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Frontiers in Immunology 2023Optimal biomarkers to select patients who will benefit most from immunotherapy remain lacking in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). This systematic review and meta-analysis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Optimal biomarkers to select patients who will benefit most from immunotherapy remain lacking in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between various biomarkers and clinical outcomes in NPC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
METHODS
Systematic searches of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were performed up to October 2022. Studies evaluating the association between biomarkers and intended outcomes of ICIs were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, respectively, for the objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) under fixed or random-effect models.
RESULTS
A total of 15 studies involving 1,407 patients were included. The pooled analysis indicated that NPC patients with lower plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA level at baseline (OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.46-3.14, < 0.001), decreased EBV DNA load during immunotherapy (OR = 4.57, 95% CI: 2.24-9.34, = 0.002) and higher programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.36-4.09, = 0.002) had superior ORR than the counterparts. No significant differences of ORR were observed between positive PD-L1 expression and negative PD-L1 expression (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.92-2.45, = 0.104), as well as higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and lower TMB (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 0.41-6.44, = 0.494). Patients with lower plasma EBV DNA level at baseline obtained a significant benefit on PFS than those with higher plasma EBV DNA level (HR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.42-0.63, < 0.001). There were no differences in PFS between decreased EBV DNA load and increased EBV DNA load during immunotherapy (HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.22-1.17, = 0.109), higher PD-L1 expression and lower PD-L1 expression (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.42-1.01, = 0.054), positive PD-L1 expression and negative PD-L1 expression (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.64-1.26, = 0.531), lower TMB and higher TMB (HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.51-1.38, = 0.684).
CONCLUSION
Lower baseline plasma EBV DNA level, decreased plasma EBV DNA during immunotherapy, and higher PD-L1 expression are reliable biomarkers predicting better response to ICIs treatment. Lower baseline plasma EBV DNA level was also associated with longer PFS. It is warranted to further explore and better illuminate the utility of these biomarkers in future clinical trials and real-world practice.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022324434.
Topics: Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; B7-H1 Antigen; Biomarkers, Tumor; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
PubMed: 37063822
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1146898 -
Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen... Apr 2023BackgroundPublic health guidance recommending isolation of individuals with group A streptococcal (GAS) infection or carriage for 12-24 h from antibiotic initiation to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Time to negative throat culture following initiation of antibiotics for pharyngeal group A : a systematic review and meta-analysis up to October 2021 to inform public health control measures.
BackgroundPublic health guidance recommending isolation of individuals with group A streptococcal (GAS) infection or carriage for 12-24 h from antibiotic initiation to prevent onward transmission requires a strong evidence base.AimTo estimate the pooled proportion of individuals who remain GAS culture-positive at set intervals after initiation of antibiotics through a systematic literature review (PROSPERO CRD42021290364) and meta-analysis.MethodsWe searched Ovid MEDLINE (1946-), EMBASE (1974-) and Cochrane library. We included interventional or observational studies with ≥ 10 participants reporting rates of GAS throat culture positivity during antibiotic treatment for culture-confirmed GAS pharyngitis, scarlet fever and asymptomatic pharyngeal GAS carriage. We did not apply age, language or geographical restrictions.ResultsOf 5,058 unique records, 43 were included (37 randomised controlled studies, three non-randomised controlled trials and three before-and-after studies). The proportion of individuals remaining culture-positive on day 1, day 2 and days 3-9 were 6.9% (95% CI: 2.7-16.8%), 5.4% (95% CI: 2.1-13.3%) and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.6-4.2%). For penicillins and cephalosporins, day 1 positivity was 6.5% (95% CI: 2.5-16.1%) and 1.6% (95% CI: 0.04-42.9%), respectively. Overall, for 9.1% (95% CI: 7.3-11.3), throat swabs collected after completion of therapy were GAS culture-positive. Only six studies had low risk of bias.ConclusionsOur review provides evidence that antibiotics for pharyngeal GAS achieve a high rate of culture conversion within 24 h but highlights the need for further research given methodological limitations of published studies and imprecision of pooled estimates. Further evidence is needed for non-beta-lactam antibiotics and asymptomatic individuals.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Pharynx; Public Health; Streptococcus pyogenes; Streptococcal Infections; Pharyngitis
PubMed: 37052678
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2023.28.15.2200573 -
Nutrients Mar 2023Post-stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia (PS-OD) and its complications increase healthcare costs, suggesting that its appropriate management is cost-effective. We aimed to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Post-stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia (PS-OD) and its complications increase healthcare costs, suggesting that its appropriate management is cost-effective. We aimed to assess the efficiency of healthcare interventions in PS-OD management.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA recommendations. Four databases were searched from inception through 30 June 2021. Outcome measures were cost-effectiveness and cost-savings of healthcare interventions. English and Spanish literature were included. Narrative and tables were used to present and synthesise evidence. Quality was evaluated using the CHEERS Statement.
RESULTS
A total of 244 studies were identified, and 10 were included. Screening and diagnosis of PS-OD studies found: (1) adjusted reduction in hospitalisation costs when assessed during the first admission day; (2) non-significant reduction in hospitalisation costs with OD management after thrombolysis; and (3) videofluoroscopy as the most cost-effective screening method (compared to bedside evaluation and a combination of both). Two studies showed cost-effective rehabilitation programmes, including OD management. Pelczarska et al. showed an incremental cost-utility ratio of texture-modified diets using a gum-based thickener of 20,977 PLN (4660€) following a dynamic model, and Kotecki et al. commercially prepared thickened fluids that were 44% to 59% less expensive than in situ prepared fluids. Elia et al. showed home enteral nutrition was cost-effective (£12,817/QALY), and Beavan et al. showed higher nutrient intake and low increase in hospitalisation costs using looped-nasogastric tubes (£5.20 for every 1% increase). Heterogeneity between studies precluded a quantitative synthesis.
CONCLUSIONS
Included studies suggest that healthcare interventions aiming to prevent OD complications are cost-effective. However, studies assessing novel strategies are needed.
Topics: Humans; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Deglutition Disorders; Stroke; Health Care Costs; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 37049553
DOI: 10.3390/nu15071714 -
Surgical Innovation Dec 2023Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the most common standard technique worldwidely for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Another type of fundoplication,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the most common standard technique worldwidely for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Another type of fundoplication, laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF), intends to reduce incidence of postoperative complications. A systematic review and meta-analysis are required on short- and long-term outcomes based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between LNF and LTF.
METHODS
We searched databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Knowledge for RCTs comparing LNF and LTF. Outcomes included postoperative reflux recurrence, postoperative heartburn, dysphagia and postoperative chest pain, inability to belch, gas bloating, satisfaction with intervention, postoperative esophagitis, postoperative DeMeester scores, operating time (min), in-hospital complications, postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors, reoperation rate, postoperative lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure (mmHg). We assessed data using risk ratios and weighted mean differences in meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Eight eligible RCTs comparing LNF (n = 605) and LTF (n = 607) were identified. There were no significant differences between the LNF and LTF in terms of postoperative reflux recurrence, postoperative heartburn, postoperative chest pain, satisfaction with intervention, reoperation rate in short and long term, in-hospital complications, esophagitis in short term, and gas bloating, postoperative DeMeester scores, postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors, reoperation rate in long term. LTF had lower LOS pressure (mmHg), fewer postoperative dysphagia and inability to belch in short and long term and gas bloating in short term compared to LNF.
CONCLUSION
LTF were equally effective at controlling reflux symptoms and improving the quality of life, but with lower rate of complications compared to LNF. We concluded that LTF surgical treatment was superior for over 16 years old patients with typical symptoms of GERD and without upper abdominal surgical history upon high-level evidence of evidence-based medicine.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Fundoplication; Deglutition Disorders; Heartburn; Proton Pump Inhibitors; Treatment Outcome; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Laparoscopy; Esophagitis; Pain, Postoperative; Chest Pain
PubMed: 36998190
DOI: 10.1177/15533506231165829 -
Viruses Feb 2023The Zika virus outbreak has affected pregnant women and their infants. Affected infants develop microcephaly and other congenital malformations referred to as congenital... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The Zika virus outbreak has affected pregnant women and their infants. Affected infants develop microcephaly and other congenital malformations referred to as congenital Zika syndrome. The neurological manifestations of congenital Zika syndrome may result in some feeding disorders, including dysphagia, swallowing dysfunction and choking while feeding. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of feeding and breastfeeding difficulties in children with congenital Zika syndrome and to estimate the risk of developing feeding disabilities.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus for studies published from 2017 to 2021. From the total of 360 papers, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and publications in languages other than English were excluded. Therefore, the final sample of our study consisted of 11 articles about the feeding/breastfeeding difficulties of infants and children with congenital Zika syndrome.
RESULTS
Infants and children with congenital Zika syndrome were likely to suffer from feeding difficulties at various levels, including breastfeeding. Dysphagia problems ranged from 17.9% to 70%, and nutritional and non-nutritive suckling of infants was also affected.
CONCLUSIONS
In addition to continuing to investigate the neurodevelopment of affected children, future research should also focus on the severity of factors influencing the degree of dysphagia, as well as the impact of breastfeeding on the child's overall development.
Topics: Infant; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Zika Virus Infection; Breast Feeding; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Deglutition Disorders; Zika Virus
PubMed: 36992310
DOI: 10.3390/v15030601 -
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Jul 2023Dysphagia is considered a geriatric syndrome that is characterized by inability to or difficulty in safely and effectively forming or moving the food bolus toward the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dysphagia is considered a geriatric syndrome that is characterized by inability to or difficulty in safely and effectively forming or moving the food bolus toward the esophagus. This pathology is very common and affects approximately 50% of institutionalized older people. Dysphagia is often accompanied by high nutritional, functional, social, and emotional risks. This relationship implies a higher rate of morbidity, disability, dependence, and mortality in this population. This review is aimed at studying the relationship between dysphagia and different health-related risk factors in institutionalized older people.
METHOD
We conducted a systematic review. The bibliographic search was performed in the Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus databases. Data extraction and methodological quality were evaluated by two independent researchers.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A clear relationship between the development and progression of dysphagia and a high nutritional, cognitive, functional, social, and emotional risk in institutionalized older adults was found.
CONCLUSIONS
There is an important relationship between these health conditions that shows the need for research and new approaches to considerations such as their prevention and treatment as well as the design of protocols and procedures that will help reduce the percentage of morbidity, disability, dependence, and mortality in older people.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Deglutition Disorders; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36906939
DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104991 -
European Journal of Pediatrics May 2023to review recent literature concerning long-term health issues and transitional care in esophageal atresia (EA) patients. PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
to review recent literature concerning long-term health issues and transitional care in esophageal atresia (EA) patients. PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases were screened for studies regarding EA patients aged more than or equal to 11 years, published between August 2014 and June 2022. Sixteen studies involving 830 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 27.4 years (range 11-63). EA subtype distribution was: type C (48.8%), A (9.5%), D (1.9%), E (0.5%) and B (0.2%). 55% underwent primary repair, 34.3% delayed repair, 10.5% esophageal substitution. Mean follow-up was 27.2 years (range 11-63). Long-term sequelae were: gastro-esophageal reflux (41.4%), dysphagia (27.6%), esophagitis (12.4%), Barrett esophagus (8.1%), anastomotic stricture (4.8%); persistent cough (8.7%), recurrent infections (4.3%) and chronic respiratory diseases (5.5%). Musculo-skeletal deformities were present in 36 out of 74 reported cases. Reduced weight and height were detected in 13.3% and 6% cases, respectively. Impaired quality of life was reported in 9% of patients; 9.6% had diagnosis or raised risk of mental disorders. 10.3% of adult patients had no care provider. Meta-analysis was conducted on 816 patients. Estimated prevalences are: GERD 42.4%, dysphagia 57.8%, Barrett esophagus 12.4%, respiratory diseases 33.3%, neurological sequelae 11.7%, underweight 19.6%. Heterogeneity was substantial (> 50%). Conclusion: EA patients must continue follow-up beyond childhood, with a defined transitional-care path by a highly specialized multidisciplinary team due to the multiple long-term sequelae.
WHAT IS KNOWN
• Survival rates of esophageal atresia patients is now more than 90% thanks to the improvements in surgical techniques and intensive care, therefore patients' needs throughout adolescence and adulthood must be taken into account.
WHAT IS NEW
• This review, by summarizing recent literature concerning long term sequelae of esophageal atresia, may contribute to raise awareness on the importance of defining standardized protocols of transitional and adulthood care for esophageal atresia patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Humans; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Barrett Esophagus; Deglutition Disorders; Disease Progression; Esophageal Atresia; Follow-Up Studies; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Quality of Life; Transitional Care
PubMed: 36905437
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04893-6 -
Medicine Mar 2023Post-extubation dysphagia is high in critically ill patients and is not easily recognized. This study aimed to identify risk factors for acquired swallowing disorders in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Post-extubation dysphagia is high in critically ill patients and is not easily recognized. This study aimed to identify risk factors for acquired swallowing disorders in the intensive care unit (ICU).
METHODS
We have retrieved all relevant research published before August 2022 from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library electronic databases. The studies were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and independently evaluated the risk of bias. The quality of the study was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and a meta-analysis was carried out with Cochrane Collaboration's Revman 5.3 software.
RESULTS
A total of 15 studies were included. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04), tracheal intubation time (OR = 1.61), APACHE II (OR = 1.04), and tracheostomy (OR = 3.75) were significant risk factors that contributed to post-extubation dysphagia in ICU.
CONCLUSION
This study provides preliminary evidence that post-extraction dysphagia in ICU is associated with factors such as age, tracheal intubation time, APACHE II, and tracheostomy. The results of this research may improve clinician awareness, risk stratification, and prevention of post-extraction dysphagia in the ICU.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Airway Extubation; Intensive Care Units; Intubation, Intratracheal; Critical Illness; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36897733
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033153 -
Clinical Otolaryngology : Official... Jul 2023To investigate the association between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Cochrane Library and Scopus.
REVIEW METHODS
Three investigators searched the specified databases for studies investigating the relationship between LPR, GERD and recalcitrant CRS with or without polyposis. The following outcomes were investigated with PRISMA criteria: age; gender; reflux and CRS diagnosis; association outcomes and potential treatment outcomes. The authors performed a bias analysis of papers and provided recommendations for future studies.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies investigated the association between reflux and recalcitrant CRS. According to pharyngeal pH monitoring, 54% of patients with recalcitrant CRS reported hypo or nasopharyngeal acid reflux events. The number of hypo- and nasopharyngeal acid reflux events was significantly higher in patients compared to healthy individuals in 4 and 2 studies, respectively. Only one study did not report intergroup differences. The proportion of GERD was significantly higher in CRS patients compared to controls, with a prevalence ranging from 32% to 91% of cases. No author considered nonacid reflux events. There was significant heterogeneity in the inclusion criteria; definition of reflux and association outcomes, limiting the ability to draw clear conclusions. Pepsin was found in sinonasal secretions more frequently in CRS patients than controls.
CONCLUSION
Laryngopharyngeal reflux and GERD may be contributing factors of CRS therapeutic resistance, but future studies are needed to confirm the association considering nonacid reflux events.
Topics: Humans; Laryngopharyngeal Reflux; Esophagitis, Peptic; Pepsin A; Sinusitis
PubMed: 36895147
DOI: 10.1111/coa.14047 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine May 2023Acute tonsillitis (including tonsillopharyngitis) in childhood is a common disease with a peak of illness in school-age. Most of these cases have a viral origin and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Acute tonsillitis (including tonsillopharyngitis) in childhood is a common disease with a peak of illness in school-age. Most of these cases have a viral origin and antibiotic therapy is not indicated, therefore, effective symptomatic therapy is required. For this reason, complementary, alternative and integrative medicine therapies might be a solution.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this review is to demonstrate study status of such therapies.
METHODS
The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, OVID, CAMbase, CAM-QUEST® and Anthromedics were systematically screened for studies investigating complementary, alternative and integrative therapy approaches in paediatric cohorts. Studies were analyzed by therapy approach, study design, cohort and outcome, using the PRISMA 2020 checklist.
RESULTS
The systematic literature search resulted in 321 articles. Five publications corresponded to the search criteria and were assigned to the following specific therapeutic categories: herbal medicine (3), homeopathy (1) and ayurvedic medicine (1). Clinical trials were found for the herbal compounds BNO 1030 (Impupret®) and EPs® 7630 (Umckaloabo), the homeopathic complex Tonzolyt® and the ayurvedic medicine Kanchnara-Guggulu and Pratisarana of Tankana‑Madhu. Antimicrobial effects of essential oils and carvacrol as single agents as well as in combination with erythromycin were analysed in an in vitro study.
CONCLUSION
Clinical studies indicate an improvement of symptoms and a good tolerability of all investigated remedies of complementary, alternative and integrative medicine in the treatment of tonsillitis in childhood. Nevertheless, quality and quantity of the studies were insufficient to make a reliable conclusion regarding effectiveness. Therefore, more clinical trials are urgently needed to achieve a meaningful result.
Topics: Child; Humans; Complementary Therapies; Tonsillitis; Homeopathy
PubMed: 36868289
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102940