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HPB : the Official Journal of the... May 2024Recurrent non-stenotic cholangitis (NSC) is a difficult-to-treat complication after hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) leading to multiple hospital admissions. The optimal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recurrent non-stenotic cholangitis (NSC) is a difficult-to-treat complication after hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) leading to multiple hospital admissions. The optimal treatment strategy is unclear as a systematic review is lacking.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed including studies detailing treatment strategies and outcomes for recurrent NSC in patients with a surgical HJ in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (inception - September 2023). Primary outcome was resolution of NSC as defined by the included studies.
RESULTS
Overall, 72 patients with recurrent NSC after HJ were included from seven retrospective studies. The rate of recurrent NSC (specified in five studies) was 4% (46/1143 HJs). Diagnosis of NSC was mostly made after excluding HJ stenosis and assessing bile reflux. Initial treatment consisted of short-course antibiotics for all patients. Second step treatment consisted of prolonged antibiotic therapy (n = 10, 13.8%). Third step treatment consisted of surgery (n = 9, n = 12.5%); mostly lengthening of the biliary loop. Together, the overall reported resolution-rate of recurrent NSC was 66.6% (n = 48).
CONCLUSION
A 'step-up approach' may be effective in two-thirds of patients with recurrent NSC after HJ, starting with short-course antibiotics, and eventually adding prolonged antibiotic therapy and, ultimately, surgery aimed at preventing intestinal content and food reflux. Prospective studies are needed.
PubMed: 38906773
DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2024.05.018 -
The International Journal of Oral &... Jun 2024To answer the following focus question: In preclinical in vivo experimental models, do oral implants placed in overdimensioned (OD) sites present greater biomechanical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To answer the following focus question: In preclinical in vivo experimental models, do oral implants placed in overdimensioned (OD) sites present greater biomechanical properties and histomorphometric parameters of osseointegration compared to implants placed in standard or undersized implant sockets?
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Online databases were searched for controlled animal studies reporting on OD sites up to February 2023. The relative implant- final drill discrepancy (IDD) was used to categorize the control and test groups according to surgical drilling protocol: (1) control: undersized (IDD > 0.5 mm) or standard (IDD = 0.2 to 0.5 mm); and (2) test OD: stress-free oversized (IDD = 0.0 to -0.1 mm); test GAP: friction-free oversized (IDD ≤ -0.1 mm). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed for the outcomes of insertion and removal torque values (ITV and RTV, respectively), bone-to-implant contact (%BIC), and bone density (%BD) for short- (0 to 2 weeks), intermediate- (3 to 4 weeks), and long-term (≥ 5 weeks) healing periods.
RESULTS
Of the 527 records identified, 13 studies met the eligibility criteria. Histologically, the OD and GAP groups prevented ischemic necrosis and extensive bone resorption at the bone-implant interface in both the marginal cortical layer and the trabeculae. Faster and increased rates of bone formation, characterized by primary osteons and highly vascularized tissue, took place in OD sites between 1 and 5 weeks of healing. Meta-analyses indicated statistically significant benefits in favor of (1) control vs OD for short-term healing in extraoral sites, with pooled estimates (weighted mean difference) of ITV = 25.35 Ncm, %BIC = 2.10%, and %BD = 26.19%; (2) control vs OD for long-term healing in intraoral sites, with %BD = 11.69%; (3) control vs GAP for intermediate-term healing in extraoral sites, with %BD = 3.03%; and (4) control vs GAP for long-term healing in extraoral sites, with RTV = 5.57 Ncm.
CONCLUSIONS
Oversized surgical preparation of the implant site does not seem to provide any additional benefit compared to standard or undersized sites regarding quantitative parameters of osseointegration. However, it does minimize marginal bone resorption and yields better-quality bone healing, despite the comparable results among different experimental animal models in the late postoperative period.
Topics: Dental Implantation, Endosseous; Osseointegration; Animals; Dental Implants; Biomechanical Phenomena; Torque
PubMed: 38905117
DOI: 10.11607/jomi.10059 -
Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online Mar 2024Pillar pain is a recognized postoperative complication of carpal tunnel release (CTR). Minimally invasive and alternative surgical techniques can theoretically prevent...
PURPOSE
Pillar pain is a recognized postoperative complication of carpal tunnel release (CTR). Minimally invasive and alternative surgical techniques can theoretically prevent pillar pain, and the aim of this review was to compare the incidence of pillar pain after standard open CTR and alternative surgical techniques.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases were thoroughly searched. Randomized controlled trials comparing minimally invasive surgical techniques to standard open CTR were identified. Data, including surgical technique, number of hands, incidence of pillar pain, and follow-up intervals, were extracted. Odds ratios (OR) were expressed as pillar pain incidence in the intervention group relative to standard open CTR.
RESULTS
There were 12 studies included. No statistically significant differences were noted among endoscopic (OR = 0.53, = .20), flexor retinaculum lengthening (OR = 1.00, = 1.00), short incision (OR = 0.41, = .07) or illuminated knife techniques (OR = 0.18, = .16). There was a statistically significant decrease in pillar pain after minimally invasive CTR (OR = 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.20-0.86, I = 0%, = .02) between 3- and 6-months follow-up; however, analyses at all other follow-up periods failed to reach statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS
Although our findings suggest that standard open CTR may be associated with an increased duration of pillar pain between 3 and 6 months postoperatively, our results suggest that minimally invasive CTR techniques do not affect either the initial development or persistence of pillar pain.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Our results illustrate the natural history of pillar pain with the majority of cases resolving after 6 months, highlighting the utility of symptomatic and conservative treatments and patient education in the management of pillar pain.
PubMed: 38903842
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2023.12.003 -
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia Jun 2024Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PNCD) commonly occurs after surgery and prolongs hospital stays. Both direct noxious stimuli to the central nervous system and...
Effect of prophylactic corticosteroids on postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction in the adult population: An updated systematic review, meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PNCD) commonly occurs after surgery and prolongs hospital stays. Both direct noxious stimuli to the central nervous system and systemic inflammation have been implicated. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects, corticosteroids have been utilised to attenuate the incidence and severity of PNCD. This systematic review and meta-analysis strived to evaluate the prophylactic role of perioperative corticosteroids for PNCD.
METHODS
A search was run in pre-defined databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the role of corticosteroids in preventing PNCD. The incidence of PNCD within 1 month was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the use of antipsychotic medications for the treatment, postoperative infection, and hospital length of stay. The results are exhibited as odds ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
Fifteen RCTs comprising 15,398 patients were included. The incidence of PNCD was significantly lower in the corticosteroid group than in the control group, with a pooled OR of 0.75 (95% CI 0.58, 0.96; = 0.02; I = 66%). Trial sequential analysis showed the clinical benefit of corticosteroids in preventing PNCD; however, the requisite information size is still inadequate. The sub-group analysis supported the prophylactic effect of corticosteroids on delirium prevention but not on delayed neurocognitive recovery.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis revealed statistically significant protective effects of corticosteroids on the incidence of PNCD. However, further studies are still needed to confirm the protective role of this commonly used and relatively safe strategy for preventing PNCD.
PubMed: 38903252
DOI: 10.4103/ija.ija_149_24 -
Journal of Global Health Jun 2024Oral diseases affect nearly half of the global population, presenting significant challenges in fragile and conflict-affected states. Despite comprising a population of...
BACKGROUND
Oral diseases affect nearly half of the global population, presenting significant challenges in fragile and conflict-affected states. Despite comprising a population of over one billion people, oral health data and comprehensive evidence on oral health system strengthening on these countries are limited. This study, therefore, aims to explore oral health system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected states by synthesising evidence from relevant global literature.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of literature across Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature databases. The methodological quality of published literature was assessed using the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. The findings were narratively synthesised and presented using the Lancet's high-quality health system framework.
RESULTS
The review included 23 papers from 12 countries. The evidence documented impacts of armed conflicts, political crisis, pandemics, and natural disasters on oral health systems, and initiatives to strengthen them focusing on the 'foundations' domain. The initiatives included: workforce development and career opportunities; health service platforms such as mobile dental services and teledentistry; integration of oral health into national health systems and emergency responses; contingency planning and adaptability; and effective governance such as financing systems and infrastructures. Collaborative action, both local and international, including monitoring and evaluation were emphasised as key strategies for health system strengthening to ensure an equitable distribution of responsibilities and resources.
CONCLUSIONS
Whilst evidence on oral health system strengthening in fragile and conflict-affected states is limited, our findings suggest the need for integrated action, such as mobilising local resources and engaging stakeholders equitably. Further research, with particular focus in the area of processes of care and quality impacts, is necessary to explore comprehensive strategies for strengthening the oral health system.
Topics: Humans; Oral Health; Armed Conflicts; Delivery of Health Care; Global Health
PubMed: 38902973
DOI: 10.7189/jogh-14-04132 -
Systematic Reviews Jun 2024Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) appear to be effective for improving the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs). However, the effectiveness of MBIs on...
BACKGROUND
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) appear to be effective for improving the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs). However, the effectiveness of MBIs on extreme psychological trauma caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is largely unknown. The aim of this paper was to systematically review empirical studies of MBIs for HCPs carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic, to evaluate them and their effectiveness in different areas of mental health.
METHODS
The electronic databases searched were Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO. The date when each database was last searched was September 15, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs), and non-randomized non-controlled trials (NRNCTs) focused on MBIs for health care staff who were working in healthcare centers during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. All of them employed standardized measures of mental health. The review followed the best practices and reported using PRISMA guidelines. A data collection form, adapted from the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions, was used to extract and synthesize the results. The methods used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies were the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the ROBINS-I Tool.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight studies were included in the systematic review. Overall, the methodological quality of the studies was moderate. The results showed the effectiveness of MBIs in improving levels of stress, mindfulness, and mental well-being. However, no conclusive results were found regarding the effectiveness of MBIs in improving the levels of burnout, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and resilience of HCPs.
CONCLUSIONS
The MBIs for HCPs carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic have mainly contributed to improving stress, mindfulness, and mental well-being at a time of serious health emergency. However, more robust studies at a methodological level would have been desirable.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
PROSPERO CRD42021267621.
Topics: Humans; Mindfulness; COVID-19; Health Personnel; Mental Health; SARS-CoV-2; Burnout, Professional; Pandemics
PubMed: 38902795
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-024-02574-5 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Jun 2024Patient education materials (PEMs) can promote patient engagement, satisfaction, and treatment adherence. The American Medical Association recommends that PEMs be...
IMPORTANCE
Patient education materials (PEMs) can promote patient engagement, satisfaction, and treatment adherence. The American Medical Association recommends that PEMs be developed for a sixth-grade or lower reading level. Health literacy (HL) refers to an individual's ability to seek, understand, and use health information to make appropriate decisions regarding their health. Patients with suboptimal HL may not be able to understand or act on health information and are at risk for adverse health outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the readability of PEMs on head and neck cancer (HNC) and to evaluate HL among patients with HNC.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
A systematic review of the literature was performed by searching Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus for peer-reviewed studies published from 1995 to 2024 using the keywords head and neck cancer, readability, health literacy, and related synonyms. Full-text studies in English that evaluated readability and/or HL measures were included. Readability assessments included the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL grade, 0-20, with higher grades indicating greater reading difficulty) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE score, 1-100, with higher scores indicating easier readability), among others. Reviews, conference materials, opinion letters, and guidelines were excluded. Study quality was assessed using the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies.
FINDINGS
Of the 3235 studies identified, 17 studies assessing the readability of 1124 HNC PEMs produced by professional societies, hospitals, and others were included. The mean FKGL grade ranged from 8.8 to 14.8; none of the studies reported a mean FKGL of grade 6 or lower. Eight studies assessed HL and found inadequate HL prevalence ranging from 11.9% to 47.0%.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
These findings indicate that more than one-third of patients with HNC demonstrate inadequate HL, yet none of the PEMs assessed were developed for a sixth grade or lower reading level, as recommended by the American Medical Association. This incongruence highlights the need to address the readability of HNC PEMs to improve patient understanding of the disease and to mitigate potential barriers to shared decision-making for patients with HNC. It is crucial to acknowledge the responsibility of health care professionals to produce and promote more effective PEMs to dismantle the potentially preventable literacy barriers.
PubMed: 38900443
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2024.1569 -
Cureus May 2024Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite... (Review)
Review
Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, with Plasmodium parasites transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite historical efforts, malaria continues to affect millions worldwide, particularly in tropical regions. This systematic review aimed to assess the acceptability of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine among diverse populations. A comprehensive search strategy was employed across databases such as Cochrane Library, Embase, Google Scholar, and Medline. Studies were included based on specific criteria, including observational and cross-sectional designs involving adults. Data extraction and analysis were conducted meticulously, encompassing key variables related to vaccine acceptance rates and influencing factors. Analysis of 18 studies involving 18,561 participants revealed an overall malaria vaccine acceptance rate of 87.51%, ranging from 32.26% to 99.30%. Significant variations were observed based on demographics, with Ghana and Nigeria reporting high acceptance rates. Factors influencing acceptance included knowledge levels, past vaccination experiences, community preferences, and engagement in malaria prevention behaviors. Concerns about adverse reactions and regional disparities were noted as potential barriers to acceptance. This review highlights the importance of understanding public perceptions and concerns regarding malaria vaccines to enhance vaccine coverage and uptake. Tailored communication strategies, advocacy efforts, and targeted education interventions are crucial for addressing misconceptions and increasing vaccine acceptance. Policy recommendations should consider demographic and regional factors to ensure effective implementation of malaria vaccination programs, ultimately contributing to global malaria prevention efforts and public health initiatives.
PubMed: 38899238
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60678 -
Sports Health Jun 2024Sports involving overhead motions put substantial biomechanical demands on the shoulder and may result in injuries. (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Sports involving overhead motions put substantial biomechanical demands on the shoulder and may result in injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To determine risk factors (RFs) for shoulder injuries in female athletes who play overhead sports and evaluate strategies to reduce shoulder injuries in these athletes.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic electronic search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases included were PubMed, Tulane Matas Library Search Engine, and Google Scholar, with search terms: "Overhead injuries/Shoulder AND female athletes AND Risk Factors."
STUDY SELECTION
Of the initial 1574 studies identified, 314 were evaluated for eligibility by full-text review and 291 studies were excluded. Overall, 23 studies were included in this study. Studies were published from 2000 to 2021, subject age range was 15 to 35 years, with documented prevalence of shoulder injuries in female athletes playing overhead sports.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 2.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two independent researchers completed abstract and full-text review. Data extraction used the Covidence and Cochrane Consumer guide template.
RESULTS
Volleyball was the most common sport with shoulder injuries (6/23; 26%) followed by softball 5/23 (22%), swimming 5/23 (22%), gymnastics 4/23 (17%), tennis 3/23 (13%), water polo 2/23 (8%), and basketball 1/23 (4%). Six RFs (dominant shoulder, volume/overuse, time in sport, older age at time of injury, past injury, and multidirectional instability) were described. Of the 23 studies, 9 (39%) identified the dominant shoulder as a RF for sustaining injury (mean risk ratio [RR], 2.04), while 6 (26%) cited volume of repetition and overuse as a prominent RF (RR, 1.45).
CONCLUSION
This systematic review demonstrates important RFs for shoulder injuries in female athletes associated with playing overhead sports. Multiple prevention strategies are described. Prevention programs are helpful in reducing the risk of reinjury.
PubMed: 38898813
DOI: 10.1177/19417381241259987 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2024In recent years, the zero-profile implant (Zero-p) has emerged as a promising internal fixation technique. Although studies have indicated its potential superiority over... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
Comparative efficacy of zero-profile implant and conventional cage-plate implant in the treatment of single-level degenerative cervical spondylosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, the zero-profile implant (Zero-p) has emerged as a promising internal fixation technique. Although studies have indicated its potential superiority over conventional cage-plate implant (Cage-plate) in the treatment of degenerative cervical spondylosis, there remains a lack of definitive comparative reports regarding its indications, safety, and efficacy.
METHODS
A computerized search was conducted on English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP. Additionally, a manual search was meticulously carried out on Chinese medical journals, spanning from the inception of the respective databases until August 2023. The meta-analysis utilized a case-control study approach and was executed through the utilization of RevMan 5.3 software. Stringent quality evaluation and data extraction procedures were implemented to guarantee the reliability and validity of the findings.
RESULTS
Nine high-quality studies with 808 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that the operation time (MD = - 13.28; 95% CI (- 17.53, - 9.04), P < 0.00001), intraoperative blood loss (MD = - 6.61; 95% CI (- 10.47, - 2.75), P = 0.0008), incidence of postoperative dysphagia at various time points: within the first month after surgery (OR = 0.36; 95% CI (0.22, 0.58), P < 0.0001), 1-3 months after surgery (OR = 0.20; 95% CI (0.08, 0.49), P = 0.0004), the final follow-up (OR = 0.21; 95% CI (0.05, 0.83), P = 0.003) and the rate of postoperative adjacent disc degeneration (OR = 0.46; 95% CI (0.25, 0.84), P = 0.01) were significantly lower in the Zero-p group than in the Cage-plate group. Additionally, was also significantly lower in the Zero-p group. However, there were no significant differences in the JOA score, the final follow-up NDI score, surgical segmental fusion rate, postoperative height of adjacent vertebrae, or postoperative subsidence rate between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
In summary, when treating single-segment degenerative cervical spondylosis, both internal fixation techniques are reliable and effective. However, Zero-P implant offer several advantages over cage-plate implant, including shorter operation duration, less intraoperative blood loss, reduced postoperative dysphagia, and slower adjacent disc degeneration. Additionally, Zero-P implant has a broader application space, making them a preferred choice in certain cases.
Topics: Humans; Cervical Vertebrae; Spondylosis; Bone Plates; Treatment Outcome; Postoperative Complications; Operative Time; Spinal Fusion; Male; Blood Loss, Surgical; Female; Internal Fixators
PubMed: 38898517
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04729-5