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JAMA Dermatology Apr 2016To date, the magnitude of association and the quality of evidence for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and risk factors for outcomes have not been reviewed and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
IMPORTANCE
To date, the magnitude of association and the quality of evidence for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and risk factors for outcomes have not been reviewed and analyzed systematically.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically analyze all published data on risk factors for recurrence, metastasis, and disease-specific death (DSD) of cSCC.
DATA SOURCES
Comprehensive search of Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus, from each database's inception to May 14, 2015.
STUDY SELECTION
Inclusion criteria were studies of at least 10 patients, comparative data for at least 1 cSCC risk factor, and an outcome of interest. Exclusion criteria were noncutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), anogenital SCC, inability to extract cSCC data from other malignancy data, SCC in situ, Marjolin ulcer, and genetic disorders predisposing to cSCC.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers independently abstracted the data. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
A priori outcomes were recurrence, metastasis, and DSD.
RESULTS
Thirty-six studies (17 248 patients with 23 421 cSCCs) were included. Significant risk factors for recurrence were the following: Breslow thickness exceeding 2 mm (risk ratio [RR], 9.64; 95% CI, 1.30-71.52), invasion beyond subcutaneous fat (RR, 7.61; 95% CI, 4.17-13.88), Breslow thickness exceeding 6 mm (RR, 7.13; 95% CI, 3.04-16.72), perineural invasion (RR, 4.30; 95% CI, 2.80-6.60), diameter exceeding 20 mm (RR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.91-5.45), location on the temple (RR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.12-9.15), and poor differentiation (RR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.72-4.14). Significant risk factors for metastasis were: invasion beyond subcutaneous fat (RR, 11.21; 95% CI, 3.59-34.97), Breslow thickness exceeding 2 mm (RR, 10.76; 95% CI, 2.55-45.31), Breslow thickness exceeding 6 mm (RR, 6.93; 95% CI, 4.02-11.94), diameter exceeding 20 mm (RR, 6.15; 95% CI, 3.56-10.65), poor differentiation (RR, 4.98; 95% CI, 3.30-7.49), perineural invasion (RR, 2.95; 95% CI, 2.31-3.75), immunosuppression (RR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.07-2.37), and location on the temple (RR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.72-4.63), ear (RR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.67-3.23), or lip (RR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.54-3.37). Significant risk factors for DSD were: diameter exceeding 20 mm (RR, 19.10; 95% CI, 5.80-62.95), poor differentiation (RR, 5.65; 95% CI, 1.76-18.20), location on the ear (RR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.28-17.12) or lip (RR, 4.55; 95% CI, 1.41-14.69), invasion beyond subcutaneous fat (RR, 4.49; 95% CI, 2.05-9.82), and perineural invasion (RR, 4.06; 95% CI, 3.10-5.32). Evidence quality was considered low to moderate.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Tumor depth is associated with the highest RR of local recurrence and metastasis of cSCC, and tumor diameter exceeding 20 mm is associated with the highest RR of DSD. Unified, consistent collection and reporting of risk factors in a prospective, multicentered effort are needed to further understand the increasing incidence of cSCC.
Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 26762219
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.4994 -
PloS One 2015The use of peripheral nerve blocks for anesthesia and postoperative analgesia has increased significantly in recent years. Adjuvants are frequently added to local... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The use of peripheral nerve blocks for anesthesia and postoperative analgesia has increased significantly in recent years. Adjuvants are frequently added to local anesthetics to prolong analgesia following peripheral nerve blockade. Numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have examined the pros and cons of the use of various individual adjuvants.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review adjuvant-related randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses and provide clinical recommendations for the use of adjuvants in peripheral nerve blocks.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses that were published between 1990 and 2014 were included in the initial bibliographic search, which was conducted using Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE. Only studies that were published in English and listed block analgesic duration as an outcome were included. Trials that had already been published in the identified meta-analyses and included adjuvants not in widespread use and published without an Investigational New Drug application or equivalent status were excluded.
RESULTS
Sixty one novel clinical trials and meta-analyses were identified and included in this review. The clinical trials reported analgesic duration data for the following adjuvants: buprenorphine (6), morphine (6), fentanyl (10), epinephrine (3), clonidine (7), dexmedetomidine (7), dexamethasone (7), tramadol (8), and magnesium (4). Studies of perineural buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone, dexmedetomidine, and magnesium most consistently demonstrated prolongation of peripheral nerve blocks.
CONCLUSIONS
Buprenorphine, clonidine, dexamethasone, magnesium, and dexmedetomidine are promising agents for use in prolongation of local anesthetic peripheral nerve blocks, and further studies of safety and efficacy are merited. However, caution is recommended with use of any perineural adjuvant, as none have Food and Drug Administration approval, and concerns for side effects and potential toxicity persist.
Topics: Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Analgesia; Anesthetics, Local; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Humans; Nerve Block; Peripheral Nerves; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 26355598
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137312 -
Asian Journal of Surgery Apr 2017This study aimed to assess the available evidence on the survival of distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) patients following resection with curative intent and analyze the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the available evidence on the survival of distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCC) patients following resection with curative intent and analyze the prognostic factors.
METHODS
Relevant studies published between January 2000 and January 2015 were identified by searching PubMed and Embase and reviewed systematically. Summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using random-effects models.
RESULTS
A total of 39 observational studies involving 3258 patients were included in the review. R0 resection was achieved in 84% (range, 46-100%) of patients. The median 5-year overall survival rate after resection was 37% (range, 13-54%), with corresponding rate of 44% (range, 27-63%) in R0 resection. The meta-analysis for 25 studies showed that R1 resection (RR 2.36, 95% CI 1.89-2.93), lymph node metastasis (RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.89-2.93), perineural invasion (RR 1.96, 95% CI 1.64-2.34), lymphatic invasion (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.47-2.31), vascular invasion (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.40-2.82), pancreatic invasion (RR 2.13, 95% CI 1.39-3.27), and pathological tumor stage ≥ T3 (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.25-1.93) were associated with shorter survival.
CONCLUSION
In general, prognosis of DCC after resection is poor. R0 resection results in a substantially improved survival and represents one of the most important prognostic variables.
Topics: Bile Duct Neoplasms; Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures; Cause of Death; China; Cholangiocarcinoma; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Male; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Neoplasm Staging; Prognosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Survival Analysis
PubMed: 26337377
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2015.07.002 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Aug 2015The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of using an intraoperatively placed perineural catheter (PNC) with a postoperative local... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of using an intraoperatively placed perineural catheter (PNC) with a postoperative local anaesthetic infusion on immediate and long-term outcomes after lower limb amputation.
METHODS
A systematic review of key electronic journal databases was undertaken from inception to January 2015. Studies comparing PNC use with either a control, or no PNC, were included. Meta-analysis was performed for postoperative opioid use, pain scores, mortality, and long-term incidence of stump and phantom limb pain. Sensitivity analysis was performed for opioid use. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.
RESULTS
Seven studies reporting on 416 patients undergoing lower limb amputation with PNC usage (n = 199) or not (n = 217) were included. Approximately 60% were transtibial amputations PNC use reduced postoperative opioid consumption (standardised mean difference: -0.59, 95% CI -1.10 to -0.07, p = .03), maintained on sensitivity analysis for large (p = .03) and high-quality (p = .003) studies, but was marginally lost (p = .06) on studies enrolling patients with peripheral arterial disease only. PNC treatment did not affect postoperative pain scores (p = .48), in-hospital mortality (p = .77), phantom limb pain (p = .28) or stump pain (p = .37). GRADE quality of evidence for all outcomes was very low.
CONCLUSION
There is poor-quality evidence that PNC usage significantly reduces opioid consumption following lower limb amputation, without affecting other short- or long-term outcomes. Well-performed randomised studies are required.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Analgesics, Opioid; Anesthetics, Local; Catheterization; Catheters, Indwelling; Chi-Square Distribution; Humans; Infusions, Parenteral; Lower Extremity; Odds Ratio; Pain Measurement; Pain, Postoperative; Phantom Limb; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26067167
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2015.04.030 -
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology 2015Adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most frequent malignant tumor of the submandibular gland and the minor salivary glands. It is a malignant neoplasm that, despite its slow... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most frequent malignant tumor of the submandibular gland and the minor salivary glands. It is a malignant neoplasm that, despite its slow growth, shows an unfavorable prognosis.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on Adenoid cystic carcinoma in the head and neck region and its clinicopathological characteristics, with emphasis on the perineural invasion capacity of the tumor.
METHODS
A systematic search of articles published between January 2000 and January 2014 was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, Science Direct, and Scopus databases.
RESULTS
Nine articles were selected for this systematic review. These demonstrated that the female gender was more often affected and that malignant tumors showed a high rate of distant metastasis, recurrence, and a low survival rate. The presence of perineural invasion ranged from 29.4% to 62.5% and was associated with local tumor recurrence.
CONCLUSION
Adenoid cystic carcinoma is commonly characterized by the presence of pain, high rate of recurrence, metastasis, and a low survival rate. Reporting studies with patient follow-up is of utmost importance for a better clinical-pathological understanding and to improve the prognosis of this pathology.
Topics: Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Salivary Gland Neoplasms; Salivary Glands, Minor; Sex Factors; Survival Rate
PubMed: 25962319
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2014.07.016 -
Anaesthesia Jan 2015We systematically reviewed the safety and efficacy of perineural dexamethasone as an adjunct for peripheral nerve blockade in 29 controlled trials of 1695 participants.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
We systematically reviewed the safety and efficacy of perineural dexamethasone as an adjunct for peripheral nerve blockade in 29 controlled trials of 1695 participants. We grouped trials by the duration of local anaesthetic action (short- or medium- vs long-term). Dexamethasone increased the mean (95% CI) duration of analgesia by 233 (172-295) min when injected with short- or medium-term action local anaesthetics and by 488 (419-557) min when injected with long-term action local anaesthetics, p < 0.00001 for both. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the extreme heterogeneity of results, with I2 exceeding 90% for both analyses. Meta-regression did not show an interaction between dose of perineural dexamethasone (4-10 mg) and duration of analgesia (r2 = 0.02, p = 0.54). There were no differences between 4 and 8 mg dexamethasone on subgroup analysis.
Topics: Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Analgesia; Anesthetics, Local; Dexamethasone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Nerve Block; Time Factors
PubMed: 25123271
DOI: 10.1111/anae.12823 -
PloS One 2014The prognostic role of perineural invasion in gastric cancer is controversial. Here, we present a systemic review and meta-analysis of the association between perineural... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The prognostic role of perineural invasion in gastric cancer is controversial. Here, we present a systemic review and meta-analysis of the association between perineural invasion and survival in resectable gastric cancer patients.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search for relevant reports published up to April 2013 was performed using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Wanfang Data. Studies that investigated the role of perineural invasion with a sample size greater than 100 were included and analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 30,590 gastric cancer patients who had undergone curative gastrectomy from twenty-four studies were included. The median rate of perineural invasion positive was 40.9% (6.8%-75.6%). Fourteen studies investigated overall survival unadjusted for other variables in 23,233 gastric cancer patients. The relative hazard estimates ranged from 0.568-7.901 with a combined random effects estimate of 2.261 (95% CI = 1.841-2.777, P = 0.000). The effect of perineural invasion on overall survival adjusted for other prognostic factors was reported in 17 studies incorporating 8,551 cases. The hazard estimates ranged from 0.420-8.110 with a pooled random effects estimates of 1.484 (95% CI = 1.237-1.781, P = 0.000). There was heterogeneity between the studies (Q = 49.22, I-squared = 67.5%, P = 0.000). Disease-free survival was investigated adjusted in four studies incorporating 9,083 cases and the pooled fixed hazard ratio estimate was 1.371(95% CI = 1.230-1.527, P = 0.000).
CONCLUSION
Perineural invasion is an independent prognostic factor affecting overall survival and disease-free survival of gastric cancer patients who had undergone the curative resection. This effect is independent of lymph node status, tumor size and the depth of invasion as well as a range of other biological variables on multivariate analysis. Large prospective studies are now needed to establish perineural invasion as an independent prognostic marker for gastric cancer.
Topics: Gastrectomy; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Models, Statistical; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Peripheral Nerves; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Retrospective Studies; Stomach Neoplasms
PubMed: 24586437
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088907 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Mar 2014Brachial plexus nerve blocks (BPBs) have analgesic and opioid sparing benefits for upper extremity surgery. Single-injection techniques are limited by the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Brachial plexus nerve blocks (BPBs) have analgesic and opioid sparing benefits for upper extremity surgery. Single-injection techniques are limited by the pharmacological duration and therapeutic index of local anaesthetics (LAs). Continuous catheter techniques, while effective can present management challenges. Off-label use of perineural dexamethasone as an LA adjuvant has been utilized to prolong single-injection techniques. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to assess the contemporary literature and quantify the effects of dexamethasone on BPB.
METHODS
The authors searched for randomized, placebo-controlled trials that compared BPB performed with LA alone with that performed with LA and perineural dexamethasone. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model with subgroup analysis stratified by LA (long vs intermediate). The primary outcome was duration of sensory block or analgesia; the secondary outcomes were motor block duration, opioid consumption, and BPB complications.
RESULTS
Nine trials (801 patients) were included with 393 patients receiving dexamethasone (4-10 mg). Dexamethasone prolonged the analgesic duration for long-acting LA from 730 to 1306 min [mean difference 576 min, 95% confidence interval (CI) 522-631] and for intermediate from 168 to 343 min (mean 175, 95% CI 73-277). Motor block was prolonged from 664 to 1102 min (mean 438, 95% CI 89-787). The most recent trial demonstrated equivalent prolongation with perineural or systemic administration of dexamethasone compared with placebo.
CONCLUSIONS
Perineural administration of dexamethasone with LA prolongs BPB effects with no observed adverse events. The effects of systemic administration of dexamethasone on BPB must be investigated.
Topics: Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Analgesia; Brachial Plexus; Dexamethasone; Humans; Nerve Block; Publication Bias; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 24413428
DOI: 10.1093/bja/aet417 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Jun 2013Nerve blocks improve postoperative analgesia, but their benefits may be short-lived. This quantitative review examines whether perineural dexmedetomidine as a local... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
UNLABELLED
Nerve blocks improve postoperative analgesia, but their benefits may be short-lived. This quantitative review examines whether perineural dexmedetomidine as a local anaesthetic (LA) adjuvant for neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks can prolong the duration of analgesia compared with LA alone. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of dexmedetomidine as an LA adjuvant to LA alone on neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks were reviewed. Sensory block duration, motor block duration, block onset times, analgesic consumption, time to first analgesic request, and side-effects were analysed.
RESULTS
were combined using random-effects modelling. A total of 516 patients were analysed from nine RCTs. Five trials investigated dexmedetomidine as part of spinal anaesthesia and four as part of a brachial plexus (BP) block. Sensory block duration was prolonged by 150 min [95% confidence interval (CI): 96, 205, P<0.00001] with intrathecal dexmedetomidine. Perineural dexmedetomidine used in BP block may prolong the mean duration of sensory block by 284 min (95% CI: 1, 566, P=0.05), but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Motor block duration and time to first analgesic request were prolonged for both intrathecal and BP block. Dexmedetomidine produced reversible bradycardia in 7% of BP block patients, but no effect on the incidence of hypotension. No patients experienced respiratory depression. Dexmedetomidine is a potential LA adjuvant that can exhibit a facilitatory effect when administered intrathecally as part of spinal anaesthesia or peripherally as part of a BP block. However, there are presently insufficient safety data to support perineural dexmedetomidine use in the clinical setting.
Topics: Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; Anesthetics, Local; Brachial Plexus; Dexmedetomidine; Humans; Nerve Block
PubMed: 23587874
DOI: 10.1093/bja/aet066 -
International Journal of Surgical... 2012Background. Over the past ten years oncological outcomes achieved by local excision techniques (LETs) as the sole treatment for early stages of rectal cancer (ESRC) have...
Analysis of risk factors for lymph nodal involvement in early stages of rectal cancer: when can local excision be considered an appropriate treatment? Systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.
Background. Over the past ten years oncological outcomes achieved by local excision techniques (LETs) as the sole treatment for early stages of rectal cancer (ESRC) have been often disappointing. The reasons for these poor results lie mostly in the high risk of the disease's diffusion to local-regional lymph nodes even in ESRC. Aims. This study aims to find the correct indications for LET in ESRC taking into consideration clinical-pathological features of tumours that may reduce the risk of lymph node metastasis to zero. Methods. Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of casistics of ESRC treated with total mesorectal excision with the aim of identifying risk factors for nodal involvement. Results. The risk of lymph node metastasis is higher in G ≥ 2 and T ≥ 2 tumours with lymphatic and/or vascular invasion. Other features which have not yet been sufficiently investigated include female gender, TSM stage >1, presence of tumour budding and/or perineural invasion. Conclusions. Results comparable to radical surgery can be achieved by LET only in patients with T(1) N(0) G(1) tumours with low-risk histological features, whereas deeper or more aggressive tumours should be addressed by radical surgery (RS).
PubMed: 22778940
DOI: 10.1155/2012/438450