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Skin Health and Disease Apr 2023Malignant Chondroid Syringomas (MCS) are very rare malignant tumours arising from cutaneous sweat glands, with only 51 reported cases in the literature. These tumours...
Malignant Chondroid Syringomas (MCS) are very rare malignant tumours arising from cutaneous sweat glands, with only 51 reported cases in the literature. These tumours can metastasize and cause death if not treated adequately. While there are histological criteria to diagnose MCS tumours, there are no established criterion to determine which tumours are more or less likely to metastasize. A systematic review was performed to establish if any features of the primary MCS tumour are associated with risk of metastasis or patient mortality, as well as the efficacy of common treatment options. The literature search was performed using the Ovid Medline and Web of Science databases from inception through March 2020. This yielded 47 case reports corresponding to 51 unique patients. Statistical analysis of the collected data revealed none of the commonly accepted malignant histopathologic findings (including nuclear atypia and/or pleomorphism, mitotic figures, an infiltrative growth pattern, presence of satellite nodules, necrosis, and vascular and/or perineural invasion) of the primary tumour to be significantly more associated with metastatic risk or death. However, gross characteristics of the tumour, including size (greater than 5 cm) and truncal location of the primary lesion, were found to be associated with a higher risk of metastasis. The most effective treatment modality was wide local excision. Overall, primary MCS tumours, especially those greater than 5 cm or located on the trunk, should be treated with a wide local excision and followed closely to confirm no lesion recurrence or distant metastasis.
PubMed: 37013126
DOI: 10.1002/ski2.144 -
European Review For Medical and... May 2023We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare the efficacy of perineural vs. intravenous dexmedetomidine as local anesthetic adjuvant. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare the efficacy of perineural vs. intravenous dexmedetomidine as local anesthetic adjuvant.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two researchers searched MEDLINE, OVID, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, Web of Science and Wanfang data for randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of intravenous vs. perineural injection of dexmedetomidine as a local anesthetic adjuvant in prolongation of analgesia for peripheral nerve block, without any language restrictions.
RESULTS
We identified 14 randomized controlled trials. The results revealed that the duration of analgesia [Standard mean difference (SMD): -0.55, 95% CI, (-1.05, -0.05) p=0.032, I2=85.4%] and the duration of sensory block [SMD: -2.68, 95% CI, (-4.53, -0.83) p=0.004, I2=97.3%], were significantly longer, the onset time of motor block [SMD: 0.65, 95% CI, (0.02, 1.27) p=0.043, I2=85.0%] was shorter in the perineural dexmedetomidine group, when compared with the systematic dexmedetomidine group. There was no significant difference in the duration of motor block [SMD: -0.32, 95% CI, (-1.11, -0.46) p=0.416, I2=89.8%] and the onset time of sensory block [SMD: 0.09, 95% CI, (-0.33, 0.52) p=0.668, I2=59.9%] between the two groups. Meanwhile, perineural dexmedetomidine reduced analgesic consumption in 24 hours [SMD: 0.43, 95% CI, (0.06, 0.80) p=0.022, I2=58.7%] compared with the intravenous dexmedetomidine group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis currently generates the evidence that perineural dexmedetomidine administration offers advantages not only in prolonging the duration of analgesia and sensory block, but also in shortening the onset time of motor block, when compared with the intravenous administration.
Topics: Dexmedetomidine; Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Anesthetics, Local; Analgesia; Administration, Intravenous; Peripheral Nerves
PubMed: 37203838
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202305_32321 -
Cancers Aug 2023The outcomes of orbital exenteration (OE) in patients with craniofacial lesions (CFLs) remain unclear. The present review summarizes the available literature on the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The outcomes of orbital exenteration (OE) in patients with craniofacial lesions (CFLs) remain unclear. The present review summarizes the available literature on the clinical outcomes of OE, including surgical outcomes and overall survival (OS).
METHODS
Relevant articles were retrieved from Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane according to PRISMA guidelines. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 33 articles containing 957 patients who underwent OE for CFLs were included (weighted mean age: 64.3 years [95% CI: 59.9-68.7]; 58.3% were male). The most common lesion was squamous cell carcinoma (31.8%), and the most common symptom was disturbed vision/reduced visual acuity (22.5%). Of the patients, 302 (31.6%) had total OE, 248 (26.0%) had extended OE, and 87 (9.0%) had subtotal OE. Free flaps (33.3%), endosseous implants (22.8%), and split-thickness skin grafts (17.2%) were the most used reconstructive methods. Sino-orbital or sino-nasal fistula (22.6%), flap or graft failure (16.9%), and hyperostosis (13%) were the most reported complications. Regarding tumor recurrences, 38.6% were local, 32.3% were distant, and 6.7% were regional. The perineural invasion rate was 17.4%, while the lymphovascular invasion rate was 5.0%. Over a weighted mean follow-up period of 23.6 months (95% CI: 13.8-33.4), a weighted overall mortality rate of 39% (95% CI: 28-50%) was observed. The 5-year OS rate was 50% (median: 61 months [95% CI: 46-83]). The OS multivariable analysis did not show any significant findings.
CONCLUSIONS
Although OE is a disfiguring procedure with devastating outcomes, it is a viable option for carefully selected patients with advanced CFLs. A patient-tailored approach based on tumor pathology, extension, and overall patient condition is warranted.
PubMed: 37686561
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174285 -
Medicine Aug 2021Dexmedetomidine (Dexm), a selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, and dexamethasone (Dexa), a very potent and highly selective glucocorticoid, have both been proven... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Dexmedetomidine (Dexm), a selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, and dexamethasone (Dexa), a very potent and highly selective glucocorticoid, have both been proven effectively to prolong the duration of local anesthetics (LA) in regional anesthesia. However, data comparing the efficacy of Dexm and Dexa as perineural adjuvants are inconsistent. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the effects of Dexm and Dexa when used as LA adjuvants on peripheral nerve block (PNB).
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases up to October, 2020. The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes included incidence of rescue analgesia, cumulative opioid consumption, time required for onset of sensory and motor blockades, duration of sensory and motor blockades, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and side effect-associated outcomes (e.g., bradycardia, sedation, hypotension, rates of infection, and neurological complications). The study was registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42020188796.
RESULTS
After screening of full-text relevant articles, 13 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved for this systematic review. It was revealed that perineural Dexm provided equivalent analgesic duration to perineural Dexa. Besides, the intake of Dexm increased the incidence of rescue analgesia in limbs surgery, as well as the cumulative opioid consumption, and decreased the time required for onset of sensory and motor blockades for long-acting LA (all P < .05). Other analysis revealed insignificant difference between the 2 groups in terms of the incidence of PONV (P > .05). Additionally, 2 studies demonstrated that Dexm possesses more sedative properties than Dexa (P < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis indicated that the analgesic duration of Dexm and Dexa as LA adjuvants in PNB is the same. Meanwhile, the effects of perineural Dexm and Dexa on some secondary outcomes, including the incidence of rescue analgesia, cumulative opioid consumption, and time required for onset of sensory and motor blockades, are associated with the surgical site and type of LA.
Topics: Adjuvants, Anesthesia; Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; Anesthesia, Local; Dexamethasone; Dexmedetomidine; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Nerve Block; Peripheral Nerves; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34449500
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000027064 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2023It was aimed at assessing the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for patients with node-negative colorectal cancer (CRC) either with or without perineural invasion... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
It was aimed at assessing the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for patients with node-negative colorectal cancer (CRC) either with or without perineural invasion (PNI).
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception through October 1, 2023. Survival outcomes were analyzed using hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Heterogeneity for the descriptive meta-analyses was quantified using the statistic.
RESULTS
Ten studies included in this review. ACT improved overall survival (OS) (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.40-0.69) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.35-0.82) in PNI + patients but did not affect DFS (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.72-1.77) in PNI- patients. A disease-specific survival (DSS) benefit with chemotherapy was observed in PNI + (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-0.99) and PNI- patients (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.57-1.00). And PNI decreased DFS (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.52-2.47) and OS (HR 1.75, 95% CI 0.96-3.17) in node-negative CRC.
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, chemotherapy appears most beneficial for survival outcomes in node-negative patients with PNI, but may also confer some advantage in those without PNI.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
Identifier INPLASY2021120103.
PubMed: 38033531
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1308757 -
JAMA Dermatology Feb 2023Primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is usually curable; however, a subset of patients develops poor outcomes, including local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Association of Patient Risk Factors, Tumor Characteristics, and Treatment Modality With Poor Outcomes in Primary Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
IMPORTANCE
Primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is usually curable; however, a subset of patients develops poor outcomes, including local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, and disease-specific death.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate all evidence-based reports of patient risk factors and tumor characteristics associated with poor outcomes in primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and to identify treatment modalities that minimize poor outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, and SCOPUS databases were searched for studies of the topic in humans, published in the English language, from database inception through February 8, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Two authors independently screened the identified articles and included those that were original research with a sample size of 10 patients or more and that assessed risk factors and/or treatment modalities associated with poor outcomes among patients with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data extraction was performed by a single author, per international guidelines. The search terms, study objectives, and protocol methods were defined before study initiation. A total of 310 studies were included for full-text assessment. Owing to heterogeneity of the included studies, a random-effects model was used. Data analyses were performed from May 25 to September 15, 2022.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
For studies of risk factors, risk ratios and incidence proportions; and for treatment studies, incidence proportions.
RESULTS
In all, 129 studies and a total of 137 449 patients with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and 126 553 tumors were included in the meta-analysis. Several patient risk factors and tumor characteristics were associated with local recurrence, nodal metastasis, distant metastasis, disease-specific death, and all-cause death were identified. Among all factors reported by more than 1 study, the highest risks for local recurrence and disease-specific death were associated with tumor invasion beyond subcutaneous fat (risk ratio, 9.1 [95% CI, 2.8-29.2] and 10.4 [95% CI, 3.0- 36.3], respectively), and the highest risk of any metastasis was associated with perineural invasion (risk ratio, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.3-11.1). Patients who received Mohs micrographic surgery had the lowest incidence of nearly all poor outcomes; however, in some results, the 95% CIs overlapped with those of other treatment modalities.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This meta-analysis identified the prognostic value of several risk factors and the effectiveness of the available treatment modalities. These findings carry important implications for the prognostication, workup, treatment, and follow-up of patients with primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO Identifier: CRD42022311250.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Skin Neoplasms; Prognosis; Mohs Surgery; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36576732
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.5508 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024The purpose of this study was to review the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in detecting perineural spreading (PNS) of head and neck tumors using histopathological or... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this study was to review the diagnostic accuracy of MRI in detecting perineural spreading (PNS) of head and neck tumors using histopathological or surgical evidence from the afflicted nerve as the reference standard. Previous studies in the English language published in the last 30 years were searched from PubMed and Embase databases. We included studies that used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (with and without contrast enhancement) to detect PNS, as well as the histological or surgical confirmation of PNS, and that reported the exact numbers of patients required for assessing diagnostic accuracy. The outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Heterogeneity was assessed with the Higgins inconsistency test (I). P-values smaller than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. A total of 11 retrospective studies were found, reporting 319 nerve samples from 245 patients. Meta-analytic estimates and their 95% confidence intervals were as follows: sensitivity 0.85 (0.70-0.95), specificity 0.85 (0.80-0.89), PPV 0.86 (0.70-0.94), and NPV 0.85 (0.71-0.93). We found statistically significant heterogeneity for sensitivity (I = 72%, = 0.003) and PPV (I = 70%, = 0.038), but not for NPV (I = 65%, = 0.119) or specificity (I = 12%, = 0.842). The most frequent MRI features of PNS were nerve enlargement and enhancement. Squamous cell carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma were the most common tumor types, and the facial and trigeminal nerves were the most commonly affected nerves in PNS. Only a few studies provided examples of false MRI diagnoses. MRI demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in depicting PNS of cranial nerves, yet this statement was based on scarce and heterogeneous evidence.
PubMed: 38201423
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14010113 -
Neurobiology of Pain (Cambridge, Mass.) 2021Obesity has been associated with increased chronic pain susceptibility but causes are unclear. In this review, we systematize and analyze pain outcomes in rodent models... (Review)
Review
Obesity has been associated with increased chronic pain susceptibility but causes are unclear. In this review, we systematize and analyze pain outcomes in rodent models of obesity as these can be important tools for mechanistic studies. Studies were identified using MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases using the following search query: (((pain) OR (nociception)) AND (obesity)) AND (rat OR (mouse) OR (rodent))). From each eligible record we extracted the following data: species, strain, sex, pain/obesity model and main behavioral readouts. Out of 695 records 33 were selected for inclusion. 27 studies assessed nociception/acute pain and 17 studies assessed subacute or chronic pain. Overall genetic and dietary models overlapped in pain-related outcomes. Most acute pain studies reported either decreased or unaltered responses to noxious painful stimuli. However, decreased thresholds to mechanical innocuous stimuli, i.e. allodynia, were frequently reported. In most studies using subacute and chronic pain models, namely of subcutaneous inflammation, arthritis and perineural inflammation, decreased thresholds and/or prolonged pain manifestations were reported in obesity models. Strain comparisons and longitudinal observations indicate that genetic factors and the time course of the pathology might account for some of the discrepancies observed across studies. Two studies reported increased pain in animals subjected to high fat diet in the absence of weight gain. Pain-related outcomes in experimental models and clinical obesity are aligned indicating that the rodent can be an useful tool to study the interplay between diet, obesity and pain. In both cases weight gain might represent only a minor contribution to abnormal pain manifestation.
PubMed: 34195483
DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2021.100066 -
British Journal of Anaesthesia Feb 2017Dexmedetomidine has been proposed as a perineural local anaesthetic (LA) adjunct to prolong peripheral nerve block duration; however, results from our previous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Evidence basis for using perineural dexmedetomidine to enhance the quality of brachial plexus nerve blocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Dexmedetomidine has been proposed as a perineural local anaesthetic (LA) adjunct to prolong peripheral nerve block duration; however, results from our previous meta-analysis in the setting of brachial plexus block (BPB) did not support its use. Many additional randomized trials have since been published. We thus conducted an updated meta-analysis.
METHODS
Randomized trials investigating the addition of dexmedetomidine to LA compared with LA alone (Control) in BPB for upper extremity surgery were sought. Sensory and motor block duration, onset times, duration of analgesia, analgesic consumption, pain severity, patient satisfaction, and dexmedetomidine-related side-effects were analysed using random-effects modeling. We used ratio-of-means (lower confidence interval [point estimate]) for continuous outcomes.
RESULTS
We identified 32 trials (2007 patients), and found that dexmedetomidine prolonged sensory block (at least 57%, P < 0.0001), motor block (at least 58%, P < 0.0001), and analgesia (at least 63%, P < 0.0001) duration. Dexmedetomidine expedited onset for both sensory (at least 40%, P < 0.0001) and motor (at least 39%, P < 0.0001) blocks. Dexmedetomidine also reduced postoperative oral morphine consumption by 10.2mg [-15.3, -5.2] (P < 0.0001), improved pain control, and enhanced satisfaction. In contrast, dexmedetomidine increased odds of bradycardia (3.3 [0.8, 13.5](P = 0.0002)), and hypotension (5.4 [2.7, 11.0] (P < 0.0001)). A 50-60µg dexmedetomidine dose maximized sensory block duration while minimizing haemodynamic side-effects. No patients experienced any neurologic sequelae. Evidence quality for sensory block was high according to the GRADE system.
CONCLUSIONS
New evidence now indicates that perineural dexmedetomidine improves BPB onset, quality, and analgesia. However, these benefits should be weighed against increased risks of motor block prolongation and transient bradycardia and hypotension.
Topics: Anesthetics, Local; Brachial Plexus Block; Dexmedetomidine; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28100520
DOI: 10.1093/bja/aew411 -
Scandinavian Journal of Pain Jan 2018Treatment of pain following major limb amputations is often a clinical challenge in a patient population consisting mainly of elderly with underlying diseases....
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Treatment of pain following major limb amputations is often a clinical challenge in a patient population consisting mainly of elderly with underlying diseases. Literature on management of acute post-amputation pain is scarce. We performed a systematic review on this topic to evaluate the efficacy and safety of analgesic interventions for acute pain following major limb amputation.
METHODS
A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the following key words: [(amputation) AND (pain OR analgesi* OR pain relief)] AND (acute OR postoperative). Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and observational studies investigating treatment of acute pain following major amputations for any indication (peripheral vascular disease, malignant disease, trauma) were included. The review was performed according to the standards described in the PRISMA statement. The Cochrane quality assessment tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the RCTs.
RESULTS
Nineteen studies with total of 949 patients were included. The studies were generally small and heterogeneous on outcomes, study designs and quality. There were 16 studies on epidural or continuous perineural analgesia (CPI). Based on five RCTs (n=268) and two observational studies (n=49), epidural analgesia decreased the intensity of acute stump pain as compared to systemic analgesics, during the first 24 h after the operation. Based on one study epidural analgesia caused more adverse effects like sedation, nausea and motor block than continuous perineural local anesthetic infusion. Based on one RCT (n=21) and eight observational studies (n=501) CPI seemed to decrease opioid consumption as compared to systemic analgesics only, on the first three postoperative days, and was well tolerated. Only three trials investigated systemic analgesics (oral memantine, oral gabapentine, iv ketamine). Ketamine did not decrease acute pain or opioid consumption after amputation as compared to other systemic analgesics. Gabapentin did not decrease acute pain when combined to epidural analgesia as compared to epidural analgesia and opioid treatment, and caused adverse effects.
CONCLUSIONS
The main finding of this systematic review is that evidence regarding pain management after major limb amputation is very limited. Epidural analgesia may be effective, but firm evidence is lacking. Epidural causes more adverse effects than CPI. The results on efficacy of CPI are indecisive. The data on adjuvant medications combined to epidural analgesia or CPI is limited. Studies on efficacy and adverse effects of systemic analgesics for amputation pain, especially concentrating on elderly patients, are needed.
Topics: Acute Pain; Amputation, Surgical; Analgesia, Epidural; Analgesics; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Humans; Pain Management; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 29794290
DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2017-0170