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Colorectal Disease : the Official... Apr 2010The aim of this study was to systematically review all published evidence to determine the efficacy and safety of injectable bulking agents for passive faecal... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to systematically review all published evidence to determine the efficacy and safety of injectable bulking agents for passive faecal incontinence (FI) in adults.
METHOD
Electronic searches were performed for MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge and other relevant databases. Hand searching of relevant conference proceedings was undertaken. Studies were considered if they met the predefined inclusion criteria of more than ten adult patients and receiving an injectable bulking agent for passive FI with a validated means of assessing preoperative and postoperative incontinence.
RESULTS
Thirteen case series studies and one randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT) were included with a total of 420 patients. Two completed RCTs with placebo control were identified but results were unobtainable. Coaptite, Contigen, Durasphere, EVOH and PTQ injections were assessed with 24, 73, 83, 21 and 208 patients respectively. Most studies reported a statistically significant improvement in incontinence scores and quality of life. No statistically significant difference was found between the treatment and placebo arms in the RCT. No serious adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
Currently there is little evidence for the effectiveness of injectable bulking agents in managing passive FI. The inability to obtain results from two further RCTs concerned the reviewers and hindered their ability to make strong recommendations. The identified injectable bulking agents appear to be safe with only minor complications reported.
Topics: Anal Canal; Biocompatible Materials; Fecal Incontinence; Humans; Injections; Manometry; Quality of Life
PubMed: 19320664
DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1318.2009.01828.x -
Critical Care (London, England) Jan 2015The value of gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) can be calculated from the tonometrically measured partial pressure of carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) in the stomach and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The value of gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) can be calculated from the tonometrically measured partial pressure of carbon dioxide ([Formula: see text]) in the stomach and the arterial bicarbonate content. Low pHi and increase of the difference between gastric mucosal and arterial [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] gap) reflect splanchnic hypoperfusion and are good indicators of poor prognosis. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed based on the theory that normalizing the low pHi or [Formula: see text] gap could improve the outcomes of critical care patients. However, the conclusions of these RCTs were divergent. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of this goal directed therapy on patient outcome in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials comparing gastric tonometry guided therapy with control groups. Baseline characteristics of each included RCT were extracted and displayed in a table. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous outcomes. Another measure of effect (risk difference, RD) was used to reassess the effects of gastric tonometry on total mortality. We performed sensitivity analysis for total mortality. Continuous outcomes were presented as standardised mean differences (SMDs) together with 95% CIs.
RESULTS
The gastric tonometry guided therapy significantly reduced total mortality (OR, 0.732; 95% CI, 0.536 to 0.999, P = 0.049; I(2) = 0%; RD, -0.056; 95% CI, -0.109 to -0.003, P = 0.038; I(2) = 0%) when compared with control groups. However, after excluding the patients with normal pHi on admission, the beneficial effects of this therapy did not exist (OR, 0.736; 95% CI 0.506 to 1.071, P = 0.109; I(2) = 0%). ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay and days intubated were not significantly improved by this therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
In critical care patients, gastric tonometry guided therapy can reduce total mortality. Patients with normal pHi on admission contributed to the ultimate result of this outcome; it may indicate that these patients may be more sensitive to this therapy.
Topics: Critical Care; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Manometry; Stomach Diseases
PubMed: 25622724
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-015-0739-6 -
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Apr 2018Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients often continue to experience nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms despite quiescent disease. Unlike non-IBD patients, IBD... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients often continue to experience nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms despite quiescent disease. Unlike non-IBD patients, IBD patients with dyssynergic defecation (DD) may present with various symptoms such as diarrhea, fecal incontinence, constipation, and rectal discomfort. Despite its importance and treatability, DD in IBD patients is not well recognized in practice. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of DD in IBD patients with ongoing defecatory symptoms.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (from 1966 through February 2017) to identify relevant studies on the prevalence, diagnostic methods, or management of DD in IBD patients with and without ileal pouch-anal anastomoses (IPAAs). A random effects model was used to calculate the pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics, Cochran Q statistic, and sensitivity analyses.
RESULTS
Seven studies (n = 442) were included. In patients with ongoing defecatory symptoms, the prevalence of DD without IPAA ranged from 45% to 97%, and in patients with IPAA, it ranged from 25% to 75%. The prevalence of DD in IPAA patients with and without pouchitis ranged from 17% to 67% and 29% to 50%, respectively. The pooled response rate to biofeedback therapy in patients without IPAA was 70% (95% CI, 55%-84%; I2 = 95%; P < 0.01), and it was 86% (95% CI, 67%-98%; I2 = 61%; P = 0.05) in those with IPAA.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite limited data, the current literature suggests that DD is highly prevalent in active or quiescent IBD patients with ongoing defecatory symptoms and is responsive to biofeedback therapy. Although more studies are needed, DD should be considered in IBD patients with persistent defecatory symptoms.
Topics: Constipation; Defecation; Fecal Incontinence; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Manometry; Pouchitis; Prevalence; Proctocolectomy, Restorative; Quality of Life
PubMed: 29529194
DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izx095 -
Surgical Laparoscopy, Endoscopy &... Aug 2012Studies of endoscopic application of radiofrequency energy to the lower esophageal sphincter for gastroesophageal reflux control have produced conflicting reports of its... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Studies of endoscopic application of radiofrequency energy to the lower esophageal sphincter for gastroesophageal reflux control have produced conflicting reports of its effectiveness. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies to assess the impact of this treatment.
METHODS
Twenty studies were included. Outcomes analyzed included gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom assessment, quality of life, esophageal pH, and esophageal manometry.
RESULTS
A total of 1441 patients from 18 studies were included. Radiofrequency treatment improved heartburn scores (P=0.001), and produced improvements in quality of life as measured by GERD-health-related quality-of-life scale (P=0.001) and quality of life in reflux and dyspepsia score (P=0.001). Esophageal acid exposure decreased from a preprocedure Johnson-DeMeester score of 44.4 to 28.5 (P=0.007).
CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency ablation of the lower esophageal sphincter produces significant improvement in reflux symptoms and may represent an alternative to medical treatment and surgical fundoplication in select patients.
Topics: Catheter Ablation; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Female; Gastric Acid; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pressure; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 22874675
DOI: 10.1097/SLE.0b013e3182582e92 -
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift Jan 2022Biofeedback is recognized as an effective additive method for treating certain phenotypes of chronic pelvic pain syndrome and is a therapeutic option in other pelvic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Biofeedback is recognized as an effective additive method for treating certain phenotypes of chronic pelvic pain syndrome and is a therapeutic option in other pelvic pain conditions. This review aims to evaluate evidence from the literature with a focus on the effect of biofeedback on pain reduction, overall symptom relief, physiological parameters and quality of life.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and PEDro from inception to July 2020. Data were tabulated and a narrative synthesis was carried out, since data heterogeneity did not allow a meta-analysis. The PEDro scale and the McMaster Critical Review Form-Quantitative Studies were applied to assess risk of bias.
RESULTS
Out of 651 studies, 37 quantitative studies of primary research evaluating pelvic pain conditions in male and female adults and children were included. They covered biofeedback interventions on anorectal disorders, chronic prostatitis, female chronic pelvic pain conditions, urologic phenotypes in children and adults and a single study on low back pain. For anorectal disorders, several landmark studies demonstrate the efficacy of biofeedback. For other subtypes of chronic pelvic pain conditions there is tentative evidence that biofeedback-assisted training has a positive effect on pain reduction, overall symptoms relief and quality of life. Certain factors have been identified that might be relevant in improving treatment success.
CONCLUSIONS
For certain indications, biofeedback has been confirmed to be an effective treatment. For other phenotypes, promising findings should be further investigated in robust and well-designed randomized controlled trials.
Topics: Biofeedback, Psychology; Female; Humans; Male; Pelvic Floor; Pelvic Pain; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33751183
DOI: 10.1007/s00508-021-01827-w -
Esophagus : Official Journal of the... Jul 2020Pseudoachalasia, also known as secondary achalasia, is a clinical condition mimicking idiopathic achalasia but most commonly caused by malignant tumors of...
Pseudoachalasia, also known as secondary achalasia, is a clinical condition mimicking idiopathic achalasia but most commonly caused by malignant tumors of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Our aim was to systematically review and present all available data on demographics, clinical features, and diagnostic modalities involved in patients with pseudoachalasia. A systematic search of literature published during the period 1978-2019 was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (end-of-search date: June 25th, 2019). Two independent reviewers extracted data with regards of study design, interventions, participants, and outcomes. Thirty-five studies met our inclusion criteria and were selected in the present review. Overall, 140 patients with pseudoachalasia were identified, of whom 83 were males. Mean patient age was 60.13 years and the mean weight loss was 13.91 kg. A total of 33 (23.6%) patients were wrongly 'treated' at first for achalasia. The most common presenting symptoms were dysphagia, food regurgitation, and weight loss. The median time from symptoms' onset to hospital admission was 5 months. Most common etiology was gastric cancer (19%). Diagnostic modalities included manometry, barium esophagram, endoscopy, and computed tomography (CT). Pseudoachalasia is a serious medical condition that is difficult to be distinguished from primary achalasia. Clinical feature assessment along with the correct interpretation of diagnostic tests is nowadays essential steps to differentiate pseudoachalasia from idiopathic achalasia.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Child; Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Errors; Endoscopy; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophagogastric Junction; Female; Humans; Male; Manometry; Middle Aged; Rumination, Digestive; Stomach Neoplasms; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Weight Loss
PubMed: 31989338
DOI: 10.1007/s10388-020-00720-1 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy Jan 2023Various surgical interventions exist for treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH). Though mucosal-sparing techniques are generally preferred, there is lack of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Various surgical interventions exist for treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH). Though mucosal-sparing techniques are generally preferred, there is lack of consensus on the optimal technique.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review sought to evaluate the evidence for treatment of bilateral nasal obstruction via inferior turbinate reduction (ITR) and provide a meta-analysis of expected results of various techniques.
METHODS
PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library databases were queried to include articles describing surgical treatment for ITH. Exclusion criteria were concurrent nasal procedures or non-mucosal ITH. Primary outcomes included visual analog scale for nasal obstruction, nasal cavity volume by acoustic rhinometry, and resistance by anterior rhinomanometry. Subgroup analyses assessed outcomes by rhinitis diagnosis and length of follow-up, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was compared to microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty (MAIT).
RESULTS
A total of 1870 studies were identified with 62 meeting inclusion criteria. Reported techniques included turbinectomy, submucosal resection, RFA, MAIT, laser, or electrocautery.All techniques demonstrated significant improvements in nasal obstruction using the visual analog scale. Further comprehensive physiologic data for RFA, MAIT, and laser was available and, compared to baseline, these techniques resulted in significant improvements in nasal resistance, nasal cavity volume, and nasal airflow. Six studies directly compared RFA and MAIT with statistically similar results on VAS, nasal cavity volume, and resistance with median follow-up time of 3.5 months. Assessment of VAS congestion over time reveals peak benefit is achieved between 3-6 months follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
All reviewed ITR techniques improve patient-reported nasal obstruction. RFA and MAIT provide comparable improvements in patient-reported and physiologic nasal airflow outcomes and while benefits are sustained long-term, the peak benefit for both techniques appears to be achieved within the first year.
Topics: Humans; Turbinates; Nasal Obstruction; Treatment Outcome; Rhinomanometry; Hypertrophy; Paranasal Sinus Diseases
PubMed: 36315624
DOI: 10.1177/19458924221134555 -
International Journal of Cardiology Sep 2013Non-invasive methods based on applanation tonometry have been proposed to estimate central blood pressure. However, the accuracy of these methods hasn't been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Non-invasive methods based on applanation tonometry have been proposed to estimate central blood pressure. However, the accuracy of these methods hasn't been systematically examined.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing estimated and invasively measured central BP.
RESULTS
Sufficient data were available in 22 studies for meta-analysis (857 subjects and 1167 measurements). Acquired arterial pressure waveforms in these studies were directly measured, calibrated to match invasive aortic mean BP and diastolic BP or calibrated to match brachial BP measured with a sphygmomanometer, cuff BP. Of the former 2 conditions, the errors of estimated central BP were small with a mean and standard deviation of difference -1.1 ± 4.1mm Hg (95% limits of agreement -9.1-6.9 mm Hg) for central systolic BP; -0.5 ± 2.1mm Hg (-4.6-3.6mm Hg) for central diastolic BP; and -0.8 ± 5.1mm Hg (-10.8-9.2mm Hg) for central pulse pressure. However, the errors inflated to -8.2 ± 10.3mm Hg (-28.4-12.0mm Hg) for central systolic BP, 7.6 ± 8.7 mm Hg (-9.5-24.6mm Hg) for central diastolic BP, and -12.2 ± 10.4mm Hg (-32.5-8.1mm Hg) for central pulse pressure, when calibrated to cuff BP. The findings were still evident in subgroup analysis conducted with different central BP estimating methods and validated cuff BP monitors.
CONCLUSION
Present tonometry-based central BP estimating methods are acceptable in theory, with small errors. However, based on current available evidence, there is substantial room for improvement in measurement accuracy of central BP when cuff BP is used to calibrate the peripheral waveforms.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Blood Pressure Determination; Calibration; Humans; Manometry
PubMed: 22622052
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.04.155 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Oct 2020There is controversy over the utility of symptoms, examination, and tests for diagnosis of rectal evacuation disorders (REDs) or slow-transit constipation (STC). We...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
There is controversy over the utility of symptoms, examination, and tests for diagnosis of rectal evacuation disorders (REDs) or slow-transit constipation (STC). We aimed to ascertain the pooled prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for clinical parameters to determine pretest and post-test probabilities of diagnoses of RED and STC without RED.
METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE and PUBMED databases since 1999 for studies that used binary data to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios to determine the diagnostic utility of history, symptoms, and tests for RED and STC. RED and STC were defined based on confirmation by at least 1 objective anorectal test or colonic transit test. Controls had normal test results based on the specific protocol in each study.
RESULTS
We reviewed 100 articles; 63 studies of RED and 61 studies of STC met the inclusion criteria. Among 3364 patients with chronic constipation, objective tests demonstrated RED alone, 27.2%; normal transit constipation alone, 37.2%; STC alone, 19.0%; and RED with STC, 16.6%. To diagnose RED, discriminant features were urinary symptoms (specificity, 100%; likelihood ratio, above 10; 58 patients), less than 2 findings of dyssynergia in a digital rectal exam (sensitivity, 83.2%; negative likelihood ratio, 0.2; 462 patients) and rectoanal pressure gradient below -40 mm Hg with high anal pressure during straining (specificity, 100%; likelihood ratio, above 10; 101 patients). The features most strongly associated with STC alone were call to stool (specificity, 91.5%; likelihood ratio, 10.5; 75 patients) and absence of abdominal distension, fullness, or bloating (sensitivity, 92.9%; negative likelihood ratio, 0.1; 93 patients).
CONCLUSIONS
In a systematic review, we found specific symptoms, lack of dyssynergia in a digital rectal exam, and findings on anorectal manometry to be highly informative and critical in evaluation of RED and STC.
Topics: Constipation; Gastrointestinal Transit; Humans; Manometry; Probability; Rectal Diseases; Rectum
PubMed: 31811949
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.11.049 -
European Journal of Gastroenterology &... Aug 2022Hemorrhoids are common anorectal pathology, with high recurrence rates after surgical treatment. It is hypothesized that high straining forces during paradoxical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Hemorrhoids are common anorectal pathology, with high recurrence rates after surgical treatment. It is hypothesized that high straining forces during paradoxical contractions and inadequate relaxation are causally related to hemorrhoids. This review aimed to assess the coprevalence of functional constipation and dyssynergic defecation in a population with hemorrhoids. Moreover, the effects of rubber band ligation (RBL) were analyzed. Sources included Pubmed, Embase and CENTRAL . Randomized trials, cohort and case-control studies that investigated the prevalence of constipation in patients with hemorrhoids or the prevalence of hemorrhoids in patients with constipation compared to healthy subjects were included. Manometric studies were also eligible. Quality assessment was performed by using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The primary outcome was the prevalence of functional constipation or dyssynergic defecation in patients with hemorrhoids. Nineteen studies were included. Prevalence of constipation was significantly higher in patients with hemorrhoids compared to controls [OR (odds ratio), 2.09; 95% CI (confidence interval), 1.27-3.44]. No significant difference in the prevalence of hemorrhoids between patients with constipation compared to controls was found (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 0.67-8.44). Anal pressures in patients with hemorrhoids were significantly higher compared to healthy controls in all manometric studies. After RBL, these pressures remained significantly higher in patients with hemorrhoids ( P = 0.001). Functional constipation, dyssynergic defecation and higher basal anal pressures are more prevalent in patients with hemorrhoids compared to controls. Improvement of therapy for functional constipation, especially dyssynergic defecation patterns, might lead to better long-term outcomes and reduce recurrence.
Topics: Anal Canal; Case-Control Studies; Constipation; Defecation; Hemorrhoids; Humans; Manometry
PubMed: 35412490
DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000002361