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Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024The medicinal leech has been used in plastic surgery to resolve venous congestion that can threaten the viability of tissue transfer. Within the context of breast... (Review)
Review
The medicinal leech has been used in plastic surgery to resolve venous congestion that can threaten the viability of tissue transfer. Within the context of breast surgery, venous congestion is a pertinent consideration for reconstructive and non-reconstructive breast surgery such as mammoplasty and mastopexy. However, leeching is closely associated with complications such as infection, pain, and anaemia. This is the first systematic review that examines the methodology, efficacy, and post therapeutic outcome data across all existing studies on medicinal leeching in breast surgery. A systematic search of PubMed and Embase databases from their inception to November 2023 was conducted. Inclusion criteria included studies reporting on the use of leeches to resolve venous congestion in any breast surgery. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Series tool was used for bias analysis. Descriptive statistics were undertaken in Microsoft Excel. A total of 18 studies with a combined sample size of 28 were examined, including 4 case series and 14 case reports. Patients mostly underwent reconstructive breast surgery (75%). The median number of leeches used was two, with a median number of three leeching sessions per day and 3 days of leeching. Medicinal leeching successfully prevented the loss of 75% of all tissue transfers. The complication rate was high at 81.14% and mainly included infection and anaemia. Medicinal leeching is an effective method to relieve venous congestion in breast surgery but must be judiciously used within the clinical context of the patient to maximise efficacy and mitigate harm from complications.
PubMed: 38592085
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051243 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024Cancer rehabilitation represents a series of measures adopted for the recovery of psychological, emotional, social, and financial functioning in the case of cancer... (Review)
Review
Cancer rehabilitation represents a series of measures adopted for the recovery of psychological, emotional, social, and financial functioning in the case of cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to identify the main elements of therapeutic management in the field of medical rehabilitation, as well as integrative, complementary medicine and holistic approaches that can be performed on the oncological patient. This systematic literature review follows the methodology outlined in the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis" ("PRISMA") statement, which is an internationally recognized and widely accepted standard. Active rehabilitative therapies offer therapeutic options for improving the functioning and quality of life of oncological patients; these therapies comprehensively address both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease. This review also includes the latest novelties and nanotechnologies applied in oncological rehabilitation, for example, drugs (or supplements) inspired by nature. Physical and rehabilitation medicine, mostly using stimulating therapeutic methods, was recently added to the list of contraindications in the management of oncological patients, both as an approach to the pathological concept itself and as an approach to the main clinical consequences and functional aspects of oncological therapies. Integrative, complementary medicine presents an important therapeutic resource in the case of oncological patients. Advanced studies are needed in the future to further ascertain the role of these therapies.
PubMed: 38592012
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051190 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023The aim of this study is to provide treatment for patients with urinary incontinence at different periods after radical prostatectomy.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study is to provide treatment for patients with urinary incontinence at different periods after radical prostatectomy.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for all literature on the effectiveness on urinary control after radical prostate cancer between the date of database creation and 15 November 2023 and performed a quality assessment. A network meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 17.0 software and evaluated using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve.
RESULTS
The results of the network meta-analysis showed that pelvic floor muscle therapy including biofeedback with professional therapist-guided treatment demonstrated better results at 1 month to 6 months; electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and professional therapist guidance may be more effective at 3 months of treatment; professional therapist-guided recovery may be less effective at 6 months of treatment; and combined therapy demonstrated better results at 1 year of treatment. During the course of treatment, biofeedback with professional therapist-guided treatment may have significant therapeutic effects in the short term after surgery, but, in the long term, the combination of multiple treatments (pelvic floor muscle training+ routine care + biofeedback + professional therapist-guided treatment + electrical nerve stimulation therapy) may address cases of urinary incontinence that remain unrecovered long after surgery.
CONCLUSION
In general, all treatment methods improve the different stages of functional recovery of the pelvic floor muscles. However, in the long term, there are no significant differences between the treatments. Given the cost-effectiveness, pelvic floor muscle training + routine care + biofeedback + professional therapist-guided treatment + electrical nerve stimulation therapy within 3 months and pelvic floor muscle + routine care after 3 months may be a more economical option to treat urinary incontinence.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=331797, identifier CRD42022331797.
PubMed: 38584666
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1307434 -
Burns : Journal of the International... Aug 2024To evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions on pediatric burn patients' height, weight, body composition, and muscle strength. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions on pediatric burn patients' height, weight, body composition, and muscle strength.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to March 2021. Eligible interventional studies reported metrics on the height, weight, body composition, or muscle strength of pediatric burn patients in a peer-reviewed journal. Meta-analyses were performed if ≥ 2 trials of clinical homogeneity reported on an outcome measure at the same time point post-burn.
RESULTS
Twenty-six interventional studies were identified, including twenty-two randomised controlled trials and four non-randomised trials. Most studies were conducted by a single institution. On average, the burn covered 45.3% ( ± 9.9) of the total body surface area. Three categories of interventions could be distinguished: rehabilitative exercise programs, pharmacologic agents, and nutrition support.
CONCLUSIONS
Each of the interventions had a positive effect on height, weight, body composition, or muscle strength. The decision to initiate an intervention should be made on a case-by-case basis following careful consideration of the benefits and risks. In future research, it is important to evaluate the heterogeneity of intervention effects and whether participation in an intervention allowed pediatric burn patients to reach the physical and functional status of healthy peers.
Topics: Humans; Burns; Body Composition; Child; Muscle Strength; Body Weight; Body Height; Exercise Therapy; Nutritional Support; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38580580
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2024.03.012 -
Cureus Mar 2024Ketamine has been repeatedly demonstrated to be an effective treatment in the management of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). An important question is... (Review)
Review
Ketamine has been repeatedly demonstrated to be an effective treatment in the management of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). An important question is whether it is equally or more effective than the current gold standard of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), as the adverse effects of ECT can lead to memory loss and neurocognitive deficits. A literature search was conducted for trials that directly compared the efficacy and adverse effects of ketamine and ECT via PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 56 articles were identified with six included in this review. The studies included differed significantly in their quality and with differing levels of potential for bias. Ketamine has a more immediate effect when compared to ECT, but the antidepressant effects are shorter-lasting. Cognitive deficits were less pronounced in patients undergoing ketamine therapy. Many studies had a small number of participants and varied widely in the type of ECT used. Allocation bias seems likely in nonrandomized studies. Follow-up times were also short in some studies. The existing literature does not provide sufficient evidence to support the usage of ketamine over that of ECT for TRD, as remission rates were significantly higher over extended periods in ECT groups. Cognitive adverse effects were more pronounced in patients undergoing ECT. More high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) directly comparing these two treatment modalities are required before drawing any firm conclusions.
PubMed: 38576655
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55596 -
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Apr 2024The quality of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess the outcomes of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), a common endocrine disorder that can... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The quality of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess the outcomes of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), a common endocrine disorder that can negatively affect patients' health-related quality of life due to chronic symptoms, has not been rigorously examined. This systematic review aimed to summarize and evaluate evidence on the measurement properties of PROMs used in adult patients with PHPT, and to provide recommendations for appropriate measure selection.
METHODS
After PROSPERO registration (CRD42023438287), Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Trials were searched for full-text articles in English investigating PROM development, pilot studies, or evaluation of at least one PROM measurement property in adult patients with any clinical form of PHPT. Two reviewers independently identified studies for inclusion and conducted the review following the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) Methodology to assess risk of bias, evaluate the quality of measurement properties, and grade the certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
From 4989 records, nine PROM development or validation studies were identified for three PROMs: the SF-36, PAS, and PHPQoL. Though the PAS demonstrated sufficient test-retest reliability and convergent validity, and the PHPQoL sufficient test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and responsiveness, the certainty of evidence was low-to-very low due to risk of bias. All three PROMs lacked sufficient evidence for content validity in patients with PHPT.
CONCLUSIONS
Based upon the available evidence, the SF-36, PAS, and PHPQoL cannot currently be recommended for use in research or clinical care, raising important questions about the conclusions of studies using these PROMs. Further validation studies or the development of more relevant PROMs with strong measurement properties for this patient population are needed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results; Hyperparathyroidism, Primary; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Consensus
PubMed: 38566079
DOI: 10.1186/s12955-024-02248-9 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2024Recently, non-technical skills (NTS) and teamwork in particular have been demonstrated to be essential in many jobs, in business as well as in medical specialties,...
BACKGROUND
Recently, non-technical skills (NTS) and teamwork in particular have been demonstrated to be essential in many jobs, in business as well as in medical specialties, including plastic, orthopedic, and general surgery. However, NTS and teamwork in neurosurgery have not yet been fully studied. We reviewed the relevant literature and designed a mock surgery to be used as a team-building activity specifically designed for scrub nurses and neurosurgeons.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review by searching PubMed (Medline) and CINAHL, including relevant articles in English published until 15 July 2023. Then, we proposed a pilot study consisting of a single-session, hands-on, and cadaver-free activity, based on role play. Scrub nurses were administered the SPLINTS (Scrub Practitioners' List of Intraoperative Non-Technical Skills) rating form as a self-evaluation at baseline and 20-30 days after the simulation. During the experiment, surgeons and scrub nurses role-played as each other, doing exercises including a simulated glioma resection surgery performed on an advanced model of a cerebral tumor (Tumor Box, UpSurgeOn®) under an exoscope. At the end, every participant completed an evaluation questionnaire.
RESULTS
A limited number of articles are available on the topic. This study reports one of the first neurosurgical team-building activities in the literature. All the participating scrub nurses and neurosurgeons positively evaluated the simulation developed on a roleplay. The use of a physical simulator seems an added value, as the tactile feedback given by the model further helps to understand the actual surgical job, more than only observing and assisting. The SPLINTS showed a statistically significant improvement not only in "Communication and Teamwork" ( = 0.048) but also in "Situation Awareness" ( = 0.031).
CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that team-building activities may play a role in improving interprofessional teamwork and other NTS in neurosurgery.
PubMed: 38558881
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1386887 -
BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care Jan 2024Parenteral nutrition (PN) and palliative venting gastrostomies (PVG) are two interventions used clinically to manage inoperable malignant bowel obstruction (MBO);...
BACKGROUND
Parenteral nutrition (PN) and palliative venting gastrostomies (PVG) are two interventions used clinically to manage inoperable malignant bowel obstruction (MBO); however, little is known about their role in clinical and quality-of-life outcomes to inform clinical decision making.
AIM
To examine the impact of PN and PVG on clinical and quality-of-life outcomes in inoperable MBO.
DESIGN
A mixed-methods systematic review and narrative synthesis.
DATA SOURCES
The following databases were searched (from inception to 29 April 2021): MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL, Bielefeld Academic Search Engine, Health Technology Assessment and CareSearch for qualitative or quantitative studies of MBO, and PN or PVG. Titles, abstracts and papers were independently screened and quality appraised.
RESULTS
A total of 47 studies representing 3538 participants were included. Current evidence cannot tell us whether these interventions improve MBO survival, but this was a firm belief by patients and clinicians informing their decision. Both interventions appear to allow patients valuable time at home. PVG provides relief from nausea and vomiting. Both interventions improve quality of life but not without significant burdens. Nutritional and performance status may be maintained or improved with PN.
CONCLUSION
PN and PVG seem to allow valuable time at home. We found no conclusive evidence to show either intervention prolonged survival, due to the lack of randomised controlled trials that have to date not been performed due to concerns about equipoise. Well-designed studies regarding survival for both interventions are needed.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020164170.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Intestinal Obstruction; Gastrostomy; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38557409
DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003492 -
The Lancet. Public Health Jun 2024Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by depigmented skin patches, which can pose substantial psychosocial challenges particularly in individuals with...
BACKGROUND
Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by depigmented skin patches, which can pose substantial psychosocial challenges particularly in individuals with dark skin tones. Despite its impact on quality of life, there is an absence of standardised global epidemiological data. We sought to address this gap with the present study.
METHODS
In this study we did a systematic review and modelling analysis to estimate the global, regional, and national prevalence and incidence of vitiligo. We did a comprehensive search of nine digital libraries (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online, KCI Korean Journal Database, Russian Science Citation Index, Western Pacific Region Index Medicus, Informit, and Health Research and Development Information Network) from inception up to May 25, 2023. We included cross-sectional or cohort studies reporting the incidence rate or prevalence of vitiligo, or data from which incidence rate or prevalence could be calculated, in the general population of a country or area of a country. Summary estimate data were extracted. A main outcome was to estimate the worldwide, regional, and country-specific lifetime prevalence of vitiligo diagnosed by physicians or dermatologists among the general population and in adults and children (as per age groups defined in included studies). We used a Bayesian hierarchical linear mixed model to estimate prevalence, and calculated number of affected individuals using the UN population structure in 2022. In estimating lifetime prevalence, studies reporting point or period prevalence were excluded. Our other main outcome was to estimate incidence rates of vitiligo, but due to a small number of studies, the data on incidence were presented in a descriptive summary. This study was registered on PROSPERO, CRD42023390433.
FINDINGS
Our search identified 22 192 records, of which 90 studies met our inclusion criteria. Of these studies, six focused on the incidence of vitiligo, 79 reported on the prevalence of vitiligo, and five provided data on both incidence and prevalence. 71 studies reported on lifetime prevalence. In the most recent years studied, incidence rates in the general population ranged from 24·7 cases (95% CI 24·3-25·2) per 100 000 person-years in South Korea in 2019, to 61·0 cases (60·6-61·4) in the USA in 2017. In individual studies, incidence rates showed an increasing trend over the periods studied. The global lifetime prevalence of vitiligo diagnosed by a physician or dermatologist was estimated at 0·36% (95% credible interval [CrI] 0·24-0·54) in the general population (28·5 million people [95% CrI 18·9-42·6]), 0·67% (0·43-1·07) in the adult population (37·1 million adults [23·9-58·9]), and 0·24% (0·16-0·37) in the child population (5·8 million children [3·8-8·9]). Vitiligo prevalence was higher in adults than in children across all regions. Central Europe and south Asia reported the highest prevalence (0·52% [0·28-1·07] and 0·52% [0·33-0·82], respectively, in the general population).
INTERPRETATION
This study highlights the need for standardised epidemiological data collection globally to inform public health policies and improve vitiligo diagnosis and management. Emphasis on the impact on individuals with darker skin tones is crucial to reducing stigma and improving quality of life. Furthermore, our study highlights the need to conduct more research in regions and populations that have been historically under-represented, to effectively address the worldwide burden of vitiligo.
FUNDING
None.
Topics: Humans; Cost of Illness; Global Health; Incidence; Prevalence; Vitiligo; Child; Adult
PubMed: 38552651
DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(24)00026-4 -
The Journal of Hand Surgery, European... Mar 2024A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials compared the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections with placebo injections and wrist splints for carpal...
A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials compared the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections with placebo injections and wrist splints for carpal tunnel syndrome, focusing on symptom relief and median nerve conduction velocity. Within 3 months of the corticosteroid injection, there was a modest statistically significant difference in symptom relief compared to placebo injections and wrist splints, as measured by the Symptom Severity Subscore of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire; however, this did not meet the minimum clinically important difference. Pain reduction with corticosteroids was slightly better than with wrist splints, but it also failed to reach clinical significance. Electrodiagnostic assessments showed transient changes in distal motor and sensory latencies in favour of corticosteroids at 3 months, but these changes were not evident at 6 months. The best current evidence suggests that corticosteroid injections provide minimal transient improvement in nerve conduction and symptomatology compared with placebo or wrist splints.
PubMed: 38546484
DOI: 10.1177/17531934241240380