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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2020Occupational lead exposure can lead to serious health effects that range from general symptoms (depression, generalised ache, and digestive signs, such as loss of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Occupational lead exposure can lead to serious health effects that range from general symptoms (depression, generalised ache, and digestive signs, such as loss of appetite, stomach ache, nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation) to chronic conditions (cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, kidney disease, cancers, and infertility). Educational interventions may contribute to the prevention of lead uptake in workers exposed to lead, and it is important to assess their effectiveness.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect of educational interventions for preventing lead uptake in workers exposed to lead.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and OSH UPDATE to 5 June 2020, with no language restrictions.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We sought randomised controlled trials (RCT), cluster-RCTs (cRCT), interrupted time series (ITS), controlled before-after studies (CBA) and uncontrolled before-after studies that examined the effects of an educational intervention aimed at preventing lead exposure and poisoning in workers who worked with lead, for which effectiveness was measured by lead levels in blood and urine, blood zinc protoporphyrin levels and urine aminolevulinic acid levels.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened the search results, assessed studies for eligibility, and extracted data using standard Cochrane methods. We used the ROBINS-I tool to assess the risk of bias, and GRADE methodology to assess the certainty of the evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
We did not find any RCT, cRCT, ITS or CBA studies that met our criteria. We included four uncontrolled before-after studies studies, conducted between 1982 and 2004. Blood lead levels Educational interventions may reduce blood lead levels, but the evidence is very uncertain. In the short-term after the educational intervention, blood lead levels may decrease (mean difference (MD) 9.17 µg/dL, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.14 to 14.20; one study with high baseline blood lead level, 18 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In the medium-term, blood lead levels may decrease (MD 3.80 µg/dL, 95% CI 1.48 to 6.12; one study with high baseline blood lead level, 34 participants; very low-certainty evidence). In the long-term, blood lead levels may decrease when the baseline blood lead levels are high (MD 8.08 µg/dL; 95% CI 3.67 to 12.49; two studies, 69 participants; very low-certainty evidence), but not when the baseline blood lead levels are low (MD 1.10 µg/dL, 95% CI -0.11 to 2.31; one study, 52 participants, very low-certainty evidence). Urine lead levels In the long-term, urinary lead levels may decrease after the educational intervention, but the evidence is very uncertain (MD 42.43 µg/L, 95% CI 29.73 to 55.13; one study, 35 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Behaviour change The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of educational intervention on behaviour change. At medium-term follow-up after the educational intervention, very low-certainty evidence from one study (89 participants) found inconclusive results for washing before eating (risk ratio (RR) 1.71, 95% CI 0.42 to 6.91), washing before drinking (RR 1.37, 95% CI 0.61 to 3.06), and not smoking in the work area (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.46). Very low-certainty evidence from one study (21 participants) suggested that employers may improve the provision of fit testing for all respirator users (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.01), and prohibit eating, drinking, smoking, and other tobacco use in the work area (RR 4.25, 95% CI 1.72 to 10.51), however, the results were inconclusive for the adequate provision of protective clothing (RR 1.40, 95% CI 0.82 to 2.40). At long-term follow-up, very low-certainty evidence from one study (89 participants) suggested that workers may improve washing before drinking (RR 3.24, 95% CI 1.09 to 9.61), but results were inconclusive for washing before eating (RR 11.71, 95% CI 0.66 to 208.33), and for not smoking in the work area (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.50). Very low-certainty evidence from one study (21 participants) suggested that employers may improve the provision of fit testing for all respirator users (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.63), may provide adequate protective clothing (RR 2.80, 95% CI 1.23 to 6.37), and may prohibit eating, drinking, smoking, and other tobacco use in the work area (RR 2.13, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.81). Improved knowledge or awareness of the adverse health effects of lead The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of educational intervention on workers' knowledge. At medium-term follow-up, questionnaires found that workers' knowledge may improve (MD 5.20, 95% CI 3.29 to 7.11; one study, 34 participants; very low-certainty evidence). At long-term follow-up, there may be an improvement in workers' knowledge (MD 5.80, 95% CI 3.89 to 7.71; one study, 34 participants; very low-certainty evidence), but results were inconclusive for employers' knowledge (RR 1.67, 95% CI 0.74 to 3.75; one study, 21 participants; very low-certainty evidence). None of the studies measured the other outcomes of interest: blood zinc protoporphyrin levels, urine aminolevulinic acid levels, air lead levels, and harms. One study provided the costs of each component of the intervention.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Educational interventions may prevent lead poisoning in workers with high baseline blood lead levels and urine lead levels but this is uncertain. Educational interventions may not prevent lead poisoning in workers with low baseline blood lead levels but this is uncertain.
PubMed: 35819457
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013097.pub2 -
Dermatologic Therapy Nov 2020Two round tables involving experts were organized in order to reach a consensus on the management of patients with actinic keratosis (AK). In the first, seven clinical...
Two round tables involving experts were organized in order to reach a consensus on the management of patients with actinic keratosis (AK). In the first, seven clinical questions were selected and analyzed by a systematic literature review, using a Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes framework; in the second, the experts discussed relevant evidences and a consensus statement for each question was developed. Consensus was reached among experts on how to best treat AK patients with respect to different clinical scenarios and special populations. Lesion-directed treatments are preferred in patients with few AKs. Patients with multiple AKs are challenging, with more than one treatment usually needed to achieve complete lesion clearance or a high lesion response rate, therapy should be personalized, based on previous treatments, patient, and lesion characteristics. Methyl aminolevulinate-PDT, DL (day light) PDT, and imiquimod cream were demonstrated to have the lowest percentage of new AKs after post treatment follow-up. For IMQ 5% and 3.75%, a higher intensity of skin reactions is associated with higher efficacy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the most studied treatment for AKs on the arms. Regular sunscreen use helps preventing new AKs. Oral nicotinamide 500 mg twice daily, systemic retinoids and regular sunscreen use were demonstrated to reduce the number of new squamous cell carcinomas in patients with AKs. Limited evidence is available for the treatment of AKs in organ transplant recipients. There is no evidence in favor or against the use of any of the available treatments in patients suffering from hematological cancer.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Consensus; Humans; Italy; Keratosis, Actinic; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32648324
DOI: 10.1111/dth.13992 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Sep 2020Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare intraepithelial adenocarcinoma that arises in areas rich in apocrine sweat glands. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a rare intraepithelial adenocarcinoma that arises in areas rich in apocrine sweat glands. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive technique demonstrating clinical efficacy in various case reports and case series for the treatment of EMPD.
METHODS
A review of the current literature of patients with EMPD treated with PDT.
RESULTS
177 patients with 211 lesions were included in this review with an overall complete response rate of 59.7 %. Lesion size was correlated with the efficacy of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) PDT. Topical methyl-ALA had lower complete response rates compared to ALA. Systemic PDT with intravenous sodium porfimer had high response rates but can be associated with more adverse reactions. The efficacy of PDT was enhanced with the combination of other treatments such as surgery, imiquimod, or laser ablation. PDT was also shown to be effective for previously treated lesions, recurrent lesions, and select invasive lesions.
CONCLUSION
PDT can be a therapeutic option for EMPD patients. Given the lack of PDT guidelines, general recommendations for treatment are offered.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Dihematoporphyrin Ether; Humans; Paget Disease, Extramammary; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents
PubMed: 32645437
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101911 -
Dermatology Online Journal Mar 2020New treatment options for warts include intralesional wart injection with agents such as vitamin D, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine antigen, Bacillus...
BACKGROUND
New treatment options for warts include intralesional wart injection with agents such as vitamin D, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine antigen, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) antigen, and candida antigen but there have been limited studies to compare their efficacies.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this systematic review is to compare the efficacy and safety of injectable agents used for the treatment of warts.
METHODS
A PubMed search included terms "intralesional wart therapy," "wart injection" and "verruca injection." Articles reviewed were published over 10 years.
RESULTS
A total of 43 articles were reviewed; 30 covered studies with more than 10 participants and 13 were case reports, case series, and reviews. In comparison studies intralesional agents have equal or superior efficacy (66%-94.9%) compared to first-line salicylic acid or cryotherapy (65.5-76.5%). One advantage of intralesional injections is the rate of complete resolution of distant warts.
LIMITATIONS
Each study varied in their agents, treatment interval, and treatment dose, making comparisons difficult.
CONCLUSIONS
Intralesional wart injections are safe, affordable, and efficacious treatments for warts. Physicians should consider intralesional injections for patients with refractory warts, multiple warts, or warts in sensitive areas.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antiviral Agents; BCG Vaccine; Bacterial Vaccines; Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Interferon-alpha; Mycobacterium; Tuberculin; Vitamin D; Warts
PubMed: 32609439
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery Aug 2020Nowadays, several techniques have been developed in order to guide neurosurgeons during intended maximal safe resection of high-grade gliomas (HGG). Fluorescence-guided...
OBJECTIVES
Nowadays, several techniques have been developed in order to guide neurosurgeons during intended maximal safe resection of high-grade gliomas (HGG). Fluorescence-guided microsurgery using 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is one of these. A large amount of studies have been performed evaluating benefits in newly diagnosed HGG. However, little is known about the safety, accuracy and efficacy in recurrent HGG. The primary objective of this thesis is to examine the value of 5-ALA in patients with recurrent HGG concerning diagnostic accuracy, extent of resection (EOR), safety and survival compared to white-light resection. As a secondary objective, we compared these results with current literature concerning 5-ALA in newly diagnosed HGG.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We performed a systematic review and included eighteen articles obtained from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and TRIP database. Search terms include "glioma" and "aminolevulinic acid". Additional studies were identified through checking the reference lists. This study is in conformity with the PRISMA and BMJ guidelines.
RESULTS
5-ALA shows similar results regarding diagnostic accuracy in recurrent HGG compared to newly diagnosed HGG, although specificity and negative predictive value seem lower. It shows complementary value in identifying tumor boundaries compared to MRI-neuronavigation. Diagnostic accuracy is not influenced by previous chemo- or radiotherapy. New neurological deficits proved to be similar and were in general mainly temporary. However, adverse events overall were more common. Therefore, indications for repeat surgery should be followed strictly. 5-ALA might increase overall survival in recurrent gliomas, but has no clear impact on progression-free survival.
CONCLUSION
5-ALA should be regarded as a useful and safe intraoperative tool in recurrent glioma surgery.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Brain Neoplasms; Glioma; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neuronavigation; Neurosurgical Procedures; Predictive Value of Tests
PubMed: 32447151
DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.105913 -
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy Sep 2020Fungal infections in skin, hair and nails affect up to 25 % of the global population. Conventional antifungal treatment is effective but due to resistance, treatment... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Fungal infections in skin, hair and nails affect up to 25 % of the global population. Conventional antifungal treatment is effective but due to resistance, treatment failure, drug interactions, and treatment related toxicity, there is a need for alternative treatments. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown antimicrobial properties and is used increasingly for fungal infections. This review investigates the reported efficacy and side effects of PDT of superficial mycoses.
METHODS
Pubmed and Embase were searched 26-01-2020 for "superficial fungal infections" and "photodynamic therapy" in "Human subjects" using a predefined search string. Criteria for inclusion were: clinical trials and cases involving PDT-treated patients with primary fungal infections in skin, hair and nails. Criteria for exclusion were: languages other than English, animal models, in vitro trials, secondary fungal infections, reviews and guidelines.
RESULTS
541 records were identified and 34 papers fulfilled the criteria. PDT of onychomycosis (n = 380 patients) found treatment with methylene blue (MB) photosensitizer (PS) more efficacious with complete cure rates of 70 %-80 % than 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-PDT (mycological cure rates of 17 %-57 %) and methyl aminolevulinate (MAL)-PDT (mycological cure rate of 32 %). Other PDT-treated fungal diseases included (n = 55): foot infections (n = 19), tinea cruris (n = 10), scalp infections (n = 2), Malassezia infections (n = 9) and subcutaneous fungal infections (n = 15) achieved promising effect.
CONCLUSION
PDT-treatment of superficial mycoses can be efficacious as salvage therapy. In the light of increasing resistance and few licensed treatment alternatives, larger randomized controlled trials investigations and optimization of the PDT-treatment protocol are warranted to evaluate PDT's potential as a future antifungal treatment.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Dermatomycoses; Humans; Methylene Blue; Onychomycosis; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents
PubMed: 32339671
DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101774 -
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews Jan 2020This review analyses physical drug delivery enhancement technologies with a focus on improving UV damaged skin, actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancer treatment....
This review analyses physical drug delivery enhancement technologies with a focus on improving UV damaged skin, actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancer treatment. In recent years, physical drug delivery enhancement has been shown to enhance cosmeceutical and skin cancer treatment efficacy, but there are pros and cons to each approach which we discuss in detail. Mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, experimental design, outcomes in academic publications, clinical trial reports and patents are explored to evaluate each technology with a critical, translation focused lens. We conclude that the commercial success of cosmeceutical applications, e.g. microneedles, will drive further innovation in this arena that will impact how actinic keratoses and non-melanoma skin cancers are clinically managed.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cosmetic Techniques; Dermatologic Agents; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Iontophoresis; Keratosis, Actinic; Laser Therapy; Microinjections; Skin; Skin Aging; Skin Neoplasms; Ultrasonography; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 32339593
DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.04.008 -
The Canadian Journal of Neurological... Nov 2020High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive tumors that inevitably recur due to their diffusely infiltrative nature. Intraoperative adjuncts such as 5-aminolevulinic acid...
BACKGROUND
High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are aggressive tumors that inevitably recur due to their diffusely infiltrative nature. Intraoperative adjuncts such as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) have shown promise in increasing extent of resection. As the prospect of increased use of 5-ALA rises, a systematic overview of the health economics of this adjunct is critical.
METHODS
Medline, EMBASE, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, EconPapers, and Cochrane databases were searched for keywords relating to glioma, cost-effectiveness, and 5-ALA. Primary studies reporting on the health economics or cost-effectiveness of 5-ALA compared to white light surgery in HGG were included. Quality was assessed using the British Medical Journal guidelines.
RESULTS
Three studies were identified. All were European and conducted from the perspective of national healthcare systems. Two studies demonstrated the cost-utility of 5-ALA compared to white light (C$12,817 and C$13,508/quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs)). One assessed the cost-utility per gross total resection (C$6,813). Both these values were below the national cost-effectiveness thresholds for each respective study. The third study demonstrated no significant difference in cost of 5-ALA in glioblastoma resection (C$14,732) compared to prior to its routine use (C$15,936). The quality of these studies ranged from moderate to average. None of these studies considered patient perspective or indirect costs in their analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Growing evidence exists examining the health economic benefit of 5-ALA as an intraoperative adjunct for HGG resection. Additional studies within the Canadian context using 5-ALA, specifically incorporating patient and societal perspectives into the cost-utility analyses, are necessary to solidify this line of evidence.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Brain Neoplasms; Canada; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Glioma; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
PubMed: 32329422
DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2020.78 -
Operative Neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.) Jul 2020
Corrigendum to: "The Use of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid in Low-Grade Glioma Resection: A Systematic Review" by Almekkawi et al. Operative Neurosurgery, 2019, opz336, https://doi.org/10.1093/ons/opz336.
PubMed: 32167142
DOI: 10.1093/ons/opaa088 -
Dermatologic Surgery : Official... Nov 2020Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as an activating light source for photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT), a form of noninvasive phototherapy....
BACKGROUND
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may be used as an activating light source for photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT), a form of noninvasive phototherapy. Photodynamic therapy for aesthetic dermatologic conditions has demonstrated skin rejuvenating effects.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of PDT using LEDs to treat aesthetic dermatologic conditions including photoaged skin, scarring, and dyspigmentation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A search of PubMed and EMBASE databases was conducted through May 31, 2019, to identify studies that used LEDs as a light source for PDT and evaluated cosmetic improvements as the primary outcome measure.
RESULTS
A total of 24 original articles were included in the authors' systematic review. The available evidence supports methyl aminolevulinate or 5-aminolevulinic acid incubation followed by LED treatment for global improvement of skin quality, including smoother texture, reduction of rhytides, and improvement of scars. Histologic analysis for global skin improvement demonstrated increased collagen fibers and decreased elastin fibers after LED-mediated PDT.
CONCLUSION
Light-emitting diode-based PDT seems to have beneficial effects for photoaging, scars and dyspigmentation. A paucity of high-quality studies using LED-based PDT for aesthetic outcomes was found, highlighting the need for well-designed randomized control trials on this topic.
Topics: Aminolevulinic Acid; Cicatrix; Humans; Light; Photochemotherapy; Photosensitizing Agents; Pigmentation Disorders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rejuvenation; Semiconductors; Skin Aging; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32091415
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002351