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Frontiers in Oncology 2024To assess the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab in combination with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Nimotuzumab combined with radiotherapy+/- chemotherapy for definitive treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: a metanalysis of randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab in combination with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
METHODS
Systematic searches were performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biomedical Medicine, Wanfang, VIP databases. Seven eligible randomized controlled trials (n = 1012) were selected through rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 1012 cases were included. including 508 (50.2%) in the nimotuzumab combination treatment group; There were 504 cases (49.8%) in the control group. The results of meta-analysis showed that the overall survival (Hazard Ratio [HR]=0.75, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.62-0.90, P<0.05), progression-free survival (HR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.87, P<0.05), complete response rate (Risk Ratio [RR]=1.52, 95% CI: 1.24-1.86, P<0.05), and objective response rate (RR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.17-1.48, P<0.05) were significantly improved in the nimotuzumab combination treatment group compared with the control group. In terms of the incidence of adverse effects, only the incidence of rash was the nimotuzumab combination group higher than in the treatment alone group, and there was no significant difference between the remaining adverse reactions (neutropenia, anemia, nausea/vomiting, mucositis, dermatitis, dysphagia).
CONCLUSION
Nimotuzumab combined with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy is more effective than radiotherapy alone or chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and the safety profile is controllable. Therefore, the addition of nimotuzumab to treatment is expected to be an effective treatment option for this disease. However, more prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to fully explore the effectiveness of this treatment in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
identifier PROSPERO (CRD: 42022383313).
PubMed: 38939342
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1380428 -
Biomedicines Jun 2024The cerebellum is emerging as a promising target for noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS). A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of cerebellar NIBS... (Review)
Review
The cerebellum is emerging as a promising target for noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS). A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of cerebellar NIBS on both motor and other symptoms in stroke rehabilitation, its impact on functional ability, and potential side effects (PROSPERO number: CRD42022365697). A systematic electronic database search was performed by using PubMed Central (PMC), EMBASE, and Web of Science, with a cutoff date of November 2023. Data extracted included study details, NIBS methodology, outcome measures, and results. The risk of bias in eligible studies was also assessed. Twenty-two clinical studies involving 1016 participants were finally included, with a focus on outcomes related to post-stroke motor recovery (gait and balance, muscle spasticity, and upper limb dexterity) and other functions (dysphagia and aphasia). Positive effects were observed, especially on motor functions like gait and balance. Some efficiency was also observed in dysphagia rehabilitation. However, findings on language recovery were preliminary and inconsistent. A slight improvement in functional ability was noted, with no serious adverse effects reported. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of cerebellar NIBS on post-stroke non-motor deficits and to understand how cerebellar engagement can facilitate more precise treatment strategies for stroke rehabilitation.
PubMed: 38927555
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061348 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of aspiration caused by post-stroke...
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of aspiration caused by post-stroke dysphagia.
METHODS
A computer search was conducted in nine databases, including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal (VIP), Wan-fang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), from their inception until April 2024. Clinical randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture combined therapy or single therapy with control interventions for the treatment of aspiration caused by post-stroke dysphagia were included. The primary outcome measure was the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), and secondary outcome measures included the overall effective rate, video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and hyoid bone displacement. The statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 16.0.
RESULTS
A total of 16 articles involving 1,284 patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that acupuncture combined therapy or single therapy was more effective in improving PAS scores compared to conventional rehabilitation therapy or balloon dilation of the catheter [WMD = -1.05, 95% CI (-1.30, -0.80), = 0.82, = 0.00 < 0.05]. It was also more effective in improving VFSS scores [WMD = 1.32, 95% CI (0.08, 2.55), = 2.09, = 0.04 < 0.05] and hyoid bone displacement [WMD = 2.02, 95% CI (0.86, 3.18), = 3.41, = 0.00 < 0.05]. Additionally, acupuncture had a higher overall effective rate [WMD = 1.21, 95% CI (1.14, 1.29), = 5.76, = 0.00 < 0.05] and a lower incidence of adverse events. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the literature had minimal impact on the results, and bias tests showed no publication bias.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture combined therapy and acupuncture single therapy can effectively improve aspiration caused by post-stroke dysphagia with a low incidence of adverse events. However, due to the low quality of the included literature, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of aspiration caused by post-stroke dysphagia.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023462707, identifier CRD42023462707.
PubMed: 38915795
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1305056 -
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 -
Journal of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck... 2024Different factors can affect the quality of life of patients treated for head and neck cancer undergoing major surgical intervention. However, it remains unclear which...
BACKGROUND
Different factors can affect the quality of life of patients treated for head and neck cancer undergoing major surgical intervention. However, it remains unclear which specific factors and what possible interventions could have the greatest influence on quality of life postoperatively for patients undergoing surgical resection with free flap reconstruction. The objective of our systematic review was to identify which factors, at the time of surgical treatment, are associated with a worse postoperative quality of life for patients undergoing surgical resection with free flap reconstruction for head and neck cancer.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), from their inception through November 2021. We included peer reviewed studies that evaluated the impact of specific factors on quality of life for adult patients who underwent surgery with free flap reconstruction for head and neck cancer. Two reviewers independently screened citations for eligibility and extracted data. Risk of bias of each study was evaluated using the New-Castle Ottawa Scale. Vote counting and qualitative review were used to synthesize results. All relevant findings were reported.
RESULTS
We initially identified 1971 articles. We included 22 articles in our systematic review, totaling 1398 patients. There was a high level of variability for factors evaluated throughout studies and many studies presented small sample sizes. However, some factors were associated with worse long-term quality of life, including older age, radiotherapy, higher tumor stage, dysphagia, anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Very few articles analyzed their data for specific tumor subsites and the impact of psychosocial factors was rarely evaluated throughout studies.
CONCLUSIONS
For patients with head and neck cancer requiring free flap reconstruction, some specific factors may correlate with changes in quality of life. However, these findings are based on very few and mostly underpowered studies. A better understanding of factors affecting quality of life could allow a more personalized and overall better quality of care for patients.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Free Tissue Flaps; Plastic Surgery Procedures
PubMed: 38888940
DOI: 10.1177/19160216241248666 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024To systematically review vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) studies to present data on the safety and efficacy on motor recovery following stroke, traumatic brain injury...
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) studies to present data on the safety and efficacy on motor recovery following stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and spinal cord injury (SCI).
METHODS
Data sources: PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane.
STUDY SELECTION
Clinical trials of VNS in animal models and humans with TBI and SCI were included to evaluate the effects of pairing VNS with rehabilitation therapy on motor recovery.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently assessed articles according to the evaluation criteria and extracted relevant data electronically.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Twenty-nine studies were included; 11 were animal models of stroke, TBI, and SCI, and eight involved humans with stroke. While there was heterogeneity in methods of delivering VNS with respect to rehabilitation therapy in animal studies and human non-invasive studies, a similar methodology was used in all human-invasive VNS studies. In animal studies, pairing VNS with rehabilitation therapy consistently improved motor outcomes compared to controls. Except for one study, all human invasive and non-invasive studies with controls demonstrated a trend toward improvement in motor outcomes compared to sham controls post-intervention. However, compared to non-invasive, invasive VNS, studies reported severe adverse events such as vocal cord palsy, dysphagia, surgical site infection, and hoarseness of voice, which were found to be related to surgery.
CONCLUSION
Our review suggests that VNS (non-invasive or invasive) paired with rehabilitation can improve motor outcomes after stroke in humans. Hence, VNS human studies are needed in these populations (referring to SCI and TBI?) or just SCI. There are risks related to device implantation to deliver invasive VNS compared to non-invasive VNS. Future human comparison studies are required to study and quantify the efficacy vs. risks of paired VNS delivered via different methods with rehabilitation, which would allow patients to make an informed decision.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=330653.
PubMed: 38872818
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1390217 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) affects the efficacy and safety of swallowing, causing serious complications. Acupuncture is a promising and cost-effective treatment for...
BACKGROUND
Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) affects the efficacy and safety of swallowing, causing serious complications. Acupuncture is a promising and cost-effective treatment for PSD; however, as the number of randomized controlled trials increases, scientific analysis of the parameters and acupoint prescription is required. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of acupuncture on parameters related to post-stroke dysphagia (PSD).
METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature, and Chongqing VIP Database for randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for PSD in the last 15 years and relevant parameters were analyzed using data mining techniques.
RESULTS
In total, 3,205 records were identified, of which 3,507 patients with PSD were included in 39 studies. The comprehensive analysis demonstrated that the closest parameter combinations of acupuncture on PSD were 0.25 mm × 40 mm needle size, 30 min retention time, five treatments per week, and a 4-week total course of treatment. Additionally, the gallbladder and nontraditional meridians, crossing points, and head and neck sites are the most commonly used acupoint parameters. The core acupoints identified were GB20, RN23, EX-HN14, Gongxue, MS6, SJ17, EX-HN12, EX-HN13, and the commonly used combination of EX-HN12, EX-HN13, GB20, and RN23.
CONCLUSION
This study analyzed the patterns of PSD-related needling and acupoint parameters to provide evidence-based guidelines for clinical acupuncturists in treating PSD, potentially benefitting affected patients.
PubMed: 38854959
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1394348 -
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery Jun 2024The objective of this study is to compare the operative time, intraoperative complications, length of stay, readmission rates, overall complications, mortality, and cost... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
PURPOSE
The objective of this study is to compare the operative time, intraoperative complications, length of stay, readmission rates, overall complications, mortality, and cost associated with Robotic Surgery (RS) and Laparascopic Surgery (LS) in anti-reflux and hiatal hernia surgery.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science and Scopus databases. Studies comparing short-term outcomes and cost between RS and LS in patients with anti-reflux and hiatal hernia were included. Data on operative time, complications, length of stay, readmission rates, overall complications, mortality, and cost were extracted. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the MINORS scale.
RESULTS
Fourteen retrospective observational studies involving a total of 555,368 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed no statistically significant difference in operative time, intraoperative complications, length of stay, readmission rates, overall complications, and mortality between RS and LS. However, LS was associated with lower costs compared to RS.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that RS has non-inferior short-term outcomes in anti-reflux and hiatal hernia surgery, compared to LS. LS is more cost-effective, but RS offers potential benefits such as improved visualization and enhanced surgical techniques. Further research, including randomized controlled trials and long-term outcome studies, is needed to validate and refine these findings.
Topics: Humans; Hernia, Hiatal; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Laparoscopy; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Operative Time; Herniorrhaphy; Treatment Outcome; Length of Stay; Fundoplication; Patient Readmission; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38842610
DOI: 10.1007/s00423-024-03368-y -
International Journal of Pediatric... Jun 2024The systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the state-of-art regarding the use of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in pediatrics,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the state-of-art regarding the use of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in pediatrics, specifically investigating FEES feasibility, safety, diagnostic accuracy, and protocols.
METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched for original studies on the pediatric population that instrumentally assessed swallowing function using FEES. A hand-search of the references of included studies was performed. Data on the population, feasibility of endoscope insertion and bolus trials, adverse events, sensitivity and specificity, and FEES equipment and protocol were extracted. The quality of the studies was assessed using the checklists of the Johanna Briggs Institute. Selection of the studies, data extraction, and quality appraisal were conducted by two independent researchers.
RESULTS
Eighty-two reports from 81 studies were included. The mean overall quality of the studies was 80 % (17-100 %). The feasibility of endoscope insertion was high (89%-100 %), while the feasibility of bolus trials varied from 40 % to 100 %. Adverse events were excessive crying (8 studies), irritability or agitation (4 studies), transitory oxygen desaturations (3 studies, 1.2-6.7 % of the patients), epistaxis (3 studies, 0.8-3.3 % of the patients), increased heart rate (1 study, 1 patient), vomiting (1 study, 1 patient), hypertonia (1 study), and hypersalivation (1 study). No major complications were reported. Using VFSS as the reference standard, FEES was generally found to be less sensitive (25-94 %) but more specific (75-100 %) for aspiration, whereas the reverse was true for penetration (sensitivity 76-100 %, specificity 44-83 %). FEES protocols were highly heterogeneous with poor reporting.
CONCLUSION
FEES is a safe, accurate, and generally feasible examination in the pediatric population with suspected dysphagia. However, a consensus on the best FEES protocol for clinical practice and research is currently lacking.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Child; Fiber Optic Technology; Deglutition; Endoscopy; Child, Preschool; Infant; Pediatrics; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 38796943
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2024.111983 -
Scientific Reports May 2024The Montreal consensus recognizes chronic cough as an extra-esophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The Montreal consensus recognizes chronic cough as an extra-esophageal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the effects of acid-suppressive medications in adults with non-specific chronic cough. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022368769). Placebo-controlled randomized trials evaluating the impact of acid-suppressive medications on persistent cough were included. The systematic search was performed on the 1st of November 2022 in three databases. A random-effects model was used for the calculations. The effect size was the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). A total number of 11 double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized trials were included in the meta-analysis. Data showed that compared to placebo, PPIs decreased the severity of cough (SMD 0.33; CI 0.05; 0.61). Therapeutic response was not different in patients with non-specific chronic cough only, compared to those with laryngopharyngeal reflux. Prolonged treatment durations did not result in greater symptomatic improvement, with SMD 0.33 (CI - 0.22; 0.88), 0.31 (CI - 1.74; 2.35), 0.32 (CI - 0.29; 0.93) and 0.34 (CI - 0.16; 0.85), following 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, respectively. The pooled analysis of the improvement in quality of life with PPIs found an SMD of 0.39 (CI - 0.51; 1.29). PPIs mildly decrease the severity of non-specific chronic cough, irrespective of treatment duration.
Topics: Proton Pump Inhibitors; Cough; Humans; Chronic Disease; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Chronic Cough
PubMed: 38796481
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62640-9