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Hand (New York, N.Y.) Mar 2021The utility of nerve conduction studies (NCS) for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has continued to be a subject of debate. Proponents of NCS assume a high...
The utility of nerve conduction studies (NCS) for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has continued to be a subject of debate. Proponents of NCS assume a high sensitivity and specificity; however, many are unaware of the actual literature on this topic and the cutoff values commonly used for diagnosis. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature is to report the sensitivity and specificity of NCS for diagnosis of CTS in various studies. A literature review of PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed for all articles on NCS for diagnosis of CTS. The outcome of interest was the sensitivity and/or specificity of the NCS distal motor latency (DML) or distal sensory latency (DSL) cutoff value used to diagnose CTS in each study. A total of 3066 total articles were screened and 21 were included in the review after assessment by two independent reviewers. The mean cut-off value for DSL was 3.37 ms (range 2.8-4 ms) and the mean cutoff value for DML was 4.28 ms (range 3.8-4.6 ms). Weighted mean DSL sensitivity was 73.4% and weighted mean DSL specificity was 93.6%. Weighted mean DML sensitivity was 56.2% and weighted mean DML specificity was 95.8%. There is significant variation in the cutoff values used for both DSL and DML. The wide range of cut-off values makes it difficult to interpret the literature, and there is a lack of high-quality studies with control groups using a priori cut-off values for diagnosis.
Topics: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Electrodiagnosis; Humans; Median Nerve; Neural Conduction; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 31203646
DOI: 10.1177/1558944719855442 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Sep 2019Gastrointestinal schwannomas are slow-growing benign mesenchymal neoplasms that originate from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath of Auerbach´s plexus or less frequently...
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal schwannomas are slow-growing benign mesenchymal neoplasms that originate from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath of Auerbach´s plexus or less frequently from Meissner´s plexus. The main differential diagnosis of gastric schwannomas are the gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), which are classified by their immunohistochemistry. The treatment of choice for gastric schwannomas is surgery where laparoscopy plays an important role. Wedge resection, subtotal or total gastrectomy can be done. In its counterpart, esophageal schwannomas are benign tumors of the esophagus that are very uncommon since they comprise less than 2% of all esophageal tumors. The main differential diagnosis is the leiomyoma which corresponds to the most common benign esophageal tumor, followed by GIST. The treatment consists on tumoral enucleation or esophagectomy.
AIM
To review the available literature about gastrointestinal schwannomas; especially lesions from de stomach and esophagus, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow up, as well as, reporting our institutional experience.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines. The following databases were used for reviewing process: PubMed, Ovid, MEDLINE, and Scopus. Only English language manuscripts were included. All gastrointestinal schwannomas specifically located in the esophagus and stomach were included. Cases that did not report long-term follow-up were excluded.
RESULTS
Gastric localization showed a higher prevalence in both, the literature review and our institution: 94.95% ( = 317) and 83% ( = 5) respectively. With a follow-up with disease-free survival greater than 36 mo in most cases: 62.01% ( = 80) 66.66% ( = 4). In both groups, the median size was > 4.1 cm. Surgical treatment is curative in most cases.
CONCLUSION
Schwannoma must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors. It has a good prognosis, and most are benign. A disease-free survival of more than 36 mo can be achieved by surgery.
PubMed: 31558979
DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v11.i9.750 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2021The aim of our paper was to provide comprehensive data on the role of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies in the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). An... (Review)
Review
The aim of our paper was to provide comprehensive data on the role of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies in the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). An extensive search was conducted through the major electronic database to identify eligible articles. Data extracted included grade of CTS based on neurophysiological testing, preoperative data of EDX studies, time of complete or partial resolution after surgery, postoperative Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (CTQ) scores, age, sex, intraoperative and postoperative data of EDX studies, time to complete or partial resolution of symptoms, and number of patients without postsurgical improvement. Our main findings revealed that that electrodiagnostic testing is still a powerful tool for diagnosis of CTS. Moreover, it can also detect other pathologies. EDX testing provides a quantitative measure of the physiological function of the median nerve, which may be used to guide surgical treatment. Thirdly, when the outcome of surgery is unsatisfactory, NCS can assist in determining the reason for failure.
PubMed: 34207345
DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122691 -
Vagus nerve stimulation in refractory and super-refractory status epilepticus - A systematic review.Brain Stimulation 2019Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is the persistence of status epilepticus despite second-line treatment. Super-refractory SE (SRSE) is characterized by ongoing status...
RATIONALE
Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is the persistence of status epilepticus despite second-line treatment. Super-refractory SE (SRSE) is characterized by ongoing status despite 48 h of anaesthetic treatment. Due to the high case fatality in RSE of 16-39%, off label treatments without strong evidence of efficacy in RSE are often administered. In single case-reports and small case series totalling 28 patients, acute implantation of VNS in RSE was associated with 76% and 26% success rate in generalized and focal RSE respectively. We performed an updated systematic review of the literature on efficacy of VNS in RSE/SRSE by including all reported patients.
METHODS
We systematically searched EMBASE, CENTRAL, Opengre.eu, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and PubMed databases to identify studies reporting the use of VNS for RSE and/or SRSE. We also searched conference abstracts from AES and ILAE meetings.
RESULTS
45 patients were identified in total of which 38 were acute implantations of VNS in RSE/SRSE. Five cases had VNS implantation for epilepsia partialis continua, one for refractory electrical status epilepticus in sleep and one for acute encephalitis with refractory repetitive focal seizures. Acute VNS implantation was associated with cessation of RSE/SRSE in 74% (28/38) of acute cases. Cessation did not occur in 18% (7/38) of cases and four deaths were reported (11%); all of them due to the underlying disease and unlikely related to VNS implantation. Median duration of the RSE/SRSE episode pre and post VNS implantation was 18 days (range: 3-1680 days) and 8 days (range: 3-84 days) respectively. Positive outcomes occurred in 82% (31/38) of cases.
CONCLUSION
VNS can interrupt RSE and SRSE in 74% of patients; data originate from reported studies classified as level IV and the risk for reporting bias is high. Further prospective studies are warranted to investigate acute VNS in RSE and SRSE.
Topics: Adult; Anticonvulsants; Clinical Trials as Topic; Databases, Factual; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Sleep; Status Epilepticus; Vagus Nerve Stimulation
PubMed: 31126871
DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2019.05.011 -
EFORT Open Reviews Mar 2023Partial wrist denervation can be performed by isolated posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) or combined PIN plus (+) anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) neurectomy... (Review)
Review
Does anterior plus posterior interosseus neurectomy lead to better outcomes than isolated posterior interosseus denervation in the treatment of chronic wrist pain? A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
Partial wrist denervation can be performed by isolated posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) or combined PIN plus (+) anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) neurectomy procedures. The purpose of the current systematic review is to investigate any differences in clinical outcomes and failures in patients undergoing AIN + PIN vs isolated PIN neurectomy.
METHODS
A review of the English Literature was performed on Medline, WOS and Scopus according to PRISMA protocol combining 'wrist denervation', 'PIN neurectomy', 'AIN neurectomy', anterior interosseous nerve neurectomy' and 'posterior interosseous nerve neurectomy'. Studies were assessed with a modified Coleman Methodology Score (CMS). The primary outcome for meta-analysis was 'Failures', including all patients who have required a second surgery or those who are left with pain (defined as 'bad').
RESULTS
Overall, 10 studies totalling 347 wrists were included in this systematic review, with a 'moderate' CMS. The isolated PIN neurectomy technique showed a 15.1% pooled failure rate at a median follow-up of 22 months, while the combined AIN+PIN denervation had a pooled failure rate of 23.6% at a follow-up with a median of 29 months. The combined analysis of both procedures did not show significantly better results in favour of either technique, with a general failure rate of 21.6% (P = 0.0501).
CONCLUSION
Partial denervation for chronic wrist pain is a salvage procedure that leads to an overall success of 78.4% for pain relief, with no substantial complications. Apparently, performing the neurectomy also of the AIN does not offer greater advantages compared to the isolated PIN neurectomy.
PubMed: 36916712
DOI: 10.1530/EOR-22-0089 -
Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online Jan 2024This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of mini-open carpal tunnel release (mOCTR) using best-evidence synthesis methods.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of mini-open carpal tunnel release (mOCTR) using best-evidence synthesis methods.
METHODS
We systematically searched for prospective studies published from January 2013 to July 2023 that reported outcomes from a minimum of 50 mOCTR cases. The outcomes included Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale (BCTQ-SSS) and Functional Status Scale (BCTQ-FSS), pain visual analog scale (VAS), complication rate, and reoperation rate. Data analysis was performed using a random-effects meta-analysis, with metaregression to identify the associations between patient- and study-level factors with surgical outcomes.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 23 studies with 2,303 patients followed for median durations ranging from 6 to 12 months depending on the outcome. Mini-open carpal tunnel release resulted in statistically significant and clinically important improvements in Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (mean difference = -25.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -36.4 to -14.5; < .001), BCTQ-SSS (mean difference = -2.2; 95% CI: -2.5 to -1.9; < .001), BCTQ-FSS (mean difference = -2.1; 95% CI: -2.4 to -1.7; < .001), and pain VAS (mean difference = -5.1; 95% CI: -6.2 to -4.1; < .001). The sole predictor of improvement in BCTQ-SSS, BCTQ-FSS, and pain VAS was a higher preoperative score for the respective variable (all < .001). The risk of complications (mainly short-term pillar pain or scar complications) was 8.9% (95% CI: 4.0%-13.8%) and increased with longer incision lengths ( = .008). Revision carpal tunnel release was performed in 0.6% (95% CI: 0.1%-1.0%) of the cases during follow-up. No cases of median nerve transection were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on a best-evidence meta-analysis of contemporary studies, mOCTR significantly improved function and pain, with a relatively low risk of mainly temporary complications. Patient outcomes after mOCTR were influenced by patient symptomatology and surgical incision length.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Mini-open carpal tunnel release is an effective surgical option that significantly improves symptoms and function, especially for patients with more severe baseline dysfunction. Surgeons should use the shortest incision that allows adequate visualization to safely divide the transverse carpal ligament.
PubMed: 38313621
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2023.08.005 -
BMC Anesthesiology Dec 2022The objective of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to compare the effects of single-shot ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The objective of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to compare the effects of single-shot ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing open cardiac surgery.
METHODS
This systematic review and network meta-analysis involved cardiac surgical patients (age > 18 y) requiring median sternotomy. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, and Web of Science. The effects of the single-shot ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia technique were compared with those of placebo and no intervention. We conducted a risk assessment of bias for eligible studies and assessed the overall quality of evidence for each outcome.
RESULTS
The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes were pain after extubation at 12 and 24 h, postoperative nausea and vomiting, extubation time, intensive care unit discharge time, and length of hospital stay. Fifteen studies with 849 patients were included. The regional anesthesia techniques included pecto-intercostal fascial block, transversus thoracis muscle plane block, erector spinae plane (ESP) block, and pectoralis nerve block I. All the regional anesthesia techniques included significantly reduced postoperative opioid consumption at 24 h, expressed as morphine milligram equivalents (MME). The ESP block was the most effective treatment (-22.93 MME [-34.29;-11.56]).
CONCLUSIONS
In this meta-analysis, we concluded that fascial plane blocks were better than placebo when evaluating 24 h MMEs. However, it is still challenging to determine which is better, given the paucity of studies available in the literature. More randomized controlled trials are required to determine which regional anesthesia technique is better.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO; CRD42022315497.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Analgesics, Opioid; Network Meta-Analysis; Pain, Postoperative; Anesthesia, Conduction; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Ultrasonography, Interventional
PubMed: 36581838
DOI: 10.1186/s12871-022-01952-7 -
PloS One 2021People with ulnar, radial or median nerve injuries can present significant impairment of their sensory and motor functions. The prescribed treatment for these conditions... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
People with ulnar, radial or median nerve injuries can present significant impairment of their sensory and motor functions. The prescribed treatment for these conditions often includes electrophysical therapies, whose effectiveness in improving symptoms and function is a source of debate. Therefore, this systematic review aims to provide an integrative overview of the efficacy of these modalities in sensorimotor rehabilitation compared to placebo, manual therapy, or between them.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. We perform a literature review in the following databases: Biomed Central, Ebscohost, Lilacs, Ovid, PEDro, Sage, Scopus, Science Direct, Semantic Scholar, Taylor & Francis, and Web of Science, for the period 1980-2020. We include studies that discussed the sensorimotor rehabilitation of people with non-degenerative ulnar, radial, or median nerve injury. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Risk of Bias Tool described in the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the risk of bias across studies with the GRADE approach described in the GRADE Handbook.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight studies were included in the systematic review and 34 in the meta-analysis. The overall quality of evidence was rated as low or very low according to GRADE criteria. Low-level laser therapy and ultrasound showed favourable results in improving symptom severity and functional status compared to manual therapy. In addition, the low level laser showed improvements in pinch strength compared to placebo and pain (VAS) compared to manual therapy. Splints showed superior results to electrophysical modalities. The clinical significance of the results was assessed by effect size estimation and comparison with the minimum clinically important difference (MCID).
CONCLUSIONS
We found favourable results in pain relief, improvement of symptoms, functional status, and neurophysiological parameters for some electrophysical modalities, mainly when applied with a splint. Our results coincide with those obtained in some meta-analyses. However, none of these can be considered clinically significant.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration number CRD42020168792; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=168792.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Humans; Median Neuropathy; Neuralgia; Pain Measurement; Radial Neuropathy; Splints; Treatment Outcome; Ulnar Neuropathies
PubMed: 33735212
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248484 -
Neurology(R) Neuroimmunology &... May 2020To describe the main syndrome and clinical course in a large cohort of patients with anti-Ri-associated paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome (Ri-PNS).
OBJECTIVE
To describe the main syndrome and clinical course in a large cohort of patients with anti-Ri-associated paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome (Ri-PNS).
METHODS
Twenty-year retrospective nationwide study and systematic review of the literature.
RESULTS
Thirty-six patients with complete clinical information were identified (median age 66 years, range: 47-87 years). In this French cohort, the majority were women (78%). At onset, 4 main patterns were observed: cerebellar syndrome (39%), isolated tremor (24%), oculomotor disturbances (17%), and other symptoms (19%). Course was multistep for 78% of cases. At the time the disease reached the plateau phase (median 12 weeks, range: 1-64 weeks; 28% >3 months), 24 (67%) showed an overt cerebellar syndrome, which was isolated in 3 patients, and was most frequently (21/24 cases) part of a multisystem neurologic disease. Patients manifested a variety of movement disorders, including myoclonus (33%), dystonia (17%), either cervical or oromandibular, and parkinsonism (17%). Most patients had cancer (92%), mainly breast cancer (n = 22). Misdiagnoses concerned 22% of patients (n = 8) and included atypical parkinsonism (n = 2), MS (n = 2), Bickerstaff encephalitis (n = 1), hyperekplexia (n = 1), vestibular neuritis (n = 1), and functional neurologic disorder (n = 1). Survival at 12 months was 73% (95% CI [0.54-0.85]), at 24 months 62% (95% CI [0.41-0.78]), and at 36 months 47% (95% CI [0.25-0.65]). There was no major clinical difference between cases retrieved from the systematic review of the literature (n = 55) and the French cohort.
CONCLUSIONS
Ri-PNS is a multisystem neurologic syndrome with prominent cerebellum/brainstem involvement. Opsoclonus-myoclonus is less common than expected, and the disorder can mimic neurodegenerative diseases.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; France; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Movement Disorders; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neuro-Oncological Ventral Antigen; Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration; Paraneoplastic Syndromes, Nervous System; RNA-Binding Proteins; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32170042
DOI: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000000699 -
Pain Physician May 2022Chronic neck pain is often multifactorial and is a leading cause of pain and disability. Cervical facet joint pain is a common cause of neck pain and, in addition to...
BACKGROUND
Chronic neck pain is often multifactorial and is a leading cause of pain and disability. Cervical facet joint pain is a common cause of neck pain and, in addition to more conservative modalities, can be treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the respective medial branch nerves. Cervicogenic headaches are a frequent complaint in pain clinics in the United States and can be targeted via a similar procedural approach.
OBJECTIVES
We evaluated randomized controlled trials of cervical facet joint pain and cervicogenic headaches with the goal of establishing a current level of evidence for treating these etiologies of pain with RFA.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
Database search, from inception through July 2021, was performed identifying randomized controlled trials for cervical medial branch RFA. Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies to identify those meeting criteria. Primary outcome measures included pain relief and duration of pain relief. Secondary outcome measures included function, sleep, mood, return to work, additional treatments, and complications.
RESULTS
Four randomized controlled studies met inclusion criteria and were selected for this review, each demonstrated low risk of bias. Of these studies, 3 were unique with the fourth being a subgroup analysis. Primary outcome measures of pain relief and duration of relief were variable with successful relief ranging from 30% to 50% and median duration of pain relief also demonstrating a wide variety. Function and psychological distress were also variably reported and found variable relief to treatment with no difference between groups in 2 of the studies.
LIMITATIONS
Primary limitations of the review are the paucity of randomized controlled trials and the variability in measured outcome measures.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on this systematic review, efficacy of cervical facet RFA in treatment of chronic neck pain has Level II evidence.
Topics: Arthralgia; Catheter Ablation; Chronic Pain; Humans; Neck Pain; Nerve Block; Post-Traumatic Headache; Zygapophyseal Joint
PubMed: 35652765
DOI: No ID Found