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Neurology Apr 2014To determine the efficacy of medical marijuana in several neurologic conditions. (Review)
Review
Systematic review: efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic disorders: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of medical marijuana in several neurologic conditions.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of medical marijuana (1948-November 2013) to address treatment of symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy, and movement disorders. We graded the studies according to the American Academy of Neurology classification scheme for therapeutic articles.
RESULTS
Thirty-four studies met inclusion criteria; 8 were rated as Class I.
CONCLUSIONS
The following were studied in patients with MS: (1) Spasticity: oral cannabis extract (OCE) is effective, and nabiximols and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are probably effective, for reducing patient-centered measures; it is possible both OCE and THC are effective for reducing both patient-centered and objective measures at 1 year. (2) Central pain or painful spasms (including spasticity-related pain, excluding neuropathic pain): OCE is effective; THC and nabiximols are probably effective. (3) Urinary dysfunction: nabiximols is probably effective for reducing bladder voids/day; THC and OCE are probably ineffective for reducing bladder complaints. (4) Tremor: THC and OCE are probably ineffective; nabiximols is possibly ineffective. (5) Other neurologic conditions: OCE is probably ineffective for treating levodopa-induced dyskinesias in patients with Parkinson disease. Oral cannabinoids are of unknown efficacy in non-chorea-related symptoms of Huntington disease, Tourette syndrome, cervical dystonia, and epilepsy. The risks and benefits of medical marijuana should be weighed carefully. Risk of serious adverse psychopathologic effects was nearly 1%. Comparative effectiveness of medical marijuana vs other therapies is unknown for these indications.
Topics: Academies and Institutes; Guidelines as Topic; Humans; Medical Marijuana; Nervous System Diseases; Retrospective Studies; United States
PubMed: 24778283
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000000363 -
Journal of Neurology Jan 2023Axial postural abnormalities, mainly involving the spinal deformities, are disabling symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the prevalence of axial postural... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Axial postural abnormalities, mainly involving the spinal deformities, are disabling symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the prevalence of axial postural abnormalities in PD and their clinical correlates remain unclear. The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of overall and subtypes of axial postural abnormalities in PD.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched up to 31st March, 2022. We identified studies that reported the prevalence of axial postural abnormalities in PD. The pooled estimate of prevalence was calculated using a random effect model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed.
RESULTS
There were 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of axial postural abnormalities in PD was 22.1% (95% CI 19.7-24.5%). The prevalence of each subtype of axial postural abnormalities was 19.6% for scoliosis (95% CI 10.6-28.7%), 10.2% for camptocormia (95% CI 7.7-12.7%), 8% for Pisa syndrome (95% CI 4.7-11.4%), and 7.9% for antecollis (95% CI 3.9-11.9%). Subgroup analysis showed that the measuring method of axial postural abnormalities exerted significant effects on prevalence estimates. Axial postural abnormalities in PD were associated with older age, longer disease duration, higher H-Y stage, greater levodopa equivalent daily dose, more severe motor symptoms, motor fluctuations, and akinetic-rigid subtype.
CONCLUSIONS
Axial postural abnormalities, which include scoliosis, camptocormia, Pisa syndrome, and antecollis, are not uncommon in patients with PD. Future research on axial postural abnormalities should be based on uniform diagnostic criteria and measuring methods.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Scoliosis; Prevalence; Spinal Curvatures; Torticollis; Syndrome
PubMed: 36098837
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11354-x -
Movement Disorders : Official Journal... Jun 2021In the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease (PD), patients frequently experience disabling motor complications. Treatment options include deep brain stimulation (DBS),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
In the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease (PD), patients frequently experience disabling motor complications. Treatment options include deep brain stimulation (DBS), levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG), and continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI). Choosing among these treatments is influenced by scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences. To foster patient engagement in decision-making among the options, scientific evidence should be adjusted to their information needs. We conducted a systematic review from the patient perspective. First, patients selected outcomes for a treatment choice: quality of life, activities of daily living, ON and OFF time, and adverse events. Second, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis for each treatment versus best medical treatment using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Finally, the evidence was transformed into comprehensible and comparable information. We converted the meta-analysis results into the number of patients (per 100) who benefit clinically from an advanced treatment per outcome, based on the minimal clinically important difference and the cumulative distribution function. Although this approach allows for a comparison of outcomes across the three device-aided therapies, they have never been compared directly. The interpretation is hindered by the relatively short follow-up time in the included studies, usually less than 12 months. These limitations should be clarified to patients during the decision-making process. This review can help patients integrate the evidence with their own preferences, and with their clinician's expertise, to reach an informed decision. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Antiparkinson Agents; Apomorphine; Carbidopa; Drug Combinations; Gels; Humans; Levodopa; Parkinson Disease; Quality of Life
PubMed: 33797786
DOI: 10.1002/mds.28599 -
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine :... Apr 2023Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are a frequent finding in restless legs syndrome, but their impact on sleep is still debated, as well the indication for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
STUDY OBJECTIVES
Periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) are a frequent finding in restless legs syndrome, but their impact on sleep is still debated, as well the indication for treatment. We systematically reviewed the available literature to describe which drug categories are effective in suppressing PLMS, assessing their efficacy through a meta-analysis, when this was possible.
METHODS
The review protocol was preregistered on PROSPERO (CRD42021175848), and the systematic search was conducted on and EMBASE (last searched on March 2020). We included original human studies, which assessed PLMS modification on drug treatment with a full-night polysomnography, through surface electrodes on each tibialis anterior muscle. When at least 4 studies were available on the same drug or drug category, we performed a random-effect model meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Dopamine agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole resulted the most effective, followed by l-dopa and other dopamine agonists. Alpha2delta ligands are moderately effective as well opioids, despite available data on these drugs are much more limited than those on dopaminergic agents. Valproate and carbamazepine did not show a significant effect on PLMS. Clonazepam showed contradictory results. Perampanel and dypiridamole showed promising but still insufficient data. The same applies to iron supplementation.
CONCLUSIONS
Dopaminergic agents are the most powerful suppressors of PLMS. However, most therapeutic trials in restless legs syndrome do not report objective polysomnographic findings, there is a lack of uniformity in presenting results on PLMS. Longitudinal polysomnographic interventional studies, using well-defined and unanimous scoring criteria and endpoints on PLMS are needed.
CITATION
Riccardi S, Ferri R, Garbazza C, Miano S, Manconi M. Pharmacological responsiveness of periodic limb movements in patients with restless legs syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. . 2023;19(4):811-822.
Topics: Humans; Restless Legs Syndrome; Dopamine Agonists; Nocturnal Myoclonus Syndrome; Movement; Dopamine Agents
PubMed: 36692194
DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.10440 -
Translational Neurodegeneration 2015To assess the association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and melanoma via systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and melanoma via systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Comprehensive search in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and four China databases (SinoMed, WanFang data, CNKI and VIP database) of epidemiologic evidences on PD and melanoma published before April 30, 2015. Studies which reported risk estimates of melanoma among PD patients or risk estimates of PD in patients with melanoma were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by random-effects models. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using Cochran Q and I(2) statistics. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate sources of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were done according to temporal relationship, geographic region and gender respectively. We assessed publication bias using the Begg and Egger test. In addition, study appraisal was done using a scale for observational studies to ensure the quality of evidence.
RESULTS
We identified 24 eligible studies on PD and melanoma with a total number of 292,275 PD patients: the pooled OR was 1.83 (95 % CI 1.46-2.30) overall, subgroup analyses by temporal relationship showed that risk of melanoma after PD diagnosis was significantly higher (OR 2.43, 95 % CI 1.77-3.32), but not before the diagnosis of PD (OR 1.09, 95 % CI 0.78-1.54). Subgroup analysis by geographic region showed that increased risk of melanoma in PD was found both in Europe (OR 1.44, 95 % CI 1.22-1.70) and in North America (OR 2.64, 95 % CI 1.63-4.28). Gender-specific subgroup analyses did not show difference between men (OR 1.64, 95 % CI 1.27-2.13) and women (OR 1.38, 95 % CI 1.04-1.82) in the risk of melanoma. In addition, we found the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers in PD was slightly higher (OR 1.20, 95 % CI 1.11-1.29) than general population. It was impossible to evaluate the association between PD and melanoma according to use of levodopa or gene polymorphism via meta-analysis since few observational or cohort studies have focused on it.
CONCLUSIONS
An association between PD and melanoma was confirmed. Most of the evidences were of high quality, and the conclusion was robust. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying this relationship.
PubMed: 26535116
DOI: 10.1186/s40035-015-0044-y -
Sleep Medicine Dec 2023Augmentation of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an iatrogenic side effect induced by dopaminergic agents, and it is a major cause of therapeutic failure. Iron deficiency... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Augmentation of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an iatrogenic side effect induced by dopaminergic agents, and it is a major cause of therapeutic failure. Iron deficiency is a risk factor for RLS, but its effects on the development of RLS augmentation are unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the association between serum ferritin and RLS augmentation.
METHODS
We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalKey, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest databases for studies comparing the serum ferritin levels of patients with augmented RLS and nonaugmented RLS. A meta-analysis based on a random-effects model was conducted. Levodopa equivalent dose (LED), International Restless Legs Study Group Severity Rating Scale (IRLS), and serum hemoglobin levels were also analyzed.
RESULTS
Six observational studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria of this meta-analysis. A total of 220 RLS patients with augmentation and 687 RLS patients without augmentation were included. The results revealed that augmented RLS was significantly associated with low serum ferritin levels (p = 0.002), high LEDs (p = 0.026), and nonsignificantly associated with high IRLS scores (p = 0.227).
CONCLUSIONS
A low serum ferritin level is associated with RLS augmentation. For patients with RLS who are iron deficient, iron supplements can not only relieve their fundamental RLS symptoms but also lower the risk of RLS augmentation. Moreover, non-dopminergic agents should be considered as the first-line treatment for patients with persistent low serum ferritin levels or those with moderate to severe RLS to prevent augmentation.
Topics: Humans; Restless Legs Syndrome; Dopamine Agents; Levodopa; Iron; Ferritins; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 37879259
DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.10.022 -
Cureus Oct 2018Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure indicated for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Whether similar benefits may be realized by... (Review)
Review
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure indicated for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). Whether similar benefits may be realized by patients with early PD, however, is currently unclear, especially given the potential risks of the procedure. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relative efficacy and safety of DBS in comparison to best medical therapy (BMT) in the treatment of PD. It also aimed to compare the efficacy of DBS between patients with early and advanced PD. A systematic search was performed in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DBS to BMT in PD patients were included. Outcome measures were impairment/disability using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), quality of life (QoL) using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), levodopa equivalent dose (LED) reduction, and rates of serious adverse events (SAE). Eight eligible RCTs (n = 1,189) were included in the meta-analysis, two of which recruited early PD patients. Regarding efficacy outcomes, there were significant improvements in UPDRS, PDQ-39, and LED scores in favour of DBS (P < 0.00001). There was a significantly greater reduction of LED in patients with early PD (P < 0.00001), but no other differences between early and advanced PD patients were found. The risk of a patient experiencing an SAE was significantly higher in the DBS group (P = 0.005), as was the total number of SAEs (P < 0.00188). Overall, DBS was superior to BMT at improving impairment/disability, QoL, and reducing medication doses, but these benefits need to be weighed against the higher risk of SAEs. There was insufficient evidence to determine the impact of the PD stage on the efficacy of DBS.
PubMed: 30648026
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3474 -
Parkinsonism & Related Disorders May 2016This review on micrographia aims to draw the clinician's attention to non-Parkinsonian etiologies, provide clues to differential diagnosis, and summarize current... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
This review on micrographia aims to draw the clinician's attention to non-Parkinsonian etiologies, provide clues to differential diagnosis, and summarize current knowledge on the phenomenology, etiology, and mechanisms underlying micrographia.
METHODS
A systematic review of the existing literature was performed.
RESULTS
Micrographia, namely small sized handwriting has long been attributed to Parkinson's disease. However, it has often been observed as part of the clinical picture of additional neurodegenerative disorders, sometimes antedating the motor signs, or following focal basal ganglia lesions without any accompanying parkinsonism, suggesting that bradykinesia and rigidity are not sine-qua-non for the development of this phenomenon. Therefore, micrographia in a patient with no signs of parkinsonism may prompt the clinician to perform imaging in order to exclude a focal basal ganglia lesion. Dopaminergic etiology in this and other cases is doubtful, since levodopa ameliorates letter stroke size only partially, and only in some patients. Parkinsonian handwriting is often characterized by lack of fluency, slowness, and less frequently by micrographia. Deviations from kinematic laws of motion that govern normal movement, including the lack of movement smoothness and inability to scale movement amplitude to the desired size, may reflect impairments in motion planning, possible loss of automaticity and reduced movement vigor.
CONCLUSIONS
The etiology, neuroanatomy, mechanisms and models of micrographia are discussed. Dysfunction of the basal ganglia circuitry induced by neurodegeneration or disruption by focal damage give rise to micrographia.
Topics: Agraphia; Basal Ganglia; Handwriting; Humans; Hypokinesia; Nerve Net; Parkinson Disease
PubMed: 26997656
DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2016.03.003 -
European Journal of Neurology Aug 2023Tremor is often perceived as severely disabling by patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD) and yet ranges among the most difficult symptoms to treat. To date,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Tremor is often perceived as severely disabling by patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD) and yet ranges among the most difficult symptoms to treat. To date, no comprehensive analysis of non-lesional therapies to manage tremor in iPD exists to base recommendations upon. We therefore present a systematic literature review and meta-analysis assessing the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of non-lesional treatments for tremor in iPD.
METHODS
Three electronic databases were searched using a combination of title/abstract keywords complemented by hand-searching of reference lists. A random-effects meta-analysis of standardized mean change scores was conducted where appropriate.
RESULTS
Some 114 studies met inclusion criteria involving 8045 patients. The meta-analysis revealed an overall reduction of standardized mean change scores by (-0.93 [CI: -1.42; -0.43], p < 0.001) by 14 different dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic classes of agents. No significant differences were identified between direct comparisons. Subgroup analysis comparing dopamine receptor agonists resulted in superior effects of pramipexole and rotigotine compared with ropinirole. There was little cumulative evidence to support the use of individual non-pharmacological interventions for tremor, except for electrical stimulation.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of this meta-analysis suggest a large but nonspecific effect of established pharmacological therapies on tremor in iPD. Based on high-quality studies, there is sufficient evidence to support that levodopa, dopamine receptor agonists, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors provide tremor relief in most patients, while evidence supporting other treatments is less well established. Sufficient evidence to draw conclusions on effects of non-lesional treatments in cases with refractory tremor is lacking.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Dopamine Agonists; Antiparkinson Agents; Tremor; Levodopa
PubMed: 37154268
DOI: 10.1111/ene.15823 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... Apr 2018To systematically review evidence for pharmacological/neurosurgical interventions for managing dystonia in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) to inform a care pathway. (Review)
Review
AIM
To systematically review evidence for pharmacological/neurosurgical interventions for managing dystonia in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) to inform a care pathway.
METHOD
Searches included studies with a minimum of five participants with dystonia in CP receiving oral baclofen, benzodiazepines (clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam), clonidine, gabapentin, levodopa, trihexyphenidyl, botulinum toxin, intrathecal baclofen (ITB), or deep brain stimulation (DBS). Evidence was classified according to American Academy of Neurology guidelines.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight articles underwent data extraction: one levodopa, five trihexyphenidyl, three botulinum toxin, six ITB, and 13 DBS studies. No articles for oral baclofen, benzodiazepines, clonidine, or gabapentin met the inclusion criteria. Evidence for reducing dystonia was level C (possibly effective) for ITB and DBS; level C (possibly ineffective) for trihexyphenidyl; and level U (inadequate data) for botulinum toxin.
INTERPRETATION
For dystonia reduction, ITB and DBS are possibly effective, whereas trihexyphenidyl was possibly ineffective. There is insufficient evidence to support oral medications or botulinum toxin to reduce dystonia. There is insufficient evidence for pharmacological and neurosurgical interventions to improve motor function, decrease pain, and ease caregiving. The majority of the pharmacological and neurosurgical management of dystonia in CP is based on clinical expert opinion.
WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS
Intrathecal baclofen and deep brain stimulation are possibly effective in reducing dystonia. Current evidence does not support effectiveness of oral medications or botulinum toxin to reduce dystonia. Evidence is inadequate for pharmacological/neurosurgical interventions impact on improving motor function, pain/comfort, and easing caregiving. The majority of the care pathway rests on expert opinion.
Topics: Baclofen; Cerebral Palsy; Deep Brain Stimulation; Dystonia; Humans; Muscle Relaxants, Central; Neurosurgical Procedures
PubMed: 29405267
DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13652