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Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences 2021Currently, lasers are used to treat many diseases and their complications. However, the use of lasers in pregnant patients is still controversial. In this review, the... (Review)
Review
Currently, lasers are used to treat many diseases and their complications. However, the use of lasers in pregnant patients is still controversial. In this review, the application of lasers in the fields of urology, surgery, obstetrics, dermatology, and musculoskeletal disorders is evaluated. The following keywords were used to search through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus: pregnancy, laser, urolithiasis, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) or treatment, leg edema, varicose vein, venous insufficiencies, hair removal, pigmentation, telangiectasia, vascular lesions, Q switch laser, diode laser, holmium, holmium-YAG laser, erbium laser and Pulsed dye laser, low-level laser therapy, high-intensity laser therapy, pain, musculoskeletal disorders, twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), amnioreduction, and safety. Totally, 147 articles were found, and their abstracts were evaluated; out of 53 articles extracted, 14 articles were about dermatology, 24 articles were about urology, 12 articles were about obstetrics and gynecology, 10 articles were about musculoskeletal disorders and three articles were related to surgery. Laser therapy can be used as a safe treatment for urolithiasis, skin diseases, TTTS and varicose veins of the lower extremities. However, the use of laser therapy for musculoskeletal disorders during pregnancy is not recommended due to lack of evidence, and also we cannot recommend endovenous ablation.
PubMed: 34733773
DOI: 10.34172/jlms.2021.50 -
BMC Ophthalmology Nov 2023To evaluate the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with retinal pigment epithelial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparative efficacy of aflibercept and ranibizumab in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration with retinal pigment epithelial detachment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED).
METHODS
Systematic review identifying studies comparing intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR), intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) and intravitreal conbercept (IVC) published before Mar 2022.
RESULTS
One randomized controlled trial and 6 observational studies were selected for meta-analysis (1,069 patients). The change of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in IVA 2.0 mg group was better than IVR 0.5 mg (average difference 0.07) and IVR 2.0 mg (average difference 0.10), the differences were statistically significant. The change of the height of PED in IVA 2.0 group was better than IVR 0.5 group (average difference 45.30), the difference was statistically significant. The proportion of patients without PED at last visit in IVA 2.0 group were better than those in IVR 2.0 group (hazard ratio 1.91), the difference was statistically significant. There was no significant difference compared with IVR 0.5 group (hazard ratio 1.45). IVA required fewer injections than IVR, with a mean difference of -1.58.
CONCLUSIONS
IVA appears to be superior to IVR in improvement of BCVA, height decrease of PED and regression of PED with less injections in nAMD with PED.
Topics: Humans; Ranibizumab; Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Retinal Detachment; Network Meta-Analysis; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Retinal Pigment Epithelium; Retrospective Studies; Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Intravitreal Injections; Macular Degeneration
PubMed: 37990182
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03214-7 -
BMC Ophthalmology Mar 2023Vitiligo is a disorder characterized by loss of epidermal melanocytes, resulting in depigmented macules and patches. While the relationship between ocular pathology and...
Vitiligo is a disorder characterized by loss of epidermal melanocytes, resulting in depigmented macules and patches. While the relationship between ocular pathology and vitiligo has been demonstrated in conditions such as Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada and Alezzandrini syndromes, the ocular associations of non-syndromic vitiligo are incompletely understood. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively describe the structural and functional changes seen in the eyes of patients with vitiligo, to identify patients at heightened risk for ocular disease, and to provide an approach to management of ocular manifestations of vitiligo. Overall, the strongest link between vitiligo and ocular pathology seems to lie with dry eye disease and pigmentary abnormalities of various ocular structures, especially the retinal pigment epithelium. Normal-tension glaucoma may also be more prevalent in the vitiligo population. The available literature did not provide conclusive evidence for increased risk of cataracts or uveitis. Aside from the impact of symptomatic dry eye disease, it seems unlikely that there are significant functional consequences of these ocular manifestations such as impaired visual acuity or visual fields.
Topics: Humans; Vitiligo; Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome; Eye; Uveitis; Cataract
PubMed: 36973683
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-02777-9 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Jun 2023CSF1R mutations cause autosomal-dominant CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (CSF1R-ALSP) and autosomal-recessive brain... (Review)
Review
CSF1R mutations cause autosomal-dominant CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids and pigmented glia (CSF1R-ALSP) and autosomal-recessive brain abnormalities, neurodegeneration, and dysosteosclerosis (BANDDOS). The former is increasingly recognized, and disease-modifying therapy was introduced; however, literature is scarce on the latter. This review analyzes BANDDOS and discusses similarities and differences with CSF1R-ALSP.We systematically retrieved and analyzed the clinical, genetic, radiological, and pathological data on the previously reported and our cases with BANDDOS. We identified 19 patients with BANDDOS (literature search according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines: n = 16, our material: n = 3). We found 11 CSF1R mutations, including splicing (n = 3), missense (n = 3), nonsense (n = 2), and intronic (n = 2) variants and one inframe deletion. All mutations disrupted the tyrosine kinase domain or resulted in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. The material is heterogenous, and the presented information refers to the number of patients with sufficient data on specific symptoms, results, or performed procedures. The first symptoms occurred in the perinatal period (n = 5), infancy (n = 2), childhood (n = 5), and adulthood (n = 1). Dysmorphic features were present in 7/17 cases. Neurological symptoms included speech disturbances (n = 13/15), cognitive decline (n = 12/14), spasticity/rigidity (n = 12/15), hyperactive tendon reflex (n = 11/14), pathological reflexes (n = 8/11), seizures (n = 9/16), dysphagia (n = 9/12), developmental delay (n = 7/14), infantile hypotonia (n = 3/11), and optic nerve atrophy (n = 2/7). Skeletal deformities were observed in 13/17 cases and fell within the dysosteosclerosis - Pyle disease spectrum. Brain abnormalities included white matter changes (n = 19/19), calcifications (n = 15/18), agenesis of corpus callosum (n = 12/16), ventriculomegaly (n = 13/19), Dandy-Walker complex (n = 7/19), and cortical abnormalities (n = 4/10). Three patients died in infancy, two in childhood, and one case at unspecified age. A single brain autopsy evidenced multiple brain anomalies, absence of corpus callosum, absence of microglia, severe white matter atrophy with axonal spheroids, gliosis, and numerous dystrophic calcifications.In conclusion, BANDDOS presents in the perinatal period or infancy and has a devastating course with congenital brain abnormalities, developmental delay, neurological deficits, osteopetrosis, and dysmorphic features. There is a significant overlap in the clinical, radiological, and neuropathological aspects between BANDDOS and CSF1R-ALSP. As both disorders are on the same continuum, there is a window of opportunity to apply available therapy in CSF1R-ALSP to BANDDOS.
Topics: Humans; Neuroglia; Leukoencephalopathies; Brain; Mutation; Nervous System Malformations; Atrophy
PubMed: 37349768
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02772-9 -
Eye (London, England) Jun 2021To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on data related to macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual function in adults with healthy eyes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on data related to macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual function in adults with healthy eyes.
METHODS
MEDLINE®, Cochrane, and Commonwealth of Agriculture Bureau abstracts databases were searched for English-language publications between 1946 and August 2018. Included studies examined correlation of MPOD and visual function in adults with healthy eyes at all timepoints and all designs, except for case-control, case reports, and reviews. Visual function outcomes of interest included photostress recovery, contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, glare sensitivity/disability, and dark adaptation. Random effects model meta-analyses combined study-level correlation (r).
RESULTS
Twenty-two publications were included. In meta-analysis MPOD was found to be significantly correlated with contrast sensitivity at 30' (two studies, summary r: 0.37; 95% CI 0.15, 0.56), and at 1° eccentricity with a spatial frequency of 7, 11, and 21 cpd (three studies, summary r: 0.31; 95% CI 0.06, 0.52), with photostress recovery at a 1° eccentricity with a moderate background, 10 cpd, and 16% contrast (two studies, summary r: -0.17; 95% CI -0.31, -0.02), and at 30' (four studies, summary r: -0.57; 95% CI -0.78, -0.24), and with glare disability at 30' eccentricity with a log scale at 460 nm (three studies, summary r = 0.47; 95% CI 0.32; 0.59). There were insufficient data for meta-analysis for other visual functions.
CONCLUSIONS
Our review identifies a link between MPOD and visual function with significant correlations with photostress recovery, glare disability, and contrast sensitivity.
Topics: Adult; Contrast Sensitivity; Glare; Humans; Lutein; Macula Lutea; Macular Pigment; Visual Acuity; Zeaxanthins
PubMed: 32792595
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-01124-2 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2023Laser treatments have become popular in Dermatology. In parallel to technologic development enabling the availability of different laser wavelengths, non-invasive skin...
Laser treatments have become popular in Dermatology. In parallel to technologic development enabling the availability of different laser wavelengths, non-invasive skin imaging techniques, such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), have been used to explore morphologic and qualitative skin characteristics. Specifically, RCM can be applied to cosmetically sensitive skin areas such as the face, without the need for skin biopsies. For these reasons, apart from its current use in skin cancer diagnosis, our systematic review reveals how RCM can be employed in the field of laser treatment monitoring, being particularly suitable for the evaluation of variations in epidermis and dermis, and pigmentary and vascular characteristics of the skin. This systematic review article aims to provide an overview on current applications of RCM laser treatment monitoring, while describing RCM features identified for different applications. Studies on human subjects treated with laser treatments, monitored with RCM, were included in the current systematic review. Five groups of treatments were identified and described: skin rejuvenation, scar tissue, pigmentary disorders, vascular disorders and other. Interestingly, RCM can assist treatments with lasers targeting all chromophores in the skin and exploiting laser induced optical breakdown. Treatment monitoring encompasses assessment at baseline and examination of changes after treatment, therefore revealing details in morphologic alterations underlying different skin conditions and mechanisms of actions of laser therapy, as well as objectify results after treatment.
Topics: Humans; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Skin Diseases; Pigmentation Disorders; Microscopy, Confocal
PubMed: 37374244
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061039 -
Dermatology and Therapy Feb 2024Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive and cost-efficient imaging technique augmenting clinical examination in neoplastic and non-neoplastic dermatoses. Recently, novel... (Review)
Review
Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive and cost-efficient imaging technique augmenting clinical examination in neoplastic and non-neoplastic dermatoses. Recently, novel dermatoscopic techniques based on principles of reflectance/absorption and excited fluorescence have been developed. However, comprehensive data on their applications are sparse, and terminology is inconsistent. In this systematic review, we addressed the principles of ultraviolet (UV) imaging and proposed categorization based on spectral characteristics and signal acquisition, as well as discussed documented and potential clinical applications, safety measures during examination, and limitations associated with reflectance and fluorescence dermatoscopy. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed medical database until 2 December 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines, and 28 papers fit the scope of this review, whereas additional relevant articles were included to provide broader context regarding the chosen terminology, chromophores described, safety of sub-UV/UV, and regulations for light-emitting devices. UV and sub-UV dermatoscopy, categorized into different methods on the basis of the emitted wavelength and signal acquisition process (reflectance versus fluorescence), augment conventional dermatoscopy by optimizing safety margins in melanoma, facilitating early detection of tumor recurrence, and enhancing visualization in non-neoplastic conditions, including pigmentation disorders, intertrigo, papulo-desquamative dermatoses, and beyond. The review highlights the limitations of these techniques, including difficulty in differentiating melanin from hemoglobin, challenges in evaluating uneven surfaces, and artifacts. Although UV dermatoscopy complements conventional dermatoscopy, clinicians should be aware of their peculiarities, artifacts, limitations, and safety concerns to optimize their diagnostic accuracy and ensure patient's safety.
PubMed: 38358617
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01104-4 -
Marine Drugs Apr 2022Fucoxanthin, belonging to the xanthophyll class of carotenoids, is a natural antioxidant pigment of marine algae, including brown macroalgae and diatoms. It represents... (Review)
Review
Fucoxanthin, belonging to the xanthophyll class of carotenoids, is a natural antioxidant pigment of marine algae, including brown macroalgae and diatoms. It represents 10% of the total carotenoids in nature. The plethora of scientific evidence supports the potential benefits of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses of fucoxanthin for boosting human health and disease management. Due to its unique chemical structure and action as a single compound with multi-targets of health effects, it has attracted mounting attention from the scientific community, resulting in an escalated number of scientific publications from January 2017 to February 2022. Fucoxanthin has remained the most popular option for anti-cancer and anti-tumor activity, followed by protection against inflammatory, oxidative stress-related, nervous system, obesity, hepatic, diabetic, kidney, cardiac, skin, respiratory and microbial diseases, in a variety of model systems. Despite much pharmacological evidence from in vitro and in vivo findings, fucoxanthin in clinical research is still not satisfactory, because only one clinical study on obesity management was reported in the last five years. Additionally, pharmacokinetics, safety, toxicity, functional stability, and clinical perspective of fucoxanthin are substantially addressed. Nevertheless, fucoxanthin and its derivatives are shown to be safe, non-toxic, and readily available upon administration. This review will provide pharmacological insights into fucoxanthin, underlying the diverse molecular mechanisms of health benefits. However, it requires more activity-oriented translational research in humans before it can be used as a multi-target drug.
Topics: Carotenoids; Humans; Neoplasms; Seaweed; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 35621930
DOI: 10.3390/md20050279 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Mar 2022A congenital melanocytic naevus (CMN) is a rare skin condition that can be associated with abnormalities of the central nervous system (CNS). These anomalies can... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Neurological signs, symptoms and MRI abnormalities in patients with congenital melanocytic naevi and evaluation of routine MRI-screening: systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
A congenital melanocytic naevus (CMN) is a rare skin condition that can be associated with abnormalities of the central nervous system (CNS). These anomalies can sometimes cause severe complications, and rarely death. Adequate information about aetiology and management is therefore crucial. To identify how to monitor patients with CMN, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of neurological involvement in patients with CMN and to summarize what specific neurological signs and symptoms and MRI abnormalities are reported in the medical literature. In addition, we summarized and evaluated the recommendations regarding MRI-screening reported in the medical literature.
METHODS
This review was registered in PROSPERO and reported according to the MOOSE checklist. A search was conducted in EMBASE (Ovid), PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. We included studies with 10 or more patients with CMN, reporting on neurological signs and symptoms or CNS MRI. Study selection, data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. A meta-analysis was used to assess the prevalence of neurological signs and symptoms.
RESULTS
Out of 1287 studies, fourteen studies were eligible for inclusion of which eight were included in the meta-analysis. Neurological signs and symptoms prevalence was 7.04% (CI 95% 4.47-10.93%) in the meta-analysis group and 6.26% (95% CI 3.85-10%) in a subgroup of patients with a CMN > 6 cm, evaluated in seven studies. Neurodevelopmental delay and seizures were the most frequently reported signs and symptoms. CNS melanocytosis and hydrocephalus were the most frequently reported MRI abnormalities. It was not possible to estimate the increased risk of neurological involvement in patients with CMN due to low quality of evidence and clinical heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
Standardization in CMN studies and a multi-centre prospective study are needed to evaluate neurological involvement. Based on current literature, it is not possible to make strong recommendations on routine MRI-screening. For now, every clinical centre should decide on its own policy and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of routine MRI.
Topics: Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nevus, Pigmented; Prevalence; Skin; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 35236387
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02234-8 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2021Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of modifiable vision loss in older adults. Chronic oxidative injury and compromised antioxidant defenses... (Review)
Review
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of modifiable vision loss in older adults. Chronic oxidative injury and compromised antioxidant defenses represent essential drivers in the development of retinal neurodegeneration. Overwhelming free radical species formation results in mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as cellular and metabolic imbalance, which becomes exacerbated with increasing age. Thus, the depletion of systemic antioxidant capacity further proliferates oxidative stress in AMD-affected eyes, resulting in loss of photoreceptors, neuroinflammation, and ultimately atrophy within the retinal tissue. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the neuroprotective potential of the xanthophyll carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and -zeaxanthin on retinal neurodegeneration for the purpose of adjunctive nutraceutical strategy in the management of AMD. A comprehensive literature review was performed to retrieve 55 eligible publications, using four database searches from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. Epidemiology studies indicated an enhanced risk reduction against late AMD with greater dietary consumption of carotenoids, meanwhile greater concentrations in macular pigment demonstrated significant improvements in visual function among AMD patients. Collectively, evidence strongly suggests that carotenoid vitamin therapies offer remarkable synergic protection in the neurosensory retina, with the potential to serve as adjunctive nutraceutical therapy in the management of established AMD, albeit these benefits may vary among different stages of disease.
PubMed: 34439503
DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081255