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Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia 2024We aimed to study reported cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma presenting with ophthalmic manifestations with and without a prior diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
PURPOSE
We aimed to study reported cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma presenting with ophthalmic manifestations with and without a prior diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE database in PubMed and Google Scholar. We included patients with a previous diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Group I and those without a prior diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Group II. Data included demographics, clinical presentation, history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, treatment, histopathological description, World Health Organization classification, and outcome.
RESULTS
Fifty-eight patients (26 in Group I and 32 in Group II) were included. The male-to-female ratio was 3:1. The mean age of the patients (53.3 ± 11.7 years and 54.8 ± 16.2 years, respectively) and gender did not differ significantly between the two groups. The most common ocular presentations were diplopia and proptosis in the first group (each in 34.6%), whereas visual disturbance was most common in the second group (46.9%). Treatment options and World Health Organization grading were comparable. The outcome in 38 patients (after a comparable follow-up period) was significantly better in group II (p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in the outcome of 23 patients in correlation with World Health Organization grades II versus III irrespective of group (p=0.094).
CONCLUSIONS
The demographics of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma presenting with ophthalmic manifestations were similar between the two study groups, with a wide age range and male predominance. Patients presenting initially to ophthalmologists with no history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma have a more favorable outcome. World Health Organization grading may have less value as a prognostic indicator.
Topics: Humans; Databases, Factual; Exophthalmos; Eye; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Eye Diseases
PubMed: 38451680
DOI: 10.5935/0004-2749.2022-0241 -
Arquivos Brasileiros de Cirurgia... 2024Magnetic ring (MSA) implantation in the esophagus is an alternative surgical procedure to fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
MAGNETIC SPHINCTER AUGMENTATION DEVICE FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: EFFECTIVE, BUT POSTOPERATIVE DYSPHAGIA AND RISK OF EROSION SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.
BACKGROUND
Magnetic ring (MSA) implantation in the esophagus is an alternative surgical procedure to fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
AIMS
The aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness and safety of magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
METHODS
A systematic literature review of articles on MSA was performed using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline) database between 2008 and 2021, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effect model was used to generate a pooled proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) across all studies.
RESULTS
A total of 22 studies comprising 4,663 patients with MSA were analysed. Mean follow-up was 27.3 (7-108) months. The weighted pooled proportion of symptom improvement and patient satisfaction were 93% (95%CI 83-98%) and 85% (95%CI 78-90%), respectively. The mean DeMeester score (pre-MSA: 34.6 vs. post-MSA: 8.9, p=0.03) and GERD-HRQL score (pre-MSA: 25.8 vs. post-MSA: 4.4, p<0.0001) improved significantly after MSA. The proportion of patients taking proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) decreased from 92.8 to 12.4% (p<0.0001). The weighted pooled proportions of dysphagia, endoscopic dilatation and gas-related symptoms were 18, 13, and 3%, respectively. Esophageal erosion occurred in 1% of patients, but its risk significantly increased for every year of MSA use (odds ratio - OR 1.40, 95%CI 1.11-1.77, p=0.004). Device removal was needed in 4% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Although MSA is a very effective treatment modality for GERD, postoperative dysphagia is common and the risk of esophageal erosion increases over time. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term safety of MSA placement in patients with GERD.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Fundoplication; Magnetic Phenomena
PubMed: 38451590
DOI: 10.1590/0102-672020230063e1781 -
Radiation Oncology (London, England) Mar 2024Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is considered standard of care for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Improved conformity of IMRT and smaller... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is considered standard of care for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Improved conformity of IMRT and smaller margins, however, have led to concerns of increased rates of marginal failures. We hypothesize that while patterns of failure (PoF) after IMRT for HNSCC have been published before, the quality of patient positioning and image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) have rarely been taken into account, and their importance remains unclear. This work provides a systematic review of the consideration of IGRT in PoF studies after IMRT for HNSCC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic literature search according to PRISMA guidelines was performed on PubMed for HNSCC, IMRT and PoF terms and conference abstracts from ESTRO and ASTRO 2020 and 2021 were screened. Studies were included if they related PoF of HNSCC after IMRT to the treated volumes. Data on patient and treatment characteristics, IGRT, treatment adaptation, PoF and correlation of PoF to IGRT was extracted, categorized and analyzed.
RESULTS
One-hundred ten studies were included. The majority (70) did not report any information on IGRT. The remainder reported daily IGRT (18), daily on day 1-3 or 1-5, then weekly (7), at least weekly (12), or other schemes (3). Immobilization was performed with masks (78), non-invasive frames (4), or not reported (28). The most common PoF classification was "in-field/marginal/out-of-field", reported by 76 studies. Only one study correlated PoF in nasopharyngeal cancer patients to IGRT.
CONCLUSION
The impact of IGRT on PoF in HNSCC is severely underreported in existing literature. Only one study correlated PoF to IGRT measures and setup uncertainty. Further, most PoF studies relied on outdated terminology ("in/out-of-field"). A clearly defined and up-to-date PoF terminology is necessary to evaluate PoFs properly, as is systematic and preferably prospective data generation. PoF studies should consistently and comprehensively consider and report on IGRT.
Topics: Humans; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Head and Neck Neoplasms
PubMed: 38444011
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-024-02421-w -
Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica :... Feb 2024The current study systematically reviews the literature about financial toxicity (FT) in head and neck cancer patients. Three databases were reviewed: PubMed, Scopus and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The current study systematically reviews the literature about financial toxicity (FT) in head and neck cancer patients. Three databases were reviewed: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science.
METHODS
Full text English papers published from 2000 to 2022 reporting on quantitative results about FT in head and neck cancer survivors collected through structured questionnaires or interviews were included.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven articles were included. Most of the articles were published after 2015 and from United States. There was a slight prevalence of papers dealing with oropharyngeal cancer, squamous-cell carcinoma and locally advanced head and neck cancer. Measures of FT were obtained through validated questionnaires like COST, FIT and FDQ. Collected data were mostly referrable to financial spending, financial resources, psychosocial aspect, support seeking, coping care and coping lifestyle subdomain. FT scores by COST were found to be worse in the COVID era. Financial counseling and adequate information about the costs of treatment were two effective strategies to mitigate FT.
CONCLUSIONS
FT is a relatively new challenge in head and neck cancer treatment, whose expenses are higher than therapies for other cancers. A universal method to assess FT and a unified guideline for the administration of questionnaires are needed to mitigate FT and to improve patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Financial Stress; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38420716
DOI: 10.14639/0392-100X-N2762 -
BMC Oral Health Feb 2024There is a blooming trend in the application of robotic surgery in oral and maxillofacial care, and different studies had evaluated the quality of life (QoL) outcomes... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There is a blooming trend in the application of robotic surgery in oral and maxillofacial care, and different studies had evaluated the quality of life (QoL) outcomes among patients who underwent robotic surgery in the oral and maxillofacial region. However, empirical evidence on the QoL outcomes from these procedures is yet to be mapped. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the available scientific evidence and gaps concerning the QoL outcomes of patients treated with robotic surgery in the oral and maxillofacial region.
METHODS
This study adopted a scoping review design, and it was conducted and reported based on the Arksey and O'Malley, PRISMA-ScR, and AMSTAR-2 guidelines. SCOPUS, PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsycINFO were searched to retrieve relevant literature. Using Rayyan software, the retrieved literature were deduplicated, and screened based on the review's eligibility criteria. Only the eligible articles were included in the review. From the included articles, relevant data were charted, collated, and summarized.
RESULTS
A total of 123 literature were retrieved from the literature search. After deduplication and screening, only 18 heterogeneous original articles were included in the review. A total of 771 transoral robotic surgeries (TORSs) were reported in these articles, and the TORSs were conducted on patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPC), recurrent tonsillitis, and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). In total, 20 different QoL instruments were used in these articles to assess patients' QoL outcomes, and the most used instrument was the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory Questionnaire (MDADI). Physical functions related to swallowing, speech and salivary functions were the most assessed QoL aspects. TORS was reported to result in improved QOL in patients with OPC, OSA, and recurrent tonsillitis, most significantly within the first postoperative year. Notably, the site of the lesion, involvement of neck dissections and the characteristics of the adjuvant therapy seemed to affect the QOL outcome in patients with OPC.
CONCLUSION
Compared to the conventional treatment modalities, TORS has demonstrated better QoL, mostly in the domains related to oral functions such as swallowing and speech, among patients treated with such. This improvement was most evident within the initial post-operative year.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Tonsillitis; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive
PubMed: 38408988
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04035-w -
Medicine Feb 2024A high incidence of anatomical variations in the origin of the branches of the aortic arch has been reported, Nowadays, this variation is considered the most frequent in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A high incidence of anatomical variations in the origin of the branches of the aortic arch has been reported, Nowadays, this variation is considered the most frequent in the aortic arch, its prevalence being estimated between 0.5% and 2.5% of the population. To understand its origin, knowledge of embryonic development is necessary.
METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Latin-American literature and caribean of health sciences databases with dates ranging from their inception to June 2023. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality were assessed with the guaranteed tool for anatomical studies (Anatomical Quality Assurance). Finally, the pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine studies were found that met the eligibility criteria. Twenty studies with a total of 41,178 subjects were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of an ARSA variant was 1% (95% confidence interval = 1%-2%), the clinical findings found are that if ARSA is symptomatic it could produce changes in the hemodynamic function of the thoracocervical region in addition to other associated symptomatic complications in surrounding structures.
CONCLUSIONS
ARSA can cause several types of alterations in the cervical or thoracic region, resulting in various clinical complications, such as lusory dysphagia. Hence, knowing this variant is extremely important for surgeons, especially those who treat the cervico-thoracic region. The low prevalence of ARSA means that many professionals are completely unaware of its existence and possible course and origin. Therefore, this study provides detailed knowledge of ARSA so that professionals can make better diagnoses and treatment of ARSA.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Subclavian Artery; Cardiovascular Abnormalities; Deglutition Disorders; Aorta, Thoracic; Uterine Cervical Diseases
PubMed: 38394517
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036856 -
Journal of the American Heart... Mar 2024Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a devastating yet preventable condition that disproportionately affects low-middle-income countries and indigenous populations in some...
BACKGROUND
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a devastating yet preventable condition that disproportionately affects low-middle-income countries and indigenous populations in some high-income countries. Various preventive interventions have been implemented across the globe, but evidence for the effectiveness of these measures in reducing the incidence or prevalence of acute rheumatic fever and RHD is scattered. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of preventive interventions and identify the strategies used to reduce the burden of RHD.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies on RHD prevention interventions including interventions for primordial, primary, and secondary prevention. Effectiveness measures for the interventions were gathered when available. The findings indicate that school-based primary prevention services targeting the early detection and treatment of Group A pharyngitis infection with penicillin have the potential to reduce the incidence of Group A pharyngitis and acute rheumatic fever. Community-based programs using various prevention strategies also reduced the burden of RHD. However, there is limited evidence from low-middle-income countries and a lack of rigorous evaluations reporting the true impact of the interventions. Narrative synthesis was performed, and the methodological quality appraisal was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review underscores the importance of various preventive interventions in reducing the incidence and burden of Group A pharyngitis, acute rheumatic fever, and RHD. Rigorous evaluations and comprehensive analyses of interventions are necessary for guiding effective strategies and informing public health policies to prevent and reduce the burden of these diseases in diverse populations.
REGISTRATION
URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/; Unique identifier: CRD42020170503.
Topics: Humans; Rheumatic Heart Disease; Rheumatic Fever; Streptococcal Infections; Pharyngitis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38390809
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.032442 -
BMC Cancer Feb 2024Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections is an important public health problem worldwide and closely affect extrahepatic cancer. Several recent studies have investigated the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections is an important public health problem worldwide and closely affect extrahepatic cancer. Several recent studies have investigated the relationship between HBV infection and head and neck cancer (HNC), but their findings were inconsistent.In order to address the limitations of small sample sizes, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between HBV and HNC.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to August 2023. Original articles published as a case-control or cohort study were included. HBV infection was identified by HBsAg, HBV DNA or ICD codes. Review articles, meeting abstracts, case reports, communications, editorials and letters were excluded, as were studies in a language other than English or Chinese. According to the MOOSE guidelines, frequencies reported for all dichotomous variables were extracted by two reviewers independently. Similarly, the outcomes of OR, RR or HR, and 95% CIs after adjusting for age and gender were collected.
RESULTS
Thirteen relevant studies and 58,006 patients with HNC were included. Our analysis revealed a positive correlation between HBV and HNC (OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.28-1.77). After adjusting for age and gender, the similar result (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.10-1.54) was obtained. Subgroup analysis further demonstrated a significant association between HBV infection and oral cancer (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.05-1.47), as well as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.26-1.58). However, due to the limited number of studies included, the statistical significance was not reached for cancer of the oropharynx (OR = 1.82; 95% CI: 0.66-5.05), hypopharynx (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 0.88-2.00), and larynx (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.69-2.24) after adjusting for age and gender. When excluding the interference of HIV/HCV, smoking and alcohol use, the final outcome (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01-1.35) got the same conclusion.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study confirmed a positive relationship between HNC, specifically oral cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and HBV infection. However, further investigation is required at the molecular level to gather additional evidence in HNC.
Topics: Humans; Hepatitis B virus; Cohort Studies; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Hepatitis B; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Mouth Neoplasms
PubMed: 38365701
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11967-7 -
The Journal of Infection Mar 2024Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) is a Gram-positive bacteria which causes a spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening sepsis.... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) is a Gram-positive bacteria which causes a spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic infection to life-threatening sepsis. Studies report up to 2000 times greater risk of invasive S. pyogenes disease in close contacts of index cases within 30-days of symptom onset. Despite this, there is variability in the management of asymptomatic carriage of S. pyogenes and those at risk of secondary cases of invasive S. pyogenes infection.
OBJECTIVE
Our systematic review assessed the efficacy of different antibiotic regimens used for eradication of S. pyogenes from the pharynx in asymptomatic individuals.
METHODS
We searched Pubmed, EMBASE (1974-), OVID Medline (1948-) and the Cochrane CENTRAL registry. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with asymptomatic participants with >50% with pharyngeal cultures positive with S. pyogenes at baseline. Only studies with microbiological methods including culture (+/- polymerase chain reaction, PCR) were included. We included studies published in English. Each included study was assessed by two independent reviewers for data extraction and risk of bias.
RESULTS
Of 1166 unique records identified, three RCTs were included in the review. Two of the three included RCTs found oral clindamycin for 10-days was the most efficacious regimen, compared to intramuscular benzathine penicillin G followed by 4 days of oral rifampicin, or monotherapy using benzathine penicillin, phenoxymethylpenicillin or erythromycin. Two RCTs were assessed as being at high risk of bias, with the third study demonstrating low/some risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Current available evidence for the optimal antibiotic in eradicating pharyngeal S. pyogenes carriage is limited. Future RCTs should include penicillin, first-generation cephalosporins, rifampicin, macrolides (such as azithromycin) and clindamycin.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Streptococcus pyogenes; Clindamycin; Penicillin G Benzathine; Pharynx; Rifampin; Streptococcal Infections
PubMed: 38360357
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.01.003 -
European Geriatric Medicine Feb 2024Dysphagia is associated with long-term conditions including strokes, dementia, Parkinson's disease and frailty. Dysphagia affects 30-40% of the population aged over...
INTRODUCTION
Dysphagia is associated with long-term conditions including strokes, dementia, Parkinson's disease and frailty. Dysphagia affects 30-40% of the population aged over 65 years-old. Adults with dysphagia often experience long-term conditions requiring multiple medications (often > 5) to manage these. The thickening of liquids is a common compensatory strategy in dysphagia management. Studies suggest that immersion in thickened liquids affects medicines' solubility in vitro. Clinicians and pharmacists are unaware of the pharmacokinetic/therapeutic effects of thickened liquids on oral medicines. We conducted a systematic review of existing literature on thickeners' effects on drug bioavailability.
METHODOLOGY
We performed a literature search of MEDLINE & EMBASE. Search terms included: dysphagia/thickened diet (EMBASE only)/ bioavailability or absorption of medicines or pharmacokinetics; excluded: NG feeds/animal studies.
STUDIES INCLUDED
all genders, countries, > 18 years, community and hospital settings. PRISMA guidance was followed.
RESULTS
Five hundred seventy results were found, and 23 articles identified following the reference list review. Following an abstract and full-text review, 18 were included. Most articles evaluated thickeners on dissolution profiles in-vitro, with a few investigating in-vivo. Most studies were single-centre prospective studies identifying that thickeners generally affect dissolution rates of medications. Few studies assessed bioavailability or used clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Dysphagia and polypharmacy are common in older adults, but little is known about the effects of altering liquid viscosity on the therapeutic effect of most medications. Further larger-scale studies are required to evaluate the therapeutic impact of thickener, on a bigger range of medications, factoring in other variables such as type of thickener, viscosity of thickener and duration of immersion.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Deglutition Disorders; Beverages; Biological Availability; Prospective Studies; Food Additives
PubMed: 38280090
DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00896-6