD = 1.71 letters, = 0.34) and 24 months (WMD = 1.58 letters, = 0.083). One study found that aflibercept was more effective than bevacizumab anatomically at 1 and 2 years ( < 0.001 at 12 and 24 months). Compared to ranibizumab, aflibercept rendered a greater improvement in BCVA at 1 year (WMD = 1.76 letters, = 0.001), but not 2 years (WMD = 1.66 letters, = 0.072). CMT was not significantly different between both therapies at 12 months (WMD = -14.30 μm, = 0.282) and 24 months ( = 0.08). One study reported greater functional improvement with aflibercept compared with dexamethasone ( = 0.004), but inferiority in reducing CMT ( < 0.001). Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that dosing schedule was found to impact outcomes at 12 and 24 months, while study design and sample size did not impact outcomes at 12 months. There were minimal safety concerns using aflibercept therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
Aflibercept is a safe and effective therapy option for DME in the clinical setting, performing superiorly to laser photocoagulation. Evidence regarding comparisons with bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and dexamethasone is mixed and limited.
PubMed: 36147265
DOI: 10.4103/joco.joco_308_21 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Feb 2024Virtual reality-based exercise rehabilitation (VRER) is a promising intervention for patients with cancer-related dysfunctions (CRDs). However, studies focusing on VRER... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Virtual reality-based exercise rehabilitation (VRER) is a promising intervention for patients with cancer-related dysfunctions (CRDs). However, studies focusing on VRER for CRDs are lacking, and the results are inconsistent.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to review the application of VRER in patients with CRDs.
METHODS
This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist framework. Publications were included from the time of database establishment to October 14, 2023. The databases were PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, ProQuest, arXiv, IEEE Xplore, MedRxiv, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, and SinoMed. The population included patients with cancer. A virtual reality (VR) system or device was required to be provided in exercise rehabilitation as an intervention. Eligible studies focused on VRER used for CRDs. Study selection and data extraction were performed by 2 reviewers independently. Extracted data included authors, year, country, study type, groups, sample size, participant age, cancer type, existing or potential CRDs, VR models and devices, intervention programs and durations, effectiveness, compliance, satisfaction, and safety.
RESULTS
We identified 25 articles, and among these, 12 (48%) were randomized clinical trials, 11 (44%) were other experimental studies, and 2 (8%) were observational studies. The total sample size was 1174 (range 6-136). Among the 25 studies, 22 (88%), 2 (8%), and 1 (4%) included nonimmersive VR, immersive VR, and augmented reality, respectively, which are models of VRER. Commercial game programs (17/25, 68%) were the most popular interventions of VRER, and their duration ranged from 3 to 12 weeks. Using these models and devices, VRER was mostly applied in patients with breast cancer (14/25, 56%), leukemia (8/25, 32%), and lung cancer (3/25, 12%). Furthermore, 6 CRDs were intervened by VRER, and among these, postmastectomy syndromes were the most common (10/25, 40%). Overall, 74% (17/23) of studies reported positive results, including significant improvements in limb function, joint range of motion, edema rates, cognition, respiratory disturbance index, apnea, activities of daily living, and quality of life. The compliance rate ranged from 56% to 100%. Overall, 32% (8/25) of studies reported on patient satisfaction, and of these, 88% (7/8) reported satisfaction with VRER. Moreover, 13% (1/8) reported mild sickness as an adverse event.
CONCLUSIONS
We found that around half of the studies reported using VRER in patients with breast cancer and postmastectomy dysfunctions through nonimmersive models and commercial game programs having durations of 3-12 weeks. In addition, most studies showed that VRER was effective owing to virtualization and interaction. Therefore, VRER may be an alternate intervention for patients with CRDs. However, as the conclusions were drawn from data with acknowledged inconsistencies and limited satisfaction reports, studies with larger sample sizes and more outcome indictors are required.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Activities of Daily Living; Quality of Life; Mastectomy; Medicine
PubMed: 38407951
DOI: 10.2196/49312 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2021. has long been used as traditional medicines in Europe and Asia to treat a variety of common conditions and diseases including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular... (Review)
Review
. has long been used as traditional medicines in Europe and Asia to treat a variety of common conditions and diseases including Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunctions, cancer, and stroke. Previous studies reported that . and its components (RRC) improve ischemia stroke in animal models. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for preclinical studies to evaluate the effects of RRC and the probable neuroprotective mechanisms in ischemic stroke. Studies of RRC on ischemic stroke animal models were searched in seven databases from inception to Oct 2021. The primary measured outcomes included the neural functional deficit score (NFS), infarct volume (IV), brain water content, cell viability, apoptotic cells, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) level and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level. The secondary outcome measures were possible mechanisms of RRC for ischemic stroke. All the data were analyzed via RevMan version 5.3. 15 studies involving 345 animals were identified. Methodological quality for each included studies was accessed according to the CAMARADES 10-item checklist. The quality score of studies range from 1 to 7, and the median was 5.53. Pooled preclinical data showed that compared with the controls, RRC could improve NFS (Zea Longa ( < 0.01), modified neurological severity score (mNSS) ( < 0.01), rotarod tests ( < 0.01), IV ( < 0.01), as well as brain edema ( < 0.01). It also can increase cell viability ( < 0.01), Bcl-2 level ( < 0.01) and reduce TNF-α level ( < 0.01), TUNEL-positive cells ( < 0.01), apoptotic cells ( < 0.01). The findings suggested that RRC can improve ischemia stroke. The possible mechanisms of RRC are largely through antioxidant, anti-apoptosis activities, anti-inflammatory, repressing lipid peroxidation, antigliosis, and alleviating the pathological blood brain barrier damage.
PubMed: 34803686
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.736198 -
Neurosurgical Review Jul 2023Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a life-threatening and severe complication in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The prevalence of NPE varies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a life-threatening and severe complication in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The prevalence of NPE varies significantly across studies due to differences in case definitions, study populations, and methodologies. Therefore, a precise estimation of the prevalence and risk factors related to NPE in patients with spontaneous SAH is important for clinical decision-makers, policy providers, and researchers. We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to January 2023. Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 3,429 SAH patients. The pooled global prevalence of NPE was estimated to be 13%. Out of the eight studies (n = 1095, 56%) that reported the number of in-hospital mortalities of NPE among patients with SAH, the pooled proportion of in-hospital deaths was 47%. Risk factors associated with NPE after spontaneous SAH included female gender, WFNS class, APACHE II score ≥ 20, IL-6 > 40 pg/mL, Hunt and Hess grade ≥ 3, elevated troponin I, elevated white blood cell count, and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Multiple studies showed a strong positive correlation between the WFNS class and NPE. In conclusion, NPE has a moderate prevalence but a high in-hospital mortality rate in patients with SAH. We identified multiple risk factors that can help identify high-risk groups of NPE in individuals with SAH. Early prediction of the onset of NPE is crucial for timely prevention and early intervention.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pulmonary Edema; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Hospital Mortality; Prevalence; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 37432487
DOI: 10.1007/s10143-023-02081-6 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2021Periorbital and orbital cellulitis are infections of the tissue anterior and posterior to the orbital septum, respectively, and can be difficult to differentiate...
BACKGROUND
Periorbital and orbital cellulitis are infections of the tissue anterior and posterior to the orbital septum, respectively, and can be difficult to differentiate clinically. Periorbital cellulitis can also progress to become orbital cellulitis. Orbital cellulitis has a relatively high incidence in children and adults, and potentially serious consequences including vision loss, meningitis, and death. Complications occur in part due to inflammatory swelling from the infection creating a compartment syndrome within the bony orbit, leading to elevated ocular pressure and compression of vasculature and the optic nerve. Corticosteroids are used in other infections to reduce this inflammation and edema, but they can lead to immune suppression and worsening infection.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of adjunctive corticosteroids for periorbital and orbital cellulitis, and to assess their effectiveness and safety in children and in adults separately.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2020, Issue 3); Ovid MEDLINE; Embase.com; PubMed; Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS); ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 2 March 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included studies of participants diagnosed with periorbital or orbital cellulitis. We excluded studies that focused exclusively on participants who were undergoing elective endoscopic surgery, including management of infections postsurgery as well as studies conducted solely on trauma patients. Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. Any study that administered corticosteroids was eligible regardless of type of steroid, route of administration, length of therapy, or timing of treatment. Comparators could include placebo, another corticosteroid, no treatment control, or another intervention.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
The search yielded 7998 records, of which 13 were selected for full-text screening. We identified one trial for inclusion. No other eligible ongoing or completed trials were identified. The included study compared the use of corticosteroids in addition to antibiotics to the use of antibiotics alone for the treatment of orbital cellulitis. The study included a total of 21 participants aged 10 years and older, of which 14 participants were randomized to corticosteroids and antibiotics and 7 participants to antibiotics alone. Participants randomized to corticosteroids and antibiotics received adjunctive corticosteroids after initial antibiotic response (mean 5.13 days), at an initial dose of 1.5 mg/kg for three days followed by 1 mg/kg for another three days before being tapered over a one- to two-week period. We assessed the included study as having an unclear risk of bias for allocation concealment, masking (blinding), selective outcome reporting, and other sources of bias. Risk of bias from sequence generation and incomplete outcome data were low. The certainty of evidence for all outcomes was very low, downgraded for risk of bias (-1) and imprecision (-2). Length of hospital stay was compared between the group receiving antibiotics alone compared to the group receiving antibiotics and corticosteroids (mean difference (MD) 4.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.48 to 9.08; 21 participants). There was no observed difference in duration of antibiotics between treatment groups (MD 3.00, 95% CI -0.48 to 6.48; 21 participants). Likewise, preservation of visual acuity at 12 weeks of follow-up between group was also assessed (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.22; 21 participants). Pain scores were compared between groups on day 3 (MD -0.20, 95% CI -1.02 to 0.62; 22 eyes) along with the need for surgical intervention (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.11 to 9.23; 21 participants). Exposure keratopathy was reported in five participants who received corticosteroids and antibiotics and three participants who received antibiotic alone (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.40 to 3.63; 21 participants). No major complications of orbital cellulitis were seen in either the intervention or the control group. No side effects of corticosteroids were reported, although it is unclear which side effects were assessed.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of periorbital and orbital cellulitis. Since there is significant variation in how corticosteroids are used in clinical practice, additional high-quality evidence from randomized controlled trials is needed to inform decision making. Future studies should explore the effects of corticosteroids in children and adults separately, and evaluate different dosing and timing of corticosteroid therapy.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bias; Cellulitis; Child; Humans; Length of Stay; Orbital Cellulitis; Pain Measurement; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 33908631
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013535.pub2 -
PloS One 2023Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, systemic and chronic disease that mainly affects the joints. It is characterized mainly by pain, edema and joint stiffness,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory, systemic and chronic disease that mainly affects the joints. It is characterized mainly by pain, edema and joint stiffness, which can lead to significant loss of functional capacity and quality of life. Several physical therapy resources are used in the treatment of AR, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the efficacy of LLLT in AR is still controversial. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in adults with RA. Methods and findings: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, PEDro, LILACS, IBECS, CUMED, SCIELO and ClinicalTrials.gov. Two researchers independently selected studies, extracted data, evaluated the risk of bias and assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE approach. Disagreements were resolved by a third author. Meta-analyses were performed. Currently available evidence was from 18 RCTs, with a total of 793 participants. We found low-quality evidence suggesting there may be no difference between using infrared laser and sham in terms of pain, morning stiffness, grip strength, functional capacity, inflammation, ROM, disease activity and adverse events. The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of red laser compared to sham in pain, morning stiffness. The evidence is also very uncertain about the effects of laser acupuncture compared to placebo in functional capacity, quality of life, range of motion and inflammation. Conclusions: Thus, infrared laser may not be superior to sham in RA patients. There is insufficient information to support or refute the effectiveness of red laser, laser acupuncture and reflexology for treating patients with RA.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Low-Level Light Therapy; Quality of Life; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Inflammation; Pain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37683021
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291345 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2021The mechanism of action of Batroxobin included the decomposition of the fibrinogen to fibrin degradation products (FDPs) and D-dimer and mobilization of endothelial... (Review)
Review
The mechanism of action of Batroxobin included the decomposition of the fibrinogen to fibrin degradation products (FDPs) and D-dimer and mobilization of endothelial cells to release endogenous nt-PA and to promote thrombolysis. This review aims to summarize current study findings about batroxobin on correcting cerebral arterial, venous, and peripheral vascular diseases, to explore the mechanism of batroxobin on anti-thrombosis process. A thorough literature search was conducted utilizing the PubMed Central (PMC) and EMBASE databases to identify studies up to June 2021. Data from clinical studies and animal experiments about batroxobin were extracted, integrated and analyzed based on Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions approach and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P), including the condition of subjects, the usage and dosage, research observation index and main findings. A total of 62 studies were enrolled in this systematic review, including 26 clinical studies and 36 animal experiments. The 26 clinical studies involved 873 patients with arterial ischemic events, 92 cases with cerebral venous thrombosis, 13 cases with cerebral cortical vein thrombosis, and 1,049 cases with peripheral vascular diseases. These patients included 452 males and 392 females aged 65.6 ± 5.53 years. The results revealed that batroxobin had broad effects, including improving clinical prognosis ( = 12), preventing thrombosis ( = 7), promoting thrombolysis ( = 6), and improving vascular cognitive dysfunction ( = 1). The effects of batroxobin on reducing neuronal apoptosis ( = 8),relieving cellular edema ( = 4), improving spatial memory ( = 3), and promoting thrombolysis ( = 13) were concluded in animal experiments. The predominant mechanisms explored in animal experiments involved promoting depolymerization of fibrinogen polymers ( = 6), regulating the expression of related molecules ( = 9); such as intercellular adhesion molecule, heat shock proteins, tumor necrosis factor), reducing oxidative stress ( = 5), and reducing inflammation response ( = 4). Batroxobin can correct both arterial and venous ischemic diseases by promoting depolymerization of fibrinogen polymers, regulating the expression of related molecules, reducing oxidative stress, and reducing the inflammation response.
PubMed: 34925203
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.716778 -
Scientific Reports May 2023To better understand the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) versus antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in patients with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Efficacy and safety profile of intravitreal dexamethasone implant versus antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment in diabetic macular edema: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
To better understand the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) versus antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). A systematic review and meta-analysis. The study included randomized control trials (RCTs) and non-randomized control trials (Non-RCTs) before December 2021 that compare the efficacy of Ozurdex-related therapyand anti-VEGF therapy. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. The quality of the included studies was assessed carefully. 30 studies were included. Regarding BCVA change, the overall result revealed no significant differences between Ozurdex and anti-VEGF therapies in patients with nonresistant DME, but Ozurdex group had significantly more VA improvement than anti-VEGF therapies in patients with resistant DME (MD 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.21). In terms of central retinal thickness (CRT) decrease, there was a significant difference between Ozurdex therapy and anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nonresistant DME (MD 48.10, 95% CI 19.06-77.13) and resistant DME (MD 65.37, 95% CI 3.62-127.13). Overall, Ozurdex therapy resulted in significantly greater VA improvement and CRT decrease than anti-VEGF therapy in resistant DME patients. Ozurdex therapy was not inferior to anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nonresistant DME.
Topics: Humans; Macular Edema; Ranibizumab; Glucocorticoids; Endothelial Growth Factors; Bevacizumab; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Dexamethasone; Diabetic Retinopathy; Intravitreal Injections; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 37156823
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34673-z -
Journal of Healthcare Engineering 2022To conduct a systematic review on the mechanism of action and use of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in allergic rhinitis treatment. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review on the mechanism of action and use of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in allergic rhinitis treatment.
BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a type I allergic disease of the immune system induced by immunoglobulin E mediated inflammation and is characterized by sneezing, nasal itching, paroxysmal nasal obstruction, mucosal edema, cough, and rhinorrhea. More than 500 million people have been affected by rhinitis worldwide in the past 20 years, leading to negative effects on health, quality of life, and social relationships. Currently, the trending medicines used in the case of AR include intranasal corticosteroids and oral H1 antihistamines, which are given as combinatorial medicines supplemented with immune therapy. These medications have been found to be very effective in either the short term or long term; however, they have been found to possess some serious side effects. . The information in this article on classical and traditional Chinese medications used to treat AR was derived from original papers and reviews published in Chinese and English language journals. Two Chinese databases (Wanfang and CNKI) and three English databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase) were utilized for data gathering.
RESULTS
Traditional Chinese remedies have been identified to influence the production of cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-6, which are key mediators of eosinophilic inflammation, TNF-, which stimulates TH2 cells at the site of inflammation, and NF-B, which is required for cytokine and IgE antibody production. TCM has also been shown to be successful in lowering histamine levels, preserving histological changes by decreasing the thickness of the lamina propria, and downregulating the expression of Orai1, STIM1, and TRYC1, showing low expression of Ca channel proteins.
CONCLUSION
In this review, we discussed a series of classical, traditional Chinese medications, including , , licorice root (), and others, as potential antiallergic agents and investigate their in vivo effect upon the production of cytokines and release of histamines for allergic rhinitis treatment.
Topics: China; Cytokines; Humans; Inflammation; Quality of Life; Rhinitis, Allergic
PubMed: 35444784
DOI: 10.1155/2022/3594210 -
European Stroke Journal Jun 2023Perihaematomal oedema (PHO) formation has gained increasing interest as a therapeutic target after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Whether PHO contributes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Perihaematomal oedema (PHO) formation has gained increasing interest as a therapeutic target after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Whether PHO contributes to poor outcome is unclear. We aimed to determine the association between PHO and outcome in patients with spontaneous ICH.
METHOD
We searched five databases up to 17 November 2021 for studies of ⩾10 adults with ICH reporting the presence of PHO and outcome. We assessed risk of bias, extracted aggregate data and used random effects meta-analysis to pool studies that reported odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Primary outcome was poor functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 3 months. Additionally, we assessed PHO growth and poor outcome at any time of follow-up. We prospectively registered the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42020157088).
FINDINGS
We identified 12,968 articles, of which we included 27 studies ( = 9534). Eighteen studies reported an association between larger PHO volume and poor outcome, six a neutral result and three an inverse relationship. Larger absolute PHO volume was associated with poor functional outcome at 3 months (OR per mL increase of absolute PHO 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.06, 44%, four studies). Additionally, PHO growth was associated with poor outcome (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06, 0%, seven studies).
DISCUSSION
In patients with spontaneous ICH, larger PHO volume is associated with poor functional outcome at 3 months. These findings support the development and investigation of new therapeutic interventions targeting PHO formation to evaluate if reduction of PHO improves outcome after ICH.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Edema; Brain Edema
PubMed: 37231691
DOI: 10.1177/23969873231157884