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German Medical Science : GMS E-journal 2022Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used as a treatment option in the therapy of dysphagia for several years. In a previous review of the literature, it... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used as a treatment option in the therapy of dysphagia for several years. In a previous review of the literature, it was concluded that NMES might be a valuable adjunct in patients with dysphagia and in patients with vocal fold paresis. However, due to different stimulation protocols, electrode positioning and various underlying pathological conditions, it was difficult to compare the studies which were identified and it was concluded that more empirical data is needed to fully understand the benefits provided by NMES. The purpose of this systematic review is, therefore, to evaluate recent studies regarding a potential effectiveness of transcutaneous NMES applied to the anterior neck as a treatment for dysphagia considering these different aspects.
METHOD
For this systematic review, a selective literature research in PubMed has been carried out on 5 May 2021 using the terms and screened for inclusion criteria by two reviewers in Rayyan. The search resulted in 62 hits.
RESULTS
Studies were excluded due to their publication language; because they did not meet inclusion criteria; because the topical focus was a different one; or because they did not qualify as level 2 studies. Eighteen studies were identified with varying patient groups, stimulation protocols, electrode placement and therapy settings. However, 16 studies have reported of beneficial outcomes in relation with NMES.
DISCUSSION
The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the most recent studies regarding a potential effectiveness of NMES as a treatment for oropharyngeal dysphagia considering different aspects. It could generally be concluded that there is a considerable amount of level 2 studies which suggest that NMES is an effective treatment option, especially when combined with TDT for patients with dysphagia after stroke and patients with Parkinson's disease, or with different kinds of brain injuries. Further research is still necessary in order to clarify which stimulation protocols, parameters and therapy settings are most beneficial for certain patient groups and degrees of impairment.
Topics: Deglutition Disorders; Electric Stimulation; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Humans; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35875244
DOI: 10.3205/000310 -
Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation Jan 2018Background Shoulder subluxation is a common post-stroke complication affecting up to 80% of the stroke subjects. The pathomechanics at the skeletal level does not... (Review)
Review
Background Shoulder subluxation is a common post-stroke complication affecting up to 80% of the stroke subjects. The pathomechanics at the skeletal level does not provide the structural base for the neural-motor recovery. The management of subluxed shoulder has always been a challenge, complicating the motor and functional recovery. Objective To review the available studies of rehabilitation interventions for reduction of subluxed shoulder and to explore the evidence for impact of subluxation on motor recovery. Method PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, DORIS, PEDro, and OTseeker databases were searched using the keywords: Stroke and Shoulder and Subluxation. The experimental, quasi-experimental, and single group studies investigated the rehabilitation methods to reduce the subluxation were selected. A narrative synthesis of the findings from the selected studies was carried out. Result 2717 studies were identified and 22 studies (14 RCTs or controlled trials and 8 pre-post-single group studies) were finally selected for the review. The rehabilitation intervention: Functional electrical stimulation (FES)/electrical stimulation (11), orthosis/support (07), taping (02), and robotic training and other methods (02) were reviewed. FES is effective in reducing subluxation in acute stage. Shoulder support or orthosis while in situ may reduce the subluxation temporarily. X-ray was the most commonly used assessment tool for the subluxation. Implication of the rehabilitation technique on motor recovery has not been investigated. Conclusion No technique could effectively reduce the subluxation and facilitate the upper limb recovery. Further studies integrating the usual motor training and the subluxation rehabilitation are warranted. Future trials using more precise and valid tool such as ultrasonography are also needed.
Topics: Databases, Bibliographic; Humans; Paresis; Recovery of Function; Shoulder; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 29017429
DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2017.1383712 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Nov 2014To perform a systematic literature review to evaluate the type and timing of therapy for vocal fold paresis/paralysis after thyroidectomy and develop a primary... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To perform a systematic literature review to evaluate the type and timing of therapy for vocal fold paresis/paralysis after thyroidectomy and develop a primary decision-making pathway.
STUDY DESIGN
Meta-analysis.
METHODS
Four databases and one journal were searched using the key words of "thyroidectomy," "vocal cord paresis/paralysis," and "therapy." Study quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tools. Data regarding type and timing of therapy were extracted from 39 articles. Odds ratios (ORs), relative risk (RR), 95% confidence interval, and heterogeneity were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationships between timing and OR/RR.
RESULTS
Among the 13 studies investigating unilateral paresis/paralysis, five focused on early therapy (0-6 months). In these studies, the OR for clinical heterogeneity was significantly higher after neurolysis than after injection laryngoplasty and voice training (Q = 17.002, I(2) = 78%, P = 0.000), and the RR for heterogeneity was significantly higher after injection laryngoplasty at ≥12 months than <12 months (Q = 9.984, I(2) = 89.9%, P = 0.002). In the 26 studies that investigated bilateral paresis/paralysis, the OR for heterogeneity was significantly higher for bilateral posterior cordectomy than for endolaryngeal laterofixation (Q = 3.510, I(2) = 71.5%, P = 0.061) and laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy (Q = 2.90, I(2) = 65.6%, P = 0.088).
CONCLUSIONS
For unilateral vocal fold paresis/paralysis after thyroidectomy, we recommend absorbable mass injection laryngoplasty, voice training, and neurolysis during the first 12 months but laryngeal reinnervation after 12 months. For bilateral vocal fold paresis/paralysis, we recommend early laterofixation and combined laser arytenoidectomy with posterior cordectomy after 12 months.
Topics: Humans; Laryngoplasty; Logistic Models; Nerve Block; Odds Ratio; Phonation; Recovery of Function; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Reoperation; Risk Factors; Thyroidectomy; Time Factors; Time-to-Treatment; Treatment Outcome; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Vocal Cords; Voice; Voice Training
PubMed: 24739443
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2014.02.003 -
Thyroid Research 2015Several meta-analyses have been performed comparing the use of a variety of ultrasonic devices in thyroidectomy to conventional procedures. These studies have shown the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Several meta-analyses have been performed comparing the use of a variety of ultrasonic devices in thyroidectomy to conventional procedures. These studies have shown the superiority of ultrasonic devices for most outcomes studied including faster operative time and less blood loss, and equivalent or better safety for recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis and hypocalcemia. The current work is the first to examine a single ultrasonic device specifically designed for thyroid surgery, the Harmonic Focus, in order to confirm its efficacy and safety in thyroidectomy.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search without language restrictions was performed for randomized clinical trials comparing Harmonic Focus and conventional clamp, cut and tie in thyroidectomy. Outcome measures included operating time, blood loss, post-operative pain, length of hospital stay, hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis. Risk of bias was analyzed for all studies. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects models with the inverse-variance method for mean differences of continuous variables and the Mantel-Haenszel method for risk ratios of dichotomous variables.
RESULTS
A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Harmonic Focus reduced operative time by 29 min, a 31 % decrease (p < 0.001), intra-operative blood loss by 45 ml (p < 0.001), post-operative pain (p < 0.001), length of hospital stay by 0.68 days (p = 0.005), drainage volume by 29 ml (p = 0.01), and occurrence of transient hypocalcemia by 40 % (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between Harmonic Focus and conventional procedures in rate of persistent hypocalcemia, or rates of transient and persistent recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis.
CONCLUSION
This is the first meta-analysis of Harmonic Focus in thyroid surgery. In agreement with meta-analyses previously performed on ultrasonic devices, use of the Harmonic Focus has been shown to be a more effective surgical procedure compared to conventional methods in thyroidectomy. The low occurrence of hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis confirms that Harmonic Focus can improve thyroidectomy efficiency without increasing the risk of complications.
PubMed: 26430471
DOI: 10.1186/s13044-015-0027-1 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2020Spasticity is a common sequela of stroke. The incidence of poststroke spasticity (PSS) has not been systematically reviewed in recent years, and some risk factors...
Spasticity is a common sequela of stroke. The incidence of poststroke spasticity (PSS) has not been systematically reviewed in recent years, and some risk factors remain debated. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for PSS. We searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, WANFANG and CBM) inception to May 12, 2020. Observational studies summarizing the incidence or risk factors for PSS were included. Only cohort studies were enrolled in meta-analysis. For risk factors examined in at least three different studies, we combined effects into odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). One thousand four hundred sixty-seven studies were retrieved and 23 were involved in meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of spasticity after stroke was 25.3% and that after the first-ever stroke was 26.7%. The incidence of spasticity after the first-ever stroke with paresis was 39.5%. The prevalence of disabling or severe spasticity (MAS ≥ 3) in stroke patients with paresis was 9.4% (95% CI 0.056-0.133), and severe spasticity was 10.3% (95% CI 0.058-0.149). Moderate to severe paresis (OR = 6.573, 95% CI 2.579-16.755, = 0.0%), hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 1.879, 95% CI 1.418-2.490, = 27.3%) and sensory disorder were risk factors for PSS. The incidence of PSS was significantly higher in stroke patients with paresis. Patients with moderate to severe paresis and sensory disorder should be closely followed up. The role of hemorrhagic stroke in predicting PSS remains to be further explored.
PubMed: 33551975
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.616097 -
The Laryngoscope Apr 2013To describe the prevalence, clinical course, and outcomes of facial nerve paresis following cochlear implantation and to identify variables associated with poor... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
To describe the prevalence, clinical course, and outcomes of facial nerve paresis following cochlear implantation and to identify variables associated with poor definitive facial nerve function.
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study with systematic literature review.
METHODS
All patients who underwent cochlear implantation between January 1990 and December 2010 at a single tertiary academic referral center were reviewed. Data including clinical presentation, intraoperative findings, onset, severity, management, and outcomes of all patients who experienced facial nerve paresis following cochlear implantation were recorded.
RESULTS
Eight hundred eighty-eight cochlear implants (282 pediatric, 606 adult) were performed in 768 patients. Eleven patients with postoperative facial nerve paresis were identified. Ten patients (1.1%) developed delayed-onset paresis and had complete recovery within 6 months of surgery, whereas a single patient (0.1%) demonstrated immediate onset paresis and experienced incomplete return of facial nerve function. Seventeen additional cases were identified in the literature and were summarized.
CONCLUSIONS
Facial nerve paresis following cochlear implantation is rare. Most cases demonstrate a delayed onset and have complete recovery within months of surgery. Delayed onset facial nerve paresis following cochlear implantation heralds an excellent prognosis, whereas immediate onset facial paresis prognosticates a poorer outcome. In the absence of medical contraindications, corticosteroid therapy should be considered in facial paresis following cochlear implant surgery.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child, Preschool; Cochlear Implantation; Cohort Studies; Facial Nerve Diseases; Facial Paralysis; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Remission, Spontaneous; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 23382004
DOI: 10.1002/lary.23316 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Nov 2023Hemoptysis is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory system diseases. Common causes include bronchiectasis, tumors, tuberculosis, aspergilloma, and cystic... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Hemoptysis is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory system diseases. Common causes include bronchiectasis, tumors, tuberculosis, aspergilloma, and cystic fibrosis. The severity of hemoptysis varies from mild to moderate to massive hemoptysis and can easily lead to hemodynamic instability and death from suffocation or shock. Nevertheless, the most threatening hemoptysis that is presented to the emergency department and requires hospitalization is the massive one. In these cases, today, the most common way to manage hemoptysis is bronchial artery embolization (BAE).
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from January 2017 (with the aim of selecting the newest possible reports in the literature) until May 2023 for studies reporting massive hemoptysis. All studies that included technical and clinical success rates of hemoptysis management, as well as rebleeding and mortality rates, were included. A proportional meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Of the 30 studies included in this systematic review, 26 used bronchial artery embolization as a means of treating hemoptysis, with very high levels of both technical and clinical success (greater than 73.7% and 84.2%, respectively). However, in cases where it was not possible to use bronchial artery embolization, alternative methods were used, such as dual-vessel intervention (80% technical success rate and 66.7% clinical success rate), customized endobronchial silicone blockers (92.3% technical success rate and 92.3% clinical success rate), antifibrinolytic agents (50% clinical success rate), and percutaneous transthoracic embolization (93.1% technical success rate and 88.9% clinical success rate), which all had high success rates apart from antifibrinolytic agents. Of the 2467 patients included in these studies, 341 experienced rebleeding during the follow-up period, while 354 other complications occurred, including chest discomfort, fever, dysphagia, and paresis. A total of 89 patients died after an episode of massive hemoptysis or during the follow-up period. The results of the meta-analysis showed a pooled technical success of bronchial artery embolization equal to 97.22% and a pooled clinical success equal to 92.46%. The pooled recurrence was calculated to be 21.46%, while the mortality was 3.5%. These results confirm the ability of bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of massive hemoptysis but also emphasize the high rate of recurrence following the intervention, as well as the risk of death.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, massive hemoptysis can be treated with great clinical and technical success using bronchial artery embolization, reducing mortality. Mortality has now been reduced to a small percentage of cases.
PubMed: 38138876
DOI: 10.3390/jpm13121649 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2022Besides corticosteroids, clinicians found that vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has a potential effect on vestibular neuritis (VN) improvement. This study aimed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Besides corticosteroids, clinicians found that vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) has a potential effect on vestibular neuritis (VN) improvement. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of both corticosteroid therapy (CT) compared to VRT, and each group compared to their combination (CT vs. (CT+VRT) and VRT vs. (CT + VRT). : Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the administration of at least CT and VRT for VN. The outcome of interest was VN's subjective and objective improvement parameters. Four RCTs involving a total of 182 patients with VN were eligible for systematic review and meta-analysis. The weighted mean difference (WMD) of canal paresis (objective parameter) in the CT group is significantly lower than in the VRT group after a 1 month follow-up (8.31; 95% CI: 0.29, -16.32; = 0.04; fixed effect). Meanwhile, the WMD of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) (subjective parameter) in the VRT group is significantly lower than in the CT group after a 1 month follow-up (-3.95; 95% CI: -7.69, -0.21; = 0.04; fixed effect). Similarly, the WMD of DHI in the combination group (CT+VRT) is significantly lower than in the CT group after a 3 month follow-up (3.15; 95% CI: 1.50, 4.80; = 0.0002; fixed effect). However, there is no significant difference in all outcomes after 12 months of follow-ups in all groups (CT vs. VRT, CT vs. combination, and VRT vs. combination). : This study indicates that CT enhances the earlier canal paresis improvement, as the objective parameter, while VRT gives the earlier DHI score improvement, as the subjective parameter. However, their long-term efficacy does not appear to be different. VRT has to be offered as the primary option for patients with VN, and corticosteroids can be added to provide better recovery in the absence of its contraindication. However, whether to choose VRT, CT, or its combination should be tailored to the patient's condition. Future studies are still needed to revisit this issue, due to the small number of trials in this field. (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021220615).
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Humans; Paresis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vertigo; Vestibular Neuronitis
PubMed: 36143898
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091221 -
BMC Neurology Mar 2015Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by progressive disabilities that develop decades after prior paralytic poliomyelitis. Because chronic inflammation may be the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by progressive disabilities that develop decades after prior paralytic poliomyelitis. Because chronic inflammation may be the process underlying the development of PPS, immunomodulatory management, such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) administration, may be beneficial.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies that evaluated the efficacy of IVIg in managing PPS. Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched for articles on PPS published before December 2014. The primary outcomes were pain severity, fatigue scores, and muscle strength. The secondary outcomes were physical performance, quality of life (QoL), and cytokine expression levels.
RESULTS
We identified 3 RCTs involving 241 patients and 5 prospective studies involving 267 patients. The meta-analysis of pain severity (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.51 to 0.47), fatigue scores (WMD = 0.28, 95% CI -0.56 to 1.12), and muscle strength revealed no significant differences between the IVIg and the placebo group. Regarding QoL, the RCTs yielded controversial outcomes, with improvement in only certain domains of the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Moreover, one prospective study reported significant improvement on SF-36, particularly in patients aged younger than 65 years, those with paresis of the lower limbs, and high pain intensity.
CONCLUSION
The present review indicated that IVIg is unlikely to produce significant improvements in pain, fatigue, or muscle strength. Thus, routinely administering IVIg to patients with PPS is not recommended based on RCTs. However, a potential effect in younger patients with lower limbs weakness and intense pain requires confirmation from further well-structured trials.
Topics: Fatigue; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Immunologic Factors; Muscle Strength; Muscle Weakness; Pain; Postpoliomyelitis Syndrome; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25886512
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-015-0301-9 -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B May 2019The postictal period has many physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations associated with it. These signs and symptoms are common, can be quite debilitating, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The postictal period has many physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations associated with it. These signs and symptoms are common, can be quite debilitating, and can have a continued impact long after the seizure has ended. The purpose of this systematic review was to quantify the occurrence of postictal signs and symptoms, along with their frequency and duration in persons with epilepsy.
METHODS
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to November 29, 2017. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting standards were followed. Search terms included subject headings and text words such as convulsion, epilepsy, seizure, postictal, post seizure, seizure recovery, seizure end, Todd's paresis, and Todd's paralysis. Standardized forms were used to collect various study variables. Abstract and full-text review, data abstraction, and quality assessment were all done in duplicate. Study heterogeneity was assessed using the I-squared test, and a random effects model was used to determine estimates. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots.
RESULTS
From 7811 abstracts reviewed, 78 articles met eligibility criteria, with 31 postictal manifestations (signs and/or symptoms) described and 45 studies included in the meta-analysis. The majority of studies described postictal headaches, migraines, and psychoses, with mean weighted frequency of 33.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 26.0-40.0], 16.0% [95% CI 10.0-22.0], and 4.0% [95% CI 2.0-5.0], respectively. The mean weighted proportions of manifestations ranged from 0.5% (subacute postictal aggression) to 96.2% (postictal unresponsiveness) with symptom duration usually lasting <24 h but up to 2 months for physical and cognitive/behavioral symptoms respectively.
SIGNIFICANCE
Examining data on the various signs and symptoms of the postictal period will have practical applications for physicians by raising their awareness about these manifestations and informing them about the importance of optimizing their prevention and treatment in epilepsy.
Topics: Epilepsy; Headache; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Psychotic Disorders; Seizures
PubMed: 30978637
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.03.014