-
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for cervical spine metastases: a systematic review and meta-analysis.International Journal of Spine Surgery 2016Vertebroplasty (VP) and kyphoplasty (KP) are two minimally invasive techniques used to relieve pain and restore stability in metastatic spinal disease. However, most of...
BACKGROUND
Vertebroplasty (VP) and kyphoplasty (KP) are two minimally invasive techniques used to relieve pain and restore stability in metastatic spinal disease. However, most of these procedures are performed in the thoracolumbar spine, and there is limited data on outcomes after VP/KP for cervical metastases. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VP and KP for treating pain in patients with cervical spine metastases.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PubMed and Medline databases. Only studies that reported five or more patients treated with VP/KP in the cervical spine were included. Levels of evidence and grades of recommendation were established based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. Data was pooled to perform a meta-analysis for pain relief and complication rates.
RESULTS
Six studies (all level 4 studies) met the inclusion criteria, representing 120 patients undergoing VP/KP at 135 vertebrae; the most common addressed level was C2 in 83 cases. The average volume of injected cement was 2.5 ± 0.5 milliliters at each vertebra. There were 22 asymptomatic cement leaks (16%; 95% CI, 9.8% - 22.2%) most commonly occurring in the paraspinal soft tissue. There were 5 complications (4%; 95% CI, 0.5% - 7.5%): 3 cases of mild odynophagia, 1 case of occipital neuralgia secondary to leak, and 1 case of stroke secondary to cement embolism. Pain relief was achieved in 89% of cases (range: 80 - 100%). The calculated average pain score decreased significantly from 7.6 ± 0.9 before surgery to 1.9 ± 0.8 at last evaluation (p=0.006).
CONCLUSION
Although the calculated complication rate after VP/KP in the cervical spine is low (4%) and the reported pain relief rate is approximately 89%, there is lack of high-quality evidence supporting this. Future randomized controlled trials are needed.
PubMed: 26913227
DOI: 10.14444/3007 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Mar 2022The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to identify clinical studies concerning the impact of intra-articular administration of hyaluronic acid (HA)... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to identify clinical studies concerning the impact of intra-articular administration of hyaluronic acid (HA) on mandibular mobility and to make an attempt at determining the efficacy of HA in this indication.
METHODS
The review included primary studies involving groups of at least 10 patients who were diagnosed with pain in the temporomandibular joint and who were injected with hyaluronic acid as the only intervention. The outcomes pursued were changes in mandibular mobility and pain intensity. Four databases of medical articles were searched, including PubMed and BASE. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane methodology tools. The therapy's efficacy was calculated in the domains of mandibular abduction, protrusive movement, lateral mobility, and pain relief. For these values, the regression and correlation with variables characterizing the interventions were analyzed.
RESULTS
In total, 16 reports on 20 study groups with a total of 1007 patients qualified for the review. The mean effectiveness in the domain of mandibular abduction over the 6-month follow-up period was 122% of the initial value, and the linear regression model can be expressed as 0.5 + 36. The level of pain in the same time frame decreased to an average of 29%. The severity of pain 6 months after the beginning of treatment positively correlates with the number of injections per joint (0.63), the total amount of drug administered in milliliters (0.62), and the volume of drug administered monthly per joint (0.50).
LIMITATIONS
In some studies, the patient groups were heterogeneous in terms of diagnosis. The studies varied depending on the joint into which the HA was administered. The synthesized studies differed with regard to the method of measuring the mandible abduction amplitude.
CONCLUSIONS
The increase in the amplitude of mandibular abduction was expressed as the quotient of the mean values during the observation periods, and the initial value was achieved in all study groups, and in the linear regression model, it was 0.5 mm on average per month. Multiple administrations of the drug may reduce the analgesic effectiveness of the treatment.
PubMed: 35407508
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11071901 -
International Braz J Urol : Official... 2012We aim to evaluate our experience and results with laparoscopic radical cystectomy and conduct a systematic review of studies reporting on 50 or more procedures. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
We aim to evaluate our experience and results with laparoscopic radical cystectomy and conduct a systematic review of studies reporting on 50 or more procedures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between February 2006 and March 2011, a prospective study in a single institute on patients with bladder cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy was conducted. A search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, and Scopus databases was conducted for studies reporting on 50 or more laparoscopic radical cystectomy procedures to compare with our results.
RESULTS
Sixty men and five women underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy during the 5-year study period. Thirty-nine patients were submitted to ileal conduits, 24 to neobladders, and two patients to ureterocutaneostomies. The mean operative time was 294 ± 27 minutes, the mean blood loss was 249.69 ± 95.59 millilitres, the mean length of hospital stay was 9.42 ± 2 days, the mean morphine requirement was 3.69 ± 0.8 days. The overall complication rate was 44.6% (29/65). However, the majority of the patients with complications (90% (26/29)) had minor complications treated conservatively with no further surgical intervention needed. The literature search found seven studies, which reported on their institutions' laparoscopic radical cystectomy results of 50 or more patients. Generally, our results were similar to other reported studies of the same calibre.
CONCLUSION
Laparoscopic radical cystectomy is a safe and efficient modality of treatment of bladder cancer. However, it comes with a steep learning curve, once overcome, can provide an alternative to open radical cystectomy.
Topics: Aged; Blood Loss, Surgical; Cystectomy; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Lymph Node Excision; Male; Middle Aged; Operative Time; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
PubMed: 22765852
DOI: 10.1590/s1677-55382012000300006 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2011Upper tract transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) are uncommon and aggressive tumours. There are a number of surgical approaches to manage this condition including open... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Upper tract transitional cell carcinomas (TCC) are uncommon and aggressive tumours. There are a number of surgical approaches to manage this condition including open radical nephroureterectomy and laparoscopic procedures.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the best surgical management option for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma.
SEARCH STRATEGY
A sensitive search strategy was developed to identify relevant studies for inclusion in this review. The following databases were searched for randomised trials evaluating surgical approaches to the management of upper tract TCC: Medline EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, British Nursing Index, AMED, LILACS, Web of Science®, Scopus, Biosis, TRIP, Biomed Central, Dissertation Abstracts, and ISI Proceedings.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The following criteria that were considered for this review.Types of studies - All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing the various surgical methods and approaches for the management of localised upper tract transitional cell carcinoma. Types of participants - All adult patients with localised transitional cell carcinoma. Localised disease was defined as limited to the kidney or ureter with no gross regional lymph nodal enlargement on imaging. Types of interventions - Any surgical method or approach for managing localised upper tract transitional cell carcinoma. Types of outcome measures - Overall and cancer-specific survival were primary outcomes. Surgery-related morbidity. Quality of life and health economics outcomes were secondary outcomes.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors examined the search results independently to identify trials for inclusion.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified one randomised controlled trial that met our inclusion criteria. The trial showed that the laparoscopic approach had superior peri-operative outcomes compared to open approach. Laparoscopic was superior and statistically significant for blood loss (104 mL (millilitres) versus 430 mL, P < 0.001) and mean time to discharge (2.3 days versus 3.7, P < 0.001). Oncological outcomes (bladder tumour-free survival, metastasis-free survival, cancer-specific survival curves), at a median follow up of 44 months and in organ-confined disease, were comparable for both groups.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no high quality evidence available from adequately controlled trials to determine the best surgical management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma. However, one small randomised trial and observational data suggests that laparoscopic approach is associated with less blood loss and early recovery from surgery with similar cancer outcomes when compared to open approach.
Topics: Adult; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell; Humans; Kidney Neoplasms; Laparoscopy; Nephrectomy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ureter; Ureteral Neoplasms
PubMed: 21491399
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007349.pub2 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Apr 2024: Numerous studies have aimed to predict prenatal and neonatal outcomes for pregnancies complicated by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). Presently, assessing CMV... (Review)
Review
: Numerous studies have aimed to predict prenatal and neonatal outcomes for pregnancies complicated by congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV). Presently, assessing CMV severity prenatally relies largely on fetal imaging. A controversy exists regarding CMV viral load (VL) and its association with fetal and neonatal sequelae. : To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the association between CMV DNA VL in amniotic fluid and fetal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with congenital CMV. : All cohort, case-control and observational studies that compared outcomes of fetuses with congenital CMV and provided information on individual patient CMV VL quantified in copies per milliliter (c/mL) from inception to January 2023 were included, with no geographical or language restrictions. A total of 1251 citations were reviewed with eight studies meeting inclusion criteria and included in meta-analysis. Affected pregnancies had a higher VL in the amniotic fluid compared to those unaffected with a mean difference of 2.2e+7 (range 1.5e+7 to 2.8e+7). In subgroup analysis, the VL was significantly higher in the fetuses, with imaging findings related to CMV compared to asymptomatic fetuses with a mean difference of 4.1e+7 (95% CI 2.8e+7-5.4e+7). However, among babies with congenital CMV, the VL was not significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic babies. : Amniotic fluid CMV VL is associated with fetal sequalae in congenital CMV, with a higher VL conferring a greater risk for prenatal injury.
PubMed: 38610901
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072136 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy May 2021Mobilization failure may occur when the conventional hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) mobilization agent granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used alone, new... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Mobilization failure may occur when the conventional hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) mobilization agent granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is used alone, new regimens were developed to improve mobilization efficacy. Multiple studies have been performed to investigate the efficacy of these regimens via animal models, but the results are inconsistent. We aim to compare the efficacy of different HSC mobilization regimens and identify new promising regimens with a network meta-analysis of preclinical studies.
METHODS
We searched Medline and Embase databases for the eligible animal studies that compared the efficacy of different HSC mobilization regimens. Primary outcome is the number of total colony-forming cells (CFCs) in per milliliter of peripheral blood (/ml PB), and the secondary outcome is the number of Lin Sca1 Kit (LSK) cells/ml PB. Bayesian network meta-analyses were performed following the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Decision Support Unit (NICE DSU) with WinBUGS version 1.4.3. G-CSF-based regimens were classified into the SD (standard dose, 200-250 μg/kg/day) group and the LD (low dose, 100-150 μg/kg/day) group based on doses, and were classified into the short-term (2-3 days) group and the long-term (4-5 days) group based on administration duration. Long-term SD G-CSF was chosen as the reference treatment. Results are presented as the mean differences (MD) with the associated 95% credibility interval (95% CrI) for each regimen.
RESULTS
We included 95 eligible studies and reviewed the efficacy of 94 mobilization agents. Then 21 studies using the poor mobilizer mice model (C57BL/6 mice) to investigate the efficacy of different mobilization regimens were included for network meta-analysis. Network meta-analyses indicated that compared with long-term SD G-CSF alone, 14 regimens including long-term SD G-CSF + Me6, long-term SD G-CSF + AMD3100 + EP80031, long-term SD G-CSF + AMD3100 + FG-4497, long-term SD G-CSF + ML141, long-term SD G-CSF + desipramine, AMD3100 + meloxicam, long-term SD G-CSF + reboxetine, AMD3100 + VPC01091, long-term SD G-CSF + FG-4497, Me6, long-term SD G-CSF + EP80031, POL5551, long-term SD G-CSF + AMD3100, AMD1300 + EP80031 and long-term LD G-CSF + meloxicam significantly increased the collections of total CFCs. G-CSF + Me6 ranked first among these regimens in consideration of the number of harvested CFCs/ml PB (MD 2168.0, 95% CrI 2062.0-2272.0). In addition, 7 regimens including long-term SD G-CSF + AMD3100, AMD3100 + EP80031, long-term SD G-CSF + EP80031, short-term SD G-CSF + AMD3100 + IL-33, long-term SD G-CSF + ML141, short-term LD G-CSF + ARL67156, and long-term LD G-CSF + meloxicam significantly increased the collections of LSK cells compared with G-CSF alone. Long-term SD G-CSF + AMD3100 ranked first among these regimens in consideration of the number of harvested LSK cells/ml PB (MD 2577.0, 95% CrI 2422.0-2733.0).
CONCLUSIONS
Considering the number of CFC and LSK cells in PB as outcomes, G-CSF plus AMD3100, Me6, EP80031, ML141, FG-4497, IL-33, ARL67156, meloxicam, desipramine, and reboxetine are all promising mobilizing regimens for future investigation.
Topics: Animals; Bayes Theorem; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Network Meta-Analysis
PubMed: 34051862
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02379-6 -
PloS One 2015Neck dissection is the most definitive and effective treatment for head and neck cancer. This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy and surgical outcomes of... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Neck dissection is the most definitive and effective treatment for head and neck cancer. This systematic review aims to compare the efficacy and surgical outcomes of neck dissection between the harmonic scalpel and conventional surgical techniques and conduct a quantitative meta-analysis of the randomized trials.
METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified from the major electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library) using the keywords ''harmonic scalpel'' and ''neck dissection,'' and a quantitative meta-analysis was conducted. The operative time and intraoperative bleeding were the primary outcome measures, and other parameters assessed included the drainage fluid volume and length of hospital stay.
RESULTS
Seven trials that met the inclusion criteria included 406 neck dissection cases (201 in the harmonic scalpel group). Compared with conventional surgical techniques, the HS group had an operative time that was significantly reduced by 29.3 minutes [mean difference: -29.29; 95% CI = (-44.26, -14.32); P=0.0001], a reduction in intraoperative bleeding by 141.1 milliliters [mean difference: -141.13; 95% CI = (-314.99, 32.73); P=0.11], and a reduction in drainage fluid volume by 64.9 milliliters [mean difference: -64.86; 95% CI = (-110.40, -19.32); P=0.005] , but it is not significant after removal of studies driving heterogeneity. There was no significant difference in the length of the hospital stay [mean difference: -0.21; 95% CI = (-0.48, 0.07); P=0.14].
CONCLUSION
This systematic review showed that using the harmonic scalpel for neck dissection significantly reduces the operative time and drainage fluid volume and that it is not associated with an increased length of hospital stay or perioperative complications. Therefore, the harmonic scalpel method is safe and effective for neck dissection. However, the statistical heterogeneity was high. Further studies are required to substantiate our findings.
Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Drainage; Hemostasis, Surgical; Humans; Length of Stay; Neck Dissection; Operative Time; Publication Bias; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Surgical Instruments
PubMed: 26161897
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132476 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jul 2009Post partum haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide. It also contributes to maternal morbidity as women may require a hysterectomy to control... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Post partum haemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal death worldwide. It also contributes to maternal morbidity as women may require a hysterectomy to control bleeding, or may require a blood transfusion, which can transmit viral infections. Anti-fibrinolytic agents have been proposed as a treatment for post partum haemorrhage. We conducted a systematic review to assess the effectiveness and safety of anti-fibrinolytic agents in post partum bleeding.
METHODS
All randomised controlled trials of anti-fibrinolytic agents given for bleeding during the postpartum period were included in this review. We searched Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials, Web of Science, metaRegister of controlled trials, LILACS, Reproductive Health Library, African healthline, POPLINE, MedCarib, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov and the reference lists of eligible trials. Two authors extracted data. Methodological quality was assessed by evaluating allocation concealment. The primary outcome was maternal mortality. Secondary outcomes were blood loss, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, mean haemoglobin concentration, thrombo-embolic events and other adverse effects.
RESULTS
We identified three randomised controlled trials involving 461 participants. The trials compared tranexamic acid with no treatment and reported blood loss after delivery. In all three trials, allocation concealment was either inadequate or unclear. The administration of tranexamic acid was associated with a reduction in blood loss of 92 millilitres (95%CI 76 to 109). The most frequently reported adverse effect of tranexamic acid was nausea, although the increase was easily compatible with the play of chance (RR 4.63, 95%CI 0.23 to 95.14).
CONCLUSION
Tranexamic acid may reduce blood loss in post partum haemorrhage. However, the quality of the currently available evidence is poor. Adequately powered, high quality randomised controlled trials are needed.
Topics: Antifibrinolytic Agents; Female; Humans; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 19604358
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-9-29 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2007Staples can be placed during the making of an incision, with the aim of decreasing blood loss from the cut edges. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Staples can be placed during the making of an incision, with the aim of decreasing blood loss from the cut edges.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of using a stapler with absorbable staples to extend the uterine incision at lower segment caesarean section.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised trials of extending the uterine incision using a stapler compared with extending the incision digitally or with scissors in women having a lower segment transverse incision caesarean section.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Eligibility and trial quality were assessed.
MAIN RESULTS
Four trials involving 526 women were included. There was no difference in total operating time between the stapling technique and other techniques to extend the incision (weighted mean difference -1.17 minutes, 95% confidence interval -3.57 to 1.22). However stapling devices increased the time needed to deliver the baby (weighted mean difference 0.85 minutes, 95% confidence interval 0.48 to 1.23). Blood loss was lower with the use of staples (weighted mean difference -41.22 millilitres, 95% confidence interval -50.63 to -31.8). No significant differences between stapling and other techniques were detected for other perinatal morbidity outcomes.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence to justify the routine use of stapling devices to extend the uterine incision at lower segment caesarean section. There is a possibility that stapling could cause harm, by prolonging the time to deliver the baby.
Topics: Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Sutures
PubMed: 17636572
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000005.pub2 -
The Canadian Journal of Hospital... Mar 2009Concomitant enteral administration of ciprofloxacin with products containing magnesium, aluminum, and calcium (e.g., as enteral feeds) decreases the oral bioavailability...
BACKGROUND
Concomitant enteral administration of ciprofloxacin with products containing magnesium, aluminum, and calcium (e.g., as enteral feeds) decreases the oral bioavailability of this antibiotic. The manufacturer currently recommends holding enteral feeds for a total of 8 h after ciprofloxacin is given, but this is not feasible for patients who are receiving continuous enteral feeding. A previous study demonstrated that a higher dose of oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg BID) may compensate for the reduced bioavailability associated with this drug-food interaction, allowing adequate concentrations for effective bactericidal activity.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether ciprofloxacin 750 mg administered enterally is a clinically feasible alternative to ciprofloxacin 400 mg administered intravenously for adults receiving enteral feeds.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted in EMBASE (January 1980 to April 2008) and MEDLINE (January 1949 to April 2008), with no language restrictions, using the key words "ciprofloxacin", "fluoroquinolone", "tube feed", and "enteral". For trials that remained after screening of the abstract, the full text was reviewed and the reference lists were hand-searched to identify additional trials. The following outcomes were prespecified: death, serious adverse events, clinical cure, microbiological cure, re-infection, total adverse events, ratio of area under the curve (AUC, in microgram-hours per millilitre) to minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, in micrograms per millilitre), ratio of maximum serum concentration (C(max), in micrograms per millilitre) to MIC, and C(max).
RESULTS
The search identified 121 potentially eligible studies, which were screened on the basis of information provided in the abstract. From this initial screening, it was clear that 113 studies did not meet the inclusion criteria. The remaining 8 studies were subjected to a full-text review, which revealed that only 1 study met the inclusion criteria. In that study, ciprofloxacin 750 mg given enterally yielded an AUC similar to that achieved with 400 mg given parentally, but the C(max) was lower. No clinical outcomes were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence from this systematic review to determine whether patients receiving enteral feeds concomitantly with enteral ciprofloxacin 750 mg BID will achieve clinical outcomes similar to those receiving parenteral ciprofloxacin 400 mg BID.
PubMed: 22478878
DOI: 10.4212/cjhp.v62i2.441