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Journal of Ophthalmic & Vision Research 2021Uveitis is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. This study aimed to summarize the pattern of uveitis in Iran through a systematic review.
PURPOSE
Uveitis is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide. This study aimed to summarize the pattern of uveitis in Iran through a systematic review.
METHODS
This review was conducted according to the guidelines for systematic reviews in the following four steps: literature search, study selection and assessment, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and statistical analysis.
RESULTS
One hundred and fifteen articles were identified by an encyclopedic literature search, and three independent investigators examined them according to the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eventually, 109 manuscripts were retrieved and six cross-sectional studies covering 3,567 patients were included and reviewed. According to the results, the mean age of patients was 40 years, and sex was not a statistically significant predisposing factor. The most common anatomical pattern of involvement was anterior uveitis, and the prevalence of the other three types of uveitis, including middle, posterior, and pan-uveitis, were almost equal. Overall, the most common etiologies of uveitis in the Iranian population were idiopathic uveitis, toxoplasmosis, Behcet's syndrome, and Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis.
CONCLUSION
This study depicted the pattern of uveitis in the Iranian society; this can help physicians in the diagnostic approach, management, and treatment of patients.
PubMed: 33520132
DOI: 10.18502/jovr.v16i1.8255 -
Nutrients Dec 2020Patients with Behçet's disease often use complementary and alternative medicine for treating their symptoms, and herbal medicine is one of the options. This systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Patients with Behçet's disease often use complementary and alternative medicine for treating their symptoms, and herbal medicine is one of the options. This systematic review provides updated clinical evidence of the effectiveness of herbal medicine for the treatment of Behçet's disease (BD). We searched eleven electronic databases from inception to March 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs of BD treatment with herbal medicine decoctions were included. We used the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions to assess the risk of bias and the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) approach to assess the certainty of evidence (CoE). Albatross plot was also used to present the direction of effect observed. Eight studies were included. The risk of bias was unclear or low. The methodological quality was low or very low. Seven RCTs showed significant effects of herbal medicine on the total response rate (Risk ratio, RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.45, seven studies, very low CoE). Four RCTs showed favorable effects of herbal medicine on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level compared with drug therapy. Herbal medicine favorably affected the ESR (MD -5.56, 95% CI -9.99 to -1.12, = 0.01, I = 96%, five studies, very low CoE). However, herbal medicine did not have a superior effect on CRP. Two RCTs reported that herbal medicine significantly decreased the recurrence rate after three months of follow-up (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.63, two studies, low CoE). Our findings suggest that herbal medicine is effective in treating BD. However, the included studies had a poor methodological quality and some limitations. Well-designed clinical trials with large sample sizes are needed.
Topics: Behcet Syndrome; Blood Sedimentation; C-Reactive Protein; Complementary Therapies; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33375705
DOI: 10.3390/nu13010046 -
Arthritis Care & Research Apr 2022An unmet need exists for reliable, validated, and widely-accepted outcome measures for randomized clinical trials in Behçet's syndrome. The Outcome Measures in...
OBJECTIVE
An unmet need exists for reliable, validated, and widely-accepted outcome measures for randomized clinical trials in Behçet's syndrome. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Behçet's Syndrome Working Group, a large, multidisciplinary group of experts in Behçet's syndrome and patients with Behçet's syndrome, had an objective of developing a core set of data-driven outcome measures for use in all clinical trials of Behçet's syndrome.
METHODS
The core domain set was developed through a comprehensive, iterative, multistage project that included a systematic review, a focus group meeting and qualitative patient interviews, a survey among experts in Behçet's syndrome, a Delphi exercise involving both patients and physician experts in Behçet's syndrome, and use of the data, insight, and feedback generated by these processes to develop a final core domain set.
RESULTS
All steps were completed and domains were delineated across the organ systems involved in this disease. Since trials in Behçet's syndrome often focus on specific manifestations and not on the disease in its entirety, the final proposed core set includes 5 domains mandatory for study in all trials in Behçet's syndrome (disease activity, new organ involvement, quality of life, adverse events, and death) with additional subdomains mandatory for study of specific organ-systems. The final core set was endorsed at the 2018 OMERACT meeting.
CONCLUSION
The core set of domains in Behçet's syndrome provides the foundation through which the international research community, including clinical investigators, patients, the biopharmaceutical industry, and government regulatory bodies can harmonize the study of this complex disease, compare findings across studies, and advance development of effective therapies.
Topics: Behcet Syndrome; Focus Groups; Humans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Quality of Life; Rheumatology
PubMed: 33202101
DOI: 10.1002/acr.24511 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2020To systematically review the characteristics of patients with endogenous tuberculous (TB) endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis in an effort to help clinicians with...
PURPOSE
To systematically review the characteristics of patients with endogenous tuberculous (TB) endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis in an effort to help clinicians with diagnosis and treatment.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science from inception to August 2020. References and abstracts were screened independently by two authors. Included studies were case reports and case series reporting endogenous TB endophthalmitis and panophthalmitis secondary to complex (MTBC). Available-case analysis was employed to handle missing data.
RESULTS
A total of 1343 articles were found using the search strategy. Following abstract screening, 51 articles were selected for full text-review, from which 26 were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study. Forty-four cases from 26 articles were included in the quantitative analysis. The median age of presentation was 29.5 (range: 1 to 81), and 11/44 patients (25.0%) were pediatric. Immunosuppression was seen in 9/36 cases (25.0%). Most patients (24/38, 63.2%) had no prior history of tuberculosis. Systemic symptoms were absent in half of the patients (16/32, 50.0%). Visual acuity was poor, with 23/27 cases (85.2%) being 20/200 or worse at presentation. Poor organ and visual outcomes were reported: 36/43 cases (83.7%) resulted in enucleation/evisceration or exenteration. Intraocular tumors were suspected in 5/34 cases (14.7%). Pulmonary tuberculosis was seen in 15/35 cases (42.8%), and miliary tuberculosis was seen in 7/35 cases (20.0%). The earliest source of TB diagnosis was through histopathologic specimen after eye removal in 32/44 cases (72.7%), vitreous specimen in 6/44 cases (13.6%) and aqueous specimen in 3/44 cases (6.8%).
CONCLUSION
TB endophthalmitis is a rare and sight-threatening manifestation of ocular tuberculosis. It can occur in apparently healthy individuals and can mimic intraocular tumors and other infectious etiologies. Diagnosis remains a significant challenge, which, often delayed, leads to profound visual loss. Early detection and treatment of intraocular tuberculosis may be associated with better ocular and systemic outcomes.
PubMed: 33116360
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S265521 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Oct 2020Objective Brain parenchymal involvement in Behçet's disease (BD) (neuro-Behçet's disease, NB) can be classified into acute type (ANB) and chronic progressive type...
Objective Brain parenchymal involvement in Behçet's disease (BD) (neuro-Behçet's disease, NB) can be classified into acute type (ANB) and chronic progressive type (CPNB) based on differences in the clinical course and responses to corticosteroid treatment. The present study developed evidence-based recommendations for the management of NB.Methods The task force of the research subcommittee consisted of seven board-certified rheumatologists (one was also a board-certified neurologist) and three board-certified neurologists. First, several clinical questions (CQs) were established. A systematic literature search was performed by The Japan Medical Library Association in order to develop recommendations. The final recommendations for each CQ developed from three blind Delphi rounds, for which the rate of agreement scores [range 1 (strongly disagree)-5(strongly agree)] was determined through voting by the task force.Results A flow chart of the algorithm was established for the management of ANB and CPNB. Thirteen recommendations were developed for NB (general 1, ANB 7, CPNB 5). The strength of each recommendation was established based on the evidence level as well as the rate of agreement.Conclusion The recommendations generated in this study are based on the results of uncontrolled evidence from open trials, retrospective cohort studies and expert opinions, due to the lack of randomized clinical trials. Nevertheless, these recommendations can be used for international studies, although verification by further properly designed controlled clinical trials is required.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Behcet Syndrome; Drug Dosage Calculations; Humans; Japan; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32611961
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.4705-20 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2020In this both narrative and systematic review, we explore the role of TNF-α in the immunopathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD) and the effect of treatment with TNF-α...
In this both narrative and systematic review, we explore the role of TNF-α in the immunopathogenesis of Behçet's disease (BD) and the effect of treatment with TNF-α blockers. BD is an auto-inflammatory disease, characterized by recurrent painful oral ulcerations. The pathogenesis of BD is not yet elucidated; it is assumed that TNF-α may play a key role. In the narrative review, we report an increased production of TNF-α, which may be stimulated via TLR-signaling, or triggered by increased levels of IL-1β and IFN-γ. The abundance of TNF-α is found in both serum and in sites of inflammation. This increased presence of TNF-α stimulates T-cell development toward pro-inflammatory subsets, such as Th17 and Th22 cells. Treatment directed against the surplus of TNF-α is investigated in the systematic review, performed according to the PRISMA guideline. We searched the Pubmed and Cochrane database, including comparative studies only. After including 11 studies, we report a beneficial effect of treatment with TNF-α blockers on the various manifestations of BD. In conclusion, the pivotal role of TNF-α in the immunopathogenesis of BD is reflected in both the evidence of their pro-inflammatory effects in BD and in the evidence of the positive effect of treatment on the course of disease in BD.
Topics: Animals; Behcet Syndrome; Disease Management; Disease Susceptibility; Humans; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 32349254
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093072 -
PloS One 2020Behçet's disease (BD) is a multifactorial systemic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology characterised by several clinical manifestations including vascular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Behçet's disease (BD) is a multifactorial systemic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology characterised by several clinical manifestations including vascular involvements (i.e., both arterial and venous thrombosis). Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs)-including anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) antibodies and lupus anticoagulant (LA) are detected in systemic autoimmune diseases which contribute to thrombosis. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of aPLs in patients with BD as compared to controls. A protocol was registered in PROSPERO (Registration No. CRD42018088125) and a systematic literature search was conducted through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects model. Quality assessment was carried out by using the modified 9-star Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Publication bias was evaluated via visualisation of contour- enhanced and trim and fill funnel plots along with Begg's and Egger's tests. We included ten case-control studies (a total of 999 participants from 380 BD patients and 619 controls) based on the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of aCL (OR: 12.10, 95% CI: 5.15-28.41, p<0.00001) and anti-β2-GPI antibodies (OR: 23.57, 95% CI: 1.31-423.63, p = 0.03) were statistically significant, however, the prevalence of LA was not significant (OR: 13.77, 95% CI: 0.65-293.59, p = 0.09). The results remained statistically significant from different sensitivity analyses which represented the robustness of this meta-analysis. According to the NOS, 50.0% of the studies were considered as of high methodological quality (low risk of bias). No significant publication bias was detected from contour-enhanced and trim and fill funnel plots or Begg's and Egger's tests. This meta-analysis established that there is a significantly high prevalence of aPLs (i.e., aCL and anti-β2-GPI antibodies) in patients with BD when compared to controls.
Topics: Antibodies, Anticardiolipin; Antibodies, Antiphospholipid; Behcet Syndrome; Humans; Prevalence; beta 2-Glycoprotein I
PubMed: 31929597
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227836 -
Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and... Jan 2020This study aims to determine if the intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX implant, Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California) is effective for treating intermediate,...
BACKGROUND
This study aims to determine if the intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX implant, Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, California) is effective for treating intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis as a monotherapy or adjunctive treatment to systemic immunomodulatory therapies.
METHODS
A systematic review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed database searches was conducted with the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence criteria to select publications. Available background information and patient data from each study was tabulated. Outcomes studied were central retinal thickness (CRT), best corrected visual acuity, intraocular inflammation (anterior chamber cells, vitreous haze), number of patients with prior and concomitant immunomodulatory treatments, intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation (≥ 25 mmHg), and other adverse effects associated with the implant.
RESULTS
One hundred ninety-five (61.51%) patients had previous immunomodulatory treatment while 232 (64.8%) were treated with concomitant immunomodulatory therapy with the DEX implant. CRT decreased by an average of 198.65 μm (42.74%). Visual acuity improved to an average of 0.451 (logMAR) or 20/57 (Snellen) which is a 43.11% improvement from baseline. One hundred seventy-three (59%) of eyes were quiescent at the end of the trials, of which 40 (13.7%) previously inflamed eyes became quiescent. Elevated IOP occurred in 91 (20.6%). The most common adverse events were cataract/posterior subcapsular opacities in 47 (11.03%) patients and conjunctival hemorrhage in 24 (5.44%) patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The DEX implant is an effective medication for the treatment of posterior segment uveitis, uveitic macular edema, and results in improved visual acuity. Development of elevated IOP and cataract should be closely monitored as they are tangible risks associated with the DEX implant. This study was not able to determine whether the DEX implant was more effective as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy to systemic immunomodulatory treatment.
PubMed: 31925591
DOI: 10.1186/s12348-019-0189-4 -
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2019Systemic therapy aimed at suppressing the diffuse inflammation in the vessel wall is the major treatment modality for venous thrombosis in Behçet's syndrome (BS)....
OBJECTIVES
Systemic therapy aimed at suppressing the diffuse inflammation in the vessel wall is the major treatment modality for venous thrombosis in Behçet's syndrome (BS). Endovascular and/or surgical interventions are also used. We here report five patients who were referred to our clinic after having such interventions and also present a literature review to assess the outcome of invasive procedures for venous thrombosis in BS.
METHODS
Our patients were presented and a literature search for endovascular and/or surgical interventions in Pub-Med was performed. Recanalisation, reocclusion or other complications were assessed as outcomes.
RESULTS
Five BS patients with lower extremity thrombosis were referred to our clinic with post thrombotic syndrome due to incomplete recanalisation or infectious complication after endovascular interventions. Twenty-one articles reporting on 36 patients were found suitable for review. There were totally 21 lower extremity venous intervention cases, 14 of which had failure such as complication, reocclusion or incomplete recanalisation. Reocclusions occurred in 10 patients and reinterventions to 8 of them could restore flow only in 4 cases. Ileal infarct and vena cava wall-duodenal perforation were major complications. Invasive procedures of 8 abdominal thrombosis cases resulted with death due to ileus in one patient, and reocclusion in another. Seven of the 12 upper extremity/superior vena cava thrombosis cases resulted with reocclusions.
CONCLUSIONS
Endovascular and surgical interventions seemed to be unsuccessful because of recurrent infectious and vascular complications in 22 (53.6%) of 41 patients with venous thrombosis. The indication of these procedures is controversial. Their economic burden on the healthcare system must be considered.
Topics: Behcet Syndrome; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Thrombolytic Therapy; Thrombosis; Treatment Outcome; Venous Thrombosis
PubMed: 31856938
DOI: No ID Found -
Medicine Nov 2019Several studies have reported the association of Behcet disease (BD) with the risk of diverse kinds of cancers. However, its association is controversial. Therefore, we... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Several studies have reported the association of Behcet disease (BD) with the risk of diverse kinds of cancers. However, its association is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a bioinformatics-analysis to explore any possible association.
METHODS
We obtained relevant findings published before October 2018 through literature survey of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. STATA 12.0 software was used for statistical analysis.
RESULTS
After screening, the meta-analysis comprised 5 studies. We observed a significant positive association between BD and enhanced malignancy risk (pooled relative risk [RR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.30), especially for hematological cancer (pooled RR, 2.58; 95% CI: 1.61-3.55) and thyroid cancer (pooled RR, 1.25; 95% CI: 1.04-1.47). However, high heterogeneity was also observed in the results (I = 81.3%). Subgroup analysis indicated that female BD patients from Korean population are at highest predisposition to overall malignancy. Besides, publication bias was not observed with our choice of surveys.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that patients suffering from BD have an overall increased risk for malignancy. Greater numbers of exhaustive temporal studies are essential for definitive inferences.
Topics: Behcet Syndrome; Computational Biology; Female; Hematologic Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Risk; Risk Factors; Thyroid Neoplasms
PubMed: 31689818
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017735