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Journal of Clinical Medicine Oct 2023We question whether bradyphrenia, slowing of cognitive processing not explained by depression or a global cognitive assessment, is a nosological entity in idiopathic...
We question whether bradyphrenia, slowing of cognitive processing not explained by depression or a global cognitive assessment, is a nosological entity in idiopathic parkinsonism (IP). The time taken to break contact of an index finger with a touch-sensitive plate was measured, with and without a warning in the alerting signal as to which side the imperative would indicate, in 77 people diagnosed with IP and in 124 people without an IP diagnosis. The ability to utilise a warning, measured by the difference between log-transformed reaction times (unwarned minus warned), was termed 'cognitive efficiency'. It was approximately normally distributed. A questionnaire on self- and partner perception of proband's bradyphrenia was applied. A multivariable model showed that those prescribed levodopa were less cognitively efficient (mean -5.2 (CI -9.5, -1.0)% per 300 mg/day, = 0.02), but those prescribed the anti-muscarinic trihexyphenidyl were more efficient (14.7 (0.2, 31.3)% per 4 mg/day, < 0.05) and those prescribed monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor (MAOBI) tended to be more efficient (8.3 (0.0, 17.4)%, = 0.07). The variance in efficiency was greater within IP (F-test, = 0.01 adjusted for any demographic covariates: coefficient of variation, with and without IP, 0.68 and 0.46, respectively), but not so after adjustment for anti-parkinsonian medication ( = 0.13: coefficient of variation 0.62). The within-participant follow-up time, a median of 4.8 (interquartile range 3.1, 5.5) years (101 participants), did not influence efficiency, irrespective of IP status. Perception of bradyphrenia did not usefully predict efficiency. We conclude that both bradyphrenia and 'tachyphrenia' in IP appear to have iatrogenic components, of clinically important size, related to the dose of antiparkinsonian medication. Levodopa is the most commonly prescribed first-line medication: co-prescribing a MAOBI may circumvent its associated bradyphrenia. The previously reported greater efficiency associated with (low-dose) anti-muscarinic was confirmed.
PubMed: 37892637
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206499 -
Biology Direct Oct 2023The social impact of glaucoma is worth of note: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, affecting some 68.56... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The social impact of glaucoma is worth of note: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, affecting some 68.56 million people with overall prevalence of 2.4%. Since one of the main risk factors for the development of POAG is the increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) causing retinal ganglion cells death, the medical treatment of POAG consists in the use of drugs endowed with neuroprotective effect and able to reduce IOP. These drugs include beta-blockers, prostaglandin analogues, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, alpha or cholinergic agonists and rho kinase inhibitors. However, not all the patients respond to the same extent to the therapy in terms of efficacy and safety. Genetics and genome wide association studies have highlighted the occurrence of mutations and polymorphisms influencing the predisposition to develop POAG and its phenotype, as well as affecting the response to pharmacological treatment. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims at identifying genetic variants and at verifying whether these can influence the responsiveness of patients to therapy for efficacy and safety. It follows the most updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 recommendations. The literature search was conducted consulting the most relevant scientific databases, i.e. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Public Health Genomics and Precision Health Knowledge Base up to June 14th, 2023. The search retrieved 1026 total records, among which eight met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The results demonstrated that the most investigated pharmacogenetic associations concern latanoprost and timolol, and that efficacy was studied more in depth than safety. Moreover, the heterogeneity of design and paucity of studies prompt further investigation in randomized clinical trials. In fact, adequately powered and designed pharmacogenetic association studies are needed to provide body of evidence with good certainty for a more appropriate use of medical therapy in POAG.PROSPERO registration: CRD42023434867.
Topics: Humans; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Antihypertensive Agents; Genome-Wide Association Study; Timolol; Genotype
PubMed: 37833756
DOI: 10.1186/s13062-023-00423-4 -
BMC Pharmacology & Toxicology Oct 2023Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection is an important adjunctive method to treat sialorrhea. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the effect and safety of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection is an important adjunctive method to treat sialorrhea. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the effect and safety of BoNT injections in the intervention of sialorrhea with Parkinson's disease (PD).
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web Of Science (WOS), Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Embase from inception until April 2022. Randomized controlled trials or randomized crossover trials comparing BoNT with placebo in sialorrhea with PD were eligible. PRISMA guidelines were used to carry out the meta-analysis. The Drooling Severity Frequency Scale (DSFS) score and the number of adverse events (AEs) were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and risk differences (RDs) are used to express continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively. Heterogeneity among these studies was evaluated using I tests. We used the GRADE tool to assess the certainty of evidence (COE).
RESULTS
Eight articles involving 259 patients compared BoNT injections with a placebo for PD with sialorrhea. This meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in DSFS scores between BoNT injections and placebo (SMD=-0.98; 95% CI, -1.27 to 0.70, p<0.001; COE: high). This meta-analysis showed a significant difference in AEs between BoNT injections and placebo (RD=0.15; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.24, p=0.002; COE: low).
CONCLUSIONS
The pooled results suggest that BoNT injections have some effect on DSFS scores with sialorrhea caused by PD. There are also mild adverse events, which generally recover within a week or so. The results indicate that BoNT injection is one of the treatments for sialorrhea caused by PD, but we need to pay attention to adverse events. In addition, the follow-up time was extended to observe oral hygiene, ulceration or dental caries, and digestive function.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Our review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (42021288334).
Topics: Humans; Botulinum Toxins, Type A; Sialorrhea; Parkinson Disease; Dental Caries; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37828600
DOI: 10.1186/s40360-023-00694-7 -
Harm Reduction Journal Oct 2023E-cigarettes (electronic nicotine delivery system, ENDS) have been presented as a harm reduction strategy for people who smoke tobacco cigarettes but who cannot achieve...
BACKGROUND
E-cigarettes (electronic nicotine delivery system, ENDS) have been presented as a harm reduction strategy for people who smoke tobacco cigarettes but who cannot achieve abstinence, or for those who wish to continue to enjoy nicotine and the habit of smoking. What are the health effects of the substitution of ENDS for tobacco cigarettes? This systematic review evaluates the evidence of human clinical tests on the respiratory effects of ENDS use in participants who smoke tobacco cigarettes.
METHODS
A registered and published protocol was developed conforming to PRISMA 2020 and AMSTAR2 standards. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the CENTRAL Cochrane Library and updated to May 2022. Three supplementary searches and a grey literature search were performed. Studies were evaluated with the JBI quality tools and the Oxford Catalogue of Bias. Due to the heterogeneity (diversity) of the studies, a narrative data synthesis was performed on the test findings plus three sub-group analyses.
RESULTS
The review consists of sixteen studies and twenty publications. Spirometry tests comprised the majority of the data. In total, 66 respiratory test measurements were reported, out of which 43 (65%) were not significant. Statistically significant findings were mixed, with 9 tests showing improvements and 14 measuring declines, none of which was clinically relevant. Ten studies were rated at a high risk of bias, and six had some concerns primarily due to inadequate research designs and the conduct of the studies. Reporting bias was documented in thirteen studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Most of the studies showed no difference in respiratory parameters. This indicates that ENDS substitution for smoking likely does not result in additional harm to respiratory health. Due to the low quality of the studies, confidence in the conclusions is rated as low. Robust studies with a longer duration and sufficient power are required to validate any potential benefits or possible harms of ENDS substitution. Registration PROSPERO #CRD42021239094, International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/29084.
Topics: Humans; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Smoking Cessation; Nicotine; Tobacco Products
PubMed: 37794458
DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00877-9 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... Oct 2023Urinary incontinence and other urinary symptoms tend to be frequent at menopause because of hormonal modifications and aging. Urinary symptoms are associated with the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Urinary incontinence and other urinary symptoms tend to be frequent at menopause because of hormonal modifications and aging. Urinary symptoms are associated with the genitourinary syndrome of menopause which is characterized by physical changes of the vulva, vagina and lower urinary tract. The treatment strategies for postmenopausal urinary incontinence are various and may include estrogens, anticholinergics, and pelvic floor muscle training. A comparison of these treatments is difficult due to the heterogeneity of adopted protocols. We systematically reviewed the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on treatment of postmenopausal women with urge incontinence.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed and EMBASE databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting results of treatments for postmenopausal urinary urge incontinence. Odds ratios for improvement of urinary incontinence were calculated using random effect Mantel-Haenszel statistics.
RESULTS
Out of 248 records retrieved, 35 eligible RCTs were assessed for risk of bias and included in the meta-analysis. Compared with placebo, systemic estrogens were associated with decreased odds of improving urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.91, 7 series, 17132 participants, Z = 2.89, P = 0.004, I2 = 72%). In most studies, no significant improvement in urinary symptoms was observed in patients treated with local estrogens, although they showed to be helpful in improving vaginal symptoms. Vitamin D, phytoestrogens and estrogen modulators were not effective in improving symptoms of incontinence and other symptoms of genitourinary menopause syndrome or yielded contradictory results. A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that oxybutynin was significantly better than placebo at improving postmenopausal urgency and urge incontinence. The combination of anticholinergics with local estrogens has not been shown to be more effective than anticholinergics alone in improving urinary incontinence symptoms in postmenopausal women. Physical therapy showed an overall positive outcome on postmenopausal urinary incontinence symptoms, although such evidence should be further validated in the frame of quality RCTs.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence for effective treatment of postmenopausal urinary incontinence is still lacking. Welldesigned large studies having subjective and objective improvement primary endpoints in postmenopausal urinary incontinence are needed. At present, a combination of different treatments tailored to the characteristics of the individual patient can be suggested.
Topics: Female; Humans; Urinary Incontinence, Urge; Urinary Incontinence, Stress; Postmenopause; Pelvic Floor; Urinary Incontinence; Estrogens; Cholinergic Antagonists; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37791545
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.11718 -
BMC Urology Oct 2023Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) receive α-blockers as first-line therapy to treat lower urinary tract symptoms; however, some individuals still... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) receive α-blockers as first-line therapy to treat lower urinary tract symptoms; however, some individuals still experience residual storage symptoms. Antimuscarinics, β3-agonists, and desmopressin are effective add-on medications. Nevertheless, there is currently no evidence for the appropriate choice of the first add-on medication. This systematic review aimed to investigate the clinical benefits of antimuscarinics, β3-agonists, and desmopressin, in addition to α-blockers, for persistent storage symptoms in BPH patients.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of different add-on medications in BPH patients with persistent storage symptoms despite α-blocker treatment was conducted. Clinical outcomes included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS storage subscore, nocturia, micturition, and urgency. A network meta-analysis was performed to estimate the effect size. Surface under cumulative ranking curves (SUCRAs) were used to rank the included treatments for each outcome.
RESULTS
A total of 15 RCTs were identified. Add-on imidafenacin and mirabegron resulted in significant improvement in all outcomes assessed. Other add-on medications such as desmopressin, tolterodine, solifenacin, fesoterodine, and propiverine showed positive benefits for most, but not all, outcomes. Based on the SUCRA rankings, add-on desmopressin was the best-ranked treatment for IPSS and nocturia, and add-on imidafenacin was the best for the IPSS storage subscore and micturition.
CONCLUSIONS
BPH patients presenting with persistent storage symptoms despite α-blocker administration are recommended to include additional treatment. Desmopressin and imidafenacin may be considered high-priority add-on treatments because of their superior efficacy compared with other medications.
Topics: Male; Humans; Muscarinic Antagonists; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Nocturia; Network Meta-Analysis; Deamino Arginine Vasopressin; Treatment Outcome; Drug Therapy, Combination; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists
PubMed: 37789333
DOI: 10.1186/s12894-023-01327-1 -
Toxins Sep 2023The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding the clinical use of botulinum toxin (BTX) to treat various orofacial neuropathic pain... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding the clinical use of botulinum toxin (BTX) to treat various orofacial neuropathic pain disorders (NP).
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases. Only randomized clinical trials (RCT) published between 2003 and the end of June 2023, investigating the use of BTX to treat NP, were selected. PICO guidelines were used to select and tabulate the articles.
RESULTS
A total of 6 RCTs were selected. Five articles used BTX injections to treat classical trigeminal neuralgia, and one to treat post-herpetic neuralgia. A total of 795 patients received BTX injections. The selected studies utilised different doses and methods of injections and doses. All the selected studies concluded superiority of BTX injections over placebo for reducing pain levels, and 5 out 6 of them highlighted an improvement in the patient's quality of life. Most of the studies reported transient and mild side effects.
CONCLUSION
There is evidence of the efficacy of BTX injections in orofacial pain management. However, improved study protocols are required to provide direction for the clinical use of BTX to treat various orofacial neuropathic pain disorders.
Topics: Humans; Botulinum Toxins; Facial Pain; Trigeminal Neuralgia; Databases, Factual; Neuralgia
PubMed: 37755967
DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090541 -
Age and Ageing Sep 2023Anticholinergic medications block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Many medications have anticholinergic properties, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Anticholinergic medications block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain and peripheral nervous system. Many medications have anticholinergic properties, and the cumulative effect of these medications is termed anticholinergic burden. Increased anticholinergic burden can have short-term side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and urinary retention as well as long-term effects including dementia, worsening physical function and falls.
METHODS
We carried out a systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis (MA) looking at randomised controlled trials addressing interventions to reduce anticholinergic burden in older adults.
RESULTS
We identified seven papers suitable for inclusion in our SR and MA. Interventions included multi-disciplinary involvement in medication reviews and deprescribing of AC medications. Pooled data revealed no significant difference in outcomes between control and intervention group for falls (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.52-1.11, n = 647), cognition (mean difference = 1.54, 95% CI: -0.04 to 3.13, n = 405), anticholinergic burden (mean difference = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.11 to 0.18, n = 710) or quality of life (mean difference = 0.04, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.12, n = 461).
DISCUSSION
Overall, there was no significant difference with interventions to reduce anticholinergic burden. As we did not see a significant change in anticholinergic burden scores following interventions, it is likely other outcomes would not change. Short follow-up time and lack of training and support surrounding successful deprescribing may have contributed.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Quality of Life; Cholinergic Antagonists; Acetylcholine; Brain; Cognition
PubMed: 37740900
DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad176 -
European Journal of Physical and... Dec 2023Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is related to the compression and/or the traction of the upper-limb neurovascular bundle, responsible for a chronic painful impairment....
INTRODUCTION
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is related to the compression and/or the traction of the upper-limb neurovascular bundle, responsible for a chronic painful impairment. Neurogenic TOS (NTOS) is the most common manifestation. It remains a challenging diagnosis and its treatment is also difficult. Botulinum toxin (BTX) has been described to help both the diagnosis and the symptoms improvement.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic literature research was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Embase databases to collect studies reporting the use of BTX in NTOS management. We followed the PRISMA guidelines, and the included studies were evaluated using the GRADE approach.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
We included 10 original articles representing 555 patients. Various outcomes were considered, and results varied from a study to another. Symptoms relief varied from an absence of BTX effectiveness to 84.1% of improvement; relief duration was also reported from none to 88 days. BTX injections were debatable predictors of surgical procedure successes due to low evidence. There was a huge gap between the studies concerning side-effects of the BTX procedures, from none to 100% of the patients.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence for considering BTX injection as a validated tool for the management of NTOS. There might be a slight effect on symptoms, but outcomes are very variable, which prevents further interpretations. The use of BTX should be evaluated in larger prospective cohorts with more standardized outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Botulinum Toxins; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
PubMed: 37737048
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.23.07815-2 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Oct 2023The use of electronic cigarettes by young people has increased exponentially in the past decade due to various health and social influences. E-cigarettes, particularly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The use of electronic cigarettes by young people has increased exponentially in the past decade due to various health and social influences. E-cigarettes, particularly those containing nicotine, can cause health complications and addiction, which may result in a subsequent initiation of psychoactive substance use. This systematic review and meta- analysis evaluated the prospective association between e-cigarette use and subsequent use of psychoactive substances in young people aged 10-24 years. Pooling of data from the identified longitudinal studies showed that ever e-cigarette users have an increased likelihood for subsequent cannabis, alcohol, and unprescribed Ritalin/Adderall use compared to never e-cigarette users. The findings indicate a need for interventions to reduce e-cigarette use in adolescents and young adults.
Topics: Adolescent; Young Adult; Humans; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Vaping; Nicotine; Cognition; Hallucinogens
PubMed: 37714228
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105392