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The Laryngoscope May 2023Several cases of facial nerve paralysis (FNP) post-COVID-19 infection have been reported with varying presentations and management. This study aims to identify FNP...
OBJECTIVE
Several cases of facial nerve paralysis (FNP) post-COVID-19 infection have been reported with varying presentations and management. This study aims to identify FNP clinical characteristics and recovery outcomes among patients acutely infected with COVID-19. We hypothesize that FNP is a potentially unique sequalae associated with COVID-19 infections.
METHODS
A systematic review of PubMed-Medline, OVID Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to November 2021 was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
RESULTS
This search identified 630 studies with 53 meeting inclusion criteria. This resulted in 72 patients, of which 30 (42%) were diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Non-GBS patients were on average younger (36 vs. 53 years) and more likely to present with unilateral FNP (88%) compared to GBS patients who presented predominantly with bilateral FNP (74%). Among non-GBS patients, majority (70%) of FNP presented a median of 8 [IQR 10] days after the onset of initial COVID-19 symptom(s). Treatment for non-GBS patients consisted of steroids (60%), antivirals (29%), antibiotics (21%), and no treatment (21%). Complete FNP recovery in non-GBS patients was achieved in 67% patients within a median of 11 [IQR 24] days.
CONCLUSION
FNP is a possible presentation post COVID-19 infections, associated with both GBS and non-GBS patients. Although no causation can be assumed, the clinical course of isolated FNP associated with COVID-19 raises the possibility of a unique presentation differing from Bell's palsy, seen with higher proportion of patients developing bilateral FNP and a shorter duration to complete recovery. Laryngoscope, 133:1007-1013, 2023.
Topics: Humans; Bell Palsy; COVID-19; Facial Nerve; Facial Paralysis; Steroids
PubMed: 35938708
DOI: 10.1002/lary.30333 -
Journal of Neurology Sep 2023Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) are progressive neurodegenerative syndromes characterised by Parkinsonism with additional features... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) are progressive neurodegenerative syndromes characterised by Parkinsonism with additional features including cognitive dysfunction, falls, and oculomotor abnormalities. Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is critical to planning for future service provision.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting incidence and prevalence of CBS and PSP. A search of the PubMed and EMBASE data bases was conducted from their date of inception to 13th July 2021. Meta-analysis of studies sharing similar methodologies was carried out to generate estimated pooled prevalence and incidence.
RESULTS
We found 32 studies meeting our criteria for inclusion. There were 20 studies with data on prevalence and 12 with incidence data of PSP. Prevalence of CBS was reported in eight studies while seven studies reported incidence. Reported estimates of prevalence for PSP ranged from 1.00 (0.9-1.1) to 18 (8-28) per 100,000 while prevalence rates for CBS ranged from 0.83 (0.1-3.0) to 25 (0-59). Incidence rates for PSP and CBS respectively ranged from 0.16 (0.07-0.39) to 2.6 per 100,000 person-years and 0.03 (0-0.18) to 0.8 (0.4-1.3) per 100,000 person-years. A random effects model meta-analysis of studies with similar methodologies yielded a pooled prevalence estimate for PSP of 6.92 (4.33-11.06, I = 89%, τ = 0.3907) and 3.91 (2.03-7.51, I = 72%, τ = 0.2573) per 100,000 for CBS.
CONCLUSION
Studies of the epidemiology of PSP and CBS report highly heterogeneous findings. There is a need for further studies using rigorous phenotyping and the most recent diagnostic criteria to understand the true burden of these conditions.
Topics: Humans; Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive; Incidence; Corticobasal Degeneration; Prevalence; Syndrome
PubMed: 37289323
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11791-2 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2022To create a systematic overview of the available reconstructive techniques, facial nerve grading scales, physical evaluation, the reversibility of paralysis,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To create a systematic overview of the available reconstructive techniques, facial nerve grading scales, physical evaluation, the reversibility of paralysis, non-reconstructive procedures and medical therapy, physical therapy, the psychological aspect of facial paralysis, and the prevention of facial nerve injury in order to elucidate the gaps in the knowledge and discuss potential research aims in this area. A further aim was to propose an algorithm simplifying the selection of reconstructive strategies, given the variety of available reconstructive methods and the abundance of factors influencing the selection.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH
A total of 2439 papers were retrieved from the Medline/Pubmed and Cochrane databases and Google Scholar. Additional research added 21 articles. The primary selection had no limitations regarding the publication date. We considered only papers written in English. Single-case reports were excluded. Screening for duplicates and their removal resulted in a total of 1980 articles. Subsequently, we excluded 778 articles due to the language and study design. The titles or abstracts of 1068 articles were screened, and 134 papers not meeting any exclusion criterion were obtained. After a full-text evaluation, we excluded 15 papers due to the lack of information on preoperative facial nerve function and the follow-up period. This led to the inclusion of 119 articles.
CONCLUSIONS
A thorough clinical examination supported by advanced imaging modalities and electromyographic examination provides sufficient information to determine the cause of facial palsy. Considering the abundance of facial nerve grading scales, there is an evident need for clear guidelines regarding which scale is recommended, as well as when the postoperative evaluation should be carried out. Static procedures allow the restoral of facial symmetry at rest, whereas dynamic reanimation aims to restore facial movement. The modern approach to facial paralysis involves neurotization procedures (nerve transfers and cross-facial nerve grafts), muscle transpositions, and microsurgical free muscle transfers. Rehabilitation provides patients with the possibility of effectively controlling their symptoms and improving their facial function, even in cases of longstanding paresis. Considering the mental health problems and significant social impediments, more attention should be devoted to the role of psychological interventions. Given that each technique has its advantages and pitfalls, the selection of the treatment approach should be individualized in the case of each patient.
PubMed: 35629016
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102890 -
Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease Nov 2023Powassan virus is an emerging neurotropic arbovirus transmitted by the tick This systematic review was conducted to aggregate data on its clinical manifestations,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Powassan virus is an emerging neurotropic arbovirus transmitted by the tick This systematic review was conducted to aggregate data on its clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, and complications.
METHODS
PubMed was searched until August 2023 using the term "Powassan", to identify all published cases of Powassan virus infections, as per PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
Among the 380 abstracts identified, 45 studies describing 84 cases (70 adult, 14 pediatric) were included. Cases were reported from the USA and Canada. Complications included paralysis in 44.1% of adult and 42.6% of pediatric cases, cognitive deficits in 33.3% of adult and 25% of pediatric cases, while the mortality rate was 19.1% and 7.1% in the adult and pediatric populations, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed an association between mortality and age (r = 0.264, = 0.029), development of paralysis (r = 0.252, = 0.041), or respiratory distress or failure (r = 0.328, = 0.006). Factors associated with persistent neurological deficits were development of ataxia (r = 0.383, = 0.006), paralysis (r = 0.278, = 0.048), speech disorder (r = 0.319, = 0.022), and cranial nerve involvement (r = 0.322, = 0.017). Other significant correlations included those between speech disorders and ataxia (r = 0.526, < 0.001), and between paralysis and respiratory distress or failure (r = 0.349, = 0.003).
CONCLUSION
Powassan virus infections have significant morbidity and mortality and should be suspected in cases of encephalitis and possible tick exposure. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023395991.
PubMed: 38133440
DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8120508 -
Journal of Neurology Nov 2023To systematically review the published cases of bilateral facial palsy (BFP) to gather evidence on the clinical assessment and management of this pathology. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the published cases of bilateral facial palsy (BFP) to gather evidence on the clinical assessment and management of this pathology.
METHODS
Following PRISMA statement recommendations, 338 abstracts were screened independently by two authors. Inclusion criteria were research articles of human patients affected by BFP, either central or peripheral; English, Italian, French or Spanish language; availability of the abstract, while exclusion criteria were topics unrelated to FP, and mention of unilateral or congenital FP. Only full-text articles reporting the diagnostic work-up, the management, and the prognosis of the BFP considered for further specific data analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 143 articles were included, resulting a total of 326 patients with a mean age of 36 years. The most common type of the paralysis was peripheral (91.7%), and the autoimmune disease was the most frequent aetiology (31.3%). The mean time of onset after first symptoms was 12 days and most patients presented with a grade higher than III. Associated symptoms in idiopathic BFP were mostly non-specific. The most frequently positive laboratory exams were cerebrospinal fluid analysis, autoimmune screening and peripheral blood smear, and the most performed imaging was MRI. Most patients (74%) underwent exclusive medical treatment, while a minority were selected for a surgical or combined approach. Finally, in more than half of cases a complete bilateral recovery (60.3%) was achieved.
CONCLUSIONS
BFP is a disabling condition. If a correct diagnosis is formulated, possibilities to recover are elevated and directly correlated to the administration of an adequate treatment.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Facial Paralysis; Facial Nerve Diseases; Causality; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 37523065
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11897-7 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is the structure responsible for sensory and motor innervation of the larynx, and it has been shown that its lesion due to a lack of... (Review)
Review
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Variants and Their Implication in Surgery and Neck Pathologies, Using the Anatomical Quality Assurance (AQUA) Checklist.
INTRODUCTION
The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is the structure responsible for sensory and motor innervation of the larynx, and it has been shown that its lesion due to a lack of surgical rigor led to alterations such as respiratory obstruction due to vocal cords paralysis and permanent phonation impairment. The objectives of this review were to know the variants of the RLN and its clinical relevance in the neck region.
METHODS
This review considered specific scientific articles that were written in Spanish or English and published between 1960 and 2022. A systematic search was carried out in the electronic databases MEDLINE, WOS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, SCIELO, and Latin American and Caribbean Center for Information on Health Sciences to compile the available literature on the subject to be treated and was enrolled in PROSPERO. The included articles were studies that had a sample of RLN dissections or imaging, intervention group to look for RLN variants, or the comparison of the non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) variants, and finally, its clinical correlations. Review articles and letters to the editor were excluded. All included articles were evaluated through quality assessment and risk of bias analysis using the methodological quality assurance tool for anatomical studies (AQUA). The extracted data in the meta-analysis were interpreted to calculate the prevalence of the RLN variants and their comparison and the relationship between the RLN and NRLN. The heterogeneity degree between included studies was assessed.
RESULTS
The included studies that showed variants of the RLN included in this review were 41, a total of 29,218. For the statistical analysis of the prevalence of the RLN variant, a forest plot was performed with 15 studies that met the condition of having a prevalence of less than 100%. As a result, the prevalence was shown to be 12% (95% CI, SD 0.11 to 0.14). Limitations that were present in this review were the publication bias of the included studies, the probability of not having carried out the most sensitive and specific search, and finally, the authors' personal inclinations in selecting the articles.
DISCUSSION
This meta-analysis can be considered based on an update of the prevalence of RLN variants, in addition to considering that the results show some clinical correlations such as intra-surgical complications and with some pathologies and aspects function of the vocal cords, which could be a guideline in management prior to surgery or of interest for the diagnostic.
PubMed: 37240722
DOI: 10.3390/life13051077 -
Vaccines Jan 2023Once the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, the world was waiting for the clue that would be able to cut down the progression of the disease. Vaccines play a crucial role... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Once the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, the world was waiting for the clue that would be able to cut down the progression of the disease. Vaccines play a crucial role in reducing the disease and saving many people worldwide. However, there are several side effects of these vaccines, like pain, fatigue, fever, and neurological defects like Bell's palsy. In this systematic review, we presented evidence about the occurrence of Bell's palsy followed by COVID-19 vaccination.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCO, and Web of Science (WOS) from inception till October 2022. The quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute, National Institute of Health, and Newcastle-Ottawa. The analysis was conducted on SPSS.
RESULTS
Thirty-five records were involved in our study. The results of our cases revealed that most of the patients (62.8%) experienced unilateral facial paralysis. Also, the majority of the cases were reported after the first dose, and most cases were after Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sputnik V vaccines, respectively. The patients who were treated with corticosteroids, IVIG, and anti-viral drugs, showed marked recovery afterward.
CONCLUSION
The rate ratio of Bell's palsy after COVID-19 vaccination was 25.3 per 1,000,000. The ratio was higher after the first dose compared to the second dose and was higher among those who took Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine compared to other vaccines. However, this condition was reported in a small number of cases among a large number of vaccinated people worldwide. It is important to note that the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh any potential risks.
PubMed: 36851114
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020236 -
Laryngoscope Investigative... Feb 2022As the population ages and implantation criteria are relaxed, more patients with complex comorbidities are becoming eligible for cochlear implantation (CI). These... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
As the population ages and implantation criteria are relaxed, more patients with complex comorbidities are becoming eligible for cochlear implantation (CI). These patients have higher risks associated with general anesthesia. This systematic review assesses outcomes and complications following CI under local anesthetic to examine utility for patients deemed not suitable or at high risk for general anesthesia.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis performed according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched were MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov. There were no limitations on year of publication or language.
RESULTS
Then, 132 unique were identified. After screening abstracts and full texts for eligibility criteria a total of 18 articles were included. In the nine studies where audiological data were reported, all patients demonstrated improvement in audiological outcomes following implantation under local anesthetic (LA). Only minor complications of transient vertigo, wound infection, facial nerve paralysis, confusion, and tinnitus were reported but all were transient. Meta-analysis showed surgical time was significantly shorter under LA.
CONCLUSIONS
CI under LA is safe for patients with comorbidities which preclude them from general anesthesia, with minimal complications and an improved cost-effectiveness profile. However, larger scale, robust trials are required to assess this further.
PubMed: 35155802
DOI: 10.1002/lio2.720 -
Surgery Open Science Oct 2022To determine common etiologies, presentations, management strategies and outcomes in patients with tumor embolism causing acute arterial occlusion. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine common etiologies, presentations, management strategies and outcomes in patients with tumor embolism causing acute arterial occlusion.
STUDY DESIGN
This is a systematic review of published case reports on tumor embolism.
SEARCH STRATEGY
All published cases of tumor embolism in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were reviewed. The search terminologies were (Tumor Embolism), (Ischemia), (Occlusion) and (Infarction).
INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA
All published reports of tumor embolism were included. Studies regarding venous thromboembolism and cancer-associated thromboembolism without tumor embolization were excluded. The cases included numbered 42.
OUTCOME MEASURES
These included the frequencies of different primary tumor types, clinical presentations, anatomical sites of embolization, types of intervention and outcomes including number of deaths and successful discharges.
RESULTS
Lung cancer and Atrial Myxoma each accounted for 14 out of 42 cases (33%). There were 11 cases (26.9%) of stroke and 9 cases (21.4%) of myocardial infarction and limb ischemia. Femoral thrombo-embolectomy was performed in all 9 cases of limb ischemia and Primary coronary intervention was performed in 7 out of 9 (77.8%) cases of myocardial infarction. There were 14 inpatient deaths (33.3%) and 19 patients were successfully discharged (45.2%).
CONCLUSION
Lung cancer and atrial myxoma were the most common sources for tumor embolism. Acute stroke was the most common presentation. This is treated with antiplatelets or anticoagulation as well as chemotherapy and resection of primary tumor. Early revascularisation can prevent severe complications such as death, paralysis, heart failure and limb loss in selected cases of tumor embolism.
KEY MESSAGE
Histopathological examination of embolic tissue can demonstrate tumor tissue and alert the clinician to a cancer elsewhere. This is most likely to be lung cancer or atrial myxoma. Early revascularisation in selected cases of acute tumor embolism can prevent severe complications and these patients should not be automatically palliated due to their underlying neoplasm.
PubMed: 36389271
DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2022.10.006 -
Cureus Jan 2024Sleep paralysis (SP) is a mixed state of consciousness and sleep, combining features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with those of wakefulness. The exact cause of SP... (Review)
Review
Sleep paralysis (SP) is a mixed state of consciousness and sleep, combining features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with those of wakefulness. The exact cause of SP is unknown, and its prevalence varies among the studies. We aim to identify SP's global prevalence, the affected population's characteristics, and the SP's clinical picture. We searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS)) using a unique search strategy to identify eligible studies. All observational studies identifying the prevalence or frequency of sleeping paralysis were included. No exclusions are made based on country, race, or questionnaire. The analysis was performed using the latest version of R software (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). The analysis included 76 studies from 25 countries with 167,133 participants. The global prevalence of SP was 30% (95% CI (22%, 39%)). There were similar frequencies of isolated SP and SP (33%, 95% CI (26%, 42%), I2 = 97%, P <0.01; 31%, 95% CI (21%, 43%), I2 = 100%, P = 0, respectively). A subgroup analysis showed that the majority of those who experienced SP were psychiatric patients (35%, 95% CI (20%, 55%), I2 = 96%, P <0.01). The prevalence among non-psychiatric patients was among students (34%, 95% CI (23%, 47%), I2 = 100%, P = 0). Auditory and visual hallucinations were reported in 24.25% of patients. Around 4% had only visual hallucinations. Meta-regression showed no association between the frequency of SP and sex. Publication bias was detected among the included studies through visual inspection of funnel plot asymmetry. Our findings revealed that 30% of the population suffered from SP, especially psychiatric patients and students. The majority of SP cases lacked associated hallucinations, while a noteworthy proportion experienced combined visual and auditory hallucinations.
PubMed: 38425633
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53212