-
Schizophrenia Bulletin May 2024The ClozaGene Study is a nationwide cohort of adults who have been treated with clozapine. While clozapine is indicated in the management of treatment-resistant...
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS
The ClozaGene Study is a nationwide cohort of adults who have been treated with clozapine. While clozapine is indicated in the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia, it is associated with a considerable adverse drug reaction (ADR) burden, and not all patients achieve adequate symptomatic response. The current study focuses on self-reported experiences of clozapine use and response, clozapine-associated ADRs, and mental health comorbidity.
STUDY DESIGN
A total of 1021 participants (41.0% female; aged 46.2 ± 10.6 years [range 18-66]) were recruited via a mail-out based on prescriptions for clozapine. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire.
STUDY RESULTS
Most participants (90.1%, n = 912) were living with schizophrenia while 41.5% reported a lifetime diagnosis of depression, 15.6% bipolar disorder, and 8.1% schizoaffective disorder. Clozapine was currently prescribed to 944 (92.5%) participants and 37.8% of these participants self-reported currently taking additional antipsychotic medication. Nearly 3 quarters of participants living with schizophrenia reported that clozapine helped control their schizophrenia symptoms moderately to very well. The most commonly reported ADRs were sialorrhea (80.3%), weight gain (71.0%), constipation (56.9%), and sedation (52.8%). The prevalence of clozapine cessation due to clozapine-induced myocarditis and neutropenia was 1% and 0.4%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings highlight the high rate of psychotic and metabolic symptoms and ADRs among adults prescribed clozapine in the general Australian population. Future genomic analyses will focus on identifying genetic variants influencing clozapine treatment response and side effects.
PubMed: 38713070
DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbae065 -
Cureus Apr 2024Dysphagia is a common symptom encountered in clinical practice, typically associated with a wide range of etiologies, including structural abnormalities, inflammatory...
Dysphagia is a common symptom encountered in clinical practice, typically associated with a wide range of etiologies, including structural abnormalities, inflammatory conditions, neoplasms, and neurological disorders. However, the combination of subcutaneous emphysema, vocal cord palsy, enlarged arytenoids, and pooling of saliva in a dysphagic patient represents a rare and intriguing presentation. A 33-year-old female presented at a tertiary care hospital in Western India with hoarseness of voice, difficulty in swallowing, productive cough, and neck pain for two months with an abrupt increase in the severity of all symptoms in two days. A history of chewable tobacco use for six years was disclosed. Clinical evaluation revealed a thin build with platynychia and conjunctival pallor, dental staining, drooling of saliva, the presence of extensive subcutaneous emphysema on palpation of the neck, and absent laryngeal crepitus. Endoscopic evaluation was suggestive of right vocal cord palsy and enlarged, congested arytenoid cartilages, post-cricoid growth with pooling of saliva in bilateral pyriform fossae. A CT scan of the neck showed a 2x3 cm neoplastic growth in the hypopharynx, with subcutaneous emphysema and free air foci in the head and neck region, prompting an immediate tracheostomy and biopsy of the hypopharyngeal growth with Ryle's tube insertion. Squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed on the biopsy report. Due to its rarity, the possible underlying cause of idiopathic subcutaneous emphysema should be sought whenever encountered in clinical practice since these patients are potentially misdiagnosed. A high index of suspicion among clinicians, along with a consideration of the constellation of other symptoms and clinical features of a possible underlying hypopharyngeal cancer whenever encountering such patients is of key importance for prompting further investigations and treatment.
PubMed: 38711727
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57727 -
Clinical Otolaryngology : Official... Jul 2024We investigated complications and recurrence rates after surgical techniques for sialolith removal with intact and resected Wharton's duct of the submandibular gland. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
INTRODUCTION
We investigated complications and recurrence rates after surgical techniques for sialolith removal with intact and resected Wharton's duct of the submandibular gland.
METHODS
The retrospective case-control analysis of a series analysed 271 surgical operations (2003-2022) for sialolithiasis performed at a hospital department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. The study compared two approaches: (1) pure endoscopic technique or pinpoint stone removal with Wharton's duct left intact and (2) transoral duct dissection or pinpoint stone removal technique, after which the duct was shortened. While choosing the surgical option, the size of the stone, the location of the stone, and the presence of multiple stones were taken into account. The rates of complications (lingual nerve paraesthesia, duct stenosis, drooling, and sialoadenitis), the incidence of foreign bodies, and the rate of recurrence during follow-up of ≥18 months were compared.
RESULTS
323 sialoliths were removed from 271 patients. Of these 323 calculi, 150 were removed by the first approach and 173 by the second approach. The calculi varied in diameter from 2 to 38 mm with an average diameter of 8.2 mm. For all 271 patients, the rate of recurrence was 4.8%, but 11 recurrent cases (8.7%) appeared after the first approach surgeries and 2 cases (1.4%) after the second approach surgeries (p = .03). Other variables did not show statistically significant differences.
CONCLUSIONS
Surgical removal of the submandibular calculi, ending with shortening of Wharton's duct, reduces the recurrence rate for sialolithiasis but does not affect the rate of postsurgical complications.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Male; Female; Case-Control Studies; Adult; Middle Aged; Salivary Gland Calculi; Salivary Ducts; Aged; Submandibular Gland; Postoperative Complications; Recurrence; Endoscopy; Adolescent; Submandibular Gland Diseases; Child; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38699810
DOI: 10.1111/coa.14176 -
Oral Oncology Jun 2024Long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is frequently affected in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Due to the shortage of studies investigating long-term...
OBJECTIVES
Long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is frequently affected in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Due to the shortage of studies investigating long-term patient-reported outcomes, we investigated long-term HRQOL using the novel FACE-Q HNC Module.
METHODS
A retrospective cross-sectional single-center study was performed, including all patients who underwent curative treatment for HNC between 2006 and 2013. All eligible patients (n = 863) were invited to participate of whom 540 completed the questionnaires. Additionally, a prospective longitudinal cohort of 43 HNC patients treated between 2020 and 2022 was included who preoperatively filled in the FACE-Q, and at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively. HRQOL domain scores were analyzed to visualize group characteristics by tumor site and type of surgical resection.
RESULTS
Both surgical and non-surgical HNC treatments predominantly affected long-term functional HRQOL domains (eating, salivation, speech, and swallowing), eating distress, and speaking distress, with distinct profiles depending on tumor site and type of treatment. In contrast, few long-term intergroup differences between HNC patients were observed for appearance, smiling, drooling distress, and smiling distress. Longitudinal data showed significant deterioration across all functional HRQOL domains in the short-term following treatment. Patients predominantly reported long-lasting negative treatment effects at 12 months follow-up for functional domains, whereas psychological domains showed near-complete recovery at group level.
CONCLUSIONS
At long-term, various function-related and psychosocial HRQOL domains still are affected in head and neck cancer survivors. The results may serve to better inform patients with regard to specific treatments and highlight HRQOL domains which may potentially be optimized.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Cancer Survivors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged; Retrospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires; Longitudinal Studies; Prospective Studies; Adult; Patient Reported Outcome Measures
PubMed: 38692152
DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106813 -
Cureus Mar 2024Raynaud's syndrome is characterized by paroxysmal vasospasm in the digital arterioles, following exposure to cold or stress. Pain, swelling, stiffness, and hypoesthesia...
Raynaud's syndrome is characterized by paroxysmal vasospasm in the digital arterioles, following exposure to cold or stress. Pain, swelling, stiffness, and hypoesthesia are observed as manifestations. The presence of a trophic ulcer is accompanied by a range of severe manifestations. The assaults occur in three distinct phases, namely vasospastic, plethoric, and erythema. Various approaches improve the overall well-being of a patient. It is possible to differentiate between primary and secondary Raynaud's syndrome, the latter being linked to systemic diseases. The application of botulin toxin is commonly indicated in several medical conditions including focal dystonia, spasticity with or without contractures, paraparesis in children with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries, involuntary muscle hyperactivity of a non-dystonic nature, pain management, strabismus, nystagmus, sialorrhea, and esthetic medicine. When treating Raynaud's a technique is used with injection at the base of each finger, from the palmar side, which helps with cooling and minimizing discomfort for patients. We present a clinical case of a 70-year-old female patient with Raynaud's syndrome in which we have placed 70E distributed to both hands botulin toxin type A. Improvement in the patient's symptomatology was noticed on day 3, with warming of the hands, lack of swelling, and pain with duration of the effect little over three months. The patient underwent a six-month follow-up following the therapy with botulinum toxin type A, and no indications of recurrence or advancement of Raynaud's syndrome (RS) were seen.
PubMed: 38690447
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57327 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024The O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) lineage is a pandemic strain that has recently become dominant within East and Southeast Asia. During May 2023,...
The O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) lineage is a pandemic strain that has recently become dominant within East and Southeast Asia. During May 2023, this viral lineage spread to the Republic of Korea, where 11 outbreaks were detected on cattle and goat farms located in Cheongju and Jeungpyeong. Infected animals displayed typical FMD signs including vesicular lesions with drooling and anorexia. Molecular diagnostic testing and genetic analysis (VP1 sequencing) showed that the causative FMDVs belonged to the O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e lineage and shared the closest nucleotide identity (97.95-99.21%) to viruses that have been collected from Mongolia and South-East Asian countries. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these sequences were distinct to those collected from the previous Korean O/ME-SA/Ind-2001e lineage outbreaks in 2019, demonstrating that these cases are due to a new incursion of the virus into the country. Prompt implementation of emergency vaccination using antigenically matched serotype O vaccines (r1 value: 0.74-0.93), together with intensive active surveillance on farms surrounding the infected premises has successfully prevented further spread of FMD. These recent FMD outbreaks reinforce the importance of research to understand the risks associated with transboundary pathways in the region, in order to reduce the possibility of a further reintroduction of FMD into the Republic of Korea.
PubMed: 38689851
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1378769 -
Journal of Prosthodontics : Official... Apr 2024Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that results in patients exhibiting uncontrolled movements, changes in saliva production, and difficulty in swallowing...
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that results in patients exhibiting uncontrolled movements, changes in saliva production, and difficulty in swallowing and speech. Understanding the staging of the disease and the available therapies allows dentists to treat these patients safely and with compassion to meet their oral health care needs for an optimal quality of life. This appraisal discusses Parkinson's disease as it relates to clinically relevant facts to manage and treat the oral health care needs of these patients in the short and long term including general dental care recommendations. Important observations related to Parkinson's disease include disease causation,; stages, pharmacologic treatment, the effects on saliva, mastication, dysphagia, and aspiration pneumonia. Dental recommendations are made for the dentate, the partially edentulous, and the completely edentulous Parkinson's patients with a focus on late-stage concerns. Optimizing dental health will help maintain the quality of life as the disease progresses. In late stages of Parkinson's disease, dental treatment should focus on keeping the patient comfortable and out of pain. While benign neglect is an often-used term, compassionate therapy in the late stages of Parkinson's disease is a more compelling term for defining the patient's needs. Since dysphagia in Parkinson's patients has been underdiagnosed, neurologists must be aware of the important part that dentists play in the early diagnosis for these patients. Early referral to a dentist is vital to mitigate the unfortunate consequence of the need for extensive dental care in late-stage patients.
PubMed: 38689457
DOI: 10.1111/jopr.13862 -
Annals of Plastic Surgery May 2024Free flaps and their modifications are used to reconstruct multiple large defects in the lip and face. In this study, we present our results on the reconstruction of...
Free flaps and their modifications are used to reconstruct multiple large defects in the lip and face. In this study, we present our results on the reconstruction of these defects using bipaddle and sensate free radial forearm-palmaris longus flaps and subsequent revision surgeries. Patient medical records of 11 patients with a mean age of 63.9 ± 12.8 years were retrospectively reviewed. Functional oral competence, lip cosmetics, lip sensation, and donor forearm scars were evaluated using the drooling rating scale, visual analog scale, Semmes Weinstein Monofilament test, and patient and observer scar assessment scale, respectively. The mean dimensions of distal and proximal skin paddles of bipaddle free radial forearm-palmaris longus flaps were 12.7 ± 9.9 and 20.5 ± 3.8 cm2. Mean lengths of the bridge and proximal pedicles were 4.7 ± 1.6 and 5.5 ± 0.7 cm. All the flaps survived. No drooling was observed in the 2 patients without lower lip defects. The mean drooling scores of the 9 patients with lower lip defects were statistically different (Analysis of Variance, pANOVA < 0.00001) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The differences between 3 and 12 months were the most significant (pANOVA < 0.00001, pTUKEY < 0.000001). The lip sensation and drooling scores showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.8504). All patients were able to speak fluently, drink fluid without leakage, and blow a balloon easily. All patients and observers were satisfied with the lip cosmetics, with no significant difference between satisfaction scores (P = 0.087615).There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.00001) between mean sensation scores of surrounding healthy lip (2.94 ± 0.27) and free flaps (4.15 ± 0.4). All the donor scars healed uneventfully.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Free Tissue Flaps; Male; Female; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Forearm; Lip; Lip Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Facial Neoplasms; Adult
PubMed: 38685495
DOI: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003815 -
Jornal de Pediatria Apr 2024To assess FEES findings in defining oral feeding safety in children with suspected dysphagia, comparing them with clinical feeding evaluation results.
OBJECTIVE
To assess FEES findings in defining oral feeding safety in children with suspected dysphagia, comparing them with clinical feeding evaluation results.
METHODS
This study comprised a case series involving children with suspected dysphagia, referred for evaluation by otolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) at a Brazilian quaternary public university hospital. These children underwent both clinical evaluations and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), with a comprehensive collection of demographic and clinical data. Subsequently, the authors performed a comparative analysis of findings from both assessments.
RESULTS
Most patients successfully completed the FEES procedure (93.7%), resulting in a final number of 60 cases included in the study. The prevalence of dysphagia was confirmed in a significant 88% of these cases. Suspected aspiration on clinical SLP evaluation was present in 34 patients. Of these, FEES confirmed aspiration or penetration in 28 patients. Among the 35 patients with aspiration or penetration on FEES, 7 (20%) had no suspicion on SLP clinical assessment. All seven patients in whom clinical SLP evaluation failed to predict penetration/aspiration had neurological disorders. The median age of the children was 2.8 years, and 49 (81.6%) had neurological disorders, while 35 (58.3%) had chronic pulmonary disease. The most prevalent complaints were choking (41.6%) and sialorrhea (23.3%).
CONCLUSION
FEES can diagnose structural anomalies of the upper aerodigestive tract and significantly contribute to the detection of aspiration and penetration in this group of patients with suspected dysphagia, identifying moderate and severe dysphagia even in cases where clinical assessment had no suspicion.
PubMed: 38679061
DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2024.03.008 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Apr 2024(1) To investigate the prevalence and severity of drooling among healthy young children referred for adenotonsillectomy; (2) to evaluate the effect of adenotonsillectomy...
OBJECTIVES
(1) To investigate the prevalence and severity of drooling among healthy young children referred for adenotonsillectomy; (2) to evaluate the effect of adenotonsillectomy on drooling.
STUDY DESIGN
Prospective study.
SETTING
Tertiary referral center.
METHODS
Healthy typically developed children aged 18 to 48 months referred to adenotonsillectomy for upper airway obstruction (UAO) were recruited. Age-matched children recruited from the community served as controls. Drooling frequency and severity were assessed at baseline and 2 months following surgery based on 2 subjective scales: the Drooling Infants and Preschoolers Scale (DRIPS) and Thomas-Stonell and Greenberg Saliva Severity Scale (TSGS).
RESULTS
Eighty-seven children aged 18 to 48 months were included in the study. Forty-three children referred to adenotonsillectomy (study group) and 44 age-matched controls. There were significant differences in almost all of the DRIPS items between children in the presurgery group compared to controls. Drooling severity and frequency were greater in the former compared to the latter (TGF-s severity: 1.4 ± 1.0 vs 0.6 ± 0.8, P = .001; TGF frequency: 1.3 ± 0.9 vs 0.5 ± 0.6, P < .001). After surgery, the scores for all DRIPS and TSGS items decreased significantly and were comparable to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
The frequency and severity of drooling among otherwise young children referred for adenotonsillectomy were greater than those for healthy controls. Following surgery, both the frequency and severity significantly improved and became comparable to those of controls. These findings suggest that a major improvement in drooling is one of the benefits of a surgical intervention in a child with UAO.
PubMed: 38668374
DOI: 10.1002/ohn.787