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Journal of Diabetes and Its... Feb 2024Alpha-lipoic acid, epalrestat, and mecobalamin are widely used as monotherapies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, whether a triple-combination therapy with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Alpha-lipoic acid, epalrestat, and mecobalamin are widely used as monotherapies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, whether a triple-combination therapy with these three drugs is superior to monotherapy or dual therapy remains debatable.
METHODS
Nine randomized controlled trials were identified through a search on electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The trial participants (N = 1153) were divided into the experimental group who received the triple-combination therapy and the control group who received conventional or dual therapy with the aforementioned drugs.
RESULTS
Therapeutic outcomes were better in the experimental group than in the control group (odds ratio: 3.74; 95 % confidence interval: 2.57-5.45; I = 0 %; p < 0.00001). No statistic difference was noted in adverse effects. Compared with the control group, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in median motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), peroneal MNCV, peroneal SNCV, and vibration perception thresholds (VPT) in the left and right lower limbs. In the control group, a subgroup analysis by treatment strategy revealed similar improvements in total efficacy, MNCV, and SNCV.
CONCLUSIONS
For diabetic peripheral neuropathy, the triple-combination therapy may be more effective than monotherapy or dual therapy.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Neuropathies; Drug Therapy, Combination; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thioctic Acid; Antioxidants; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 38330524
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2024.108691 -
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA Mar 2024The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis on the anatomical variations of the RLN. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis on the anatomical variations of the RLN.
METHODS
We performed online research for studies that addressed anatomical variations of the RLN and laterality, published between 2015 and 2021. We found 230 articles, and nine were included.
RESULTS
Eight variations were found, with Type I prevailing (41.17%; 95% CI 19.44-64.88), extra laryngeal divergence of the RLN. The other types were: II-fan shape; III-distance greater than 5 mm to the cricothyroid joint; IV-thickening and adipopexy in the elderly; V-non-recurrent laryngeal nerve; VI-intracranial branch; VII-tortuous ascending RLN; and VIII-combination between the inferior branch of the NV and the ascending trunk of the RLN. Types I (p = 0) and III (p < 0.01) prevailed on the left and types II (p < 0.01) and V (p < 0.01) on the right.
CONCLUSIONS
It was observed that variations occurred due to the path of the RLN to the entrance to the larynx, its shape, and the age of the evaluated individual. The most frequent variation and side were, respectively, Type I, extra laryngeal divergence and left.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve; Larynx; Cricoid Cartilage; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Thyroidectomy
PubMed: 38329522
DOI: 10.1007/s00276-023-03293-7 -
Neurourology and Urodynamics Mar 2024Sacral nerve stimulators (SNSs) are a widely accepted, efficacious surgical option to treat patients who have failed conservative management for overactive bladder,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Sacral nerve stimulators (SNSs) are a widely accepted, efficacious surgical option to treat patients who have failed conservative management for overactive bladder, nonobstructive urinary retention, fecal incontinence, or pelvic pain. As with all implanted devices, there are associated risks for surgical site and implant infections. There are currently no clear published data or guidelines regarding treating such infections.
AIMS
We present a scoping review aiming to examine the existing literature on the treatment approaches of infected SNSs.
METHODS
A scoping review was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The search strategy focused on "sacral modulation," and "infection," and "explantation," and conservative management methods such as "antibiotics." A search was conducted on medical databases, and a grey literature search was performed.
RESULTS
Thirty articles were included for data extraction. Articles were published between 2006 and 2022. Outcomes were reported for 7446 patients. Two hundred and seventy-four infection events were reported, giving an overall 3.7% infection rate. Most infection events were treated with explantation, although there is some discussion on the role of conservative management using oral and intravenous antibiotics in the literature. Articles also discussed considerations for future reimplantation after explantation of SNS.
CONCLUSIONS
There are currently no treatment protocols in the literature to help guide whether a patient is suited to conservative or surgical management. There is future scope for developing treatment algorithms to guide clinicians for optimal treatment of infected sacral neuromodulation devices.
Topics: Humans; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Fecal Incontinence; Postoperative Complications; Urinary Retention; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Treatment Outcome; Lumbosacral Plexus
PubMed: 38318878
DOI: 10.1002/nau.25411 -
International Journal of Surgery... Jan 2024
Meta-Analysis
A commentary on 'Efficacy of peripheral electrical nerve stimulation on improvements of urodynamics and voiding diary in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis'.
Topics: Humans; Urodynamics; Urinary Bladder; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Urologic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 38315796
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000764 -
Pediatric Neurology Apr 2024To synthesize the current evidence on clinical use of three-dimensional upper limb movement analysis (3D-ULMA) in children and adolescents with brachial plexus birth... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
To synthesize the current evidence on clinical use of three-dimensional upper limb movement analysis (3D-ULMA) in children and adolescents with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI).
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies up to April 2022. An automatic e-mail alert was installed to ensure no eligible article was missed. Articles evaluating 3D-ULMA in children and adolescents with BPBI were included. Covidence web-based platform was used for blind screening of eligible articles. Twenty-one observational studies with a final sample size of 609, encompassing 493 BPBI cases, met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a custom form to support standardized extraction conforming to the Cochrane Checklist of items. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist, and a specifically established quality assessment form for kinematic analysis studies.
RESULTS
Study setups differed, including six different types of kinematic devices. Twelve studies used the (modified) Mallet positions for their 3D-ULMA. Throughout the studies, 3D-ULMA was used for various purposes. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scored 16 articles with five stars or more, indicating fair to moderate quality.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review summarizes the different 3D-ULMA kinematic devices, test protocols, and their clinical use for BPBI. The use of 3D-ULMA provides valuable, objective, and quantified data to clinicians with regard to movement strategies; it complements existing clinical scales and can be implemented to evaluate effectiveness of therapy interventions. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Brachial Plexus; Upper Extremity; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Biomechanical Phenomena; Birth Injuries
PubMed: 38309208
DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.12.022 -
The British Journal of Radiology Feb 2024Malignant triton tumours (MTTs) are rare but aggressive subtypes of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) with a high recurrence rate and 5-year survival of...
OBJECTIVES
Malignant triton tumours (MTTs) are rare but aggressive subtypes of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) with a high recurrence rate and 5-year survival of 14%. Systematic imaging data on MTTs are scarce and mainly based on single case reports. Therefore, we aimed to identify typical CT and MRI features to improve early diagnosis rates of this uncommon entity.
METHODS
A systematic review on literature published until December 2022 on imaging characteristics of MTTs was performed. Based on that, we conducted a retrospective, monocentric analysis of patients with histopathologically proven MTTs from our department. Explorative data analysis was performed.
RESULTS
Initially, 29 studies on 34 patients (31.42 ± 22.6 years, 12 female) were evaluated: Literature described primary MTTs as huge, lobulated tumours (108 ± 99.3 mm) with central necrosis (56% [19/34]), low T1w (81% [17/21]), high T2w signal (90% [19/21]) and inhomogeneous enhancement on MRI (54% [7/13]). Analysis of 16 patients (48.9 ± 13.8 years; 9 female) from our institution revealed comparable results: primary MTTs showed large, lobulated masses (118 mm ± 64.9) with necrotic areas (92% [11/12]). MRI revealed low T1w (100% [7/7]), high T2w signal (100% [7/7]) and inhomogeneous enhancement (86% [6/7]). Local recurrences and soft-tissue metastases mimicked these features, while nonsoft-tissue metastases appeared unspecific.
CONCLUSIONS
MTTs show characteristic features on CT and MRI. However, these do not allow a reliable differentiation between MTTs and other MPNSTs based on imaging alone. Therefore, additional histopathological analysis is required.
ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE
This largest published systematic analysis on MTT imaging revealed typical but unspecific imaging features that do not allow a reliable, imaging-based differentiation between MTTs and other MPNSTs. Hence, additional histopathological analysis remains essential.
Topics: Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Nerve Sheath Neoplasms; Neurofibrosarcoma; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms; Soft Tissue Neoplasms; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38308031
DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqad035 -
Minerva Anestesiologica Jun 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) techniques in upper limb and shoulder... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) techniques in upper limb and shoulder surgeries.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline, and Scopus databases up to May 14, 2023. We employed a search strategy involving keywords such as "brachial plexus block," "interscalene brachial plexus block," "ISB," "extrafascial," and "intrafascial," without applying search restrictions or filters. Eligible studies consisted of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared extrafascial and intrafascial ISB techniques in adult patients undergoing upper limb and shoulder surgeries.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Our analysis included six RCTs encompassing 485 participants. Extrafascial injection demonstrated superiority over intrafascial injection in reducing the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paresis (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.124 to 0.47, P<0.00001) and preserving respiratory function (MS 0.31, 95% CI 0.1 to 0. 52, P=0.003 FEV
1 in liters). Additionally, extrafascial ISB exhibited a lower risk of block-related complications (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.50, P<0.00001). However, the intrafascial technique offered a faster sensory and motor block onset. The duration of sensory block did not significantly differ. The incidence of Horner syndrome showed no statistically significant difference.CONCLUSIONS
Our findings favor extrafascial ISB techniques because they reduce hemidiaphragmatic paresis, preserve respiratory function, and lower block-related complications. However, further research is necessary to establish their safety and efficacy in specific patient populations.
Topics: Humans; Brachial Plexus Block; Injections; Anesthetics, Local; Treatment Outcome; Brachial Plexus
PubMed: 38305015
DOI: 10.23736/S0375-9393.23.17807-2 -
PloS One 2024Treatment of nerve injuries proves to be a worldwide clinical challenge. Acellular nerve allografts are suggested to be a promising alternative for bridging a nerve gap... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Treatment of nerve injuries proves to be a worldwide clinical challenge. Acellular nerve allografts are suggested to be a promising alternative for bridging a nerve gap to the current gold standard, an autologous nerve graft.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the efficacy of the acellular nerve allograft, its difference from the gold standard (the nerve autograft) and to discuss its possible indications.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched until the 4th of January 2022. Original peer reviewed paper that presented 1) distinctive data; 2) a clear comparison between not immunologically processed acellular allografts and autologous nerve transfers; 3) was performed in laboratory animals of all species and sex. Meta analyses and subgroup analyses (for graft length and species) were conducted for muscle weight, sciatic function index, ankle angle, nerve conduction velocity, axon count diameter, tetanic contraction and amplitude using a Random effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted on graft length and species.
RESULTS
Fifty articles were included in this review and all were included in the meta-analyses. An acellular allograft resulted in a significantly lower muscle weight, sciatic function index, ankle angle, nerve conduction velocity, axon count and smaller diameter, tetanic contraction compared to an autologous nerve graft. No difference was found in amplitude between acellular allografts and autologous nerve transfers. Post hoc subgroup analyses of graft length showed a significant reduced muscle weight in long grafts versus small and medium length grafts. All included studies showed a large variance in methodological design.
CONCLUSION
Our review shows that the included studies, investigating the use of acellular allografts, showed a large variance in methodological design and are as a consequence difficult to compare. Nevertheless, our results indicate that treating a nerve gap with an allograft results in an inferior nerve recovery compared to an autograft in seven out of eight outcomes assessed in experimental animals. In addition, based on our preliminary post hoc subgroup analyses we suggest that when an allograft is being used an allograft in short and medium (0-1cm, > 1-2cm) nerve gaps is preferred over an allograft in long (> 2cm) nerve gaps.
Topics: Animals; Autografts; Allografts; Nerve Regeneration; Transplantation, Homologous; Transplantation, Autologous; Sciatic Nerve
PubMed: 38295088
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279324 -
Pain Practice : the Official Journal of... Jun 2024Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) has been widely used as a method to relieve lumbar radicular pain (LRP). However, the value of PRF... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) of the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) has been widely used as a method to relieve lumbar radicular pain (LRP). However, the value of PRF application in LRP patients remains uncertain. This systematic review aimed to compare the effects of PRF of lumbar DRG and LEI in patients with LRP.
METHODS
A literature search was performed using well-known databases for articles published up to May 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of PRF compared to LEI with or without steroids. We screened articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias in duplicate. The pain scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores at 1, 3, and 6 months after procedures were obtained. A random-effects meta-analysis model was applied for outcomes. We evaluated evidence certainty for each outcome using the GRADE scoring system. This review was registered in the PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021253628).
RESULTS
A total of 10 RCTs were included and data of 613 patients were retrieved. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence as very low to moderate. PRF showed no difference in pain scores at 1 (mean difference [MD] -0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.59 to 0.00, low certainty) and 6 months (MD -2.37, 95% CI -4.79 to 0.05, very low certainty), and significantly improved pain scores at 3 months (MD -1.31, 95% CI -2.29 to -0.33, low certainty). There was no significant difference in ODI score at any interval (very low to low certainty). In the subgroup who underwent a diagnostic block, did not use steroids, and PRF duration greater than 360 s, PRF significantly reduced pain scores at 3 months after procedures.
CONCLUSIONS
We found low quality of the evidence supporting adjuvant PRF to the lumbar DRG has a greater analgesic effect at 3 months after procedures in patients with LRP than LEI. We identified no convincing evidence to show that this treatment improves function. High-quality evidence is lacking, and data were largely derived from short-term effects. Given these limitations, high-quality trials with data on long-term effects are needed.
Topics: Humans; Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment; Ganglia, Spinal; Radiculopathy; Low Back Pain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Lumbosacral Region
PubMed: 38294072
DOI: 10.1111/papr.13351 -
Minerva Anestesiologica May 2024Postoperative cognitive impairment is common in surgical patients, including postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Several studies... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Postoperative cognitive impairment is common in surgical patients, including postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Several studies investigating the association between peripheral nerve block and the risk of cognitive impairment after thoracic surgery showed conflicting results. Therefore, we conducted the current systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effects of peripheral nerve block on postoperative cognitive impairment in thoracic surgical patients.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Eligible randomized controlled trials were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases. The primary outcomes were the incidence of postoperative delirium or cognitive dysfunction and the MMSE scores. Furthermore, VAS scores, levels of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as the duration of hospitalization were analyzed as secondary outcomes.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Ten articles including 1279 participants were selected for this meta-analysis. The results showed that peripheral nerve block could lessen the incidence of postoperative delirium or cognitive dysfunction (OR=0.39, 95% CI [0.27 to 0.56]), the scores of VAS (MD=-1.35 [95% CI: -2.30 to -0.40]), the values of TNF-α (SMD=-1.13 [95% CI: -1.49 to -0.76]) and IL-6 (SMD=-1.65 [95% CI: -1.87 to -1.42]), as well as the length of hospitalization (MD=-0.70 [95% CI: -0.96 to -0.43]). In addition, peripheral nerve block was linked to a significant increase in MMSE scores (MD=2.16 [95% CI: 1.40 to 2.91]).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis revealed positive effects of peripheral nerve block on improving postoperative cognitive impairment in patients following thoracic surgery.
Topics: Humans; Nerve Block; Thoracic Surgical Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Cognitive Dysfunction; Postoperative Cognitive Complications
PubMed: 38289296
DOI: 10.23736/S0375-9393.23.17669-3