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Acta Neurologica Belgica Apr 2024Conus medullaris infarction (CMI) is a rare vascular phenomenon that has been scarcely reported in the literature. While previous studies have described the clinical and...
INTRODUCTION
Conus medullaris infarction (CMI) is a rare vascular phenomenon that has been scarcely reported in the literature. While previous studies have described the clinical and radiological features of CMI, little attention has been paid to its associated neurophysiological findings.
METHODS
We present a case of idiopathic CMI and its neurophysiological findings, then present our findings from a systematic review of other reports of CMI with neurophysiological features found via PubMed search.
RESULTS
Nine articles describing ten cases of CMI with associated neurophysiological data were found, in addition to our case. Out of all 11 cases, 7 cases (64%) had absent F-waves on the first nerve conduction study (NCS) performed as early as 4 h after onset, 5 of whom demonstrated reappearance of F-waves on subsequent follow-up NCS. Seven patients (64%) had diminished compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), which was usually detectable on NCS performed between day 8 and day 18 of onset. None of them showed recovery of CMAPs in follow-up studies. Four patients (36%) had absent H-reflexes and two patients (18%) had sensory abnormalities. Electromyography (EMG) was reported in seven patients (64%), showing reduced recruitment as early as day 1 of onset, and denervation potentials as early as 4 weeks after onset.
CONCLUSION
Absent F-waves and diminished CMAPs are the most common NCS abnormalities in CMI. Absent F-waves are detectable very early but tend to recover on subsequent NCS, while diminished CMAPs are detectable later but do not seem to resolve. Further research to determine the utility of neurophysiological studies in CMI diagnosis and prognostication is needed.
PubMed: 38656476
DOI: 10.1007/s13760-024-02553-6 -
Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery 2024Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) poses a therapeutic challenge, particularly within the context of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) poses a therapeutic challenge, particularly within the context of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review of four less-invasive treatment modalities for TGN in MS patients, namely, gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS), glycerol rhizotomy (GR), balloon compression (BC), and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
METHODS
Single-armed meta-analyses were employed to assess the overall efficacy of each treatment, while double-armed analyses compared the efficacy between different treatment options in double-armed studies. Outcome evaluations included acute pain relief (within 1 month post-procedure), recurrence rates throughout 18 months of follow-up, and reported complication rates.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis revealed diverse outcomes for each intervention. GKRS demonstrated favorable outcomes, achieving a 77% success rate in alleviating pain among a pooled cohort of 863 patients, reinforcing its status as a viable therapeutic option. Additionally, GR, BC, and RFA exhibited efficacy, with success rates of 77%, 71%, and 80%, respectively, based on outcomes observed in 611, 385, and 203 patients. Double-armed analyses highlighted distinctions between the treatments, providing nuanced insights for clinical decision-making.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview of less-invasive treatments for TGN in MS patients. GKRS emerges as a leading option with comparable efficacy and fewer complications. However, the study underscores the nuanced efficacy and considerations associated with GR, BC, and RFA. The findings offer valuable insights for clinicians navigating treatment choices in this challenging patient population, considering acute pain relief, recurrence rates, and complication profiles.
Topics: Trigeminal Neuralgia; Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Radiosurgery; Treatment Outcome; Rhizotomy; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Radiofrequency Ablation
PubMed: 38648730
DOI: 10.1159/000538516 -
Journal of Hypertension Jul 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence available for renal denervation (RDN) in uncontrolled... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence available for renal denervation (RDN) in uncontrolled arterial hypertension. Twenty-five RCTs met the eligibility criteria for the systematic review, and 16 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the random effects meta-analysis estimated a mean difference of -8.5 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) -13.5 to -3.6] for office SBP, -3.6 mmHg (95% CI -5.2 to -2.0) for 24 h SBP and -3.9 mmHg (95% CI -5.6 to -2.2) for ambulatory daytime SBP in favour of RDN compared with control (medication and/or sham-only) at primary follow-up. Similarly favourable results were observed across a range of prespecified subgroup analyses, including treatment-resistant hypertension. This meta-analysis suggests that the use of RDN in uncontrolled hypertension leads to consistent reductions in blood pressure. Reductions appear to be statistically consistent in the presence or absence of medications and in populations resistant to the use of three medications.
Topics: Humans; Hypertension; Kidney; Blood Pressure; Denervation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Antihypertensive Agents
PubMed: 38634457
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003727 -
High Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular... Mar 2024Resistant hypertension (RHT) is characterized by persistently high blood pressure (BP) levels above the widely recommended therapeutic targets of less than 140/90 mmHg...
Resistant hypertension (RHT) is characterized by persistently high blood pressure (BP) levels above the widely recommended therapeutic targets of less than 140/90 mmHg office BP, despite life-style measures and optimal medical therapies, including at least three antihypertensive drug classes at maximum tolerated dose (one should be a diuretic). This condition is strongly related to hypertension-mediated organ damage and, mostly, high risk of hospitalization due to hypertension emergencies or acute cardiovascular events. Hypertension guidelines proposed a triple combination therapy based on renin angiotensin system blocking agent, a thiazide or thiazide-like diuretic, and a dihydropyridinic calcium-channel blocker, to almost all patients with RHT, who should also receive either a beta-blocker or a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, or both, depending on concomitant conditions and contraindications. Several other drugs may be attempted, when elevated BP levels persist in these RHT patients, although their added efficacy in lowering BP levels on top of optimal medical therapy is uncertain. Also, renal denervation has demonstrated to be a valid therapeutic alternative in RHT patients. More recently, novel drug classes and molecules have been tested in phase 2 randomised controlled clinical trials in patients with RHT on top of optimal medical therapy with at least 2-3 antihypertensive drugs. These novel drugs, which are orally administered and are able to antagonize different pathophysiological pathways, are represented by non-steroid mineralocorticorticoid receptor antagonists, selective aldosterone synthase inhibitors, and dual endothelin receptor antagonists, all of which have proven to reduce seated office and 24-h ambulatory systolic/diastolic BP levels. The main findings of randomized clinical trials performed with these drugs as well as their potential indications for the clinical management of RHT patients are summarised in this systematic review article.
Topics: Humans; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Drug Resistance; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hypertension; Precision Medicine; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38616212
DOI: 10.1007/s40292-024-00634-4 -
World Neurosurgery Apr 2024
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Nerve Block; Neurosurgical Procedures; Pain, Postoperative; Ultrasonography, Interventional
PubMed: 38590057
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.12.142 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Apr 2024Pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) is an emerging regional anesthesia technique for hip surgery. However, its efficacy in total hip arthroplasty (THA) isn't well... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) is an emerging regional anesthesia technique for hip surgery. However, its efficacy in total hip arthroplasty (THA) isn't well defined. We perform this meta-analysis aiming to assess the effect of Pericapsular nerve group block on pain control and morphine consumption in patients with total hip arthroplasty.
METHODS
We searched four electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science dated from 2018 to October 2023) for published eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PENG with placebo (no block/sham block) after THA. The outcome measurements consisted of pain score, opioid consumption, Time to first opioid, and postoperative complications. All data analyses were performed using STATA 12.0.
RESULTS
Five RCTs comprising 808 participants were included. Our meta-analysis showed that there were significant differences between two groups in terms of pain score in PACU (WMD = - 0.598, 95% CI [- 0.886, - 0.310], P < 0.001), pain score at 6 h (WMD = - 0.614, 95% CI [- 0.835, - 0.392], P < 0.001) and time to first opioid (WMD = 5.214, 95% CI [4.545, 5.883], P < 0.001). However, no significant differences were revealed from the pain score at 24 h after THA (WMD = - 0.924, 95% CI [- 1.929, 0.081], P = 0.072). Meanwhile, the meta-analysis indicated that PENG significantly reduced 24-h opioid consumption (WMD = - 6.168, 95% CI [- 6.667, - 5.668], P < 0.001) and 48-h opioid consumption (WMD = - 7.171, 95% CI [- 8.994, - 5.348], P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Pericapsular nerve group block was effective for pain control up to postoperative 6 h and extending the time to the first opioid after THA. Moreover, it reduced postoperative opioid consumption when compared with a placebo group. Due to the high heterogeneity of the pain score after 24 h and the low-quality evidence, more high-quality RCTs are required to draw a definitive conclusion about pain control.
Topics: Humans; Analgesics, Opioid; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Femoral Nerve; Pain, Postoperative; Nerve Block
PubMed: 38584259
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04707-x -
The Clinical Journal of Pain Jul 2024The quality of postoperative analgesia in total knee arthroplasty is crucial for patient recovery, rehabilitation, and hospital stay duration. In line with the above, а... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
OBJECTIVES
The quality of postoperative analgesia in total knee arthroplasty is crucial for patient recovery, rehabilitation, and hospital stay duration. In line with the above, а single-shot adductor canal block has been considered as an improved method over continuous femoral nerve block. However, continuous adductor canal block and single-shot femoral nerve block have been not adequately addressed in the discussion. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various types of adductor and femoral nerve blocks on clinically relevant outcomes in patients following total knee arthroplasty.
METHODS
A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted following "PRISMA-NMA" and Cochrane Handbook guidelines. The eligibility criteria included randomized trials and, where these were lacking for a comparison, nonrandomized studies involving adults undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty, comparing single-shot adductor canal block, continuous adductor canal block, single-shot femoral nerve block, and continuous femoral nerve block.
RESULTS
A total of 36 studies involving 3308 patients were included. Single-shot adductor canal block showed higher pain scores and opioid consumption but better functional recovery at 24 h compared with continuous femoral nerve block. However, this trend vanishes by the 48 h assessment postsurgery. Continuous adductor canal block required higher opioid consumption but better functional recovery and shorter hospital stay compared with continuous femoral nerve block. Single-shot adductor canal block showed higher pain scores but comparable opioid consumption and functional recovery to continuous adductor canal block.
DISCUSSION
The shift from continuous femoral nerve block to single-shot adductor canal block as the preferred method for pain relief after total knee arthroplasty may be premature. While the latter improves mobility, it falls short in pain control and does not shorten hospital stays. Continuous adductor canal block shows promise but is currently underappreciated, and single-shot femoral nerve block is often overshadowed by other techniques in regional anesthesia. Further high-quality, multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.
Topics: Humans; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Femoral Nerve; Nerve Block; Network Meta-Analysis; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 38561898
DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000001214 -
ANZ Journal of Surgery Jun 2024We investigated the role of perioperative intraoral glossopharyngeal nerve block to minimize postoperative pain in patients undergoing tonsillectomy through a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
We investigated the role of perioperative intraoral glossopharyngeal nerve block to minimize postoperative pain in patients undergoing tonsillectomy through a meta-analysis of the relevant literature.
METHODS
We retrieved eight studies from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to August 2023. We compared perioperative glossopharyngeal nerve block with a control group, in order to examine postoperative pain, analgesic use, and other postoperative morbidities.
RESULTS
Postoperative pain was significantly reduced at 1-4 h (SMD -1.26, 95% CI [-2.35; -0.17], I = 94.7%, P = 0.02) and 5-8 hours (SMD -1.40, 95% CI [-2.47; -0.34], I = 96.1%, p = 0.01) in the treatment groups compared to the control group. However, glossopharyngeal nerve block showed no efficacy in reducing pain or use of analgesic drugs after 12 h compared to the control group. The incidences of postoperative bleeding (OR 0.95, 95% CI [0.35; 2.52], I = 0.0%), local agent toxicity (OR 4.14, 95% CI [0.44; 38.63], I = 0.0%), nasal problems (OR 1.25, 95% CI [0.60; 2.61], I = 0.0%), postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR 1.35, 95% CI [0.78; 2.33], I = 0.0%), swallowing difficulty (OR 1.61, 95% CI [0.76; 3.42], I = 56.0%), and voice change (OR 3.11, 95% CI [0.31; 30.80], I = 0.0%) were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups. The treatment group showed higher prevalence of respiratory problems and dry mouth compared to control without statistical significance, but a significant increase in throat discomfort (p = 0.02).
CONCLUSION
Intraoral glossopharyngeal nerve block for tonsillectomy did not significantly impact postoperative pain management and was associated with some adverse effects with increases in respiratory problems, dry mouth, and throat discomfort compared to controls.
Topics: Humans; Glossopharyngeal Nerve; Nerve Block; Pain Management; Pain, Postoperative; Tonsillectomy
PubMed: 38553908
DOI: 10.1111/ans.18995 -
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia Aug 2024This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study Review
STUDY OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB) on nephrectomy.
DESIGN
Systematic review and network meta-analysis.
PATIENTS
Patients undergoing nephrectomy.
INTERVENTIONS
TAPB and QLB for postoperative analgesia.
MEASUREMENTS
The primary outcome was 24 h morphine-equivalent consumptions after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores, postoperative opioid consumption, postoperative rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), length of hospital stay after surgery, and patient satisfaction.
MAIN RESULTS
Fourteen studies involving 883 patients were included. Seven studies compared TAPB to control, six studies compared QLB to control, and one study compared TAPB to QLB. For direct meta-analysis of the post-surgical 24 h morphine-equivalent consumption, QLB was lower than control (mean difference [95%CI]: -18.16 [-28.96, -7.37]; I = 88%; p = 0.001), while there was no difference between TAPB and control (mean difference [95%CI]: -8.34 [-17.84, 1.17]; I = 88%; p = 0.09). Network meta-analysis showed similar findings that QLB was ranked as the best anesthetic technique for reducing postoperative 24 h opioid consumption (p-score = 0.854). Moreover, in direct meta-analysis, as compared to control, the time of first postoperative rescue analgesia was prolonged after QLB (mean difference [95%CI]: 165.00 [128.99, 201.01]; p < 0.00001), but not TAPB (mean difference [95%CI]: 296.82 [-91.92, 685.55]; p = 0.13). Meanwhile, QLB can effectively reduce opioid usages at intraoperative period, as well as at postoperative 6 h and 48 h, while TAPB can only reduce opioid consumption at 6 h after surgery. As compared to control, both TAPB and QLB exhibited the reduction in PONV and pain scores at post-surgical some timepoints. Also, QLB (mean difference [95%CI]: -0.29 [-0.49, -0.08]; p = 0.006) but not TAPB (mean difference [95%CI]: 0.60 [-0.25, 1.45]; p = 0.17) exhibited the shorter postoperative length of hospital stay than control.
CONCLUSIONS
QLB is more likely to be effective in reducing postoperative opioid use than TAPB, whereas both of them are superior to control with regard to the reduction in postoperative pain intensity and PONV.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022358464.
Topics: Humans; Pain, Postoperative; Nerve Block; Nephrectomy; Abdominal Muscles; Analgesics, Opioid; Network Meta-Analysis; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Pain Measurement; Treatment Outcome; Length of Stay; Patient Satisfaction
PubMed: 38531283
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2024.111453 -
La Radiologia Medica May 2024Lumbar facet joint pain (LFJP) is one of the main causes of chronic low back pain (LBP) and can be treated using radiofrequency (RF) sensory denervation. The aim of this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Lumbar facet joint pain (LFJP) is one of the main causes of chronic low back pain (LBP) and can be treated using radiofrequency (RF) sensory denervation. The aim of this work is to analyze the efficacy of RF in LFJP through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with placebo control.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in the Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science databases, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The variables of interest were pain, functional status, quality of life (QoL), and global perceived effect (GPE) measured at different time intervals: short (< 3 months), medium (> 3 and < 12 months), and long term (> 12 months).
RESULTS
Eight RCTs with placebo control were included. RF showed significant benefits over placebo in pain relief in the short (MD - 1.01; 95% CI - 1.98 to -0.04; p = 0.04), medium (MD - 1.42; 95% CI - 2.41 to - 0.43; p = 0.005), and long term (MD - 1.12; 95% CI - 1.57 to - 0.68; p < 0.001), as well as improvement in functional disability in the short (SMD - 0.94; 95% CI - 1.73 to - 0.14; p = 0.02) and long term (SMD - 0.74; 95% CI - 1.09 to - 0.39; p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in QoL or quantitative GPE, but benefits for RF were observed in dichotomous GPE in the medium (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.07-0.52; p = 0.001) and long term (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.06-0.78; p = 0.02). Subgroup analyses showed more benefits for RF in LBP < 1 year in the short term and in RCTs that did not require performing an MRI for patient selection.
CONCLUSIONS
RF demonstrated significant improvement in pain and functionality, but the benefits in terms of QoL and GPE are inconclusive. Future clinical trials should investigate the long-term effects of RF, its impact on quality of life, and define appropriate criteria for patient selection.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Zygapophyseal Joint; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome; Pain Measurement; Radiofrequency Therapy; Denervation
PubMed: 38512629
DOI: 10.1007/s11547-024-01809-8