-
International Wound Journal Oct 2019The effective approach on pressure ulcer (PU) prevention regarding patient safety in the hospital context was evaluated. Studies were identified from searches in EBSCO... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effective approach on pressure ulcer (PU) prevention regarding patient safety in the hospital context was evaluated. Studies were identified from searches in EBSCO host, PubMed, and WebofScience databases from 2009 up to December 2018. Studies were selected if they were published in English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish; incidence of PUs was the primary outcome; participants were adults (≥18 years) admitted in hospital wards and/or units. The review included 26 studies. Studies related to prophylactic dressings applied in the sacrum, trochanters, and/or heels, education for health care professionals, and preventive skin care and system reminders on-screen inpatient care plan were effective in decreasing PUs. Most of the studies related to multiple intervention programmes were effective in decreasing PU occurrence. Single interventions, namely support surfaces and repositioning, were not always effective in preventing PUs. Repositioning only was effective when supported by technological pressure-mapping feedback or by a patient positioning system. Risk-assessment tools are not effective in preventing PUs. PUs in the hospital context are still a worldwide issue related to patient safety. Multiple intervention programmes were more effective in decreasing PU occurrence than single interventions in isolation. Single interventions (prophylactic dressings, support surfaces, repositioning, preventive skin care, system reminders, and education for health care professionals) were effective in decreasing PUs, which was always in compliance with other preventive measures. These results provide an overview of effective approaches that should be considered when establishing evidence-based guidelines to hospital health care professionals and administrators for clinical practice effective in preventing PUs.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Bandages; Case-Control Studies; Dermatologic Agents; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hospitalization; Humans; Inpatients; Male; Patient Positioning; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pressure Ulcer; Primary Prevention; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Severity of Illness Index; Skin Care; Time Factors; Wound Healing
PubMed: 31264345
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13147 -
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health Oct 2022Globally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children, and the association between severe RSV disease and... (Review)
Review
Globally, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children, and the association between severe RSV disease and later recurrent wheeze and asthma is well established. Whilst a causal link between RSV and wheeze/asthma is not yet proven, immunological evidence suggests skewing towards a Th2-type response, and dampening of IFN-γ antiviral immunity during RSV infection underpins airway hyper-reactivity in a subset of susceptible children after RSV infection. Age at primary RSV infection, viral co-infection and genetic influences may act as effect-modifiers. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality burden of RSV disease in children, there is currently no licensed vaccine. Recent advancements in RSV preventatives, including long-acting monoclonal antibodies and maternal vaccinations, show significant promise and we are on the cusp of a new era in RSV prevention. However, the potential impact of RSV preventatives on subsequent wheeze and asthma remains unclear. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures have disrupted the usual seasonality of RSV. Whilst this has posed challenges for health-care services it has also enhanced our understanding of RSV transmission. The near absence of RSV cases during the first year of the pandemic in the context of strict public health measures has provided a rare opportunity to study the impact of delayed age of primary RSV infection on asthma prevalence. In this review, we summarise current understanding of the association between RSV, recurrent wheeze and asthma with a focus on pathophysiology, preventative strategies and future research priorities.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antiviral Agents; Asthma; COVID-19; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Pandemics; Respiratory Sounds; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 36073299
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16197 -
Wounds : a Compendium of Clinical... Oct 2019Falls are the leading cause of injury, premature institutionalization, and long-term disability in elderly adults worldwide, with a fall-related fatality in the United... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Falls are the leading cause of injury, premature institutionalization, and long-term disability in elderly adults worldwide, with a fall-related fatality in the United States every 19 minutes.1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,2 3 million people over 65 years of age receive emergency room treatment for fall injuries at an average cost of $30 000. The annual cost of fall injuries was more than $50 billion in 2015.1,2 Community-based interventions effective in preventing falls include exercise, medication, and nutritional management as well as improving safety of the local environment.3 Evidence supporting interventions designed to reduce hospital inpatient falls is less clear despite considerable research aimed at reducing this growing problem. Those injured due to falling during a hospital stay incur higher costs, including a 6-day longer hospital stay, than non-fallers.4 Programs have worked to prevent other "never events," such as wound infections or pressure ulcers, but mixed results have been reported for preventing falls or fall-related injuries in hospitals. This month's Evidence Corner reviews a randomized controlled trial (RCT)5 and a prospective observational study6 that offer important clues on how to prevent hospital inpatient falls.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Accidents, Home; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Decision Trees; Environment Design; Exercise; Humans; Independent Living; Patient Education as Topic; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; United States
PubMed: 31730506
DOI: No ID Found -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Feb 2023Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with uterine atony estimated to account for 70% to 80% of cases, thereby... (Review)
Review
Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, with uterine atony estimated to account for 70% to 80% of cases, thereby remaining the single most common cause. Pharmacotherapy remains the first-line preventative therapy for postpartum hemorrhage. These therapies may be single (oxytocin, carbetocin, methylergonovine, ergometrine, misoprostol, prostaglandin analogs, or tranexamic acid) or combination therapies, acting in an additive, infra-additive, or synergistic fashion to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Evidence is strong for the use of oxytocin, the first-line uterotonic agent in the United States for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. Although carbetocin, a long-acting analog of oxytocin, is not yet available for use in the United States, it is likely the most effective single pharmacologic therapy for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage and need for additional uterotonics. Use of second-line uterotonics such as methylergonovine, misoprostol, and carboprost in combination with oxytocin has an additive or synergistic effect and a greater risk reduction for postpartum hemorrhage prevention compared with oxytocin alone. Therefore, combined therapy rather than oxytocin alone should be advised for preventing postpartum hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid has been found to be both effective and safe for decreasing maternal mortality in women with postpartum hemorrhage, and prophylactic use of tranexamic acid may decrease the need for packed red blood cell transfusions and/or uterotonics. The WOMAN-2 Trial, designed to assess if tranexamic acid prevents postpartum hemorrhage in women with moderate to severe anemia undergoing vaginal delivery, is currently recruiting participants. The additive, infra-additive, or synergistic action of oxytocin in combination with other second-line therapies deserves further study.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Methylergonovine; Tranexamic Acid
PubMed: 36028160
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100731 -
Journal of Clinical Nursing Jul 2019To explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at pressure ulcer (PU) prevention in long-term older people care facilities (LOPC).
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at pressure ulcer (PU) prevention in long-term older people care facilities (LOPC).
BACKGROUND
Pressure ulcers cause suffering for patients and constitute a major financial burden. Although most PUs could be prevented, their number has remained high. To avoid unnecessary suffering and costs, PU prevention must be effective.
DESIGN
A systematic review.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in six electronic databases PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Cochrane Wounds Group Specialized Register and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The inclusion criteria were: (a) study published in 2005-2017, (b) intervention with pre- and post-tests, focusing on PU prevention, (c) implemented in LOPC facilities, (d) persons >65 years as study population, and (e) outcomes reported as PU incidence or prevalence or healing time. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's MAStARI critical appraisal checklist. The data were analysed with narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
The review included eighteen studies. The study designs were RCTs (n = 10), comparable cohort or case-control studies (n = 3), and descriptive or case series (n = 5). PU incidence in LOPC facilities decreased by using computerised decision-making support systems, PU prevention programmes, repositioning or advanced cushions. PU prevalence decreased with PU prevention programmes, by using advanced mattresses and overlays, or by adding protein and energy supplements to diet.
CONCLUSIONS
There are many ways to prevent PUs in LOPC facilities; no single effective way can be identified. One-third of the preventive interventions in LOPC facilities were effective. However, systematic evidence from randomised trials on preventive interventions of PUs in LOPC settings is still lacking.
RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
The findings can be used in practice for selecting and in research for developing effective preventive interventions of PUs in LOPC facilities.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Decision Support Systems, Clinical; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Long-Term Care; Nursing Homes; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pressure Ulcer
PubMed: 30589987
DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14767 -
Nutrients Sep 2020Oral and periodontal diseases can determine severe functional, phonatory and aesthetic impairments and are the main cause of adult tooth loss. They are caused by some...
Oral and periodontal diseases can determine severe functional, phonatory and aesthetic impairments and are the main cause of adult tooth loss. They are caused by some specific bacteria that provoke an intense local inflammatory response and affect-with particular gravity-susceptible subjects, because of reasons related to genetics and lifestyles (e.g., smoking and home oral hygiene habits). They are more frequent in the disadvantaged segments of society and, in particular, in subjects who have difficulty accessing preventive services and dental care. Some systemic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes, can increase their risk of development and progression. Recently, in addition to the obvious considerations of severe alterations and impairments for oral health and well-being, it has been noted that periodontitis can cause changes in the whole organism. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have highlighted the presence of a strong association between periodontitis and some systemic diseases, in particular, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, lung diseases and complications of pregnancy. The purpose of this editorial is to provide a current and thoughtful perspective on the relationship of diet and natural agents on oral, periodontal diseases, and chewing disorder preventions which may reflect good systemic conditions and related quality of life or to analyze indirect effects through the contribution of diet and nutrition to systemic health in order to obtain a modern diagnostic-therapeutic approach.
Topics: Diet; Diet, Healthy; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Mouth Diseases; Nutritional Status; Oral Health; Periodontal Diseases
PubMed: 32899964
DOI: 10.3390/nu12092724 -
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric... Jul 2023This scoping review aims to summarize the available evidence on strategies employed in preventing caries in patients with molar incisor hypo-mineralization (MIH). MIH... (Review)
Review
This scoping review aims to summarize the available evidence on strategies employed in preventing caries in patients with molar incisor hypo-mineralization (MIH). MIH refers to an enamel defect involving opacities, and sometimes post-eruptive degradation due to enamel porosity; resulting in outcomes ranging from a mild atypical caries to severe coronary destruction. A systematic review was conducted for literature in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS). The search was aimed at studies published between January 2010 and February 2022. Data were independently selected and extracted. 989 studies were found from the systematic search and 8 studies met the eligibility criteria. Most studies evaluated remineralization and cariogenic risk, both of which are crucial elements in caries prevention, as well as decreased sensitivity. The included studies investigated fluoride varnish, dental sealants, giomers, casein, and Icon as preventative methods for dental caries. Several methods for preventing dental caries in paediatric patients with MIH exist, but more research is needed to determine their effectiveness and safety. Any preventive intervention should consider the etiological aspects of the disease, the risk of caries, the type and extent of lesions, hypersensitivity level and patient's age. Collaboration between patients and carers is critical for disease diagnosis and caries prevention.
Topics: Humans; Child; Dental Caries; Dental Enamel Hypoplasia; Molar Hypomineralization; Dental Enamel; Molar; Prevalence
PubMed: 37408341
DOI: 10.22514/jocpd.2023.030 -
Reumatismo May 2022The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the results of studies investigating the role of physical activity in knee osteoarthritis (OA). We also formulated two... (Review)
Review
The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the results of studies investigating the role of physical activity in knee osteoarthritis (OA). We also formulated two evidence-based exercise programs that could be prescribed to patients with symptomatic knee OA or after joint replacement. The PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles related to knee OA and physical activity. A total of 86 papers written in English and published from 1957 to 2021 were selected. Adapted physical activity, even at high intensity, does not appear to trigger or exacerbate knee OA; on the contrary, it may prevent obesity or lower limb muscle weakness, both of which are considered predisposing factors for the disease. In patients already diagnosed with knee OA, scientific evidence suggests that both land-based and aquatic activities combining aerobics, strength, and endurance programs are safe and effective. Physical interventions tailored to the patient may also accelerate recovery time after knee arthroplasty. Knee OA is a painful and disabling rheumatic disease that is very common in the elderly population. Pharmacotherapy has a modest effect in controlling disease progression, possibly due to the still limited understanding of OA pathogenesis. Non-pharmacologic interventions, including dietary and lifestyle changes and physical activity, may be more effective and safer than drugs in preventing or treating knee OA.
Topics: Aged; Disease Progression; Exercise; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee
PubMed: 35506320
DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2022.1466 -
Annals of Neurology Feb 2021Epilepsy develops in 70 to 90% of children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and is often resistant to medication. Recently, the concept of preventive antiepileptic... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Epilepsy develops in 70 to 90% of children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and is often resistant to medication. Recently, the concept of preventive antiepileptic treatment to modify the natural history of epilepsy has been proposed. EPISTOP was a clinical trial designed to compare preventive versus conventional antiepileptic treatment in TSC infants.
METHODS
In this multicenter study, 94 infants with TSC without seizure history were followed with monthly video electroencephalography (EEG), and received vigabatrin either as conventional antiepileptic treatment, started after the first electrographic or clinical seizure, or preventively when epileptiform EEG activity before seizures was detected. At 6 sites, subjects were randomly allocated to treatment in a 1:1 ratio in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). At 4 sites, treatment allocation was fixed; this was denoted an open-label trial (OLT). Subjects were followed until 2 years of age. The primary endpoint was the time to first clinical seizure.
RESULTS
In 54 subjects, epileptiform EEG abnormalities were identified before seizures. Twenty-seven were included in the RCT and 27 in the OLT. The time to the first clinical seizure was significantly longer with preventive than conventional treatment [RCT: 364 days (95% confidence interval [CI] = 223-535) vs 124 days (95% CI = 33-149); OLT: 426 days (95% CI = 258-628) vs 106 days (95% CI = 11-149)]. At 24 months, our pooled analysis showed preventive treatment reduced the risk of clinical seizures (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21, p = 0.032), drug-resistant epilepsy (OR = 0.23, p = 0.022), and infantile spasms (OR = 0, p < 0.001). No adverse events related to preventive treatment were noted.
INTERPRETATION
Preventive treatment with vigabatrin was safe and modified the natural history of seizures in TSC, reducing the risk and severity of epilepsy. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:304-314.
Topics: Anticonvulsants; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Electroencephalography; Epilepsy; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Mass Screening; Seizures; Spasms, Infantile; Tuberous Sclerosis; Vigabatrin
PubMed: 33180985
DOI: 10.1002/ana.25956 -
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.) Jan 2023Oral mucositis is a common and most debilitating complication associated with cancer therapy. Despite the significant clinical and economic impact of this condition,... (Review)
Review
Oral mucositis is a common and most debilitating complication associated with cancer therapy. Despite the significant clinical and economic impact of this condition, there is little to offer to patients with oral mucositis, and the medications used in its management are generally only palliative. Given that mucositis is ultimately a predictable and, therefore, potentially preventable condition, in this study we appraised the scientific literature to evaluate effective methods of prevention that have been tested in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Published high-level evidence shows that multiple preventative methods are potentially effective in the prevention of oral mucositis induced by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both. Anti-inflammatory medications (including benzydamine), growth factors and cytokines (including palifermin), cryotherapy, laser-and-light therapy, herbal medicines and supplements, and mucoprotective agents (including oral pilocarpine) showed some degree of efficacy in preventing/reducing the severity of mucositis with most anticancer treatments. Allopurinol was potentially effective in the prevention of radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis; antimicrobial mouthwash and erythropoietin mouthwash were associated with a lower risk of development of severe oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy. The results of our review may assist in highlighting the efficacy and testing the effectiveness of low-cost, safe preventative measures for oral mucositis in cancer patients.
Topics: Humans; Mucositis; Mouthwashes; Stomatitis; Neoplasms; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36661723
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010074