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Epilepsia Mar 2022To review the evidence of felt and enacted stigma and attitudes toward persons living with epilepsy, and their determining factors.
Systematic review of frequency of felt and enacted stigma in epilepsy and determining factors and attitudes toward persons living with epilepsy-Report from the International League Against Epilepsy Task Force on Stigma in Epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence of felt and enacted stigma and attitudes toward persons living with epilepsy, and their determining factors.
METHODS
Thirteen databases were searched (1985-2019). Abstracts were reviewed in duplicate and data were independently extracted using a standardized form. Studies were characterized using descriptive analysis by whether they addressed "felt" or "enacted" stigma and "attitudes" toward persons living with epilepsy.
RESULTS
Of 4234 abstracts, 132 met eligibility criteria and addressed either felt or enacted stigma and 210 attitudes toward epilepsy. Stigma frequency ranged broadly between regions. Factors associated with enacted stigma included low level of knowledge about epilepsy, lower educational level, lower socioeconomic status, rural areas living, and religious grouping. Negative stereotypes were often internalized by persons with epilepsy, who saw themselves as having an "undesirable difference" and so anticipated being treated differently. Felt stigma was associated with increased risk of psychological difficulties and impaired quality of life. Felt stigma was linked to higher seizure frequency, recency of seizures, younger age at epilepsy onset or longer duration, lower educational level, poorer knowledge about epilepsy, and younger age. An important finding was the potential contribution of epilepsy terminology to the production of stigma. Negative attitudes toward those with epilepsy were described in 100% of included studies, and originated in any population group (students, teachers, healthcare professionals, general public, and those living with epilepsy). Better attitudes were generally noted in those of younger age or higher educational status.
SIGNIFICANCE
Whatever the specific beliefs about epilepsy, implications for felt and enacted stigma show considerable commonality worldwide. Although some studies show improvement in attitudes toward those living with epilepsy over time, much work remains to be done to improve attitudes and understand the true occurrence of discrimination against persons with epilepsy.
Topics: Epilepsy; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Quality of Life; Seizures; Social Stigma; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 34985782
DOI: 10.1111/epi.17135 -
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology Nov 2022Combination radiofrequency (RF) microneedling with fractional ablative carbon dioxide (CO ) laser is a new approach for acne scar treatment.
INTRODUCTION
Combination radiofrequency (RF) microneedling with fractional ablative carbon dioxide (CO ) laser is a new approach for acne scar treatment.
AIMS
(1) to systematically review the literature on the safety and effectiveness of this treatment for acne scarring; (2) to assess safety and effectiveness in a 2-center case series.
METHODS
Systematic review: Articles that assessed the safety and effectiveness of combination RF microneedling and fractional CO laser for acne scarring were included and quality assessed using the Downs and Black checklist.
CASE SERIES
Patient records were reviewed from 2 clinics, one in London, UK, and the other in Washington D.C., United States, to identify patients who underwent a single treatment with RF microneedling and fractional CO laser for acne scarring. Outcome assessment was via the Scar Global Assessment (SGA) scale.
RESULTS
Systematic review: Three articles were included and reported improvements in acne scar severity. Adverse effects included erythema, edema, pain, vesicle formation, erosion, petechiae, desquamation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and acne flare. Quality scores ranged from 14 to 15 (maximum of 21).
CASE SERIES
Twenty-six patients were included. Mean SGA Score was 3.0 at baseline and 1.3 at follow-up. All patients had an improved SGA score. Adverse effects included erythema, pain, edema, skin crusting, PIH, and acne flare. All patients resumed normal activities within 7 days of treatment.
CONCLUSION
Combination RF microneedling and fractional CO laser appears a safe and effective treatment for patients with acne scarring. A single treatment can result in noticeable improvements in acne scar severity with a short recovery time.
Topics: Humans; Cicatrix; Retrospective Studies; Lasers, Gas; Carbon Dioxide; Treatment Outcome; Acne Vulgaris; Erythema; Hyperpigmentation; Edema
PubMed: 35896510
DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15276 -
The Journal of Pediatrics Mar 2012To conduct a systematic review to determine whether clinical findings can be used to rule in or to rule out streptococcal pharyngitis in children. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review to determine whether clinical findings can be used to rule in or to rule out streptococcal pharyngitis in children.
STUDY DESIGN
Two authors independently searched MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included articles if they contained data on the accuracy of symptoms or signs of streptococcal pharyngitis, individually or combined into prediction rules, in children 3-18 years of age.
RESULTS
Thirty-eight articles with data on individual symptoms and signs and 15 articles with data on prediction rules met all inclusion criteria. In children with sore throat, the presence of a scarlatiniform rash (likelihood ratio [LR], 3.91; 95% CI, 2.00-7.62), palatal petechiae (LR, 2.69; CI, 1.92-3.77), pharyngeal exudates (LR, 1.85; CI, 1.58-2.16), vomiting (LR, 1.79; CI, 1.58-2.16), and tender cervical nodes (LR, 1.72; CI, 1.54-1.93) were moderately useful in identifying those with streptococcal pharyngitis. Nevertheless, no individual symptoms or signs were effective in ruling in or ruling out streptococcal pharyngitis.
CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms and signs, either individually or combined into prediction rules, cannot be used to definitively diagnose or rule out streptococcal pharyngitis.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Decision Support Techniques; Humans; Pharyngitis; Physical Examination; Sensitivity and Specificity; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 22048053
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.09.011 -
Tropical Diseases, Travel Medicine and... Nov 2023The American Society of Haematology defines immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) as a common hematologic disorder characterized by a transient or long-term decrease in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The American Society of Haematology defines immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) as a common hematologic disorder characterized by a transient or long-term decrease in platelet counts (< 100 × 109/L.), purpura, and haemorrhagic episodes caused by antiplatelet autoantibodies, with the exclusion of other clinical conditions. We aimed to systematically determine the incidence of ITP in adults and children following influenza vaccination, the duration between vaccination and the occurrence of ITP, and to identify predictors of ITP after the vaccine.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct. We included primary studies that assessed the occurrence of immune thrombocytopenia in individuals who had received any influenza vaccine (primary or booster dose), regardless of the dosage, preparation, time of administration, or age of the participants. We excluded studies that were (a) Narrative, scoping, and umbrella reviews ;(b) studies with no accessible full text, abstract-only studies, or (c) Overlapping or unreliable data. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool. We categorized studies for qualitative analysis based on study design. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative data, including the incidence of ITP after influenza vaccination.
RESULTS
Out of 729 articles retrieved from the database search, we included 24 studies. All patients identified and included in this systematic review presented with immune thrombocytopenia, determined by their platelet count. The period between vaccination and the occurrence of ITP ranged from (2:35 days). The mean duration was 13.5 days. The analysis revealed a statistically significant incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.85,95% CI [1.03-3.32] of ITP occurrence after 42 days.
CONCLUSIONS
Influenza-associated ITP is uncommon, self-limiting, non-life-threatening, and curable. None of the patients reported having severe adverse events or death. Further studies are required to confirm the exact incidence of the ITP to better understand the pathophysiology of ITP development post-influenza vaccination.
PubMed: 38001495
DOI: 10.1186/s40794-023-00206-9 -
Blood Nov 2014Childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder. Most children recover within 6 to 12 months, but individual course is difficult to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare autoimmune bleeding disorder. Most children recover within 6 to 12 months, but individual course is difficult to predict. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify predictors of chronic ITP. We found 1399 articles; after critical appraisal, 54 studies were included. The following predictors of chronic ITP in children, assessed in at least 3 studies, have been identified: female gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.31), older age at presentation (age ≥11 years; OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.94-3.15), no preceding infection or vaccination (OR 3.08, 95 CI 2.19-4.32), insidious onset (OR 11.27, 95% CI 6.27-20.27), higher platelet counts at presentation (≥20 × 10(9)/L: OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.63-2.83), presence of antinuclear antibodies (OR 2.87, 95% 1.57-5.24), and treatment with a combination of methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.44-4.96). Children with mucosal bleeding at diagnosis or treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin alone developed chronic ITP less often (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.28-0.54 and OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.97, respectively). The protective effect of intravenous immunoglobulin is remarkable and needs confirmation in prospective randomized trials as well as future laboratory studies to elucidate the mechanism of this effect.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Prognosis; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Risk Factors
PubMed: 25305206
DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-04-570127 -
British Journal of Haematology Feb 2024Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a rare and life-threatening haematological condition. Initial treatment involves plasma exchange (PLEX),...
Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a rare and life-threatening haematological condition. Initial treatment involves plasma exchange (PLEX), corticosteroids, caplacizumab and rituximab. In relapsed and refractory cases despite initial treatments, further immune-modulating therapy includes the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib. Evidence for bortezomib in this setting is limited to case reports and case series. We report our experience and perform a systematic review of the literature. We identified 21 publications with 28 unique patients in addition to our cohort of eight patients treated with bortezomib. The median age of patients was 44 years (IQR: 27-53) and 69% female. They were usually in an initial, refractory presentation of iTTP where they had received PLEX, corticosteroids, rituximab and another line of therapy. After bortezomib administration, 72% of patients had a complete response, with 85% maintaining a durable response without relapse at the last follow-up.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Male; Bortezomib; Rituximab; Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic; Retrospective Studies; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Plasma Exchange; ADAMTS13 Protein
PubMed: 37571963
DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19035 -
PloS One 2023Thrombocytopenia is defined as a decreased number of platelets in the circulating blood as a result of hypo-proliferation in marrow or peripheral destruction of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The diagnostic accuracy of mean platelet volume in differentiating immune thrombocytopenic purpura from hypo-productive thrombocytopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Thrombocytopenia is defined as a decreased number of platelets in the circulating blood as a result of hypo-proliferation in marrow or peripheral destruction of platelets. Several diagnostic methods have been proposed to discriminate the underline cause of thrombocytopenia. Recent studies showed that mean platelet volume (MPV) could be used for differential diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Thus, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of MPV for differential diagnosis of ITP from hypo-productive thrombocytopenia.
METHODS
This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO with the reference number CRD42023447789. Relevant published studies that were published up to April 10, 2023, in peer-reviewed journals were searched on electronic different databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies 2 (QADAS-2) tool. The pooled weight mean difference (WMD) of MPV between the ITP group and hypo-productive group was analyzed using a random-effects model meta-analysis. Relevant data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA 11.0 and Meta-disc 1.4 software. Publication bias was evaluated using Deek's funnel plot asymmetry test.
RESULTS
A total of 14 articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The comparison of MPV between groups revealed that the pooled mean value of MPV increased significantly in ITP patients compared to patients with hypo-productive thrombocytopenia (WMD = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.38-2.69). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of MPV in differentiating ITP from hypo-productive thrombocytopenia were 76.0% (95% CI: 71.0%, 80.0%) and 79.0% (95% CI: 75.0%, 83.0%), respectively. The summary positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR)using the random effects model were 3.89 (95% CI: 2.49, 6.10) and 0.29 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.46), respectively.
CONCLUSION
MPV can be used to discriminate ITP from hypo-productive thrombocytopenia. It can possess large advantages as it is noninvasive, simple, quick, inexpensive, easy to perform, reliable, and routinely generated by automated cell counters.
Topics: Humans; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Mean Platelet Volume; Platelet Count; Thrombocytopenia; Blood Platelets
PubMed: 38033118
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295011 -
Annals of Hematology Apr 2023There are currently three thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) approved in Europe for treating patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): romiplostim (Nplate®),...
There are currently three thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) approved in Europe for treating patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): romiplostim (Nplate®), eltrombopag (Revolade®), and avatrombopag (Doptelet®). However, comparative clinical data between these TPO-RAs are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to perform a literature review and seek expert opinion on the relevance and strength of the evidence concerning the use of TPO-RAs in adults with ITP. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Embase within the last 10 years and until June 20, 2022. A total of 478 unique articles were retrieved and reviewed for relevance. The expert consensus panel comprised ITP senior hematologists from eight countries across Central Europe. The modified Delphi method, consisting of two survey rounds, a teleconference and email correspondence, was used to reach consensus. Forty articles met the relevancy criteria and are included as supporting evidence, including five meta-analyses analyzing all three European-licensed TPO-RAs and comprising a total of 31 unique randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Consensus was reached on seven statements for the second-line use of TPO-RAs in the management of adult ITP patients. In addition, the expert panel discussed TPO-RA treatment in chronic ITP patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 and ITP patients in the first-line setting but failed to reach consensus. This work will facilitate informed decision-making for healthcare providers treating adult ITP patients with TPO-RAs. However, further studies are needed on the use of TPO-RAs in the first-line setting and specific patient populations.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Receptors, Thrombopoietin; Consensus; COVID-19; Thrombocytopenia; Thrombopoietin; Receptors, Fc; Benzoates; Hydrazines; Recombinant Fusion Proteins
PubMed: 36826482
DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05114-8 -
Medicine Sep 2017Corticosteroid sparing is required in 15% to 40% of adults with persistent or chronic primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Herein, the efficacy of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Corticosteroid sparing is required in 15% to 40% of adults with persistent or chronic primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Herein, the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs (dapsone, interferon alpha, danazol, and hydroxychloroquine as second-third-line therapies in ITP is investigated.
METHODS
MEDLINE was searched for studies that included patients with persistent or chronic primary ITP and published before the end of December 2014. Two investigators independently extracted data regarding study design, patient characteristics, dosage schedule, time to response, and occurrence of adverse events. The pooled overall response rate (ORR; platelet count >30 × 10 L) and the complete response rate (CRR; platelet count >100 × 10 L) were evaluated to determine drug efficacy by calculating weighted mean proportion using a fixed or random-effects model according to heterogeneity (I > 50%). The study was performed following the MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies (415 patients) were included (dapsone: k = 7 studies, n = 80; danazol: k = 12, n = 224; interferon alpha: k = 8, n = 83; hydroxychloroquine: k = 1, n = 28). The mean patient age was 50 years (female sex 70%, splenectomy 47%). The ORR and CRR were 55% (95% CI: 44%-66%, I = 0%) and 21% (95% CI: 13%-31%, I = 0%), respectively, for dapsone; 42% (95% CI: 22%-65%, I = 63%) and 18% (95% CI: 10%-29%, I = 9%), respectively, for interferon alpha; and 58% (95% CI: 42%-72%, I = 67%) and 29% (95% CI: 19%-42%, I = 63%), respectively, for danazol. The ORR was 50% (95% CI: 32%-67%) for hydroxychloroquine (data not available for CRR). Meta-regression analysis found a correlation between the ORR for interferon alpha and the splenectomized status of the patient (P = .02) and between the CRR for danazol and disease duration (P < .001). In total, 73%, 51%, 30%, and 0% of patients who received danazol, dapsone, interferon alpha, and hydroxychloroquine experienced side effects, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The ORR was equivalent for hydroxychloroquine, danazol, and dapsone in ITP. Regarding their low CRR, patients at high risk of infection or at low risk of bleeding should benefit from these treatments. Thanks to their best efficacy and safety profiles, dapsone and hydroxychloroquine in patients with antinuclear antibodies should be preferred over danazol and interferon alpha.
Topics: Humans; Immunomodulation; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
PubMed: 28906353
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000007534 -
Lasers in Medical Science Dec 2023Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the most commonly used method for port-wine stain (PWS); however, no studies have reported the safety of PDL. This review aimed to collect and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the most commonly used method for port-wine stain (PWS); however, no studies have reported the safety of PDL. This review aimed to collect and summarize complications reported in relevant literature, assess complication rates in treating PWS with PDL, and explore the relevant influencing factors. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to search for related studies in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until August 2022. Two reviewers independently evaluated the risk of bias of included studies. Stata Software version 17.0 was used for the analysis. All complications reported in the literature are divided into acute phase complications and long-term complications. Overall pooled purpura, edema, crusting, blistering, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, and scarring rates were 98.3%, 97.6%, 21.5%, 8.7%, 12.8%, 0.9%, and 0.2%, respectively. Although the acute adverse reactions were found to be common, the long-term permanent complications clearly have a lower frequency, and the occurrence of scarring is much lower than that initially thought. This indicates that effective protective measures after treatment are very important for preventing scar formation. Overall, PDL treatment for PWS shows a high level of safety and low chances of causing long-term complications.
Topics: Humans; Port-Wine Stain; Treatment Outcome; Lasers, Dye; Cicatrix; Combined Modality Therapy
PubMed: 38141129
DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03961-5