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Otology & Neurotology : Official... Apr 2024To examine the otologic and neurotologic symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging features secondary to hematologic malignancies. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To examine the otologic and neurotologic symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging features secondary to hematologic malignancies.
METHODS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, were searched for articles including patients with otologic manifestations of leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Data collected included patient and study demographics, specific hematologic malignancy, timing and classification of otologic symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging features and methods of diagnosis. Pooled descriptive analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Two hundred seventy-two articles, of which 255 (93.8%) were case reports and 17 (6.2%) were case series, reporting on 553 patients were identified. Otologic manifestations were reported on 307 patients with leukemia, 204 patients with lymphoma and 42 patients with multiple myeloma. Hearing loss and unilateral facial palsy were the most common presenting symptoms for 111 reported subjects with leukemia (n = 46, 41.4%; n = 43, 38.7%) and 90 with lymphoma (n = 38, 42.2%; n = 39, 43.3%). Hearing loss and otalgia were the most common presenting symptoms for 21 subjects with multiple myeloma (n = 10, 47.6%; n = 6, 28.6%). Hearing loss and unilateral facial palsy were the most common otologic symptoms indicative of relapse in subjects with leukemia (n = 14, 43.8%) and lymphoma (n = 5, 50%).
CONCLUSION
Hearing loss, facial palsy, and otalgia might be the first indication of a new diagnosis or relapse of leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Clinicians should have a heightened level of suspicion of malignant etiologies of otologic symptoms in patients with current or medical histories of these malignancies.
Topics: Humans; Earache; Facial Paralysis; Multiple Myeloma; Hearing Loss; Hematologic Neoplasms; Deafness; Leukemia; Bell Palsy; Lymphoma; Recurrence
PubMed: 38437804
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004141 -
Cureus Jan 2024Parkinson's disease (PD) is a terminal, debilitating neurodegenerative disorder typically affecting individuals over 60. It is associated with various conditions that... (Review)
Review
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a terminal, debilitating neurodegenerative disorder typically affecting individuals over 60. It is associated with various conditions that drastically affect the patient's quality of life (QoL). Although there is no cure for PD, its symptoms can be significantly improved and even resolved through different treatments. Mainstay treatments for PD include levodopa combined with carbidopa, dopamine agonists, and even deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus. New treatment methods have emerged, such as botulinum toxin (BoNT), which further improve symptoms and, thus, the QoL of patients with PD. Botulinum toxin is a potent neurotoxin produced by that typically causes descending paralysis by suppressing acetylcholine secretion. Serotypes used to treat various disorders include serotype A (BoNT-A) and serotype B (BoNT-B). This paper aims to evaluate the outcomes of BoNT injection on different symptoms associated with PD. An extensive review using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest articles concerning 'botulinum toxin and Parkinson's disease' was done per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, resulting in 23,803 articles. After applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, the total number of articles was finally 41. The results showed that movement disorders were a common occurrence in PD, consisting of tremors, dystonia, and freezing of gait (FOG), with tremors being the most common symptom. Tremors and dystonia were significantly improved following BoNT-A, correlating with significant improvements in various scales subjectively and objectively evaluating the symptoms and QoL. In contrast, FOG was not significantly improved by either BoNT-A or BoNT-B. Pain is associated with movement disorders such as PD and was the primary indication for the administration of BoNT; studies found pain and QoL were significantly improved following BoNT injection. Quality of life can also be affected by sialorrhea and overactive bladder, which often occur as the disease progresses. Injections of BoNT-A and BoNT-B were shown to significantly improve saliva production, flow rate, drooling frequency, voiding frequency, and urinary urge incontinence. Across all studies analyzed, it is evident that BoNT may have a significant effect on improving the QoL of patients suffering from PD. While research continues to find a cure or stop the progression of PD, it remains critical to continue focusing on improving patients' QoL. Future research should evaluate whether BoNT can be used to successfully treat other symptoms of PD, such as epiphora or constipation.
PubMed: 38435899
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53309 -
Medicine Mar 2024Spastic paralysis is one of the most common sequelae of stroke, severely affecting patients' limb function and reducing their quality of life. Scalp acupuncture (SA) has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Spastic paralysis is one of the most common sequelae of stroke, severely affecting patients' limb function and reducing their quality of life. Scalp acupuncture (SA) has been shown to significantly improve cerebral blood supply and reduce the severity of limb spasticity. This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of SA in the treatment of post-stroke spastic paralysis, providing evidence-based medicine for clinical management of this condition.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of SA in post-stroke spastic paralysis were identified until July 28, 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 and Stata17.0.
RESULTS
A total of 16 studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that the modified Ashworth spasticity assessment scale in the SA group was significantly higher than that in the rehabilitation group (mean difference [MD] = -0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.75, -0.37], Z = 5.67, P < .00001). The simplified Fugl-Meyer motor function assessment scale in the SA group was significantly higher than that in the rehabilitation group (MD = 5.86, 95% CI [3.26, 8.46], Z = 4.41, P < .0001). The modified Barthel index assessment scale in the SA group was significantly higher than that in the rehabilitation group (MD = 5.79, 95% CI [4.73, 6.84], Z = 10.77, P < .00001). Additionally, the clinical effective rate in the SA group was significantly higher than that in the rehabilitation group (relative risk = 1.25, 95% CI [1.16, 1.36], Z = 5.42, P < .00001).
CONCLUSION
SA combined with rehabilitation therapy has certain advantages in reducing limb spasticity, improving limb function, and enhancing activities of daily living in patients with post-stroke spastic paralysis. This study provides reference and theoretical support for the promotion of SA in the treatment of this condition.
Topics: Humans; Activities of Daily Living; Muscle Spasticity; Quality of Life; Scalp; Stroke; Acupuncture Therapy; Stroke Rehabilitation; Hemiplegia; Paralysis; Upper Extremity; Paresis
PubMed: 38428878
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037167 -
Cureus Jan 2024Sleep paralysis (SP) is a mixed state of consciousness and sleep, combining features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with those of wakefulness. The exact cause of SP... (Review)
Review
Sleep paralysis (SP) is a mixed state of consciousness and sleep, combining features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with those of wakefulness. The exact cause of SP is unknown, and its prevalence varies among the studies. We aim to identify SP's global prevalence, the affected population's characteristics, and the SP's clinical picture. We searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS)) using a unique search strategy to identify eligible studies. All observational studies identifying the prevalence or frequency of sleeping paralysis were included. No exclusions are made based on country, race, or questionnaire. The analysis was performed using the latest version of R software (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). The analysis included 76 studies from 25 countries with 167,133 participants. The global prevalence of SP was 30% (95% CI (22%, 39%)). There were similar frequencies of isolated SP and SP (33%, 95% CI (26%, 42%), I2 = 97%, P <0.01; 31%, 95% CI (21%, 43%), I2 = 100%, P = 0, respectively). A subgroup analysis showed that the majority of those who experienced SP were psychiatric patients (35%, 95% CI (20%, 55%), I2 = 96%, P <0.01). The prevalence among non-psychiatric patients was among students (34%, 95% CI (23%, 47%), I2 = 100%, P = 0). Auditory and visual hallucinations were reported in 24.25% of patients. Around 4% had only visual hallucinations. Meta-regression showed no association between the frequency of SP and sex. Publication bias was detected among the included studies through visual inspection of funnel plot asymmetry. Our findings revealed that 30% of the population suffered from SP, especially psychiatric patients and students. The majority of SP cases lacked associated hallucinations, while a noteworthy proportion experienced combined visual and auditory hallucinations.
PubMed: 38425633
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53212 -
Endocrinology and Metabolism (Seoul,... Feb 2024Active surveillance (AS) has been introduced as a management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) due to its typically indolent nature. Despite this,...
BACKGRUOUND
Active surveillance (AS) has been introduced as a management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) due to its typically indolent nature. Despite this, the widespread adoption of AS has encountered several challenges. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the safety of AS related to disease progression and its benefits compared with immediate surgery (IS).
METHODS
Studies related to AS in patients with low-risk PTC were searched through the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed databases. Studies on disease progression, surgical complication, quality of life (QoL), and cost-effectiveness were separately analyzed and narratively synthesized.
RESULTS
In the evaluation of disease progression, the proportions of cases with tumor growth ≥3 mm and a volume increase >50% were 2.2%-10.8% and 16.0%-25.5%, respectively. Newly detected lymph node metastasis was identified in 0.0%-1.4% of patients. No significant difference was found between IS and delayed surgery in surgical complications, including vocal cord paralysis and postoperative hypoparathyroidism. AS was associated with better QoL than IS. Studies on the cost-effectiveness of AS reported inconsistent data, but AS was more cost-effective when quality-adjusted life years were considered.
CONCLUSION
AS is an acceptable management option for patients with low-risk PTC based on the low rate of disease progression and the absence of an increased mortality risk. AS has additional benefits, including improved QoL and greater QoL-based cost-effectiveness.
Topics: Humans; Thyroid Cancer, Papillary; Thyroid Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Thyroidectomy; Watchful Waiting; Disease Progression
PubMed: 38417830
DOI: 10.3803/EnM.2023.1794 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024A spinal cord injury (SCI) causes changes in brain structure and brain function due to the direct effects of nerve damage, secondary mechanisms, and long-term effects of... (Review)
Review
A spinal cord injury (SCI) causes changes in brain structure and brain function due to the direct effects of nerve damage, secondary mechanisms, and long-term effects of the injury, such as paralysis and neuropathic pain (NP). Recovery takes place over weeks to months, which is a time frame well beyond the duration of spinal shock and is the phase in which the spinal cord remains unstimulated below the level of injury and is associated with adaptations occurring throughout the nervous system, often referred to as neuronal plasticity. Such changes occur at different anatomical sites and also at different physiological and molecular biological levels. This review aims to investigate brain plasticity in patients with SCIs and its influence on the rehabilitation process. Studies were identified from an online search of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Studies published between 2013 and 2023 were selected. This review has been registered on OSF under (n) 9QP45. We found that neuroplasticity can affect the sensory-motor network, and different protocols or rehabilitation interventions can activate this process in different ways. Exercise rehabilitation training in humans with SCIs can elicit white matter plasticity in the form of increased myelin water content. This review has demonstrated that SCI patients may experience plastic changes either spontaneously or as a result of specific neurorehabilitation training, which may lead to positive outcomes in functional recovery. Clinical and experimental evidence convincingly displays that plasticity occurs in the adult CNS through a variety of events following traumatic or non-traumatic SCI. Furthermore, efficacy-based, pharmacological, and genetic approaches, alone or in combination, are increasingly effective in promoting plasticity.
Topics: Humans; Spinal Cord Injuries; Spinal Cord; Brain; Neuronal Plasticity; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 38396902
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042224 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disease that affects almost 0.8-1.9 cases per 100,000 people worldwide every year. This is the most prevalent cause of subacute... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disease that affects almost 0.8-1.9 cases per 100,000 people worldwide every year. This is the most prevalent cause of subacute flaccid paralyzing illness today. It is a subacute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy; the typical scenario involves ascending symmetrical flaccid paralysis, but in some circumstances, sensory, autonomic, and cranial neuropathy may also be involved. Several vaccines have been found to have complications since the previous century. Numerous case reports of GBS in the literature have been reported following COVID-19 vaccines in recent times.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive examination of GBS cases that have been reported after COVID-19 vaccines; to analyze the descriptive statistical analysis of data gathered regarding clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological, and radiological characteristics; to discuss, based on the available evidence, whether the disease has a preference for a particular vaccine type; and to speculate on the potential pathogenesis.
METHODOLOGY
This review has been carried out by recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULT
Reviewing 60 case reports illustrated that most of them are from the USA (18.1%) and the majority of affected individuals were males (60%). The results favored the association between vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, particularly AstraZeneca vaccine, and the GBS. The mean of symptoms onset is 11.4 days. The results of diagnostic tests such as LP are consistent mostly with albumin-cytological dissociation (81.81%), where brain and spine MRI was unremarkable in 59.52%. Regarding electrodiagnostic tests, AIDP is the most common variant (61.81%). The management was not consistent among the case reports. However, IVIG is the most frequent way of treating these patients (68.33%). The functional outcome was documented in 47 patients; 65% improved with medical management.
CONCLUSION
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of reported cases of GBS following COVID-19 vaccines and descriptive statistical analysis of collected data on clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological, and radiological features, to discuss, based on available results, whether the disease has a predilection to a specific vaccine type and to speculate the potential pathogenesis.
PubMed: 38352138
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1332364 -
BMC Oral Health Feb 2024Moebius syndrome (MS) is a rare, non-progressive, neuromuscular, congenic disease involving the oral maxillofacial region. The present study aimed to describe the oral...
BACKGROUND
Moebius syndrome (MS) is a rare, non-progressive, neuromuscular, congenic disease involving the oral maxillofacial region. The present study aimed to describe the oral and extraoral findings in MS patients and their comprehensive dental management.
METHODS
A digital search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, restricted to articles in English from Jan 01, 2000, to Apr 02, 2023, following PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated following the JBI guidelines. Qualitative analysis was carried out on the overall result, extraoral and intraoral manifestations, considering dental management as appropriate.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies were included, and a total of 124 cases of patients with MS were analyzed. The 82% of patients with MS were younger than 15 years of age. The most frequent extraoral manifestations were blinking and visual problems (78,22%), malformations of the upper and lower limbs (58,22%), bilateral facial paralysis (12,90%), lack of facial expression (12.09%), and unilateral facial paralysis (6,45%). On the other hand, the most frequent oral manifestations were tongue deformities (78,22%), micrognathia (37,90%), labial incompetence (36,29%), cleft palate (22,87%), gothic palate (16,12%), microstomia (15,32%), anterior open bite (15,32%), dental caries (8,87%), and periodontal disease (8,06%). The majority of MS patients were treated by pediatric dentistry (60,86%), using a surgical approach (56,52%), and orthodontic and orthopedic maxillary (43,47%) followed by restorative (39,13%), and periodontal treatments (21,73%).
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review demonstrates that patients with MS present a wide variety of oral and extraoral manifestations, for which dental treatments are planned and tailored to each patient in accordance with oral manifestations. These treatments encompass problem resolution and oral health maintenance, incorporating recent techniques in managing and treating patients with MS.
Topics: Child; Humans; Mobius Syndrome; Facial Paralysis; Dental Caries; Cleft Palate; Dental Care
PubMed: 38321523
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-03968-6 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Jan 2024Snakebites, a major health concern in developing countries, affect rural farming communities. Venom, primarily neurotoxin, injected during a snake bite disrupts the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Snakebites, a major health concern in developing countries, affect rural farming communities. Venom, primarily neurotoxin, injected during a snake bite disrupts the nervous system, causing symptoms like muscle weakness, paralysis, altered sensation, and coordination issues. This review focuses on evaluating neurological and neuro-ophthalmological manifestations associated with snakebites.
METHODS
A database search was conducted in EMBASE and PubMed for studies published from 2000 to 2023. The investigation centered on examining neurological and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms and signs, treatment approaches, treatment outcomes, and long-term complications of snake bites.
RESULTS
Neurological and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms were common in both neurotoxic and hemotoxic snake bites, especially in neurotoxic cases. Ptosis was a prevalent manifestation across various snake bites, along with respiratory paralysis, limb weakness, dysphasia, and visual disturbances in some instances. However, most patients improved without residual neurological symptoms after treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Understanding patterns of neurological manifestations contributes valuable insights for the comprehensive management of snakebite.
PubMed: 38222724
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001523 -
Vaccine Feb 2024Delays in achieving polio eradication have led to ongoing risks of poliovirus importations that may cause outbreaks in polio-free countries. Because of the low, but...
Trade-offs of different poliovirus vaccine options for outbreak response in the United States and other countries that only use inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) in routine immunization.
Delays in achieving polio eradication have led to ongoing risks of poliovirus importations that may cause outbreaks in polio-free countries. Because of the low, but non-zero risk of paralysis with oral poliovirus vaccines (OPVs), countries that achieve and maintain high national routine immunization coverage have increasingly shifted to exclusive use of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) for all preventive immunizations. However, immunization coverage within countries varies, with under-vaccinated subpopulations potentially able to sustain transmission of imported polioviruses and experience local outbreaks. Due to its cost, ease-of-use, and ability to induce mucosal immunity, using OPV as an outbreak control measure offers a more cost-effective option in countries in which OPV remains in use. However, recent polio outbreaks in IPV-only countries raise questions about whether and when IPV use for outbreak response may fail to stop poliovirus transmission and what consequences may follow from using OPV for outbreak response in these countries. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify modeling studies that explored the use of IPV for outbreak response in IPV-only countries. In addition, applying a model of the 2022 type 2 poliovirus outbreak in New York, we characterized the implications of using different OPV formulations for outbreak response instead of IPV. We also explored the hypothetical scenario of the same outbreak except for type 1 poliovirus instead of type 2. We find that using IPV for outbreak response will likely only stop outbreaks for polioviruses of relatively low transmission potential in countries with very high overall immunization coverage, seasonal transmission dynamics, and only if IPV immunization interventions reach some unvaccinated individuals. Using OPV for outbreak response in IPV-only countries poses substantial risks and challenges that require careful consideration, but may represent an option to consider for some outbreaks in some populations depending on the properties of the available vaccines and coverage attainable.
Topics: Humans; United States; Poliovirus Vaccine, Inactivated; Poliovirus; Poliovirus Vaccine, Oral; Poliomyelitis; Disease Outbreaks; Vaccination; New York
PubMed: 38218668
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.12.081