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International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2022There is evidence for the positive effects of neurodynamic techniques in some peripheral entrapment neuropathies, but the rationale for these effects has not been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
There is evidence for the positive effects of neurodynamic techniques in some peripheral entrapment neuropathies, but the rationale for these effects has not been validated. We aimed to estimate the direct effect of neurodynamic techniques on the dispersion of artificially induced intraneural edema measured by dye spread in cadavers.
METHODS
We systematically searched the MEDLINE, WOS, Scopus, and the Cochrane databases from inception to February 2020 for experimental studies addressing the efficacy of neurodynamic techniques on the dispersion of artificially induced intraneural edema. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to compute pooled estimates of the mean differences (MDs) and its respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted according to the type of neurodynamic technique. In addition, a 95% prediction interval was calculated to reflect the variation in true treatment effects in different settings, including the effect to be expected in future patients.
RESULTS
Pooled results showed a significant increase in fluid dispersion (MD = 2.57 mm; 95%CI: 1.13 to 4.01). Subgroup analysis showed increased dye spread in the tensioning techniques group (MD = 2.22 mm; 95%CI: 0.86 to 3.57).
CONCLUSION
Neurodynamic techniques improved the intraneural edema dispersion and should be considered for the management of peripheral compression neuropathies. Furthermore, tensioning techniques appear to be effective in helping to disperse intraneural edema.
Topics: Humans; Edema; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36361353
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114472 -
Medicine Sep 2022To elucidate the relationship between peripheral edema and programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors, the meta-analysis was... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
To elucidate the relationship between peripheral edema and programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors, the meta-analysis was performed.
METHOD
Following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses, all-grade and grade 3-5 of peripheral edema data extracted from clinical trials were taken into account for the final comprehensive assessments.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven PD-1/PD-L1-related clinical trials with peripheral edema data were collected. Compared with chemotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 vs chemotherapy), the risk of developing peripheral edema for all-grade was much lower (odds ratio [OR] = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.23, 0.56], Z = 4.55 [P < .00001]). When PD-1/PD-L1 plus chemotherapy were compared with chemotherapy, no significant analysis results for all-grade was found (OR = 1.15, 95% CI:[0.93, 1.44], I2 = 25%, Z = 1.27 [P = .20]). Similar risk trends could also be found when the incidence risk of peripheral edema for grade 3-5 was evaluated. No obvious publication bias was identified throughout the total analysis process.
CONCLUSION
The effect of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor on the risk of developing peripheral edema was weaker than that of chemotherapy, and the combination with chemotherapy slightly increased the incidence risk of developing peripheral edema without statistical significance.
Topics: B7-H1 Antigen; Edema; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Incidence; Neoplasms; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
PubMed: 36086680
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000030151 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2022In recent years, the attention of the scientific world has focused on a clearance system of brain waste metabolites, called the glymphatic system, based on its... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In recent years, the attention of the scientific world has focused on a clearance system of brain waste metabolites, called the glymphatic system, based on its similarity to the lymphatic system in peripheral tissue and the relevant role of the AQP4 glial channels and described for the first time in 2012. Consequently, numerous studies focused on its role in organ damage in cases of neuropathologies, including TBI.
METHODS
To evaluate the role that the glymphatic system has in the pathogenesis of TBI, on 23 March 2022, a systematic review of the literature according to PRISMA guidelines was carried out using the SCOPUS and Medline (via PubMed) databases, resulting in 12 articles after the selection process.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
The present review demonstrated that an alteration of AQP4 is associated with the accumulation of substances S100b, GFAP, and NSE, known markers of TBI in the forensic field. In addition, the alteration of the functionality of AQP4 favors edema, which, as already described, constitutes alterations of secondary brain injuries. Moreover, specific areas of the brain were demonstrated to be prone to alterations of the glymphatic pathway, suggesting their involvement in post-TBI damage. Therefore, further studies are mandatory. In this regard, a study protocol on cadavers is also proposed, based on the analyzed evidence.
Topics: Brain; Brain Injuries; Glymphatic System; Humans; Lymphatic System; Neuroglia
PubMed: 36012401
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169138 -
Polymers Aug 2022Fibrin, derived from proteins involved in blood clotting (fibrinogen and thrombin), is a biopolymer with different applications in the health area since it has... (Review)
Review
Fibrin, derived from proteins involved in blood clotting (fibrinogen and thrombin), is a biopolymer with different applications in the health area since it has hemostasis, biocompatible and three-dimensional physical structure properties, and can be used as scaffolds in tissue regeneration or drug delivery system for cells and/or growth factors. Fibrin alone or together with other biomaterials, has been indicated for use as a biological support to promote the regeneration of stem cells, bone, peripheral nerves, and other injured tissues. In its diversity of forms of application and constitution, there are platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), fibrin glue or fibrin sealant, and hydrogels. In order to increase fibrin properties, adjuvant therapies can be combined to favor tissue repair, such as photobiomodulation (PBM), by low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or LEDs (Light Emitting Diode). Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the relationship between PBM and the use of fibrin compounds, referring to the results of previous studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The descriptors "fibrin AND low-level laser therapy" and "fibrin AND photobiomodulation" were used, without restriction on publication time. The bibliographic search found 44 articles in PubMed/MEDLINE, of which 26 were excluded due to duplicity or being outside the eligibility criteria. We also found 40 articles in Web of Science and selected 1 article, 152 articles in Scopus and no article selected, totaling 19 articles for qualitative analysis. The fibrin type most used in combination with PBM was fibrin sealant, mainly heterologous, followed by PRF or L-PRF. In PBM, the gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser prevailed, with a wavelength of 830 nm, followed by 810 nm. Among the preclinical studies, the most researched association of fibrin and PBM was the use of fibrin sealants in bone or nerve injuries; in clinical studies, the association of PBM with medication-related treatments osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Therefore, there is scientific evidence of the contribution of PBM on fibrin composites, constituting a supporting therapy that acts by stimulating cell activity, angiogenesis, osteoblast activation, axonal growth, anti-inflammatory and anti-edema action, increased collagen synthesis and its maturation, as well as biomolecules.
PubMed: 35956667
DOI: 10.3390/polym14153150 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2022ESKD is a total or near-permanent failure in renal function. It is irreversible, progressive and ultimately fatal without peritoneal dialysis (PD), haemodialysis (HD) or... (Review)
Review
Health Education Programmes to Improve Foot Self-Care Knowledge and Behaviour among Older People with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) Receiving Haemodialysis (A Systematic Review).
BACKGROUND
ESKD is a total or near-permanent failure in renal function. It is irreversible, progressive and ultimately fatal without peritoneal dialysis (PD), haemodialysis (HD) or kidney transplantation. Dialysis treatments can create new and additional problems for patients, one of which is foot amputation, as a result of non-healing wounds and vascular complications. The association between dialysis therapy and foot ulceration is linked to several factors: physical and psychological health; peripheral arterial disease (PAD); mobility; tissue oxygenation; manual dexterity; neuropathy; visual acuity; anaemia; nutrition; leg oedema; hypoalbuminemia; infection; inadequacy of dialysis; and leg/foot support during dialysis. The potential risk factors for foot ulceration may include: not routinely receiving foot care education; incorrect use of footwear; diabetes duration; neuropathy; and peripheral arterial disease.
AIM
The aim of this review is to examine the factors that help or hinder successful implementation of foot care education programmes for ESKD patients receiving haemodialysis.
METHOD
A comprehensive literature search was completed using five electronic databases. Medline; CINAHL; Embase; PsycINFO; and Cochrane Library. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist (JBI) was used to quality appraise full text papers included in the review. The systematic review was not limited to specific categories of interventions to enable optimal comparison between interventions and provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence in this important field of foot care.
RESULTS
We found no previously published studies that considered foot care education programmes for haemodialysis patients who are not diabetic; thus, the present systematic review examined four studies on diabetic patients receiving haemodialysis exposed to foot care education programmes from various types of intervention designs.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review has provided evidence that it is possible to influence foot care knowledge and self-care behaviours in both diabetic patients receiving haemodialysis and healthcare professionals.
PubMed: 35742194
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061143 -
Biomedicines May 2022Patients with heart failure are subjected to a substantial burden related to fluid overload symptoms. Exercise can help the lymphatic system function more effectively to... (Review)
Review
Patients with heart failure are subjected to a substantial burden related to fluid overload symptoms. Exercise can help the lymphatic system function more effectively to prevent fluid build-up in tissues and interstitium, thus potentially mitigating the symptoms due to fluid overload. The objective of this systematic review was to examine the effects of exercise-based interventions on fluid overload symptoms among patients with heart failure. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published from inception to August 2021. We included randomized controlled trials that compared exercise-based interventions of different modalities and usual medical care for adult patients with heart failure and reported the effects of interventions on any symptoms related to fluid overload. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the effectiveness, and a subgroup analysis and univariate meta-regression analysis were used to explore heterogeneity. Seventeen studies covering 1086 participants were included. We found robust evidence indicating the positive effect of exercises in dyspnea relief (SMD = -0.48; 95%CI [-0.76, -0.19]; = 0.001); the intervention length also influenced the treatment effect (β = 0.033; 95%CI [0.003, 0.063]; = 0.04). Initial evidence from existing limited research showed that exercise-based intervention had positive effect to alleviate edema, yet more studies are needed to verify the effect. In contrast, the exercise-based interventions did not improve fatigue compared with usual care (SMD = -0.27; 95%CI [-0.61, 0.06]; = 0.11). Findings regarding the effects of exercises on bodily pain, gastro-intestinal symptoms, and peripheral circulatory symptoms were inconclusive due to limited available studies. In conclusion, exercise-based interventions can be considered as an effective nonpharmacological therapy for patients with heart failure to promote lymph flow and manage fluid overload symptoms. Exercise-based interventions seem to have very limited effect on fatigue. More research should investigate the mechanism of fatigue related to heart failure. Future studies with high methodological quality and comprehensive assessment of symptoms and objective measure of fluid overload are warranted.
PubMed: 35625848
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051111 -
Journal of Clinical Hypertension... May 2022Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (DHPCCBs) are widely used to treat hypertension and chronic coronary artery disease. One common adverse effect of DHPCCBs is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (DHPCCBs) are widely used to treat hypertension and chronic coronary artery disease. One common adverse effect of DHPCCBs is peripheral edema, particularly of the lower limbs. The side effect could lead to dose reduction or discontinuation of the medication. The combination of DHPCCBs and renin-angiotensin system blockers has shown to reduce the risk of DHPCCBs-associated peripheral edema compared with DHPCCBs monotherapy. We performed the current systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to estimate the rate of peripheral edema with DHPCCBs as a class and with individual DHPCCBs and the ranking of the reduction of peripheral edema. The effects of renin-angiotensin system blockers on DHPCCBs network meta-analysis were created to analyze the ranking of the reduction of peripheral edema. A total of 3312 publications were identified and 71 studies with 56,283 patients were included. Nifedipine ranked highest in inducing peripheral edema (SUCRA 81.8%) and lacidipine (SUCRA 12.8%) ranked the least. All DHPCCBs except lacidipine resulted in higher relative risk (RR) of peripheral edema compared with placebo. Nifedipine plus angiotensin receptor blocker (SUCRA: 92.3%) did not mitigate peripheral edema and amlodipine plus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (SUCRA: 16%) reduced peripheral edema the most. Nifedipine ranked the highest and lacidipine ranked the lowest amongst DHPCCBs for developing peripheral edema when used for cardiovascular indications. The second or higher generation of DHPCCBs combination with ACEIs or ARBs or diuretics lowered the chance of peripheral edema development compared to single DHPCCB treatment.
Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Calcium Channel Blockers; Dihydropyridines; Edema; Humans; Hypertension; Network Meta-Analysis; Nifedipine
PubMed: 35234349
DOI: 10.1111/jch.14436 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2021The mechanism of action of Batroxobin included the decomposition of the fibrinogen to fibrin degradation products (FDPs) and D-dimer and mobilization of endothelial... (Review)
Review
The mechanism of action of Batroxobin included the decomposition of the fibrinogen to fibrin degradation products (FDPs) and D-dimer and mobilization of endothelial cells to release endogenous nt-PA and to promote thrombolysis. This review aims to summarize current study findings about batroxobin on correcting cerebral arterial, venous, and peripheral vascular diseases, to explore the mechanism of batroxobin on anti-thrombosis process. A thorough literature search was conducted utilizing the PubMed Central (PMC) and EMBASE databases to identify studies up to June 2021. Data from clinical studies and animal experiments about batroxobin were extracted, integrated and analyzed based on Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions approach and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P), including the condition of subjects, the usage and dosage, research observation index and main findings. A total of 62 studies were enrolled in this systematic review, including 26 clinical studies and 36 animal experiments. The 26 clinical studies involved 873 patients with arterial ischemic events, 92 cases with cerebral venous thrombosis, 13 cases with cerebral cortical vein thrombosis, and 1,049 cases with peripheral vascular diseases. These patients included 452 males and 392 females aged 65.6 ± 5.53 years. The results revealed that batroxobin had broad effects, including improving clinical prognosis ( = 12), preventing thrombosis ( = 7), promoting thrombolysis ( = 6), and improving vascular cognitive dysfunction ( = 1). The effects of batroxobin on reducing neuronal apoptosis ( = 8),relieving cellular edema ( = 4), improving spatial memory ( = 3), and promoting thrombolysis ( = 13) were concluded in animal experiments. The predominant mechanisms explored in animal experiments involved promoting depolymerization of fibrinogen polymers ( = 6), regulating the expression of related molecules ( = 9); such as intercellular adhesion molecule, heat shock proteins, tumor necrosis factor), reducing oxidative stress ( = 5), and reducing inflammation response ( = 4). Batroxobin can correct both arterial and venous ischemic diseases by promoting depolymerization of fibrinogen polymers, regulating the expression of related molecules, reducing oxidative stress, and reducing the inflammation response.
PubMed: 34925203
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.716778 -
Chemotherapy 2022Crizotinib and alectinib are the 2 most commonly used anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We compared their... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Crizotinib and alectinib are the 2 most commonly used anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We compared their antitumor efficacies and adverse effects based on a pooled analysis of the ALEX, ALESIA, and J-ALEX clinical trials.
METHODS
Seven databases were searched for eligible articles. The primary endpoints included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), central nervous system (CNS)-PFS, drug responses, and adverse effects (AEs).
RESULTS
Seven articles on 3 randomized controlled clinical trials (ALEX, ALESIA, and J-ALEX) that included 697 patients were included. Compared with crizotinib, alectinib exhibited superior efficacy in PFS (HR [hazard ratio]: 0.35 [0.25-0.49], p < 0.00001), OS (HR: 0.66 [0.47-0.92], p = 0.02), CNS-PFS (HR: 0.17 [0.11-0.24], p < 0.00001), duration of response (HR: 0.31 [0.23-0.42], p < 0.00001), objective response rate (risk ratio [RR]: 0.87 [0.80-0.94], p = 0.0003), partial response (RR: 0.88 [0.81-0.96], p = 0.004), and grade 3-5 AEs (RR: 1.43 [1.09-1.87], p = 0.009). Additionally, compared with crizotinib, alectinib exhibited a survival advantage that increased with its prolongation of survival time. The disease control rate, complete response, and total AEs were comparable between the 2 groups. The crizotinib group reported higher rates of constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, peripheral edema, dysgeusia, visual impairment, and levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase as well as greater decreases in appetite and neutrophil count.
CONCLUSIONS
In both antitumor efficacy and safety, alectinib appears to be superior to crizotinib for the treatment of ALK-positive NSCLC.
Topics: Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase; Carbazoles; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Crizotinib; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Piperidines; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34915469
DOI: 10.1159/000521452 -
International Ophthalmology Feb 2022To provide an overview of the ocular features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and of the ophthalmic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that may be associated with the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To provide an overview of the ocular features of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and of the ophthalmic adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that may be associated with the administration of antirheumatic drugs.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases. In addition, a cohort of 489 RA patients who attended the Authors' departments were examined.
RESULTS
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, episcleritis, scleritis, peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK), and anterior uveitis were diagnosed in 29%, 6%, 5%, 2%, and 10%, respectively, of the mentioned cohort. Ocular ADRs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are rarely reported and include subconjunctival hemorrhages and hemorrhagic retinopathy. In patients taking indomethacin, whorl-like corneal deposits and pigmentary retinopathy have been observed. Glucocorticoids are frequently responsible for posterior subcapsular cataracts and open-angle glaucoma. Methotrexate, the prototype of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), has been associated with the onset of ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal cotton-wool spots, and orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Mild cystoid macular edema and punctate keratitis in patients treated with leflunomide have been occasionally reported. The most frequently occurring ADR of hydroxychloroquine is vortex keratopathy, which may progress to "bull's eye" maculopathy. Patients taking tofacitinib, a synthetic DMARD, more frequently suffer herpes zoster virus (HZV) reactivation, including ophthalmic HZ. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors have been associated with the paradoxical onset or recurrence of uveitis or sarcoidosis, as well as optic neuritis, demyelinating optic neuropathy, chiasmopathy, and oculomotor palsy. Recurrent episodes of PUK, multiple cotton-wool spots, and retinal hemorrhages have occasionally been reported in patients given tocilizumab, that may also be associated with HZV reactivation, possibly involving the eye. Finally, rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has rarely been associated with necrotizing scleritis, macular edema, and visual impairment.
CONCLUSION
The level of evidence for most of the drug reactions described herein is restricted to the "likely" or "possible" rather than to the "certain" category. However, the lack of biomarkers indicative of the potential risk of ocular ADRs hinders their prevention and emphasizes the need for an accurate risk vs. benefit assessment of these therapies for each patient.
Topics: Antirheumatic Agents; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Rituximab
PubMed: 34802085
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-02058-8