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Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Apr 2024Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is commonly used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. With the abundance of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting P-values for...
BACKGROUND
Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is commonly used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. With the abundance of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting P-values for ADM outcomes, this study used the fragility index (FI), reverse fragility index (rFI), and fragility quotient (FQ) to evaluate the statistical stability of the outcomes in ADM RCTs.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Medline, and Cochrane databases were reviewed for ADM RCTs (2003-present) reporting a dichotomous, categorical outcome. FI and rFI (event reversals influencing outcome significance) and FQ (standardized fragility) were calculated and reported as median. Subgroup analysis was performed based on intervention types.
RESULTS
Among the 127 studies screened, 56 RCTs with 579 outcomes were included. The median FI stood at 4 (3-5) and FQ was 0.04 (0.03-0.07). Only 101 outcomes were statistically significant with a median FI of 3 (1-6) and FQ of 0.04 (0.02-0.08). The nonsignificant outcomes had a median FI of 4 (3-5) and FQ of 0.04 (0.03-0.07). Notably, 26% of the outcomes had several patients lost to follow up equal to or surpassing the FI. Based on the intervention type, the median FIs showed minor fluctuations but remained low.
CONCLUSIONS
Outcomes from ADM-related RCTs were statistically fragile. Slight outcome reversals or maintenance of patient follow-up can alter the significance of results. Therefore, future researchers are recommended to jointly report FI, FQ, and P-values to offer a comprehensive view of the robustness in ADM literature.
Topics: Humans; Acellular Dermis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Research Design; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38432086
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.02.047 -
BMC Endocrine Disorders Feb 2024Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have become a global health concern, which can lead to diabetic foot infection (DFI), lower leg amputation, and even mortality. Though the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have become a global health concern, which can lead to diabetic foot infection (DFI), lower leg amputation, and even mortality. Though the standard of care (SOC) practices have been recognized as the "gold standard" for DFU care, SOC alone may not be adequate to heal all DFUs and prevent their recurrence. The use of dermal matrix has emerged as an adjuvant treatment to enhance DFU healing. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dermal matrix application as an adjuvant treatment to the SOC.
METHODS
The databases of PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL were independently searched by two authors, with the following key terms: "diabetic foot ulcer", "acellular dermal matrix", "wound healing", and so on. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the efficacy and safety of dermal matrix in the treatment of DFUs were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcomes analyzed included time to complete healing and complete healing rate at the final follow-up, while secondary outcomes included wound area, ulcer recurrence rate, amputation risk and complication risk. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effect or fixed-effect models, based on the heterogeneity test.
RESULTS
This study included a total of 15 RCTs with a total of 1524 subjects. Of these, 689 patients were treated with SOC alone, while 835 patients received SOC plus dermal matrix. Compared to the SOC group, significantly shorter time (MD = 2.84, 95%CI: 1.37 ~ 4.32, p < 0.001***) was required to achieve complete healing in dermal matrix group. Significantly higher complete healing rate (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.33 ~ 0.49, p < 0.001***) and lower overall (RR = 1.83, 95%CI: 1.15 ~ 2.93, p = 0.011*) and major (RR = 2.64, 95%CI: 1.30 ~ 5.36, p = 0.007**) amputation risks were achieved in dermal matrix group compared to SOC group. No significant difference was found in the wound area, ulcer recurrence rate, and complication risk between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The application of dermal matrix as an adjuvant therapy in conjunction with SOC effectively improved the healing process of DFUs and reduced the amputation risk when compared to SOC alone. Furthermore, dermal matrix application was well tolerated by the subjects with no added complication risk.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Foot; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Wound Healing; Acellular Dermis; Amputation, Surgical; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38374102
DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01550-3 -
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual Jan 2024Diffuse Melanosis Cutis (DMC) is a rare and late complication of metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) characterized by progressive pigmentation of skin and sometimes... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Diffuse Melanosis Cutis (DMC) is a rare and late complication of metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) characterized by progressive pigmentation of skin and sometimes mucous membranes. The distinctive feature is the widespread and progressive deposition of melanin precursors in the dermis.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this review is to define the clinical and demographic features of DMC and to promote a deeper insight into the clinical manifestation, histological findings, and pathophysiology behind DMC.
METHODS
We have conducted a systematic review of the literature on published DMC in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. We also reported a case of DMC secondary to low-risk melanoma.
RESULTS
Overall, including our case report, we reported 53 articles described 62 DMC patients. Breslow level of primary melanoma was reported having a mean value of 3.3 mm. The mean survival rate from onset of DMC resulted being 4.36 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Among the most widely accepted etiopathogenetic hypotheses are deposition of melanic precursors in the dermis following tumor lysis, melanocyte proliferation induced by neoplastic growth factors, and the presence of diffuse dermal micro-metastases of MM. However, unanimous consensus on the proposed etiopathogenetic models of DMC is still lacking.
PubMed: 38364426
DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1401a8 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Feb 2024Glomus tumors are rare benign tumors that were first described in 1812 by Wood. They arise from normal glomus apparatus, usually located in the reticular dermis of the...
BACKGROUND
Glomus tumors are rare benign tumors that were first described in 1812 by Wood. They arise from normal glomus apparatus, usually located in the reticular dermis of the body. Although glomus tumors are universal in occurrence, the sub-Saharan Africa experience has not been well documented.
METHODS
The authors performed a systematic literature review of eligible studies between 1960 and August 2023, using the terms "glomus," "tumor," "glomangioma," "glomangiomyoma," and "Africa." We also performed a search of the AIC Kijabe Hospital pathology department database of about 140,000 records, covering 30 years, for the terms "glomus tumor," "glomangioma" and "glomangiomyoma."
RESULTS
The systematic literature search and institutional database search produced a total of 74 patients who had glomus tumors. These patients had a lag of between 3 months and 20 years from symptom development to definitive treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
There are very few reports of glomus tumors from sub-Saharan Africa in the current literature: the authors' histopathology database of 140,000 specimens had 46 glomus tumors (0.03%), and only 28 additional patients were found in literature from sub-Saharan Africa. The low numbers of African patients may indicate racial differences in the occurrence of glomus tumors, although this may also be due to failure of clinicians to recognize glomus tumors. The prolonged lag period between symptom development and definitive treatment for glomus tumors indicates the need for diligence in the diagnosis and treatment of a simple problem that is otherwise the cause of incapacitating pain and misery.
PubMed: 38313595
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005564 -
BMJ Global Health Oct 2023Microarray patches (MAPs) deliver vaccines to the epidermis and the upper dermis, where abundant immune cells reside. There are several potential benefits to using MAPs,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Microarray patches (MAPs) deliver vaccines to the epidermis and the upper dermis, where abundant immune cells reside. There are several potential benefits to using MAPs, including reduced sharps risk, thermostability, no need for reconstitution, tolerability and self-administration. We aimed to explore and evaluate the immunogenicity, safety, usability and acceptability of MAPs for vaccination.
METHODS
We searched CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception to January 2023. Eligibility criteria included all research studies in any language, which examined microarrays or microneedles intended or used for vaccination and explored immunogenicity, safety, usability or acceptability in their findings. Two reviewers conducted title and abstract screening, full-text reviewing and data extraction.
RESULTS
Twenty-two studies were included (quantitative=15, qualitative=2 and mixed methods=5). The risk of bias was mostly low, with two studies at high risk of bias. Four clinical trials were included, three using influenza antigens and one with Japanese encephalitis delivered by MAP. A meta-analysis indicated similar or higher immunogenicity in influenza MAPs compared with needle and syringe (N&S) (standardised mean difference=10.80, 95% CI: 3.51 to 18.08, p<0.00001). There were no significant differences in immune cell function between MAPs and N&S. No serious adverse events were reported in MAPs. Erythema was more common after MAP application than N&S but was brief and well tolerated. Lower pain scores were usually reported after MAP application than N&S. Most studies found MAPs easy to use and highly acceptable among healthcare professionals, laypeople and parents.
CONCLUSION
MAPs for vaccination were safe and well tolerated and evoked similar or enhanced immunogenicity than N&S, but further research is needed. Vaccine uptake may be increased using MAPs due to less pain, enhanced thermostability, layperson and self-administration. MAPs could benefit at-risk groups and low and middle-income countries.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022323026.
Topics: Humans; Influenza, Human; Vaccination; Vaccines; Pain
PubMed: 37827725
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012247 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Nov 2023Animal-derived acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are increasingly being used in prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. However, the indications and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Animal-derived acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are increasingly being used in prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. However, the indications and complication profile associated with this type of reconstruction remain unclear. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of the available literature on the use of animal-derived ADM in prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction.
METHODS
Three different literature databases, namely, PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Embase were screened using the following keywords: "immediate" AND "pre-pectoral" OR "prepectoral" AND "ADM breast reconstruction." Animal-derived ADM used (porcine - Braxon® and non-Braxon® - and bovine - Surgimend®) anthropometric information, clinical data, and complications profile were considered.
RESULTS
A total of 340 articles were initially identified, of which only 45 articles (5089 patients and 6598 reconstructed breasts) satisfied our inclusion criteria. The most widely used ADM was Braxon® in the context of conservative mastectomies. In most studies, a subcutaneous layer > 1 cm and lack of previous radiotherapy were considered prerequisites for this type of reconstruction. An increased risk of complications was found in smokers, patients who underwent radiation treatment, patients with high breast volumes, and patients with cancers requiring axillary dissection. Data related to the role of diabetes, high body mass index, and breast implant size on surgical outcomes were instead inconcludent. Age was not directly proportional to the complications.
CONCLUSION
The complications associated with different animal-derived ADMs are generally comparable. The profile of patients required for eligibility for this type of reconstruction appears to have been identified and is in line with current recommendations.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cattle; Swine; Female; Mastectomy; Acellular Dermis; Breast Neoplasms; Mammaplasty; Breast Implantation; Breast Implants; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37716255
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.08.020 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Nov 2023Most breast reconstructions are implant-based and can be performed either in a one-stage, direct-to-implant or in a two-stage, expander-implant-based reconstruction. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Most breast reconstructions are implant-based and can be performed either in a one-stage, direct-to-implant or in a two-stage, expander-implant-based reconstruction. The objective of this systematic review is to compare the safety and patient satisfaction of the two reconstruction approaches.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted on 27 September 2022 using various databases. Studies comparing one-stage and two-stage implant reconstructions and reporting the following outcomes were included: patient satisfaction, aesthetics, complications, and/or costs. Reviews, case reports, or series with less than 20 patients and letters or comments were excluded. Comparisons were made between the one-stage reconstruction with and without acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction groups. The data extracted from all articles were analysed using random-effects meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Of the 1381 records identified, a total of 33 articles were included, representing 21529 patients. There were no significant differences between the one-stage and two-stage groups, except for the costs. The one-stage operation without ADM had lower costs than the two-stage operation without ADM, although the use of an ADM substantially increased the price of the operation to more than a two-stage reconstruction.
DISCUSSION
Equal patient satisfaction, aesthetic outcomes, and complication rates with lower costs justify one-stage breast reconstruction in carefully selected patients. This review shows that there is no evidence-based superior surgical approach. Future research should focus on the costs of the ADM versus an additional stage and patient-reported outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Implants; Breast Implantation; Treatment Outcome; Mastectomy; Mammaplasty; Acellular Dermis; Breast Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37716248
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.08.021 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2023Laser treatments have become popular in Dermatology. In parallel to technologic development enabling the availability of different laser wavelengths, non-invasive skin...
Laser treatments have become popular in Dermatology. In parallel to technologic development enabling the availability of different laser wavelengths, non-invasive skin imaging techniques, such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), have been used to explore morphologic and qualitative skin characteristics. Specifically, RCM can be applied to cosmetically sensitive skin areas such as the face, without the need for skin biopsies. For these reasons, apart from its current use in skin cancer diagnosis, our systematic review reveals how RCM can be employed in the field of laser treatment monitoring, being particularly suitable for the evaluation of variations in epidermis and dermis, and pigmentary and vascular characteristics of the skin. This systematic review article aims to provide an overview on current applications of RCM laser treatment monitoring, while describing RCM features identified for different applications. Studies on human subjects treated with laser treatments, monitored with RCM, were included in the current systematic review. Five groups of treatments were identified and described: skin rejuvenation, scar tissue, pigmentary disorders, vascular disorders and other. Interestingly, RCM can assist treatments with lasers targeting all chromophores in the skin and exploiting laser induced optical breakdown. Treatment monitoring encompasses assessment at baseline and examination of changes after treatment, therefore revealing details in morphologic alterations underlying different skin conditions and mechanisms of actions of laser therapy, as well as objectify results after treatment.
Topics: Humans; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Skin Diseases; Pigmentation Disorders; Microscopy, Confocal
PubMed: 37374244
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061039 -
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral... Jun 2023Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a disabling condition which affects joint movements causing difficulty in speech, mastication and hygiene. Over time various... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a disabling condition which affects joint movements causing difficulty in speech, mastication and hygiene. Over time various interposition materials like meniscus, muscle, fascia, skin, cartilage, fat, dura and alloplastic materials have been used for the treatment of ankylosis and improve joint functions.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of dermis fat graft and temporalis myofascial flap as an interpositional material in treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and to compare the effectiveness of the two materials.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Google scholar, and Cochrane library search in combination with hand search of relevant journals were conducted published in English from January 2000 to August 2021. Randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies were included. Outcome measure included improvement in mouth opening. Risk of bias assessment was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
RESULTS
A total of 144 articles were found from the primary search which on thorough assessment, duplicate and exclusion removal resulted in 9 cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled trial that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All the studies included reported significant improvement in mouth opening after interposition of the 2 materials. Four studies compared temporalis myofascial flap with dermis fat graft, 2 studies reported dermis fat graft gives better outcomes, whereas 1 study reported temporalis myofascial flap to be better and 1 study has been inconclusive.
CONCLUSION
Definitive conclusions cannot be drawn as there are number of limitations in the studies included. However a general consensus has been toward dermis fat graft owing to fewer complications.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12663-023-01869-9.
PubMed: 37122786
DOI: 10.1007/s12663-023-01869-9 -
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual Nov 2022Several studies investigated the use of dermoscopy in the delineation of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with conflicting results. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Several studies investigated the use of dermoscopy in the delineation of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with conflicting results.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of dermoscopy-guided MMS in the treatment of BCC.
METHODS
We included all comparative studies. Cases of BCC treated using dermoscopy-guided MMS (or slow MMS) were compared to those treated with curettage-guided MMS or "standard" MMS.
RESULTS
A total of 6 studies including 508 BCCs were reviewed. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of total margin clearance on the first MMS stage between BCCs removed using dermoscopy-guided MMS and those that had curettage or visual inspection. However, lateral margin involvement was significantly lower in BCCs that had dermoscopy-guided MMS.
CONCLUSIONS
Dermoscopy allows visualization of structures up to 1mm into the dermis. Therefore, it is rational to use it for lateral margin evaluation. Currently, there are two comparative studies showing the efficacy of dermoscopy for lateral margin evaluation during MMS. Future studies are required to develop an evidence-based recommendation regarding the utility of dermoscopy in MMS.
PubMed: 36534540
DOI: 10.5826/dpc.1204a176