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Movement Disorders : Official Journal... Jun 2022The second consensus criteria for the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) are widely recognized as the reference standard for clinical research, but lack... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The second consensus criteria for the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) are widely recognized as the reference standard for clinical research, but lack sensitivity to diagnose the disease at early stages.
OBJECTIVE
To develop novel Movement Disorder Society (MDS) criteria for MSA diagnosis using an evidence-based and consensus-based methodology.
METHODS
We identified shortcomings of the second consensus criteria for MSA diagnosis and conducted a systematic literature review to answer predefined questions on clinical presentation and diagnostic tools relevant for MSA diagnosis. The criteria were developed and later optimized using two Delphi rounds within the MSA Criteria Revision Task Force, a survey for MDS membership, and a virtual Consensus Conference.
RESULTS
The criteria for neuropathologically established MSA remain unchanged. For a clinical MSA diagnosis a new category of clinically established MSA is introduced, aiming for maximum specificity with acceptable sensitivity. A category of clinically probable MSA is defined to enhance sensitivity while maintaining specificity. A research category of possible prodromal MSA is designed to capture patients in the earliest stages when symptoms and signs are present, but do not meet the threshold for clinically established or clinically probable MSA. Brain magnetic resonance imaging markers suggestive of MSA are required for the diagnosis of clinically established MSA. The number of research biomarkers that support all clinical diagnostic categories will likely grow.
CONCLUSIONS
This set of MDS MSA diagnostic criteria aims at improving the diagnostic accuracy, particularly in early disease stages. It requires validation in a prospective clinical and a clinicopathological study. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Topics: Brain; Consensus; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Multiple System Atrophy; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 35445419
DOI: 10.1002/mds.29005 -
Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.) Jun 2022There have been some modest recent advancements in the research of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, yet the amount and quality of the work in this complicated...
There have been some modest recent advancements in the research of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, yet the amount and quality of the work in this complicated multifactorial disease remains low (with some notable exceptions; e.g., the recent work on the dorsal root ganglion stimulation). The semi-systematic (though in some cases narrative) approach to review is necessary so that we might treat our patients while waiting for "better research." This semi-systematic review was conducted by experts in the field, (deliberately) some of whom are promising young researchers supplemented by the experience of "elder statesman" researchers, who all mention the system they have used to examine the literature. What we found is generally low- to medium-quality research with small numbers of subjects; however, there are some recent exceptions to this. The primary reason for this paucity of research is the fact that this is a rare disease, and it is very difficult to acquire a sufficient sample size for statistical significance using traditional statistical approaches. Several larger trials have failed, probably due to using the broad general diagnostic criteria (the "Budapest" criteria) in a multifactorial/multi-mechanism disease. Responsive subsets can often be identified in these larger trials, but not sufficient to achieve statistically significant results in the general diagnostic grouping. This being the case the authors have necessarily included data from less compelling protocols, including trials such as case series and even in some instances case reports/empirical information. In the humanitarian spirit of treating our often desperate patients with this rare syndrome, without great evidence, we must take what data we can find (as in this work) and tailor a treatment regime for each patient.
Topics: Aged; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes; Ganglia, Spinal; Humans; Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
PubMed: 35687369
DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac046 -
Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine Aug 2022Although music is predominantly utilized for religious, enjoyment or entertainment purposes, it is gradually emerging as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for... (Review)
Review
Although music is predominantly utilized for religious, enjoyment or entertainment purposes, it is gradually emerging as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for improving health outcomes in both healthy and diseased populations, especially in those with cardiovascular diseases. As such, music of various genres and types has been postulated to possess features that stimulate or inhibit the autonomic nervous system, which leads to variable effects on cardiovascular function. However, music intervention has not been adequately explored as a cardiovascular therapeutic modality due to the lack of extensive studies with quality methodology. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to explore the available literature on the effect of music on the cardiovascular system, discuss the limitations of current research, and suggest future directions in this field.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System; Heart; Heart Rate; Humans; Music; Music Therapy
PubMed: 34237410
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.06.004 -
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and... Nov 2020Evidence on preventing Alzheimer's disease (AD) is challenging to interpret due to varying study designs with heterogeneous endpoints and credibility. We completed a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Evidence on preventing Alzheimer's disease (AD) is challenging to interpret due to varying study designs with heterogeneous endpoints and credibility. We completed a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence with prospective designs to propose evidence-based suggestions on AD prevention.
METHODS
Electronic databases and relevant websites were searched from inception to 1 March 2019. Both observational prospective studies (OPSs) and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The multivariable-adjusted effect estimates were pooled by random-effects models, with credibility assessment according to its risk of bias, inconsistency and imprecision. Levels of evidence and classes of suggestions were summarised.
RESULTS
A total of 44 676 reports were identified, and 243 OPSs and 153 RCTs were eligible for analysis after exclusion based on pre-decided criteria, from which 104 modifiable factors and 11 interventions were included in the meta-analyses. Twenty-one suggestions are proposed based on the consolidated evidence, with Class I suggestions targeting 19 factors: 10 with Level A strong evidence (education, cognitive activity, high body mass index in latelife, hyperhomocysteinaemia, depression, stress, diabetes, head trauma, hypertension in midlife and orthostatic hypotension) and 9 with Level B weaker evidence (obesity in midlife, weight loss in late life, physical exercise, smoking, sleep, cerebrovascular disease, frailty, atrial fibrillation and vitamin C). In contrast, two interventions are not recommended: oestrogen replacement therapy (Level A2) and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Level B).
INTERPRETATION
Evidence-based suggestions are proposed, offering clinicians and stakeholders current guidance for the prevention of AD.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Antihypertensive Agents; Cognition; Craniocerebral Trauma; Depression; Diabetes Mellitus; Education; Evidence-Based Medicine; Exercise; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia; Hypertension; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Life Style; Obesity; Observational Studies as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Reduction Behavior; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 32690803
DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-321913 -
International Journal of Health Sciences 2021The basic objective of this systematic review was to identify potential biomarkers for chronic stress. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The basic objective of this systematic review was to identify potential biomarkers for chronic stress.
METHODS
A systematic review of studies linking biomarkers in people with chronic stress was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. The last 40 years' studies were included in the systematic review with no age restrictions; animal studies were excluded from the study. Electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for the study purpose. The studies were searched using the combinations of search terms that comprised chronic stress together with the keywords hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), autonomic nervous system (ANS), immune system, metabolic biomarkers, cortisol, hair cortisol, salivary cortisol, urinary cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), metabolic biomarkers, antioxidants, glucose, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
RESULTS
A total of 37 studies out of 671 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Potential diagnostic biomarkers of chronic stress included cortisol, ACTH, BDNF, catecholamines, glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, cholesterol, prolactin, oxytocin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), CRP, and interleukin - 6 and 8. While the others including antioxidants and natural killer (NK) cells require further validation. Taken together, addition, these stress biomarkers have critical prognostic capacities for stress-associated diseases and therapeutic guidance.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review provides an update to the literature by highlighting the role of physiological biomarkers in chronic stress and describing their prognostic and therapeutic values.
PubMed: 34548863
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Gastroenterology and... Sep 2022Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and the hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Gastrointestinal symptoms and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and the hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders of gut-brain interaction are common in this cohort and multifactorial in origin. The primary aim of this review is to arm the gastroenterologist with a clinically useful understanding of HSD/hEDS, by exploring the association of gastrointestinal disorders with HSD/hEDS, highlighting current pathophysiological understanding and providing a pragmatic approach to managing these patients.
METHODS
Literature relevant to the gastrointestinal system and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was systematically searched, critically appraised, and summarized.
RESULTS
Diagnosis is based upon clinical criteria and a genetic basis is yet to be defined. The prevalence of many gut symptoms, including abdominal pain (69% vs 27%, P < 0.0001), postprandial fullness (34% vs 16%, P = 0.01), constipation (73% vs 16%, P < 0.001), and diarrhea (47% vs 9%, P < 0.001) are significantly higher in HSD/hEDS compared with non-HSD/hEDS individuals. Disorders of gut-brain interaction are also common, particularly functional dyspepsia. The pathophysiology of gut symptoms is poorly understood but may involve effects of connective tissue laxity and its functional consequences, and the influence of autonomic dysfunction, medication and comorbid mental health disorders. Awareness is the key to early diagnosis. Management is limited in evidence-base but ideally should include an integrated multidisciplinary approach.
CONCLUSIONS
HSD/hEDS is a multisystemic disorder in which gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly related to disorders of gut-brain interaction are common. Deficiencies in knowledge regarding the pathophysiological processes limit evidence-based interventions and remain important areas for future research.
Topics: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome; Gastroenterologists; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Joint Instability
PubMed: 35750466
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15927 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... May 2022Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful and disabling condition that usually manifests in response to trauma or surgery and is associated with significant... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful and disabling condition that usually manifests in response to trauma or surgery and is associated with significant pain and disability. CRPS can be classified into two types: type I (CRPS I) in which a specific nerve lesion has not been identified and type II (CRPS II) where there is an identifiable nerve lesion. Guidelines recommend the inclusion of a variety of physiotherapy interventions as part of the multimodal treatment of people with CRPS. This is the first update of the review originally published in Issue 2, 2016.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions for treating pain and disability associated with CRPS types I and II in adults.
SEARCH METHODS
For this update we searched CENTRAL (the Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, LILACS, PEDro, Web of Science, DARE and Health Technology Assessments from February 2015 to July 2021 without language restrictions, we searched the reference lists of included studies and we contacted an expert in the field. We also searched additional online sources for unpublished trials and trials in progress.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of physiotherapy interventions compared with placebo, no treatment, another intervention or usual care, or other physiotherapy interventions in adults with CRPS I and II. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and disability. Secondary outcomes were composite scores for CRPS symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), patient global impression of change (PGIC) scales and adverse effects.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened database searches for eligibility, extracted data, evaluated risk of bias and assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE system.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 16 new trials (600 participants) along with the 18 trials from the original review totalling 34 RCTs (1339 participants). Thirty-three trials included participants with CRPS I and one trial included participants with CRPS II. Included trials compared a diverse range of interventions including physical rehabilitation, electrotherapy modalities, cortically directed rehabilitation, electroacupuncture and exposure-based approaches. Most interventions were tested in small, single trials. Most were at high risk of bias overall (27 trials) and the remainder were at 'unclear' risk of bias (seven trials). For all comparisons and outcomes where we found evidence, we graded the certainty of the evidence as very low, downgraded due to serious study limitations, imprecision and inconsistency. Included trials rarely reported adverse effects. Physiotherapy compared with minimal care for adults with CRPS I One trial (135 participants) of multimodal physiotherapy, for which pain data were unavailable, found no between-group differences in pain intensity at 12-month follow-up. Multimodal physiotherapy demonstrated a small between-group improvement in disability at 12 months follow-up compared to an attention control (Impairment Level Sum score, 5 to 50 scale; mean difference (MD) -3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) -7.13 to -0.27) (very low-certainty evidence). Equivalent data for pain were not available. Details regarding adverse events were not reported. Physiotherapy compared with minimal care for adults with CRPS II We did not find any trials of physiotherapy compared with minimal care for adults with CRPS II.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of physiotherapy interventions on pain and disability in CRPS. This conclusion is similar to our 2016 review. Large-scale, high-quality RCTs with longer-term follow-up are required to test the effectiveness of physiotherapy-based interventions for treating pain and disability in adults with CRPS I and II.
Topics: Adult; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Humans; Pain; Pain Measurement; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 35579382
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010853.pub3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2013There is currently no strong consensus regarding the optimal management of complex regional pain syndrome although a multitude of interventions have been described and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is currently no strong consensus regarding the optimal management of complex regional pain syndrome although a multitude of interventions have been described and are commonly used.
OBJECTIVES
To summarise the evidence from Cochrane and non-Cochrane systematic reviews of the effectiveness of any therapeutic intervention used to reduce pain, disability or both in adults with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
METHODS
We identified Cochrane reviews and non-Cochrane reviews through a systematic search of the following databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS and PEDro. We included non-Cochrane systematic reviews where they contained evidence not covered by identified Cochrane reviews. The methodological quality of reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR tool.We extracted data for the primary outcomes pain, disability and adverse events, and the secondary outcomes of quality of life, emotional well being and participants' ratings of satisfaction or improvement. Only evidence arising from randomised controlled trials was considered. We used the GRADE system to assess the quality of evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
We included six Cochrane reviews and 13 non-Cochrane systematic reviews. Cochrane reviews demonstrated better methodological quality than non-Cochrane reviews. Trials were typically small and the quality variable.There is moderate quality evidence that intravenous regional blockade with guanethidine is not effective in CRPS and that the procedure appears to be associated with the risk of significant adverse events.There is low quality evidence that bisphosphonates, calcitonin or a daily course of intravenous ketamine may be effective for pain when compared with placebo; graded motor imagery may be effective for pain and function when compared with usual care; and that mirror therapy may be effective for pain in post-stroke CRPS compared with a 'covered mirror' control. This evidence should be interpreted with caution. There is low quality evidence that local anaesthetic sympathetic blockade is not effective. Low quality evidence suggests that physiotherapy or occupational therapy are associated with small positive effects that are unlikely to be clinically important at one year follow up when compared with a social work passive attention control.For a wide range of other interventions, there is either no evidence or very low quality evidence available from which no conclusions should be drawn.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is a critical lack of high quality evidence for the effectiveness of most therapies for CRPS. Until further larger trials are undertaken, formulating an evidence-based approach to managing CRPS will remain difficult.
Topics: Adult; Analgesics; Calcitonin; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes; Diphosphonates; Disabled Persons; Guanethidine; Humans; Imagery, Psychotherapy; Ketamine; Nerve Block; Pain Management; Physical Therapy Modalities; Review Literature as Topic; Sympatholytics
PubMed: 23633371
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009416.pub2 -
JAMA Neurology Mar 2021Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a highly disabling but often misdiagnosed disorder. The best management options for patients with SIH are still uncertain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a highly disabling but often misdiagnosed disorder. The best management options for patients with SIH are still uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an objective summary of the available evidence on the clinical presentation, investigations findings, and treatment outcomes for SIH.
DATA SOURCES
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on SIH. Three databases were searched from inception to April 30, 2020: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane. The following search terms were used in each database: spontaneous intracranial hypotension, low CSF syndrome, low CSF pressure syndrome, low CSF volume syndrome, intracranial hypotension, low CSF pressure, low CSF volume, CSF hypovolemia, CSF hypovolaemia, spontaneous spinal CSF leak, spinal CSF leak, and CSF leak syndrome.
STUDY SELECTION
Original studies in English language reporting 10 or more patients with SIH were selected by consensus.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data on clinical presentation, investigations findings, and treatment outcomes were collected and summarized by multiple observers. Random-effect meta-analyses were used to calculate pooled estimates of means and proportions.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The predetermined main outcomes were the pooled estimate proportions of symptoms of SIH, imaging findings (brain and spinal imaging), and treatment outcomes (conservative, epidural blood patches, and surgical).
RESULTS
Of 6878 articles, 144 met the selection criteria and reported on average 53 patients with SIH each (range, 10-568 patients). The most common symptoms were orthostatic headache (92% [95% CI, 87%-96%]), nausea (54% [95% CI, 46%-62%]), and neck pain/stiffness (43% [95% CI, 32%-53%]). Brain magnetic resonance imaging was the most sensitive investigation, with diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement identified in 73% (95% CI, 67%-80%) of patients. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings were normal in 19% (95% CI, 13%-24%) of patients. Spinal neuroimaging identified extradural cerebrospinal fluid in 48% to 76% of patients. Digital subtraction myelography and magnetic resonance myelography with intrathecal gadolinium had high sensitivity in identifying the exact leak site. Lumbar puncture opening pressures were low, normal (60-200 mm H2O), and high in 67% (95% CI, 54%-80%), 32% (95% CI, 20%-44%), and 3% (95% CI, 1%-6%), respectively. Conservative treatment was effective in 28% (95% CI, 18%-37%) of patients and a single epidural blood patch was successful in 64% (95% CI, 56%-72%). Large epidural blood patches (>20 mL) had better success rates than small epidural blood patches (77% [95% CI, 63%-91%] and 66% [95% CI, 55%-77%], respectively).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension should not be excluded on the basis of a nonorthostatic headache, normal neuroimaging findings, or normal lumbar puncture opening pressure. Despite the heterogeneous nature of the studies available in the literature and the lack of controlled interventional studies, this systematic review offers a comprehensive and objective summary of the evidence on SIH that could be useful in guiding clinical practice and future research.
Topics: Blood Patch, Epidural; Conservative Treatment; Humans; Intracranial Hypotension; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33393980
DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.4799 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Dec 2021: Migraine headaches are chronic neurological diseases that reduce the quality of life by causing severe headaches and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, such as... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
: Migraine headaches are chronic neurological diseases that reduce the quality of life by causing severe headaches and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, such as facial flushing, nasal stuffiness, and sweating. Their major treatment methods include medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT has been used for pain treatment and various psychogenic neurological diseases by reducing pain, disability, and emotional disorders caused by symptoms of mental illness and improving the understanding of mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CBT in treating migraines. : Seven electronic databases were searched from the date of inception to December 2020. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) using CBT as an intervention for migraine were included. The primary outcome of this study was to determine the frequency of migraines and the intensity of migraines on Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the frequency of drug use, Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) index. The two authors independently conducted the data extraction and quality assessment of the included RCTs, and conducted meta-analysis with RevMan V.5.4. : Among the 373 studies, 11 RCTs were included in this systematic review. Seven out of the 11 RCTs were conducted in the USA, and four were conducted in the UK, Germany, Iran, and Italy, respectively. Headache frequency and MIDAS scores were statistically significant reduced. In the subgroup analysis, headache strength was significantly reduced. Two of the included studies reported adverse effects, including worsening of migraine intensity and frequency, respiratory symptoms, and vivid memory of a traumatic event. : CBT for migraine effectively reduced headache frequency and MIDAS score in meta-analysis and headache intensity subgroup analysis, with few adverse events. Additional RCTs with CBT for migraine headaches are needed for a more accurate analysis.
Topics: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Disability Evaluation; Headache; Humans; Migraine Disorders; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 35056352
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010044