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Neurological Sciences : Official... Feb 2024Tics and stereotypies are childhood-onset repetitive behaviours that can pose significant diagnostic challenges in clinical practice. Both tics and stereotypies are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Tics and stereotypies are childhood-onset repetitive behaviours that can pose significant diagnostic challenges in clinical practice. Both tics and stereotypies are characterised by a complex co-morbidity profile, however little is known about the co-occurrence of these hyperkinetic disorders in the same patient population.
OBJECTIVE
This review aimed to assess the relationship between tics and stereotypies when these conditions present in co-morbidity.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature review of original studies on co-morbid tics and stereotypies, according to the standards outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Our literature search identified six studies of suitable sample size (n ≥ 40) presenting data on the association between tics and stereotypies in otherwise typically developing patients. A considerable proportion (23%) of patients diagnosed with stereotypic movement disorder present with co-morbid tics (range 18-43%). Likewise, the prevalence of primary stereotypies is increased in patients with tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome (8%, range 6-12%).
DISCUSSION
Tics and stereotypies can often develop in co-morbidity. The association of tics and stereotypies in the same patient has practical implications, in consideration of the different treatment approaches. Future research should focus on the assessment and management of both conditions, particularly in special populations (e.g. patients with pervasive developmental disorders).
Topics: Child; Humans; Comorbidity; Stereotypic Movement Disorder; Tic Disorders; Tics; Tourette Syndrome
PubMed: 37775616
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07095-y -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) is a critical effector molecule in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a leading renal disease without noninvasive assessment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) is a critical effector molecule in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a leading renal disease without noninvasive assessment options. This updated systematic review aimed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of Gd-IgA1 assessment in biological fluids in patients with IgAN.
METHODS
PRISMA guidelines were followed in this review. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, VIP Information/China Science and Technology Journal Database, and WANFANG for studies published between database inception and January 31, 2023. Eligible studies that evaluated aberrant IgA1 glycosylation in IgAN patients relative to controls were identified, and random effects meta-analyses were used to compare Gd-IgA1 levels in different groups. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022375246).
FINDINGS
Of the 2727 records identified, 50 were eligible and had available data. The mean Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score was 7.1 (range, 6-8). Data synthesis suggested that IgAN patients had higher levels of blood and/or urine Gd-IgA1 compared with healthy controls (standard mean difference [SMD]=1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.19-1.68, P<0.00001), IgA vasculitis patients (SMD=0.58, 95% CI=0.22-0.94, P=0.002), and other kidney disease patients (SMD=1.06, 95% CI=0.79-1.33, P<0.00001). Moreover, patients with IgAN had similar levels of serum Gd-IgA1 compared to first-degree relatives (SMD=0.38, 95% CI= -0.04-0.81, P=0.08) and IgA vasculitis with nephritis patients (SMD=0.12, 95% CI= -0.04-0.29, P=0.14). In addition, ten studies demonstrated significant differences in serum Gd-IgA1 levels in patients with mild and severe IgAN (SMD= -0.37, 95% CI= -0.64--0.09, P=0.009).
CONCLUSIONS
High serum and urine Gd-IgA1 levels suggest a diagnosis of IgAN and a poor prognosis for patients with this immunological disorder. Future studies should use more reliable and reproducible methods to determine Gd-IgA1 levels.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022375246, identifier CRD42022375246.
Topics: Humans; Glomerulonephritis, IGA; Prognosis; IgA Vasculitis; Immunoglobulin A
PubMed: 37671165
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209394 -
Journal of Taibah University Medical... Feb 2022IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and IgA vasculitis (IgAV) are part of a similar clinical spectrum. Both clinical conditions occur with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and IgA vasculitis (IgAV) are part of a similar clinical spectrum. Both clinical conditions occur with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This review aims to recognize the novel association of IgAN and IgAV with COVID-19 and describe its underlying pathogenesis.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search and data extraction from PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Our search identified 13 cases reporting IgAV and IgAN associated with COVID-19 infection and 4 cases of IgAN following COVID-19 vaccination. The mean, mode, and median ages of patients were 23.8, 4, and 8 years, respectively. Most cases associated with COVID-19 infection were reported in males (77%). Rash and purpura (85%) were the most common clinical features, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (62%). In symptomatic cases, skin or renal biopsy and immunofluorescence confirmed the diagnosis of IgAN or IgAV. Most patients were treated with steroids and reported recovery or improvement; however, death was reported in two patients.
CONCLUSION
There is a paucity of scientific evidence on the pathogenesis of the association of IgAN and IgAV with COVID-19, which thus needs further study. Current research suggests the role of IgA-mediated immune response, evidenced by early seroconversion to IgA in COVID-19 patients and the role of IgA in immune hyperactivation as the predominant mediator of the disease process. Clinicians, especially nephrologists and paediatricians, need to recognize this association, as this disease is usually self-limited and can lead to complete recovery if prompt diagnosis and treatment are provided.
PubMed: 34602936
DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2021.08.012 -
Epilepsia Jan 2016The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Epilepsy Guidelines Task Force, composed of 14 international members, was established in 2011 to identify, using... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Epilepsy Guidelines Task Force, composed of 14 international members, was established in 2011 to identify, using systematic review methodology, international epilepsy clinical care guidelines, assess their quality, and determine gaps in areas of need of development.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature (1985-2014) was performed in six electronic databases (e.g. Medline, Embase) using a broad search strategy without initial limits to language or study design. Six gray literature databases (e.g., American Academy of Neurology [AAN], ILAE) were also searched to minimize publication bias. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts, reviewed full text articles, and performed data abstraction. Descriptive statistics and a meta-analysis were generated.
RESULTS
The search identified 10,926 abstracts. Of the 410 articles selected for full text review, 63 met our eligibility criteria for a guideline. Of those included, 54 were in English and 9 were in other languages (French, Spanish, and Italian). Of all guidelines, 29% did not specify the target age groups, 27% were focused on adults, 22% included only children, and 6% specifically addressed issues related to women with epilepsy. Guidelines included in the review were most often aimed at guiding clinical practice for status epilepticus (n = 7), first seizure (n = 6), drug-resistant epilepsy (n = 5), and febrile seizures (n = 4), among others. Most of the guidelines were therapeutic (n = 35) or diagnostic (n = 16) in nature. The quality of the guidelines using a 1-7 point scale (7 = highest) varied and was moderate overall (mean = 4.99 ± 1.05 [SD]).
SIGNIFICANCE
We identified substantial gaps in topics (e.g., epilepsy in the elderly) and there was considerable heterogeneity in methodologic quality. The findings should offer a valuable resource for health professionals caring for people with epilepsy, since they will help guide the prioritization, development, and dissemination of future epilepsy-related guidelines.
Topics: Advisory Committees; Databases, Factual; Epilepsy; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Societies, Medical
PubMed: 26659723
DOI: 10.1111/epi.13273 -
Cureus Oct 2022Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired bleeding disorder characterized by autoantibodies against platelets. The clinical presentation is variable; the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired bleeding disorder characterized by autoantibodies against platelets. The clinical presentation is variable; the main symptom is bleeding, and many patients are asymptomatic; others have nonspecific symptoms like fatigue. Uncommonly, ITP can present with paradoxical thrombosis. The risk of thrombosis in ITP may be higher than expected, which makes the management of ITP more challenging. This review aims to evaluate patients with ITP who develop thrombosis and identify potential risk factors related to thrombosis in this category of patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
English literature was searched using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for adults above 18 years with primary ITP who had infarctions or thrombotic events. Patients with secondary ITP were excluded. The search included articles published up to 20th October 2021.
RESULTS
A total of 73 articles were included. Seventy-seven patients with ITP had developed infarctions and various thrombotic events. Sixty-three patients had arterial events, and 14 patients developed venous thrombotic events.
CONCLUSION
Patients with ITP have low platelets, which predispose them to bleed; despite that, serious thrombotic complications can happen in these patients and are difficult to predict. Therefore, it is critical for physicians to understand that ITP is paradoxically a prothrombotic condition and to address preventive thromboembolic measures whenever possible.
PubMed: 36407259
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30279 -
Clinical Rheumatology Feb 2024Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a challenging disease in its presentation and management as it may cause life-threatening hemorrhaging in vital organs and may... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a challenging disease in its presentation and management as it may cause life-threatening hemorrhaging in vital organs and may resist several lines of treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in treating patients with ITP.
METHODS
We systematically searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception until 10 October 2022. We included all clinical trials, either controlled or single arm, and prospective and retrospective observational studies that evaluate the efficacy and safety of MMF in patients with ITP. We assessed the risk of bias using three tools (ROBINS-I, Cochrane ROB-2, and NIH), each for eligible study design.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 411 patients with ITP. We found that MMF demonstrated an overall response rate of (62.09%; 95% CI = [43.29 to 77.84]) and the complete response rate was (46.75%; 95% CI = [24.84 to 69.99]). The overall proportion of adverse events was (12%; 95% CI = [6 to 24]). After the sensitivity analysis, the overall response rate became 50%; 95% CI = [38 to 63]) and the complete response rate became (32%; 95% CI = [24 to 42]). However, MMF did not appear to affect white blood cell counts or hemoglobin levels significantly.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that MMF appears to be an effective and relatively safe treatment option for patients with ITP when combined with steroids and even in those who have not responded to standard therapies (steroid-resistant cases). Further research with well-designed studies is warranted to better understand the factors influencing treatment response and to refine the use of MMF in the management of ITP. An interactive version of our analysis can be accessed from here: https://databoard.shinyapps.io/mycophenolate_meta/.
Topics: Humans; Mycophenolic Acid; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Steroids; Immunosuppressive Agents
PubMed: 37981614
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06820-4 -
JMIR Dermatology Sep 2023Psychogenic purpura is an idiopathic psychodermatologic condition of recurrent, painful purpura precipitated by psychological stress, predominantly affecting young... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Psychogenic purpura is an idiopathic psychodermatologic condition of recurrent, painful purpura precipitated by psychological stress, predominantly affecting young females. Little consensus exists on the diagnostic guidelines for this rare condition, often resulting in costly, unnecessary, and stressful investigations as well as prolonged hospital admissions.
OBJECTIVE
With this first up-to-date systematic review of 134 cases of psychogenic purpura in over a decade, we aim to thoroughly investigate the diagnostic strategy and treatment regimens used in the last decade. With a sooner diagnosis, patient stress and nosocomial ecchymoses can be minimized, and treatment can be expedited.
METHODS
We conducted a literature review of 4 databases (PubMed, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science) on October 5, 2022 that yielded 46 full-text articles, which were reviewed and extracted by 2 independent reviewers.
RESULTS
We analyzed a total of 134 cases, consisting largely of females (125/134, 93.3%) with purpura on the upper (103/134, 76.9%) or lower limbs (112/134, 83.6%). Apart from a paresthesia prodrome, patients commonly experienced headaches, malaise, and arthralgia or myalgia. Approximately 70% (95/134) of patients reported a physiological or psychological stressor or psychiatric diagnosis before the development of the purpura. Laboratory testing almost always revealed unremarkable results. The intradermal washed autoerythrocyte sensitization test was positive in 98% (42/43) of cases. Histopathology biopsy findings commonly revealed dermal erythrodiapedesis or hemorrhage (n=34) and perivascular inflammatory infiltrates (n=17). Approximately 42% (56/134) of patients received a novel psychiatric diagnosis, with depression being the most common (40/72, 56%). In both patients with and those without a novel psychiatric diagnosis, observation, counseling, treatment with antidepressants (ie, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and psychotherapy (ie, cognitive behavioral therapy) prevailed in the resolution of the purpura.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the unclear etiology and infrequent presentation of this condition, it remains a diagnosis of exclusion based on clinical suspicion evaluating the presence of stressors or psychiatric comorbidities and exclusion of systemic conditions. Clinical confirmation can be sought through a positive autoerythrocyte sedimentation test, characteristic histopathology findings, and remission of purpura after psychiatric treatment.
PubMed: 37703091
DOI: 10.2196/48153 -
International Journal of Surgery... Oct 2017Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) seems to be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis (PF) and is assumed to be safe. No systematic reviews have been... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) seems to be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis (PF) and is assumed to be safe. No systematic reviews have been published that specifically studied the complications and side effects of ESWT in treating PF. Aim of this systematic review is therefore to evaluate the complications and side effects of ESWT in order to determine whether ESWT is a safe treatment for PF.
METHODS
For this systematic review the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane and Embase were used to search for relevant literature between 1 January 2005 and 1 January 2017. PRISMA guidelines were followed.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine studies were included for this review, representing 2493 patients (2697 heels) who received between 6424 and 6497 ESWT treatment sessions, with an energy flux density between 0.01 mJ/mm and 0.64 mJ/mm and a frequency of 1000-3800 SWs. Average follow-up was 14.7 months (range: 24 h - 6 years). Two complications occurred: precordial pain and a superficial skin infection after regional anaesthesia. Accordingly, 225 patients reported pain during treatment and 247 reported transient red skin after treatment. Transient pain after treatment, dysesthesia, swelling, ecchymosis and/or petechiae, severe headache, bruising and a throbbing sensation were also reported.
CONCLUSION
ESWT is likely a safe treatment for PF. No complications are expected at one-year follow-up. However, according to the current literature long-term complications are unknown. Better descriptions of treatment protocols, patient characteristics and registration of complications and side effects, especially pain during treatment, are recommended.
Topics: Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy; Fasciitis, Plantar; Humans; Pain
PubMed: 28890412
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.08.587 -
Journal of Xenobiotics Jan 2023Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired antibody or cell-mediated platelet damage or decreased platelet production. Steroids, IV immunoglobulins (IVIG), and... (Review)
Review
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an acquired antibody or cell-mediated platelet damage or decreased platelet production. Steroids, IV immunoglobulins (IVIG), and Rho-anti-D antibodies are the commonly used initial treatments for ITP. However, many ITP patients either do not respond or do not maintain a response to initial therapy. Splenectomy, rituximab, and thrombomimetics are the commonly used second-line treatment. More treatment options include tyrosine kinases inhibitors (TKI), including spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. This review aims to assess the safety and efficacy of TKIs. Literature was searched on PubMed, Embase, WOS, and clinicaltrials.gov using keywords, "tyrosine kinase" and "idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura". PRISMA guidelines were followed. In total, 4 clinical trials were included with 255 adult patients with relapsed/refractory ITP. In all, 101 (39.6%) patients were treated with fostamatinib, 60 (23%) patients with rilzabrutinib, and 34 (13%) with HMPL-523. Patients treated with fostamatinib achieved a stable response (SR) and overall response (OR) in 18/101 (17.8%) and 43/101 (42.5%) of the patients, respectively, while SR and OR were achieved in 1/49 (2%) and 7/49 (14%) of the patients, respectively, in the placebo group. Patients treated with HMPL-523 (300 mg dose expansion) achieved an SR and OR in 5/20 (25%) and 11/20 (55%) of the patients, respectively, while SR and OR were achieved in 1/11 (9%) of the patients treated with the placebo. Patients treated with rilzabrutinib achieved an SR in 17/60 (28%) patients. Dizziness (1%), hypertension (2%), diarrhea (1%), and neutropenia (1%) were serious adverse events in fostamatinib patients. Rilzabrutinib or HMPL-523 patients did not require a dose reduction due to drug-related adverse effects. Rilzabrutinib, fostamatinib, and HMPL-523 were safe and effective in the treatment of relapsed/refractory ITP.
PubMed: 36810430
DOI: 10.3390/jox13010005 -
European Journal of Haematology Apr 2023This systematic review aimed to retrieve patients diagnosed with de novo immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) after COVID-19 immunization to determine their... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
This systematic review aimed to retrieve patients diagnosed with de novo immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) after COVID-19 immunization to determine their epidemiological characteristics, clinical course, therapeutic strategies, and outcome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted the review using four major databases, comprising PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library, until April 2022. A systematic search was performed in duplicate to access eligible articles in English. Furthermore, a manual search was applied to the chosen papers' references to enhance the search sensitivity. Data were extracted and analyzed with the SPSS 20.1 software.
RESULTS
A total of 77 patients with de novo COVID-19 vaccine-associated ITP were identified from 41 studies, including 31 case reports and 10 case series. The median age of patients who developed COVID-19 vaccine-associated ITP was 54 years (IQR 36-72 years). The mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, including BNT16B2b2 and mRNA-1273, were most implicated (75.4%). Those were followed by the adenovirus vector-based vaccines, inclusive of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and vAd26.COV2.S. No report was found relating ITP to other COVID-19 vaccines. Most cases (79.2%) developed ITP after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination. 75% of the patients developed ITP within 12 days of vaccination, indicating a shorter lag time compared to ITP after routine childhood vaccinations. Sixty-seven patients (87%) patients were hospitalized. The management pattern was similar to primary ITP, and systemic glucocorticoids, IVIg, or both were the basis of the treatment in most patients. Most patients achieved therapeutic goals; only two individuals required a secondary admission, and one patient who presented with intracranial hemorrhage died of the complication.
CONCLUSIONS
De novo ITP is a rare complication of COVID-19 vaccination, and corresponding reports belong to mRNA-based and adenovirus vector-based vaccines, in order of frequency. This frequency pattern may be related to the scale of administration of individual vaccines and their potency in inducing autoimmunity. The more the COVID-19 vaccine is potent to induce antigenic challenge, the shorter the lag time would be. Most patients had a benign course and responded to typical treatments of primary ITP.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; ChAdOx1 nCoV-19; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Vaccination
PubMed: 36562217
DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13917