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World Neurosurgery May 2017Pituitary abscess is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition with an incidence of 0.2%-1.1% of operative pituitary lesions. Diagnosis can be challenging,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pituitary abscess is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition with an incidence of 0.2%-1.1% of operative pituitary lesions. Diagnosis can be challenging, because this disorder shares many similarities with other pituitary lesions in terms of signs and symptoms and radiographic findings. Most pituitary abscesses are categorized as secondary, arising from preexisting pituitary lesions or in conjunction with transsphenoidal surgery, sepsis, meningitis, or sinusitis. There have been only a few reports of primary pituitary abscess, which occurs without any of the aforementioned risk factors.
CASE DESCRIPTION
We present a case of primary pituitary abscess in a 38-year-old woman with headaches, blurry vision, polyuria, and polydipsia who was found to have hypopituitarism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a sellar/suprasellar mass, which was endoscopically resected via a transsphenoidal approach. Egress of yellow-greenish creamy fluid was noted on dural incision. The patient was treated with a 6-week course of antibiotic therapy postoperatively and had resolution of symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
A PubMed search was performed; all cases of pituitary abscess reported in the literature were screened, and 200 cases including our case were analyzed with a focus on outcomes. The most common presentations were headache, visual disturbance, and endocrine abnormalities. Approximately 66.1% of patients achieved partial or complete recovery of pituitary function; 75.7% with vision deficits recovered visual function. Treatment via a craniotomy had a recurrence rate of 17.2% compared with 9.7% via a transsphenoidal approach. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on the topic and the largest series reported.
Topics: Abscess; Adult; Craniotomy; Databases, Bibliographic; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Perceptual Disorders; Pituitary Gland; Visual Fields
PubMed: 28153622
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.01.077 -
Indian Journal of Endocrinology and... 2015To evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in combination therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with inadequate glycemic control. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in combination therapy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with inadequate glycemic control.
METHODS
Two review authors independently searched for the relevant randomized controlled clinical trials from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, IndMed, LILACS, and clinical trials registry www.clinicaltrials.gov. Primary outcomes for this review included: change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and risk of occurrence of genital mycotic infections at 26 weeks. We combined results using mean difference (MD) for continuous data, and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data.
RESULTS
Of the 124 identified reports, five RCTs with 3565 participants were eligible for the meta-analysis. All included studies had compared canagliflozin 100 mg and 300 mg once daily with placebo or sitagliptin 100 mg once daily. We judged that most of the studies had low risk of bias or unclear risk of bias in five major domains. Canagliflozin 300 mg once daily led to a significant decrease in HbA1c levels (IV Fixed -0.77, 95% CI [-0.90, -0.64] P < 0.00001) and FPG levels (IV Fixed -2.08; 95% CI [-2.32, -1.84], P <0.00001), body weight, systolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels after 26 weeks as compared to placebo. There was a also a significant difference in the efficacy of canagliflozin 300 mg and sitagliptin 100 mg once daily in favour of canagliflozin. Both doses of canagliflozin led to genital mycotic infections among males and females, urinary tract infections, pollakiuria, polyuria and postural dizziness.
CONCLUSIONS
Canagliflozin significantly decreases HbA1c and FPG levels and body weight as compared to placebo among patients with inadequate glycemic control with an earlier regime of glucose lowering agents. Long term safety studies are required to evaluate the incidence of adverse events.
PubMed: 26693420
DOI: 10.4103/2230-8210.167562 -
BJU International Apr 2015To systematically review and evaluate the impact of the International Continence Society (ICS)-2002 report on standardisation of terminology in nocturia, on publications... (Review)
Review
Impact of the International Continence Society (ICS) report on the standardisation of terminology in nocturia on the quality of reports on nocturia and nocturnal polyuria: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review and evaluate the impact of the International Continence Society (ICS)-2002 report on standardisation of terminology in nocturia, on publications reporting on nocturia and nocturnal polyuria (NP). In 2002, the ICS defined NP as a Nocturnal Polyuria Index (nocturnal urine volume/total 24-h urine volume) of >0.2-0.33, depending on age.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In April 2013 the PubMed and Embase databases were searched for studies (in English, German, French or Dutch) based on original data and adult participants, investigating the relationship between nocturia and NP. A methodological quality assessment was performed, including scores on external validity, internal validity and informativeness. Quality scores of items were compared between studies published before and after the ICS-2002 report.
RESULTS
The search yielded 78 publications based on 66 studies. Quality scores of studies were generally high for internal validity (median 5, interquartile range [IQR] 4-6) but low for external validity. After publication of the ICS-2002 report, external validity showed a significant change from 1 (IQR 1-2) to 2 (IQR 1-2.5; P = 0.019). Nocturia remained undefined in 12 studies. In all, 19 different definitions were used for NP, most often being the ICS (or similar) definition: this covered 52% (n = 11) of studies before and 66% (n = 27) after the ICS-2002 report. Clear definitions of both nocturia and NP were identified in 67% and 76% before, and in 88% and 88% of the studies after the ICS-2002 report, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The ICS-2002 report on standardisation of terminology in nocturia appears to have had a beneficial impact on reporting definitions of nocturia and NP, enabling better interpretation of results and comparisons between research projects. Because the external validity of most of the 66 studies is considered a problem, the results of these studies may not be validly extrapolated to other populations. The ICS definition of NP is used most often. However, its discriminative value seems limited due to the estimated difference of 0.6 nocturnal voids between individuals with and without NP. Refinement of current definitions based on robust research is required. Based on pathophysiological reasoning, we argue that it may be more appropriate to define NP based on nocturnal urine production or nocturnal voided volumes, rather than on a diurnal urine production pattern.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Humans; Internationality; Nocturia; Publications; Societies, Medical; Terminology as Topic
PubMed: 24684483
DOI: 10.1111/bju.12753 -
Rivista Di Psichiatria 2014Lithium is recommended by all treatment guidelines for bipolar disorder (BD) as a first-line maintenance treatment. However, the potential side effects and risks... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION AND AIM
Lithium is recommended by all treatment guidelines for bipolar disorder (BD) as a first-line maintenance treatment. However, the potential side effects and risks associated with long-term lithium use may at times make the implementation of these recommendations in daily practice challenging. The aim of the study is to review available literature on potential long-term side effects of lithium.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A PubMed/Medline search was performed on papers dealing with long-term treatment with lithium and side effects. Articles published from January 1980 to February 2013 were selected.
RESULTS
Long-term lithium treatment is associated with a reduced urinary concentrating ability, with subsequent polyuria and polidypsia and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (in 10-40% of patients). Lithium also reduces glomerular filtration rate, and increases risk of renal failure, although the absolute risk is small (0.5% of patients). Lithium treatment is associated with significant higher TSH levels, with a 6-fold greater risk of hypothyroidism in lithium-treated than in control subjects. Less known is the increase of PTH and calcium levels induced by lithium. An exacerbation of psoriasis is also frequently associated with lithium treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Lithium remains a fundamental tool for the treatment of BD. Clinicians should know potential side effects (renal, endocrine and dermatological) associated with long-term treatment with lithium, for a correct management of the patient. A specialist referral is often necessary; the question is how to deal with long-term side effects more than whether or not withdrawing lithium. This decision should remain a psychiatrist's competence.
Topics: Antimanic Agents; Bipolar Disorder; Case-Control Studies; Drug Eruptions; Humans; Hypercalcemia; Hyperparathyroidism; Hypothyroidism; Kidney Diseases; Lithium Carbonate; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Psoriasis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 24572579
DOI: 10.1708/1407.15620 -
The Journal of Urology Apr 2014We determined the relationship between nocturia and nocturnal polyuria. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
We determined the relationship between nocturia and nocturnal polyuria.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The PubMed® and Embase® databases were searched for studies written in English, German, French or Dutch with original data on adult participants in an investigation of the relationship between nocturia and nocturnal polyuria. A meta-analysis of the difference in mean nocturnal voiding frequencies between patients with and without nocturnal polyuria was conducted. Nocturnal polyuria risk was compared between participants with and without nocturia, and the resulting odds ratio was subsequently converted to relative risk with 95% CIs.
RESULTS
From 511 references identified we selected 78 publications of 66 studies, 15 of which met the inclusion criteria for this study. Quality scores of studies were generally high for internal validity but low for external validity. In 7 studies (1,416 participants) we estimated a standardized mean difference of 0.59 (95% CI 0.29-0.89) for nocturnal voids between nocturnal polyuria and nonnocturnal polyuria cases. In 8 other studies (with 2,320 participants) we calculated a pooled OR of 4.99 (3.92-6.37) for nocturnal polyuria in individuals with nocturia. The corresponding RR, based on a nocturnal polyuria risk in the pooled population of 63.8%, was 1.41 (1.37-1.44).
CONCLUSIONS
The association between nocturia and nocturnal polyuria is apparent and robust. However, the clinical importance of the association appears to be less obvious than previously suggested based on single studies. The observed high prevalence of nocturnal polyuria, as a result of the applied International Continence Society definition, may be responsible for this discrepancy.
Topics: Epidemiologic Studies; Humans; Nocturia; Polyuria
PubMed: 24184367
DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.10.100 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2013Bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness that is amongst the top 30 causes of disability worldwide and is associated with significant healthcare costs. In the past,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness that is amongst the top 30 causes of disability worldwide and is associated with significant healthcare costs. In the past, emphasis was placed solely on the treatment of acute episodes of bipolar disorder; recently, the importance of episode prevention and of minimisation of iatrogenicity has been recognised. For many years, lithium was the only mood stabiliser in common use, and it remains an agent of first choice in the preventative treatment of bipolar disorder. However, an estimated 20% to 40% of patients may not respond adequately to lithium. Valproate is an anticonvulsant drug that has been shown to be effective in acute mania and is frequently used in maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. When the acceptability of long-term treatment is considered, together with efficacy, the adverse event profile of a medication is also important. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2001 and last updated in 2009.
OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the efficacy of valproate continuation and maintenance treatment:a) in preventing or attenuating manic, depressive and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder;b) in preventing or attenuating episodes of bipolar disorder in patients with rapid cycling disorder; and; c) in improving patients' general health and social functioning, as measured by global clinical impression, employment and marital stability.2. To review the acceptability to patients of long-term valproate treatment, as measured by numbers of dropouts and reasons for dropping out, by compliance and by reference to patients' expressed views regarding treatment.3. To investigate the adverse effects of valproate treatment (including general prevalence of side effects) and overall mortality rates.
SEARCH METHODS
Search of the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group Register (CCDANCTR) (to January 2013), which includes relevant randomised controlled trials from the following bibliographic databases: The Cochrane Library (all years), EMBASE, (1974 to date), MEDLINE (1950 to date) and PsycINFO (1967 to date). No language restrictions were applied. Reference lists of relevant papers and previous systematic reviews were handsearched. Pharmaceutical companies marketing valproate and experts in this field were contacted for supplemental data.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials allocating participants with bipolar disorder to long-term treatment with valproate or any other mood stabiliser, or antipsychotic drugs, or placebo. Maintenance treatment was defined as treatment instituted specifically or mainly to prevent further episodes of illness.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Three review authors independently extracted data. A double-entry procedure was employed by two review authors. Information extracted included study characteristics, participant characteristics, intervention details and outcome measures in terms of efficacy, acceptability and tolerability. For dichotomous data, risk ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For statistically significant results, we calculated the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) and the number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH). For continuous data, mean differences (MDs) or standardised mean differences (SMDs) were calculated along with 95% CIs. MDs were used when the same scale was used to measure an outcome; SMDs were employed when different scales were used to measure the same outcome. The primary analysis used a fixed-effect model. Binary outcomes were calculated on a strict intention-to-treat (ITT) basis; dropouts were included in this analysis. When data were missing and the method of "last observation carried forward" (LOCF) had been used to do an ITT analysis, then the LOCF data were used.
MAIN RESULTS
Six randomised controlled trials (overall 876 participants) lasting 6 to 24 months were included. Two studies (overall 312 participants) compared valproate with placebo, four studies (overall 618 participants) valproate with lithium, one study (overall 23 participants) valproate with olanzapine and one study (overall 220 participants) valproate with the combination of valproate plus lithium. In terms of study quality, most studies reported the methods used to generate random sequence; however, only one study reported enough details on allocation concealment. Four of six included studies described their design as "double blind", but only two trials reported full details about blinding. Valproate was more effective than placebo in preventing study withdrawal due to any mood episode (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.93; NNTB 8), but no difference in efficacy was found between valproate and lithium (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.20). Valproate was associated with fewer participants dropping out of treatment for any cause when compared with placebo or lithium (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.95 and RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.98, respectively). However, combination therapy with lithium plus valproate was more likely to prevent relapse than was monotherapy with valproate (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.96). Significant differences in adverse event frequencies were found, and lithium was associated with more frequent diarrhoea, polyuria, increased thirst and enuresis, whereas valproate was associated with increased sedation and infection.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Limited evidence supports the efficacy of valproate in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. Clinicians and patients should consider acceptability and tolerability profile when choosing between lithium and valproate-their combination or other agents-as long-term treatment for bipolar disorder.
Topics: Antimanic Agents; Benzodiazepines; Bipolar Disorder; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Lithium Compounds; Olanzapine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Secondary Prevention; Valproic Acid
PubMed: 24132760
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003196.pub2 -
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy Jul 2013Imidafenacin (KRP-197/ONO-8025) is the latest antimuscarinic (AM) developed for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and, at the moment, it is marketed... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Imidafenacin (KRP-197/ONO-8025) is the latest antimuscarinic (AM) developed for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and, at the moment, it is marketed only in Japan. This compound has been developed to improve the tolerability of AM therapy by binding specifically the M3 receptor subtype, thus limiting undesirable adverse events (AEs).
AREAS COVERED
This systematic review offers a brief explanation of the mechanism of action and of the pharmacokinetics of imidafenacin and helps readers to understand the clinical efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the compound in the setting of OAB therapy.
EXPERT OPINION
Imidafenacin is an AM drug with excellent efficacy, tolerability, and safety. It is indicated for patients with nocturia, nocturnal polyuria, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. This compound, due to its pharmacokinetic properties, gives the opportunity to be easily adjusted in its dosages. Further studies should assess the pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of imidafenacin in Caucasian and African populations because this AM agent, at the moment, has been evaluated just in Asian populations. More studies should evaluate and compare efficacy, safety, and tolerability of imidafenacin also with other largely utilized AMs, such as oxybutynin, tolterodine, and fesoterodine, or with the other M3 selective compound, darifenacin.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Imidazoles; Muscarinic Antagonists; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Bladder, Overactive
PubMed: 23641864
DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2013.796930 -
European Urology Nov 2012Nocturia is a common urologic symptom that has been covered in a variety of reported studies in the literature but is not specifically covered in current guidelines. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
Nocturia is a common urologic symptom that has been covered in a variety of reported studies in the literature but is not specifically covered in current guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
To comprehensively review the literature pertaining to the definition, etiologies, and consequences of nocturia and assess the evidence supporting the use of conservative medical and interventional therapy.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A literature search was conducted using the keyword nocturia, restricted to articles in the English language, after 2000 and before April 2012, in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Regarding treatment modalities, studies were included only if nocturia was a primary end point and if the studies were designed as randomized controlled trials without limit of date. When suitable, a meta-analysis was conducted. Papers covering treatment options for nocturia specifically related to nonurologic conditions were excluded.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Nocturia is still defined as the symptom of wakening from sleep once or more often to void. The prevalence is high in both genders and increases with age. Frequency-volume charts, which are the pivotal tool of clinical assessment, detect 24-h polyuria, nocturnal polyuria (NP), or reduced nocturnal bladder capacity and help to target specific nonurologic etiologies. Nocturia is a morbid condition that significantly affects quality of life and increases mortality. Besides behavioral measures, validated treatment options include oral desmopressin, which is superior to placebo in treating NP. While the level of evidence for desmopressin is high, limited data support the use of α1-blockers and antimuscarinics; however, only rarely has nocturia been a primary end point when studying these drug classes, and studies have not consistently controlled for the effect of NP.
CONCLUSIONS
Our knowledge of nocturia, its etiology, and its management has substantially improved in recent years. The evidence available on the management of nocturia remains limited; contributory factors include (1) the complexity of associated conditions, (2) the underuse of objective evaluation tools, and (3) the lack of specific focus on nocturia in clinical trials.
Topics: Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antidiuretic Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Diagnostic Techniques, Urological; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscarinic Antagonists; Nocturia; Odds Ratio; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Urodynamics; Urologic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 22840350
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2012.07.004 -
High Altitude Medicine & Biology Jun 2012Acetazolamide is used to prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS). We assessed efficacy and harm of acetazolamide for the prevention of AMS, and tested for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Acetazolamide is used to prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS). We assessed efficacy and harm of acetazolamide for the prevention of AMS, and tested for dose-responsiveness. We systematically searched electronic databases (until April 2011) for randomized trials comparing acetazolamide with placebo for the prevention of AMS. For each dose, risk ratios were aggregated using a Mantel-Haenszel fixed effect model. Numbers needed to treat (NNT) to benefit one subject with each dose were calculated for different baseline risks. Modes of ascent were taken as proxies of baseline risks. Twenty-four trials were included; 1011 subjects received acetazolamide 250, 500, or 750 mg day⁻¹; 854 received placebo. When climbing, median speed of ascent was 14 m/h, average AMS rate in controls was 34%, and NNT to prevent AMS with acetazolamide 250, 500, and 750 mg/day compared with placebo was 6.5, 5.9, and 5.3. When ascending by transport and subsequent climbing (speed of ascent 133 m/h) or by transport alone (491 m/h), average AMS rate in controls was 60%, and NNT with acetazolamide 250, 500, and 750 mg/day was 3.7, 3.3, and 3.0. In hypobaric chambers, median speed of ascent was 4438 m/h, average AMS rate in controls was 86%, and NNT with acetazolamide 250, 500, and 750 mg/day was 2.6, 2.3, and 2.1. The risk of paresthesia was increased with all doses. The risk of polyuria and taste disturbance was increased with 500 and 750 mg/day. The degree of efficacy of acetazolamide for the prevention of AMS is limited when the baseline risk is low, and there is some evidence of dose-responsiveness.
Topics: Acetazolamide; Altitude Sickness; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; Humans; Paresthesia; Polyuria; Taste Disorders
PubMed: 22724610
DOI: 10.1089/ham.2011.1084 -
Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and... Mar 2012Chronic renal failure (CRF) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) are potential consequences of chronic lithium use, while acute renal failure (ARF) has been... (Review)
Review
Chronic renal failure (CRF) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) are potential consequences of chronic lithium use, while acute renal failure (ARF) has been described in lithium intoxication. We performed a systematic review of all studies pertaining to the effects of lithium on the kidney in older adults. The ARF incidence was 1.5% per person-year and concurrent loop diuretic and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use with lithium increased the risk. The CRF prevalence estimates varied from 1.2% to 34%, with risk factors including age, previous lithium intoxication, polyuria, previously impaired renal function, and decreased maximal urine osmolality. The prevalence of NDI varied widely from 1.8% to 85%. Risk factors included lithium duration, dose, level, slow-release formulation, and clinical nonresponse. Except for amiloride use in NDI, there is little evidence for treatment of other lithium-induced adverse renal effects. Currently, there is no compelling evidence to suggest that lithium should be avoided in elderly patients for fear of renal side effects.
Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Age Factors; Aged; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Incidence; Kidney; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Lithium Compounds; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 22467847
DOI: 10.1177/0891988712436690