-
Frontiers in Neurology 2021Bo's abdominal acupuncture (BAA) is a novel therapy in alternative and complementary medicine and has been frequently used for stroke recovery in recent decades....
Bo's abdominal acupuncture (BAA) is a novel therapy in alternative and complementary medicine and has been frequently used for stroke recovery in recent decades. However, no systematic evidence has been performed to confirm the effect and safety of BAA as an adjunctive therapy for post-stroke motor dysfunction (PSMD). This review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of BAA as an adjunctive therapy for improving allover motor function, upper limb motor function, lower limb motor function, and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with PSMD. Seven databases were searched from inception to December 2020: Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biological Medicine Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, WAN FANG, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving BAA plus another therapy vs. the same other therapy alone were identified. The methodological quality of the included trials was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias criteria. If more than half of the domains in a study are at low risk of bias, the overall quality of the study is low risk. We conducted a meta-analysis for primary outcomes using a random effects model and performed a narrative summary for the secondary outcome. We also conducted subgroup analysis for primary outcomes based on different add-on treatments to BAA. Random effects and fixed effects models were used to test the robustness of the pooled data. We also tested the robustness of the meta-analysis using specific methodological variables that could affect primary outcome measures. trials with 1,473 patients were included in this systematic review. The overall quality of the 14 included trials (66.7%) was low risk. Meta-analyses indicated that the effect of the BAA group was better than that of the non-EA group on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA) (weight mean difference (WMD) 9.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.23 to 11.83, < 0.00001), FMA for upper extremities (WMD 11.08, 95% CI 5.83 to 16.32, < 0.0001), FMA for lower extremities (WMD 5.57, 95% CI 2.61 to 8.54, = 0.0002), and modified Barthel Index (standardized mean difference (SMD) 1.02, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.39, < 0.00001). Two trials (9.5%) reported BAA-related adverse events, and the most common adverse event was local subcutaneous ecchymosis. BAA as an adjunctive therapy may have clinical benefits for improving allover motor function, upper limb motor function, lower limb motor function, and ADL in patients with PSMD. BAA-related adverse events were rare, tolerable, and recoverable. However, our review findings should be interpreted with caution because of the methodological weaknesses in the included trials. High-quality trials are needed to assess the adjunctive role of BAA in patients with PSMD.
PubMed: 34650503
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.705771 -
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2022Acute hemorrhagic edema is a skin-limited small-vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis, which affects infants 4 weeks to 2 years of age and remits within 3 weeks. The...
BACKGROUND
Acute hemorrhagic edema is a skin-limited small-vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis, which affects infants 4 weeks to 2 years of age and remits within 3 weeks. The diagnosis is made clinically in not-ill appearing children with acute onset of raised annular or nummular eruptions and edema. In this vasculitis, type, distribution, and evolution of the rash have never been systemically investigated. To address this issue, we employed the data contained in the Acute Hemorrhagic Edema Bibliographic Database, which incorporates all reports on acute hemorrhagic edema.
SUMMARY
Key features of rash were documented in 383 children. Annular eruptions in a strict sense, usually targetoid, were reported in 375 (98%) cases (many children also presented polycyclic or arciform eruptions). Nummular eruptions were also very common (n = 358; 93%). Purpuric eruptions and ecchymoses were reported in the vast majority of cases. Macules and wheals were described in a minority of cases. Edema, detected in all cases, was mostly painful, indurated and nonpitting. The following regions were affected, in decreasing order, by annular or nummular eruptions: legs, feet, face, arms, ears, trunk, and genitals. With the exception of feet, which were very often affected, the same distribution was reported for edema. The initial eruption was often a wheal or a macule that evolved into a nummular or an annular eruption. Nummular eruptions successively evolved into annular ones.
KEY MESSAGE
This study carefully characterizes type, distribution, and evolution of skin eruption in acute hemorrhagic edema. The data help physicians to rapidly and noninvasively make the clinical diagnosis of this vasculitis.
Topics: Acute Disease; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Edema; Exanthema; Humans; Infant; Vasculitis, Leukocytoclastic, Cutaneous
PubMed: 34551420
DOI: 10.1159/000519009 -
Journal of Hand and Microsurgery Jul 2021The purpose of this study was to review and compare clinical outcomes between percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) and collagenase (CCH) injection for the treatment...
The purpose of this study was to review and compare clinical outcomes between percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) and collagenase (CCH) injection for the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. A systematic review was performed including all level I-III evidence studies investigating the clinical outcomes of PNF and CCH injection in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Five studies (278 CCH patients, 225 PNF patients; 285 CCH fingers, 246 PNF fingers, 405 males, and 98 females) were analyzed. Two randomized studies were level I evidence, one randomized study was level II, and two nonrandomized studies were level III. Two studies analyzed a total of 205 patients, each demonstrating statistically superior outcomes in one outcome measure (contracture improvement and Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) satisfaction subscore) with PNF, while the remaining three studies demonstrated no significant differences in outcomes between the two techniques. Three studies reported a statistically higher rate of minor complications (local pain, edema, ecchymosis, lymphadenopathy, pruritis) with CCH, while the remaining two studies demonstrated no significant difference in complication rates. For the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture, there is some evidence that suggests superior clinical outcomes of PNF compared with CCH and a higher minor complication rate with CCH.
PubMed: 34511831
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721876 -
Andrology Jan 2022Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan widely used in the fields of orthopedics, ophthalmology, and aesthetic medicine due to its significant ability to reduce the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan widely used in the fields of orthopedics, ophthalmology, and aesthetic medicine due to its significant ability to reduce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory proteins and its activity against oxidative stress, a feature of many degenerative illnesses.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of the present review is to provide a comprehensive narrative review of the most recent literature on the use of hyaluronic acid in andrology in order to facilitate the use of this therapeutic device in the common clinical practice of many physicians. Specific conditions covered in the review are Peyronie's disease, premature ejaculation, and penile enlargement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A broad and comprehensive literature search included Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Libraries, with no time restriction up to December 2020 and restricted to English language publications. Unpublished studies were not included. The study was registered as "The role of hyaluronic acid in andrology: A systematic review and meta-analysis" in PROSPERO with the ID CRD42021223416.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Hyaluronic acid is a valid choice for the treatment of Peyronie's disease in terms of the resolution of the acute phase of the disease and of contributing to stabilizing the disease as a bridge to potential surgery. Data, furthermore, suggest that hyaluronic acid is frequently associated with an overall clinical improvement, allowing the patient to resume normal sexual activity. With regard to premature ejaculation, data suggests hyaluronic acid-based treatments were effective in prolonging intra-vaginal ejaculation time. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with main adverse events limited to local discomfort, ecchymosis, papule formation, and glans numbness, all of which were reported to resolve spontaneously. Last, with regard to penile enlargement, the overall perception of experts is that hyaluronic acid may be an extremely well-tolerated compound with potential for application in specific areas of male sexual health that are often neglected as compared to more common, and relatively simpler to treat, conditions.
Topics: Andrology; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid; Male; Penile Diseases; Penile Induration; Premature Ejaculation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34297894
DOI: 10.1111/andr.13083 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Mar 2021Blood loss associated with surgical interventions can lead to several complications. Therefore, minimizing perioperative bleeding is critical to improve overall...
BACKGROUND
Blood loss associated with surgical interventions can lead to several complications. Therefore, minimizing perioperative bleeding is critical to improve overall survival. Several interventions have been found to successfully reduce surgical bleeding, including the antifibrinolytic agent. After aprotinin was withdrawn from the market in 2008, TXA remained the most commonly used medication. The safety and efficacy of TXA has been well studied in other specialties. TXA has been rarely used in plastic surgery, except in craniofacial procedures. Since the last review, the number of articles examining the use of TXA has doubled; so the aim of this systematic review is to update the readers on the current knowledge and clinical recommendations regarding the efficacy of TXA in plastic surgical procedures.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, SciELO, Cochrane, and Google Scholar to evaluate all articles that discussed the use of TXA in plastic surgery in the fields of aesthetic surgery, burn care, and reconstructive microsurgery.
RESULTS
A total of 233 publications were identified using the search criteria defined above. After examination of titles and abstracts, and exclusion of duplicates, a total of 23 articles were selected for analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
The literature shows a clear benefit of using TXA to decrease blood loss regardless of the administration route, with no risk of thrombosis events. Also, TXA elicits a potent anti-inflammatory response with a decrease in postoperative edema and ecchymosis, which improves recovery time. Further investigations are needed to standardize the optimal administration route and dosage of TXA.
PubMed: 33907653
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003172 -
Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Open Forum Sep 2020Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that has become widely used in aesthetic facial plastic surgery, although its efficacy has not been well investigated.
BACKGROUND
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that has become widely used in aesthetic facial plastic surgery, although its efficacy has not been well investigated.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the existing evidence for use of TXA in aesthetic facial plastic surgery, highlighting routes of administration, dosing, surgical applications, and clinical outcomes.
METHODS
Systematic review of primary literature evaluating TXA in aesthetic facial plastic surgery.
RESULTS
Eleven studies met inclusion criteria: 8 prospective randomized controlled trials, 2 retrospective case series/cohort studies, and 1 clinical opinion. Six studies evaluated TXA in rhinoplasty, 4 in rhytidectomy, and 1 in blepharoplasty. Significant reductions in intraoperative blood loss were found in 5 rhinoplasty studies. Three rhinoplasty and 2 rhytidectomy studies found significantly reduced postoperative edema and ecchymosis. One rhinoplasty and 1 rhytidectomy study reported reduced operative time and time to achieve hemostasis. One rhytidectomy study reported reduced postoperative drain output and faster time to drain removal. No studies reported an adverse outcome directly related to TXA.
CONCLUSIONS
Existing literature investigating TXA in aesthetic facial plastic surgery is sparse with varying levels of evidence and heterogeneous data. Literature suggests systemic TXA reduces intraoperative blood loss during rhinoplasty, although the clinical significance of this blood loss reduction is unclear. TXA may also reduce postoperative edema and/or ecchymosis in rhytidectomy and rhinoplasty, although the lack of validated grading scales yields insufficient evidence to support this claim. Topical and subcutaneously injected TXA are emerging administration routes in rhytidectomy, with evidence suggesting TXA mixed with tumescent may reduce postoperative drain output, thereby expediting drain removal.
PubMed: 33791652
DOI: 10.1093/asjof/ojaa029 -
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine Apr 2021To conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials about the safety (number and severity of adverse events) and efficacy (pain reduction and functional... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials about the safety (number and severity of adverse events) and efficacy (pain reduction and functional improvement) of mesotherapy in musculoskeletal disorders, and to compare them with other therapeutic options, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement.
METHODS
A search of PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus database resulted in an initial total of 16,253 records. A total of 931 articles were included in the study. A final total of 7 articles, published from 1 Jan 1999 until 30 Apr 2020 were selected. Two independent reviewers selected potentially relevant studies based on the inclusion criteria for full-text reading. They evaluated the methodological quality of each study and included only studies of high methodological quality, according to the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.
RESULTS
Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis, and visual analogue scale scores before and after mesotherapy were considered. A statistically significant reduction in visual analogue scale score in the mesotherapy group was reported in comparison with the control group in all except 1 of the trials. Mesotherapy was found to be a safe procedure with mild and temporary side-effects, such as nausea, fatigue, numbness, sweating, headache, ecchymosis, bleeding, pain and local reaction at the injection site.
CONCLUSION
Mesotherapy proved to be more effective than systemic therapy in the treatment of local pain and functional limitations caused by a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. However, because of the heterogeneity of the analysed studies in terms of injected drugs, administration technique, associated treatments, frequency and total number of sessions, more randomized controlled trials are needed, comparing a standardized mesotherapy protocol with a systemic treatments.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Mesotherapy; Middle Aged; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Physical Therapy Modalities; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 33764479
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-2817 -
Pain Research & Management 2020Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative disease associated with joint dysfunction and pain. Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency (RF) may be a promising therapy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative disease associated with joint dysfunction and pain. Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency (RF) may be a promising therapy in the treatment of chronic pain for KOA patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided RF treatment for chronic pain in patients with KOA.
DESIGN
A systematic review was conducted, and a meta-analysis was carried out when possible. . We examined the studies evaluating the clinical efficiency of ultrasound-guided RF on chronic pain in KOA population.
METHOD
A systematic review for the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided RF treatment for pain management of KOA patients was carried out in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from the date of inception to February 2020, and a meta-analysis was conducted. The primary outcomes of pain intensity (visual analogue scale or numerical rating scale) and knee function [the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)] were evaluated from baseline to various follow-up times by random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by statistic and the potential sources of heterogeneity by subgroup and metaregression analyses, respectively.
RESULTS
Eight publications with 256 patients were included in the meta-analysis. RF could relieve pain with -4.196 of pooled mean difference and improve knee function by decreasing 23.155 points in WOMAC. Three patients had ecchymosis, two with hypoesthesia and one with numbness after the procedure, and improved within 6 months. Furthermore, study design and treatment target were the sources of heterogeneity by subgroup and metaregression analyses, accounting for 37% and 74% of variances, respectively. Target of genicular nerve achieved better pain relief than intra-articular or sciatic nerve. Sensitivity analysis showed that removal of any single study was unlikely to overturn the findings. . There were some limitations in the study. Firstly, the small number of relevant studies limited the confidence level of the meta-analysis. Also, the significant heterogeneity may not be explained due to the limited data. Secondly, the direct comparison of two different guidance methods (ultrasound vs. fluoroscopy) for RF therapy is lacking. In addition, the outcomes were blindly assessed in the meta-analysis from all studies according to evaluation of bias, which could affect the reality of the data. Finally, most of the studies only provided short follow-up times, so we could not analyze the long-term effectiveness of ultrasound-guided RF in the treatment of patients with KOA.
CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonography is an effective, safe, nonradiative, and easily applicable guidance method for RF in pain relief and functional improvement in KOA patients.
Topics: Chronic Pain; Humans; Knee Joint; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pain Management; Pain Measurement; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Interventional
PubMed: 33014212
DOI: 10.1155/2020/2537075 -
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology 2022Edema and ecchymosis after facial plastic surgery are a troublesome concern for both patients and surgeons. Corticosteroid administration is thought to shorten the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Edema and ecchymosis after facial plastic surgery are a troublesome concern for both patients and surgeons. Corticosteroid administration is thought to shorten the recovery period and reduce these sequelae. Data regarding the efficacy of corticosteroid administration remains controversial among surgeons.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of pre- and postoperative corticosteroids on postoperative complications in patients undergoing facial reconstructive surgery supported with different subgroup analysis.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search of articles was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central, SCOPUS, and EBSCO through October 2019. We included all clinical trials in which patients underwent any type of facial plastic surgery to study the effect of corticosteroids on postoperative complications. We performed subgroup analysis according to the types and doses of corticosteroid preparation, in addition to a subgroup analysis of pre- or postoperative corticosteroid usage. All statistical analysis was performed using the RevMan software.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies were included in this systematic review, but only 10 of them were eligible for meta-analysis. The periorbital edema and ecchymosis scores were significantly reduced in the corticosteroids group compared to placebo -0.82, 95% CI (-1.37, -0.26), and -0.95, 95% CI (-1.32, -0.57), respectively. However, these significant differences were not maintained at day 3 and 7. Smaller doses of corticosteroid (8 mg and 10 mg) were associated with smaller differences in the mean score of upper and lower eyelid edema and ecchymosis, while the higher doses were associated with greater differences. Furthermore, preoperative corticosteroid usage significantly reduced the intraoperative bleeding when compared to placebo for higher doses > 50 mg per day (p < 0.0001), but not for 8 mg corticosteroid (p = 0.06). Adding postoperative steroid dose to the preoperative one was associated with less edema and ecchymosis than preoperative administration alone.
CONCLUSION
This comprehensive meta-analysis confirms a statistically significant benefit of preoperative corticosteroids. Furthermore, continuing the steroids postoperatively is associated with long-term reduction of complications. Higher doses of corticosteroids are associated with a more significant reduction in edema and ecchymosis, but further studies are recommended to determine the postoperative side effects, including surgical site infection and delayed healing.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Ecchymosis; Edema; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Rhinoplasty; Surgery, Plastic
PubMed: 32605829
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2020.05.015 -
ORL; Journal For Oto-rhino-laryngology... 2020Osteotomy of nasal bones in rhinoplasty is associated with postsurgical morbidities. Recent evidence has suggested that a surgical method applying piezoelectric... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Osteotomy of nasal bones in rhinoplasty is associated with postsurgical morbidities. Recent evidence has suggested that a surgical method applying piezoelectric ultrasound waves for nasal osteotomies in rhinoplasty reduces soft tissue damage and causes less postsurgical morbidities compared to conventional methods. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes of piezoelectric and conventional lateral nasal osteotomies in rhinoplasty.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, and Web of Science up to 17 August 2019 for studies comparing postoperative outcomes of piezoelectric and conventional lateral osteotomies in rhinoplasty. We included studies comparing results of patients subjected to piezoelectric or conventional lateral nasal osteotomies in rhinoplasty. For outcomes, we considered postoperative pain, eyelid edema, periorbital ecchymosis, and intraoperative mucosal injury.
RESULTS
For eyelid edema, a statistically significant difference in favor of piezoelectric osteotomy was documented within the first 3 postoperative days (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.65; 95% CI = -1.18, -0.12, p = 0.02; I2 = 69%) and on postoperative day 7 (SMD = -0.69; 95% CI = -1.47, -0.09; p = 0.08; I2 = 85%). This was also the case for periorbital ecchymosis within the first 3 postoperative days (SMD = -0.85; 95% CI = -1.42, -0.28; p = 0.004; I2 = 72%) and on postoperative day 7 (SMD = -0.52; 95% CI = -0.79, -0.24; p = 0.0003; I2 = 71%). Intraoperative mucosal injury (OR = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.53; p = 0.01; Ι2 = 0%) and postoperative pain (SMD = -0.99; 95% CI = -1.78, -0.11; p = 0.01; I2 = 49%) were also statistically lower during piezoelectric osteotomies.
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that lateral piezoelectric osteotomy in rhinoplasty decreases postoperative pain, edema, ecchymosis, and intraoperative mucosa injuries compared to the conventional osteotomy technique with a chisel. Piezoelectric osteotomies are especially associated with less postoperative edema and ecchymosis in osteotomies not executed under direct vision.
Topics: Ecchymosis; Edema; Humans; Nasal Bone; Osteotomy; Piezosurgery; Postoperative Complications; Rhinoplasty; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32320977
DOI: 10.1159/000506707