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Clinical Oral Investigations Dec 2023The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of systemic nonsteroidal immunomodulators (SNSI) for oral lichen planus (OLP) treatment. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of systemic nonsteroidal immunomodulators (SNSI) for oral lichen planus (OLP) treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines and registered at PROSPERO (CRD42021243524). Consulted databases were Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria was as follows: clinical trials, case series, prospective, and retrospective studies conducted with participants presenting OLP of any sex and age.
RESULTS
Thirty-two studies were selected, assessing 9 different SNSI: methotrexate, dapsone, levamisole, hydroxychloroquine, thalidomide, metronidazole, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and colchicine. Methotrexate and dapsone were the drugs with the best evidence among the options included, regarding number and quality of studies. Methotrexate resulted in significant improvement in the clinical condition and remission of symptoms, ranging between 63 and 93% of cases. Dapsone presented a similar effect to the use of topical corticosteroids and tacrolimus CONCLUSION: Among SNSI therapeutic options, methotrexate, and dapsone showed promising efficacy and safety. However, large-scale randomized clinical trials are still needed.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
SNSI have been used in the treatment of recalcitrant OLP; however, so far, it is not clear which are the best options. This scoping review highlights the potential use of methotrexate and dapsone.
Topics: Humans; Lichen Planus, Oral; Methotrexate; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Immunologic Factors; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Dapsone
PubMed: 37921879
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05357-9 -
A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Medical Therapies for Lichen Planopilaris.Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2024Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a primary chronic lymphocytic cutaneous disorder that selectively destroys the hair follicles, resulting in scarring alopecia.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a primary chronic lymphocytic cutaneous disorder that selectively destroys the hair follicles, resulting in scarring alopecia. Unfortunately, current available treatments are not fully effective to stop hair loss, and the level of evidence for medical interventions is weak.
OBJECTIVES
The present article aimed to determine the efficacy of the different medical interventions in LPP through a network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed including randomized trials that report the outcomes of lichen planopilaris activity index (LPPAI). These articles were pooled and a NMA was conducted.
RESULTS
A total of seven studies were identified and included in meta-analysis, comprising 251 LPP patients. The NMA showed the mean difference in LLPAI was significantly superior with the combination of clobetasol plus N-acetylcysteine (mean difference: -2.0, 95% CI = -3.43 to -0.51) and the combination of clobetasol plus pentoxifylline (mean difference: -1.62, 95% CI = -3.0 to -0.25) compared to the treatment of reference (clobetasol). The NMA showed cyclosporine (mean difference: 2.05 95% CI = 0.68-3.49), methotrexate (mean difference: 1.95 95% CI = 1.23-3.17), the combination of methotrexate plus prednisolone (mean difference: 1.56 95% CI = 0.25-2.96) were significantly worse than hydroxychloroquine according to the differences in LLPAI.
CONCLUSION
This work is the first NMA in LPP and hence, it can be helpful in serving as an initial step toward better evidence-based decisions in the treatment of this challenging condition. We propose a triple-combined approach consisting of topical clobetasol, hydroxychloroquine, and N-acetylcysteine as resulted in the most effective approach. Considering the poor outcomes observed with pioglitazone, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclosporine, it is advisable to contemplate the use of these medications in patients who have not responded adequately to more efficacious alternatives.
Topics: Humans; Clobetasol; Methotrexate; Network Meta-Analysis; Acetylcysteine; Bayes Theorem; Hydroxychloroquine; Lichen Planus; Cyclosporine; Alopecia; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 37852211
DOI: 10.1159/000534364 -
Musculoskeletal Care Dec 2023Patient education (PE) is a key role of nurses, which includes providing information, training, and support about methotrexate (MTX), an anchor drug in rheumatology.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Patient education (PE) is a key role of nurses, which includes providing information, training, and support about methotrexate (MTX), an anchor drug in rheumatology. However, there is a wide variation in the access to rheumatology nurse consultations in Europe, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the delivery, context and timing of PE in these cases. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research on nurse education of MTX for children/youth and adults with Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs).
METHODS
This scoping review was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O'Malley's framework. A search on PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and Cochrane Database, and CINAHL, from inception until March 2022 was conducted. Articles on PE with a focus on MTX exclusively were included. Published and unpublished studies, from any world region, conducted with a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods design and focused on defined research questions, were eligible for inclusion. Broad inclusion criteria were used if a research paper on PE focused on MTX for people with RMDs (PE or patient engagement, self-management, medication knowledge, or health literacy in patients). The reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Two independent reviewers performed standardized data extraction and synthesis.
RESULTS
From 292 references identified, the total number of studies which met the inclusion criteria was relatively small (n = 14). The results identified that knowledge of MTX improves when education by nurses is provided.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review showed that there is no universal worldwide strategy for MTX education of children/youths and adults with RMDs. However, PE regarding MTX can be delivered in different forms, resulting in better satisfaction and adherence. More randomized controlled trials with powered samples are required.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Adolescent; Methotrexate; Consensus; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Education, Nursing; Europe
PubMed: 37587575
DOI: 10.1002/msc.1804 -
World Neurosurgery Nov 2023Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, albeit exceedingly rare, it can have serious... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, albeit exceedingly rare, it can have serious adverse effects within the central nervous system (CNS), such as methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD). Literature describing the natural history, treatment options, and clinical outcomes of patients with CNS MTX-LPD remains sparse.
METHODS
We present a systematic literature review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and a case illustration of CNS MTX-LPD.
RESULTS
A systematic review of the literature revealed 12 published cases of CNS MTX-LPD, plus the case presented herein, for a total of 13 included cases. The most common indication for MTX was rheumatoid arthritis. The most common treatment for the LPD was MTX cessation (12, 92.3%), adjunct chemotherapy (2, 15.4%), total tumor resection (3, 23.1%), or steroid therapy (1, 7.7%). Treatment usually led to improvement of neurological symptoms (9, 69.2%) along with regression of the lesions (3, 23.1%) with no recurrence (6, 46.2%). Death was reported in four cases (30.8%) with a mean time from onset of 11 months.
CONCLUSIONS
CNS MTX-LPD should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients who are taking MTX presenting with neurologic symptoms, as immediate withdrawal of MTX has demonstrated good prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Methotrexate; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Central Nervous System Diseases; Central Nervous System
PubMed: 37574195
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.08.018 -
Journal of Clinical Rheumatology :... Oct 2023To develop the first evidence-based Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR) guidelines for the treatment of Takayasu arteritis (TAK).
OBJECTIVE
To develop the first evidence-based Pan American League of Associations for Rheumatology (PANLAR) guidelines for the treatment of Takayasu arteritis (TAK).
METHODS
A panel of vasculitis experts developed a series of clinically meaningful questions addressing the treatment of TAK patients in the PICO (population/intervention/comparator/outcome) format. A systematic literature review was performed by a team of methodologists. The evidence quality was assessed according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations/Assessment/Development/Evaluation) methodology. The panel of vasculitis experts voted each PICO question and made recommendations, which required ≥70% agreement among the voting members.
RESULTS
Eleven recommendations were developed. Oral glucocorticoids are conditionally recommended for newly diagnosed and relapsing TAK patients. The addition of nontargeted synthetic immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, leflunomide, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil) is recommended for patients with newly diagnosed or relapsing disease that is not organ- or life-threatening. For organ- or life-threatening disease, we conditionally recommend tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (e.g., infliximab or adalimumab) or tocilizumab with consideration for short courses of cyclophosphamide as an alternative in case of restricted access to biologics. For patients relapsing despite nontargeted synthetic immunosuppressants, we conditionally recommend to switch from one nontargeted synthetic immunosuppressant to another or to add tumor necrosis factor inhibitors or tocilizumab. We conditionally recommend low-dose aspirin for patients with involvement of cranial or coronary arteries to prevent ischemic complications. We strongly recommend performing surgical vascular interventions during periods of remission whenever possible.
CONCLUSION
The first PANLAR treatment guidelines for TAK provide evidence-based guidance for the treatment of TAK patients in Latin American countries.
Topics: Humans; United States; Takayasu Arteritis; Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors; Rheumatology; Immunosuppressive Agents; Methotrexate
PubMed: 37553869
DOI: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000002004 -
Biological Research For Nursing Jan 2024To retrospectively analyze the effects of different treatments on cognitive functioning, anxiety, and depression in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma...
OBJECTIVE
To retrospectively analyze the effects of different treatments on cognitive functioning, anxiety, and depression in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in multiple databases including the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Sino Med, Wei Pu, Wan Fang, CNKI, and Google Scholar. The search included studies published through June 20, 2023, focusing on cognitive function, anxiety, and depression in adult patients newly diagnosed with PCNSL. Various measurement tools and scales were used to assess the primary outcomes. Descriptive systematic reviews were conducted to integrate the literature and summarize the effects of different treatment modalities on cognitive functioning, anxiety, and depression in PCNSL patients. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022370250).
RESULTS
A total of 43 studies were included. Induction chemotherapy was associated with improved cognitive function and reduced anxiety and depression in the majority of patients. Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) was found to lead to cognitive impairment, particularly in executive, attention, memory, and motor function. Low-dose WBRT, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and blood-brain barrier disruption (BBBD) treatments did not result in significant cognitive impairment. Anxiety and depression were observed to decrease over the long term.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the cognitive functioning, anxiety, and depression of patients with PCNSL can be improved with appropriate treatments. However, patients treated with WBRT are at a higher risk of cognitive decline compared to those receiving other treatment modalities. Therefore, special attention should be given to patients undergoing WBRT, and a comprehensive analysis should be conducted to reduce neurotoxicity and address early cognitive problems in these patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Combined Modality Therapy; Retrospective Studies; Transplantation, Autologous; Cognition; Brain; Anxiety; Lymphoma; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Methotrexate
PubMed: 37540088
DOI: 10.1177/10998004231190073 -
Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 2023To evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy for GTN treatment after methotrexate-resistance or in cases of multiresistant disease, through a systematic review, as well as...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy for GTN treatment after methotrexate-resistance or in cases of multiresistant disease, through a systematic review, as well as to present the first 4 Brazilian cases of immunotherapy for GTN treatment.
METHODS
Three independent researchers searched five electronic databases (EMBASE, LILACS, Medline, CENTRAL and Web of Science), for relevant articles up to February/2023 (PROSPERO CRD42023401453). The quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale for case series and case reports. The primary outcome of this study was the occurrence of complete remission. The presentation of the case reports was approved by the Institutional Review Board.
RESULTS
Of the 4 cases presented, the first was a low-risk GTN with methotrexate resistance unsuccessfully treated with avelumab, which achieved remission with sequential multiagent chemotherapy. The remaining 3 cases were high-risk multiagent-resistant GTN that were successfully treated with pembrolizumab, among which there were two subsequent gestations, one of them with normal pregnancy and healthy conceptus. Regarding the systematic review, 12 studies were included, only one of them on avelumab, showing a 46.7% complete remission rate. The remaining 11 studies were on pembrolizumab, showing an 86.7% complete remission rate, regardless of tumor histology. Both immunotherapies showed good tolerability, with two healthy pregnancies being recorded: one after avelumb and another after pembrolizumab.
CONCLUSION
Immunotherapy showed effectiveness for GTN treatment and may be especially useful in cases of high-risk disease, where pembrolizumab achieves a high therapeutic response, regardless of the histological type, and despite prior chemoresistance to multiple lines of treatment.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Methotrexate; Dactinomycin; Brazil; Gestational Trophoblastic Disease; Immunotherapy; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37523979
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100260 -
RMD Open Jul 2023Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an important cause of mortality in some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patient-level factors may predict which patients...
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an important cause of mortality in some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patient-level factors may predict which patients with RA are at the highest risk of developing ILD and are therefore candidates for screening for this complication of the underlying disease. A systematic literature review was performed using PubMed, Embase and Scopus over a 10-year period up to July 2021. Publications reporting patient-level factors in patients with RA with and without ILD that were assessed before development of ILD (or were unchanged over time and therefore could be extrapolated to before development of ILD) were retrieved for assessment of evidence. Genetic variation in and treatment with methotrexate were not included in the assessment of evidence because these factors have already been widely investigated for association with ILD. We found consistent associations of age, sex, smoking status and autoantibodies with development of ILD. For biomarkers such as Krebs von den Lungen 6, which have been shown to be diagnostic for ILD, there were no publications meeting criteria for this study. This analysis provides an initial step in the identification of patient-level factors for potential development of a risk algorithm to identify patients with RA who may be candidates for screening for ILD. The findings represent a useful basis for future research leading to an improved understanding of the disease course and improved care for patients with RA at risk of development and progression of ILD.
Topics: Humans; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Methotrexate; Autoantibodies; Smoking
PubMed: 37507209
DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003059 -
PloS One 2023Some patients have insufficient treatment response to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARD); although biologics have proven to be an effective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Some patients have insufficient treatment response to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARD); although biologics have proven to be an effective treatment for RA, the effects that bDMARDs have on integumentary, cardiac, and immune systems and the high costs associated with these treatments, make that mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies (MSCs) for RA are being considered potential treatment methods. This work analyses the performance in safety and efficacy terms of MSCs techniques.
METHODS AND FINDING
A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Open Grey databases from inception to October 28, 2022. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one non-randomized controlled trial (non-RCTs), including 358 patients met our inclusion criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis; only RCTs were eligible for quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). Meta-analysis of adverse events (AE) in RCTs showed no significant differences in the incidence of AE in the MSCs group compared to the control group (Risk ratio: 2.35; 95% CI, 0.58 to 9.58; I2 = 58.80%). The pooled Risk ratio for non-serious and serious adverse events showed no statistical difference between intervention and control groups concerning the incidence of non-serious and serious adverse events (Risk ratio: 2.35; 95% CI, 0.58 to 9.51; I2 = 58.62%) and (Risk ratio: 1.10; 95% CI, 0.15 to 7.97; I2 = 0.0%) respectively. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Disease Activity Score (DAS28) decreased in agreement with the decreasing values of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Additionally, a trend toward clinical efficacy was observed; however, this improvement was not shown in the studies after 12 months of follow-up without continuous treatment administration.
CONCLUSION
This Systematic review and meta-analysis showed a favorable safety profile, without life-threatening events in subjects with RA, and a trend toward clinical efficacy that must be confirmed through high-quality RCTs, considerable sample size, and extended follow-up in subjects with RA.
Topics: Humans; Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Methotrexate; Treatment Outcome; Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37498842
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284828 -
BJOG : An International Journal of... Jan 2024Tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) is a common gynaecological emergency. Several medical and surgical treatment options exist, but it is not clear which is the safest and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) is a common gynaecological emergency. Several medical and surgical treatment options exist, but it is not clear which is the safest and most effective treatment.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the effectiveness of expectant, medical and surgical treatment options for TEP using a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
SEARCH STRATEGY
MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from inception till September 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials that evaluated any treatment option for woman with a TEP.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We performed pairwise and network meta-analyses using a random effect model. We assessed the studies' risk of bias, heterogeneity and network inconsistency. We reported primarily on TEP resolution and treatment failure using relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence-intervals (CI).
MAIN RESULTS
We included 31 randomised trials evaluating ten treatments (n = 2938 women). Direct meta-analysis showed no significant benefit for using methotrexate compared to expectant management for TEP resolution. Network meta-analysis showed similar effect-size for most conservative treatment options compared to expectant management for TEP resolution (glucose intra-sac instillation vs. expectant RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.63-1.12; methotrexate intra-sac instillation vs. expectant RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75-1.10; multi-dose methotrexate vs. expectant RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.88-1.15; prostaglandin intra-sac instillation vs. expectant RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.53-1.07; salpingotomy vs. expectant RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.84-1.16; single dose methotrexate vs. expectant RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85-1.10; single dose methotrexate + mifepristone vs. expectant RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.89-1.33). All treatment options showed a higher risk of failure compared to salpingectomy.
CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to support the use of any medical treatment option for TEP over expectant management.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Methotrexate; Network Meta-Analysis; Mifepristone; Prostaglandins; Pregnancy, Ectopic
PubMed: 37443463
DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17594