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Spine May 2015Systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To review and assess the current evidence from the literature on the potential association between disc infection with the development of symptomatic degenerative disc disease.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
The potential relationship between disc infection- and disc degeneration-related symptoms remains controversial, with contradictory evidence available in the literature. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of infected extruded nucleus tissue from first-time disc herniations, implicating the role of disc microbial infection as a pathway for disc degeneration. In contrast, other studies reported very low prevalence of bacterial infection in samples from patients with sciatica, quoting contamination as the predominant source. To summarize the available evidence to date, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.
METHODS
A comprehensive search from 6 electronic databases was performed for studies investigating the potential relationship between disc infection as a cause for degenerative disc disease and symptomatic neck/back pain or radiculopathy. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions and odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was used to pool the available evidence.
RESULTS
Nine relevant studies involving 602 patients with degenerative disc disease or pain were identified. From 6 studies supporting the role of infection in the pathophysiology of disc degeneration, the pooled infection prevalence was 45.2% (34.5%-56.0%). Overall pooled prevalence in all studies was 36.2% (24.7%-47.7%). Proportion of disc infections was higher in patients with symptomatic disc disease than in patients without (37.4% vs. 5.9%; odds ratio, 6.1; 95% confidence intervals, 1.426-25.901). The majority of infections were due to Propionibacterium acnes in 59.6% (43.2%-76.1%).
CONCLUSION
From the limited evidence available, the possibility that disc infection may be linked with disc degeneration should not be ruled out. There is a need to investigate this further through larger, adequately powered multi-institutional studies with contaminant arm to control for specimen contamination.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
2.
Topics: Back Pain; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Intervertebral Disc; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Neck Pain; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Propionibacterium acnes; Radiculopathy; Risk Factors; Virulence
PubMed: 25955094
DOI: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000000832 -
Chinese Medical Journal 2014Little information is available to guide treatment strategies regarding patients with unexpected positive cultures (UPC), including Propionibacterium acnes (PA), without... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Little information is available to guide treatment strategies regarding patients with unexpected positive cultures (UPC), including Propionibacterium acnes (PA), without overt signs of infection in revision shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). The purpose of our study was to analyze the prevalence, clinical meaning, treatment and prognosis of UPC in RSA.
DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION
We performed a systematic review of the literature between 1950 and 2013 for all studies reporting on UPC for PA. Studies with the prevalence and prognosis of patients with UPC in RSA were analyzed.
RESULTS
Six studies meeting our inclusion criteria yielded data for 1 402 patients who underwent a total of 1405 RSA. Based on the available data, following RSA 235 shoulders had UPCs with a pooled percentage of 16.7% (235/1405). The most commonly isolated bacteria from shoulders following RSA with UPCs was PA with pooled percentages of 63.4% (149/235). Occurrence of true infection from UPCs after RSA was seen in 24 shoulders (24/235, 10.2%). Antibiotic use did not influence the rate of the occurrence of true infection from UPCs (P = 0.498).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study showed a low risk of having a true infection from UPCs after RSA without clinical signs of preoperative infection at the time of the surgery. Therefore, prolonged antibiotic therapy may not be necessary in these patients.
Topics: Aged; Arthroplasty, Replacement; Female; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 25421200
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2013A new review team are preparing a new protocol to replace this review. The new review is entitled 'Interventions for the management of malignant pleural effusions'.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A new review team are preparing a new protocol to replace this review. The new review is entitled 'Interventions for the management of malignant pleural effusions'. Publication of the full review is anticipated in early 2015. The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.
Topics: Humans; Mitoxantrone; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Pleurodesis; Propionibacterium acnes; Quinacrine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sclerosing Solutions; Talc; Tetracycline
PubMed: 24259053
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002916.pub3 -
Veterinary Immunology and... May 2013Inactivated Parapoxvirus ovis (iPPVO) and Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are currently used in equine medicine as immune-modulators for prophylactic treatment or... (Review)
Review
Inactivated Parapoxvirus ovis (iPPVO) and Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are currently used in equine medicine as immune-modulators for prophylactic treatment or adjunct to conventional therapy in order to improve immune defences, to prevent or treat infectious diseases. Their mode of action relies on a non-antigen specific interaction with the innate and/or adaptive immune responses. iPPVO stimulates and regulates cytokine secretion by leucocytes, while P. acnes acts primarily through the activation of macrophages. This report aims to describe their activity as immune-modulators and to summarise the scientific literature and reports available about their use in horses, particularly in the prevention or treatment of equine respiratory diseases. This systematic review regroups articles published in peer-review journals, clinical trials reports, conference proceedings and other information made available in the last 2 decades.
Topics: Animals; Horse Diseases; Horses; Immunity, Innate; Immunologic Factors; Parapoxvirus; Propionibacterium acnes; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 23481655
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2013.01.010 -
The British Journal of Dermatology Mar 2013Despite acne being an almost universal condition in younger people, relatively little is known about its epidemiology. We sought to review what is known about the... (Review)
Review
Despite acne being an almost universal condition in younger people, relatively little is known about its epidemiology. We sought to review what is known about the distribution and causes of acne by conducting a systematic review of relevant epidemiological studies. We searched Medline and Embase to the end of November 2011. The role of Propionibacterium acnes in pathogenesis is unclear: antibiotics have a direct antimicrobial as well as an anti-inflammatory effect. Moderate-to-severe acne affects around 20% of young people and severity correlates with pubertal maturity. Acne may be presenting at a younger age because of earlier puberty. It is unclear if ethnicity is truly associated with acne. Black individuals are more prone to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and specific subtypes such as 'pomade acne'. Acne persists into the 20s and 30s in around 64% and 43% of individuals, respectively. The heritability of acne is almost 80% in first-degree relatives. Acne occurs earlier and is more severe in those with a positive family history. Suicidal ideation is more common in those with severe compared with mild acne. In the U.S.A., the cost of acne is over 3 billion dollars per year in terms of treatment and loss of productivity. A systematic review in 2005 found no clear evidence of dietary components increasing acne risk. One small randomized controlled trial showed that low glycaemic index (GI) diets can lower acne severity. A possible association between dairy food intake and acne requires closer scrutiny. Natural sunlight or poor hygiene are not associated. The association between smoking and acne is probably due to confounding. Validated core outcomes in future studies will help in combining future evidence.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Cacao; Child; Chronic Disease; Dairy Products; Diet; Ethnicity; Female; Glycemic Index; Humans; Hygiene; Male; Middle Aged; Obesity; Pedigree; Prevalence; Propionibacterium acnes; Risk Factors; Smoking; Socioeconomic Factors; Stress, Psychological; Sunlight; Young Adult
PubMed: 23210645
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.12149 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... 2004Approximately half of all patients with metastatic cancer develop a malignant pleural effusion which is likely to lead to a significant reduction in quality of life... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Approximately half of all patients with metastatic cancer develop a malignant pleural effusion which is likely to lead to a significant reduction in quality of life secondary to symptoms such as dyspnoea and cough. The aim of pleurodesis in these patients is to prevent re-accumulation of the effusion and thereby of symptoms, and avoid the need for repeated hospitalization for thoracocentesis. Numerous clinical studies have been performed to try to determine the optimal pleurodesis strategy, and synthesis of the available evidence should facilitate this.
OBJECTIVES
The aims of this review were to ascertain the optimal technique of pleurodesis in cases of malignant pleural effusion; to confirm the need for a sclerosant; and to clarify which, if any, of the sclerosants is the most effective.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was searched for studies on 'pleurodesis'. Studies for inclusion were also identified from MEDLINE (1980 to June 2002) and EMBASE (1980 to May 2002). No language restriction was applied.
SELECTION CRITERIA
RCTs of adults subjects undergoing pleurodesis for pleural effusion in the context of metastatic malignancy (or a malignant process leading to pleural effusion) were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion in the review, and extracted data using a standard data collection form. Primary outcome measures sought were effectiveness of pleurodesis as defined by freedom from recurrence of effusions, and mortality after pleurodesis. Secondary outcomes were adverse events due to pleurodesis. Dichotomous data were meta-analysed using a fixed effect model and expressed as relative risk. The number-needed-to-treat (NNT) was calculated for pleurodesis efficacy. In addition, for adverse events, the overall percentage of patients across studies exhibiting a particular adverse effect such as fever, pain, or gastrointestinal symptoms was calculated.
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 36 RCTs with 1499 subjects were eligible for meta-analysis. The use of sclerosants (mitozantrone, talc and tetracycline combined)compared with control (instillation of isotonic saline or equivalent pH isotonic saline or tube drainage alone) was associated with an increased efficacy of pleurodesis. The relative risk (RR) of non-recurrence of an effusion is 1.20 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.38) in favour of the use of sclerosants based on five studies with a total 228 subjects. Comparing different sclerosants, talc was found to be the most efficacious. The RR of effusion non-recurrence was 1.34 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.55) in favour of talc compared with bleomycin, tetracycline, mustine or tube drainage alone based on 10 studies comprising 308 subjects. This was not associated with increased mortality post pleurodesis. The RR of death was 1.19 (95% CI 0.08 to 1.77) for talc compared to bleomycin, tetracycline, mustine and tube drainage alone based on six studies of 186 subjects. Death was not reported in all studies and, when reported, was attributed to underlying disease, only one death being reported as procedure-related. In the comparison of thoracoscopic versus medical pleurodesis, thoracoscopic pleurodesis was found to be more effective. The RR of non-recurrence of effusion is 1.19 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.36) in favour of thoracoscopic pleurodesis compared with tube thoracostamy pleurodesis utilizing talc as sclerosant based on two studies with 112 subjects. Comparing thoracoscopic versus bedside instillation (with different sized chest tubes) of various sclerosants (tetracycline, bleomycin, talc or mustine) the RR of non-recurrence of effusion is 1.68 (95% CI 1.35 to 2.10) based on five studies with a total of 145 participants.Adverse events were not reported adequately to enable meta-analysis.
REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS
The available evidence supports the need for chemical sclerosants for successful pleurodesis, the use of talc as the sclerosant of choice, and thoracoscopic pleurodesis as the preferred technique for pleurodesis based on efficacy. There was no evidence for an increase in mortality following talc pleurodesis.
Topics: Humans; Mitoxantrone; Pleural Effusion, Malignant; Pleurodesis; Propionibacterium acnes; Quinacrine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sclerosing Solutions; Talc; Tetracycline
PubMed: 14973997
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002916.pub2 -
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2003It is well recognized that some patients with acne do not respond adequately to antibiotic therapy. It is important to distinguish antibiotic recalcitrant acne which we... (Review)
Review
It is well recognized that some patients with acne do not respond adequately to antibiotic therapy. It is important to distinguish antibiotic recalcitrant acne which we would suggest represents acne that shows a diminished response to treatment irrespective of the cause as opposed to 'antibiotic-resistant acne' which is acne that is less responsive to treatment as a direct consequence of skin colonization with resistant propionibacteria. Here we show that antibiotic-resistant acne is not just a theoretical possibility but a real phenomenon that could have important consequences for patients and prescribers. The relationship between skin colonization by antibiotic-resistant propionibacteria and treatment outcomes is a complex one that is explained at the follicular level by physiological differences affecting local drug concentrations. A systematic review of the literature on antibiotic-resistant propionibacteria revealed methodological shortcomings in studies of their prevalence and a paucity of evidence on their clinical significance. Despite the elucidation of resistance mechanisms in cutaneous propionibacteria, our continuing inability to distinguish between strains of Propionibacterium acnes means that we still do not fully understand how resistance spreads, although person-to-person transfer is most likely. Finally, we present a decision tree for acne management in an era of prudent antimicrobial prescribing that provides an alternative to existing treatment algorithms by placing topical retinoids and not antibiotics at the cornerstone of acne management.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Decision Trees; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Propionibacterium; Propionibacterium acnes; Skin
PubMed: 14640775
DOI: 10.2165/00128071-200304120-00002 -
The Medical Journal of Australia Sep 1998To document changes in the prevalence of resistance of Propionibacterium acnes to antibiotics used for treating acne. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To document changes in the prevalence of resistance of Propionibacterium acnes to antibiotics used for treating acne.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for publications on P. acnes resistance to systemic antibiotics. The search strategy mapped "acne" or "acne vulgaris" with the terms "antibiotic resistance" or "drug resistance, microbial". Only papers published in English during 1976 to 1997 were included in the search.
STUDY SELECTION
53 publications met the search criteria. The search output was refined by selecting papers that specifically addressed P. acnes resistance patterns. Additional studies (not included in the search output) were identified from review articles and references of the retrieved articles. Twelve articles were reviewed.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data on the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant propionibacteria, the incidence of individual resistance phenotypes, mixed resistance, and correlation between poor therapeutic response and resistant propionibacteria were extracted.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Research since 1978 has suggested an association between poor therapeutic response and antibiotic-resistant propionibacteria. The overall incidence of P. acnes antibiotic resistance has increased from 20% in 1978 to 62% in 1996. Resistance to specific antibiotics varied and was most commonly reported with erythromycin and clindamycin, tetracycline and doxcycline, and trimethoprim. Resistance to minocycline is rare.
CONCLUSIONS
In many patients with acne, continued treatment with antibiotics can be inappropriate or ineffective. It is important to recognise therapeutic failure and alter treatment accordingly. The use of long-term rotational antibiotics is outdated and will only exacerbate antibiotic resistance.
Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Propionibacterium acnes
PubMed: 9762064
DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1998.tb140250.x