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Reproductive Toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.) Jan 2012It is clear that cocaine and cocaine metabolites are present in the placenta and may harm the fetus. The results of the experimental manipulation of cocaine exposure are... (Review)
Review
It is clear that cocaine and cocaine metabolites are present in the placenta and may harm the fetus. The results of the experimental manipulation of cocaine exposure are not reported in the literature in a consistent manner. We conducted a systematic review of selected articles that demonstrated the analytical detection of cocaine and its metabolites in the placenta and that were published from January 1, 1956-June 30, 2011 using Medline, Toxline and Scopus databases. The collected data confirm that the placenta does not act as a barrier to fetal exposure, that cocaine quickly crosses the placenta and that one of the essential roles of the placenta is to metabolize cocaine during pregnancy. Our systematic review summarized the results showing that cocaine, benzoylecgonine and norcocaine are stored in the myometrium and the placental membrane and maintain continuous drug delivery to the amniotic fluid (and to the fetus) probably via diffusion.
Topics: Amniotic Fluid; Animals; Biological Assay; Biotransformation; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Cocaine; Cocaine-Related Disorders; Diffusion; Female; Fetal Blood; Humans; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Myometrium; Placenta; Placental Circulation; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 22094170
DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.10.012 -
Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck... Apr 2008Flexible fibre-optic nasolaryngoscopy (FFN) is a common otolaryngology procedure that patients may find uncomfortable. Preparative agents, including topical anesthetic,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Flexible fibre-optic nasolaryngoscopy (FFN) is a common otolaryngology procedure that patients may find uncomfortable. Preparative agents, including topical anesthetic, vasoconstrictive, and lubricating agents, have been studied in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on RCTs published between January 1966 and October 2005 and indexed to MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Methodologic validity was evaluated. Primary outcomes were patients' evaluation of FFN. Secondary outcomes were endoscopists' evaluation of FFN.
RESULTS
Eight RCTs were identified studying five preparative agent classes: vasoconstrictors plus topical anesthetics, vasoconstrictors alone, topical anesthetics alone, lubricating agents, saline, and no treatment. The systematic review found no difference in patients' evaluation of pain and discomfort for cocaine versus Co-phenylcaine (two RCTs), Co-phenylcaine versus no active agent (three RCTs), topical anesthetics versus no active preparative agent (two RCTs), vasoconstrictors versus no active preparative agent (two RCTs), and lubricating agents versus nothing. Two RCTs found that Co-phenylcaine causes higher taste unpleasantness, and one RCT found that topical anesthetics cause higher pain. Lubricating agents increase ease of examination but decrease quality of view (one RCT). Meta-analysis of two studies comparing Co-phenylcaine with other preparative agents found no difference on pain scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Cumulative evidence from eight RCTs shows no difference in pain scores when preparative agents with vasocontrictive, topical anesthetic, or lubricating properties are used. Co-phenylcaine may cause higher taste unpleasantness, and lidocaine may cause more pain. For the endoscopist, lubricating agents may aid in the examination but compromise the quality of the view.
Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Anesthetics, Local; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Gels; Humans; Laryngoscopy; Lubricants; Pain Measurement; Premedication; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 19128620
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2017Severe trauma constitutes a major cause of death and disability, especially in younger patients. The cerebral autoregulatory capacity only protects the brain to a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Severe trauma constitutes a major cause of death and disability, especially in younger patients. The cerebral autoregulatory capacity only protects the brain to a certain extent in states of hypovolemia; thereafter, neurological deficits and apoptosis occurs. We therefore set out to investigate neuroprotective strategies during haemorrhagic shock. This review was performed in accordance to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Before the start of the search, a review protocol was entered into the PROSPERO database. A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Web of Science and CENTRAL was performed in August 2017. Results were screened and evaluated by two researchers based on a previously prepared inclusion protocol. Risk of bias was determined by use of SYRCLE's risk of bias tool. The retrieved results were qualitatively analysed. Of 9093 results, 119 were assessed in full-text form, 16 of them ultimately adhered to the inclusion criteria and were qualitatively analyzed. We identified three subsets of results: (1) hypothermia; (2) fluid therapy and/or vasopressors; and (3) other neuroprotective strategies (piracetam, NHE1-inhibition, aprotinin, human mesenchymal stem cells, remote ischemic preconditioning and sevoflurane). Overall, risk of bias according to SYRCLE's tool was medium; generally, animal experimental models require more rigorous adherence to the reporting of bias-free study design (randomization, etc.). While the individual study results are promising, the retrieved neuroprotective strategies have to be evaluated within the current scientific context-by doing so, it becomes clear that specific promising neuroprotective strategies during states of haemorrhagic shock remain sparse. This important topic therefore requires more in-depth research.
Topics: Animals; Epinephrine; Fluid Therapy; Humans; Hypothermia, Induced; Hypovolemia; Ischemic Preconditioning; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Resuscitation; Shock, Hemorrhagic; Treatment Outcome; Vasopressins
PubMed: 29072635
DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112247 -
Journal of Addiction Medicine 2014Cocaine use disorder is associated with cognitive deficits. However, the literature remains somewhat ambiguous with respect to which distinct cognitive functions are the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cocaine use disorder is associated with cognitive deficits. However, the literature remains somewhat ambiguous with respect to which distinct cognitive functions are the most impaired in cocaine use disorder and to how duration of abstinence affects cognitive recovery. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to determine the cognitive domains impaired in cocaine abuse/dependence and the duration of abstinence necessary to achieve cognitive recovery.
METHODS
A literature search yielded 46 studies that assessed cognitive dysfunction in subjects with cocaine abuse/dependence. Effect-size estimates were calculated using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2, for the following 11 cognitive domains: attention, executive functions, impulsivity, speed of processing, verbal fluency/language, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, visuospatial abilities, and working memory. Within these 11 domains, effect-size estimates were calculated on the basis of abstinence duration: short- (positive for drugs urine screening), intermediate- (≤12 weeks), and long-term (≥20 weeks) abstinence.
RESULTS
Findings revealed moderate impairment across 8 cognitive domains during intermediate abstinence. The most impaired domains were attention, impulsivity, verbal learning/memory, and working memory. For some domains (attention, speed of processing, and verbal learning/memory), impairments were smaller during short-term abstinence than during intermediate abstinence. Finally, small effect-size estimates were found for long-term abstinence.
DISCUSSION
These results suggest significant impairment across multiple cognitive domains in cocaine abusers, and that some of these deficits may be partially masked by the residual or acute withdrawal effects of cocaine. Cognitive dysfunctions remain stable during the first months of abstinence and may abate after 5 months of sobriety.
Topics: Cocaine; Cocaine-Related Disorders; Cognition; Cognition Disorders; Humans
PubMed: 25187977
DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000066 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Jan 2011Up to 80% of children have been affected by otitis media with effusion (OME) by the age of 4 years, but prevalence declines beyond 6 years of age. Non-purulent... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Up to 80% of children have been affected by otitis media with effusion (OME) by the age of 4 years, but prevalence declines beyond 6 years of age. Non-purulent middle-ear infections can occur in children or adults after upper respiratory tract infection or acute otitis media. Half or more of cases resolve within 3 months and 95% within 1 year, but complications such as tympanic membrane perforation, tympanosclerosis, otorrhoea, and cholesteatoma can occur.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of interventions to prevent otitis media with effusion in children? What are the effects of pharmacological, mechanical, and surgical interventions to treat otitis media with effusion in children? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to March 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found one systematic review and one RCT that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review, we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: adenoidectomy, antibiotics, antihistamines, autoinflation, bottle feeding, decongestants, exposure to other children, intranasal corticosteroids, mucolytics, oral corticosteroids, passive smoking, and ventilation tubes.
Topics: Acute Disease; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Humans; Myringosclerosis; Nasal Decongestants; Otitis Media; Otitis Media with Effusion
PubMed: 21477396
DOI: No ID Found -
The World Journal of Biological... 2024Adrenergic dysregulation has been proposed as a possible underlying mechanism in feeding and eating disorders (FED). This review aims to synthesise the current evidence... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Adrenergic dysregulation has been proposed as a possible underlying mechanism in feeding and eating disorders (FED). This review aims to synthesise the current evidence on the role of adrenergic dysregulation in the pathogenesis and management of FED.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was adopted. Preclinical, clinical, and pharmacological studies assessing the adrenergic system in FED were included.
RESULTS
Thirty-one out of 1415 recognised studies were included. Preclinically, studies on adrenaline's anorectic impact, receptor subtypes, and effects on hepatic function in rats show that catecholamine anorexia is primarily alpha-adrenergic, whereas beta-adrenergic anorexia can be obtained only after puberty, implying an impact of sexual hormones. Clinically, catecholamine levels may be higher in FED patients than in healthy controls (HC). Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) may show higher epinephrine-induced platelet aggregability response than HC. Pharmacological trials suggest that the alpha-2-adrenergic medication clonidine may not lower AN symptoms, but agents regulating the adrenaline-noradrenaline neurotransmission (bupropion, reboxetine, duloxetine, sibutramine) have been found to improve binge eating symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Adrenergic dysregulation may be involved in the pathophysiology of FED. More research is needed to comprehend underlying mechanisms and treatment implications.
Topics: Humans; Rats; Animals; Anorexia; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Anorexia Nervosa; Catecholamines; Epinephrine; Adrenergic Agents; Bulimia Nervosa
PubMed: 37691603
DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2023.2245458 -
Medicine Apr 2018Hepatorenal syndrome is a fatal complication of advanced cirrhosis. Terlipressin is the most widely used treatment method, however, the therapy effects remain... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Hepatorenal syndrome is a fatal complication of advanced cirrhosis. Terlipressin is the most widely used treatment method, however, the therapy effects remain inconsonant. We aim to systematically assess the safety and efficacy of terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials involving terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome were included in a systematic literature search. Two authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion and extracted the data. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the safety and efficacy of terlipressin for hepatorenal syndrome.
RESULTS
A total of 18 randomized controlled trials including 1011 patients were included. Hepatorenal syndrome reverse rate was 42.0% in the terlipressin group and 26.2% in the non-terlipressin group. Terlipressin had greater hepatorenal syndrome reverse rate and renal function improvement rate than placebo and octreotide in the management of HRS. Comparing to norepinephrine, terlipressin had similar efficacy, but with more adverse events. No significant difference of the efficacy was found between terlipressin and dopamine treatment. The subgroup analysis for type 1 HRS had the above same results, except that the adverse events were not significant different between norepinephrine group and terlipressin group.
CONCLUSIONS
Terlipressin was superior to placebo and octreotide for reversal of hepatorenal syndrome and improving renal function, but it had no superiority comparing to norepinephrine.
Topics: Hepatorenal Syndrome; Humans; Kidney; Lypressin; Recurrence; Terlipressin; Treatment Outcome; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 29668606
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000010431 -
Respiratory Medicine Sep 2013Epidemiological data has established increasing adiposity as a risk factor for incident asthma. However, the mechanisms underlying the association between obesity and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Epidemiological data has established increasing adiposity as a risk factor for incident asthma. However, the mechanisms underlying the association between obesity and asthma are incompletely understood. In the present paper, we review current knowledge of possible mechanisms mediating the observed association between obesity and asthma.
METHODS
Systematic literature review.
RESULTS
Obesity and asthma share some etiological factors, such as a common genetic predisposition and effects of in utero conditions, and may also have common predisposing factors such as physical activity and diet. Obesity results in important changes in the mechanical properties of the respiratory system which could explain the occurrence of asthma. However, there are also plausible biological mechanisms whereby obesity could be expected to either cause or worsen asthma. These include co-morbidities such as gastro-oesophageal reflux, complications from sleep-disordered breathing, breathing at low lung volumes, chronic systemic inflammation, and endocrine factors, including adipokines and reproductive hormones. Obesity related asthma is in general not associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation, and adipokines are likely to play important roles in the inflammatory pathogenesis of asthma in obese individuals.
CONCLUSION
The association between obesity and asthma is not straightforward, and further knowledge is clearly needed, as understanding the underlying mechanisms may lead to new therapeutic options for this high-risk part of the asthma population.
Topics: Adipokines; Adiposity; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Asthma; Biomarkers; Body Mass Index; Dinoprost; Environment; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Life Style; Lung; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Oxidative Stress; Respiratory Function Tests; Sex Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 23642708
DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2013.03.019 -
Clinical Otolaryngology : Official... Oct 2016Local anaesthetics and vasoconstrictors are essential for pain control and to aid intra-operative haemostasis in nasal procedures. They also improve access, and reduce... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Local anaesthetics and vasoconstrictors are essential for pain control and to aid intra-operative haemostasis in nasal procedures. They also improve access, and reduce discomfort when performing nasal endoscopy. There are no clear guidelines on preparing the nose despite evermore diagnostic and therapeutic procedures utilising the nose as a point of access.
OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW
This review aims to identify nasal preparations used in diagnostic and therapeutic nasal procedures and to examine their safety and efficacy.
TYPE OF REVIEW
Systematic review.
SEARCH STRATEGY
A search was carried out using PubMed, MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, the Cochrane library and references from the included articles.
EVALUATION METHOD
The inclusion criteria included: full-text English language articles with regard to nasal preparation for surgery. Case reports, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, double-blind placebo controlled randomised trials (RCTs) and case series were included.
RESULTS
A total of 53 articles were retrieved: 13 articles on nasal preparation for operative procedures, six on functional endoscopic sinus surgery and 22 on nasendoscopy as well as six case reports. Cocaine was the most widely used topical preparation for operative procedures but was associated with more side-effects; thus, topical tetracaine and levobupivacaine infiltration are alternatives with equivalent efficacy but reduced adverse effects. All articles reviewed for functional endoscopic sinus surgery used a mixture containing lidocaine, adrenaline or both. Flexible nasendoscopy causes minimal patient discomfort and preparation is only recommended in selected patients, in contrast to rigid nasendoscopy which requires preparation.
CONCLUSION
For operative procedures, such as septorhinoplasty, a single agent tetracaine or levobupivicaine provides an improved surgical field. In functional endoscopic sinus surgery, lidocaine-adrenaline preparations have resulted in significantly better surgical and patient outcomes. There is little evidence to support the routine use of pre-procedural nasal preparation for flexible nasendoscopy. Those undergoing rigid endoscopy conversely always require the use of a vasoconstrictor and local anaesthetic. Pre-procedure assessment of patients is recommended, with agents being reserved for those with low pain thresholds, high anxiety and small nasal apertures presenting resistance to the insertion of the endoscope.
Topics: Anesthetics, Local; Endoscopy; Hemostatics; Humans; Nose; Nose Diseases; Pain Management; Pain Measurement; Vasoconstrictor Agents
PubMed: 26452438
DOI: 10.1111/coa.12563 -
International Urogynecology Journal Aug 2012This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of solifenacin for treating overactive bladder. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and extracted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of solifenacin for treating overactive bladder. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and extracted from MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Jadad score, and heterogeneity was analyzed using the chi-squared test. The data of the included RCTs were collected, extracted, and assessed by our protocol. A total of nine RCTs were identified from the search strategy. Compared with the placebo and tolterodine treatments, both short-term (mostly 12-week) trials indicated that solifenacin significantly reduced urgency episodes, micturitions, and incontinence episodes per 24 h. Compared with the solifenacin (5 mg) group, the solifenacin (10 mg) group was significantly better in terms of the number of micturitions per 24 h. With regard to adverse effects, the patients treated with solifenacin had significantly higher rates of constipation and blurred vision than patients treated with tolterodine. The solifenacin therapy was not inferior to tolterodine in terms of efficacy profiles and had a similar incidence of overall adverse events compared with tolterodine treatment. Solifenacin (5 mg) is thus a recommended dose because of its reported balance between efficacy and acceptable tolerability.
Topics: Benzhydryl Compounds; Cresols; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Muscarinic Antagonists; Phenylpropanolamine; Quinuclidines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Solifenacin Succinate; Tetrahydroisoquinolines; Tolterodine Tartrate; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Bladder, Overactive
PubMed: 22310924
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-011-1641-7