-
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Apr 2013Dupuytren's disease of the hand is a common condition affecting the palmar fascia, resulting in progressive flexion deformities of the digits and hence limitation of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dupuytren's disease of the hand is a common condition affecting the palmar fascia, resulting in progressive flexion deformities of the digits and hence limitation of hand function. The optimal treatment remains unclear as outcomes studies have used a variety of measures for assessment.
METHODS
A literature search was performed for all publications describing surgical treatment, percutaneous needle aponeurotomy or collagenase injection for primary or recurrent Dupuytren's disease where outcomes had been monitored using functional measures.
RESULTS
Ninety-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two studies reported outcomes using patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) ranging from validated questionnaires to self-reported measures for return to work and self-rated disability. The Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was the most utilised patient-reported function measure (n=11). Patient satisfaction was reported by eighteen studies but no single method was used consistently. Range of movement was the most frequent physical measure and was reported in all 91 studies. However, the methods of measurement and reporting varied, with seventeen different techniques being used. Other physical measures included grip and pinch strength and sensibility, again with variations in measurement protocols. The mean follow-up time ranged from 2 weeks to 17 years.
CONCLUSIONS
There is little consistency in the reporting of outcomes for interventions in patients with Dupuytren's disease, making it impossible to compare the efficacy of different treatment modalities. Although there are limitations to the existing generic patient reported outcomes measures, a combination of these together with a disease-specific questionnaire, and physical measures of active and passive individual joint Range of movement (ROM), grip and sensibility using standardised protocols should be used for future outcomes studies. As Dupuytren's disease tends to recur following treatment as well as extend to involve other areas of the hand, follow-up times should be standardised and designed to capture both short and long term outcomes.
Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Dupuytren Contracture; Forecasting; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23575442
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-131 -
Toxins Jan 2013The treatment of children with cerebral palsy with Botulinum Toxin is considered safe and effective, but is only approved for children older than two years of age. The... (Review)
Review
The treatment of children with cerebral palsy with Botulinum Toxin is considered safe and effective, but is only approved for children older than two years of age. The effect of BoNT-A injection on juvenile skeletal muscle especially on neuromuscular junction density, distribution and morphology is poorly delineated and concerns of irreversible damage to the motor endplates especially in young children exist. In contrast, earlier treatment could be appropriate to improve the attainment of motor milestones and general motor development. This review systematically analyzes the evidence regarding this hypothesis. A database search, including PubMed and Medline databases, was performed and all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of Botulinum Toxin in children younger than two years were identified. Two authors independently extracted the data and the methods of all identified trials were assessed. Three RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The results of the analysis revealed an improvement in spasticity of the upper and lower extremities as well as in the range of motion in the joints of the lower limbs. However, evidence of an improvement of general motor development could not be found, as the assessment of this area was not completely specified for this patient group. Based on available evidence it can not be concluded that Botulinum Toxin treatment in children younger than two years improves the achievement of motor milestones. However, there is evidence for the reduction of spasticity, avoiding contractures and delaying surgery. Due to some limitations, the results of this review should be cautiously interpreted. More studies, long-term follow up independent high-quality RCTs with effectiveness analyses are needed.
Topics: Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Cerebral Palsy; Lower Extremity; Muscle Spasticity; Neuromuscular Agents; Off-Label Use; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 23296386
DOI: 10.3390/toxins5010060 -
Biologics : Targets & Therapy 2009Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI, Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder, characterized primarily by skeletal dysplasia and...
INTRODUCTION
Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI, Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder, characterized primarily by skeletal dysplasia and joint contracture. It is caused by a deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (arylsulfatase B), for which a recombinant formulation (galsulfase) is available as replacement therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of galsulfase compared to placebo or no interventions, for treating MPS VI. We also considered studies evaluating different doses of galsulfase.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted. A computerized electronic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SciELO, and LILACS was carried on to identify any randomized trials that met our inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Two studies were included in the review. Because the number of studies was small, our analysis probably did not find any statistically significant difference. Long-term follow-up will be required to ascertain full clinical benefit, on both event-free survival and quality of life measures.
CONCLUSIONS
There is some evidence to support the use of galsulfase in the treatment of MPS VI; however due to the very low quantity of included studies we could not analyze it in an appropriate way. This review highlights the need for continued research into the use of enzyme replacement therapy for MPS VI.
PubMed: 19851471
DOI: 10.2147/btt.2009.3580 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Jul 2008Splinting after contracture release for Dupuytren's disease of the hand is widely advocated. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the quantity and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Splinting after contracture release for Dupuytren's disease of the hand is widely advocated. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the quantity and quality of evidence regarding the effectiveness of splinting in the post-surgical management of Dupuytren's contractures.
METHODS
Studies were identified by searching the electronic databases Medline, AMED, CINAHL and EMBASE. Studies were included if they met the following inclusion criteria: prospective or retrospective, experimental, quasi-experimental or observational studies investigating the effectiveness of static or dynamic splints worn day and/or night-time for at least 6 weeks after surgery and reporting either individual joint or composite finger range of motion and/or hand function. The methodological quality of the selected articles was independently assessed by the two authors using the guidelines for evaluating the quality of intervention studies developed by McDermid.
RESULTS
Four studies, with sample sizes ranging from 23 to 268, met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Designs included retrospective case review, prospective observational and one controlled trial without randomisation. Interventions included dynamic and static splinting with a mean follow-up ranging from 9 weeks to 2 years. Pooling of results was not possible due to the heterogeneity of interventions (splint type, duration and wearing regimen) and the way outcomes were reported.
CONCLUSION
There is empirical evidence to support the use of low load prolonged stretch through splinting after hand surgery and trauma, however only a few studies have investigated this specifically in Dupuytren's contracture. The low level evidence regarding the effect of post-operative static and dynamic splints on final extension deficit in severe PIP joint contracture (>40 degrees ) is equivocal, as is the effect of patient adherence on outcome. Whilst total active extension deficit improved in some patients wearing a splint there were also deficits in composite finger flexion and hand function. The lack of data on the magnitude of this effect makes it difficult to interpret whether this is of clinical significance. There is a need for well designed controlled trials with proper randomisation to evaluate the short-term and long-term effectiveness of splinting following Dupuytren's surgery.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Dupuytren Contracture; Female; Hand Deformities, Acquired; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Care; Splints; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 18644117
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-9-104 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2007"Foot drop" or "Floppy foot drop" is the term commonly used to describe weakness or contracture of the muscles around the ankle joint. It may arise from many... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
"Foot drop" or "Floppy foot drop" is the term commonly used to describe weakness or contracture of the muscles around the ankle joint. It may arise from many neuromuscular diseases.
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a systematic review of randomised trials of treatment for footdrop resulting from neuromuscular disease.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Trials Register (July 2005), MEDLINE (January 1966 to July 2005), EMBASE (January 1980 to July 2005), AMED (January 1985 to July 2005) and CINAHL databases (January 1982 to July 2005).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of physical, orthotic and surgical treatments for footdrop resulting from lower motor neuron or muscle disease and related contractures were included. People with primary joint disease were excluded. Interventions included a 'wait and see' approach, physiotherapy, orthotics, surgery and pharmacological therapy. The primary outcome measure was ability to walk whilst secondary outcome measures included dorsiflexor torque and strength, measures of 'activity' and 'participation' and adverse effects.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Methodological quality was evaluated by two authors using the van Tulder criteria. Three studies with altogether 139 participants were included in the review. Heterogeneity of the studies precluded pooling the data.
MAIN RESULTS
Early surgery did not significantly affect walking speed in a trial including 20 children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. After one year, the mean difference (MD) of the 28 feet walking time was 0.00 seconds (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.83 to 0.83) and the MD of the 150 feet walking time was -2.88 seconds, (95% CI -8.18 to 2.42). In a trial with altogether 26 participants with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy), long-term strength training significantly increased walking speed on a 6 metre timed walk (MD -0.70 seconds, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.23) but not on a 50 metre timed walk (MD -1.9 seconds, 95% CI -4.09 to 0.29). In a trial of a 24-week strength training programme in 28 participants with myotonic dystrophy, there was no significant change in walking speed on either a 6 or 50 metre walk.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Using the primary outcome of ability to walk, only one study demonstrated a positive effect and that was an exercise programme for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Surgery was not significantly effective in children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. More evidence generated by methodologically sound trials is required.
Topics: Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease; Child; Exercise Therapy; Gait Disorders, Neurologic; Humans; Male; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne; Treatment Outcome; Walking
PubMed: 17443532
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003908.pub2