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Journal of Medical Internet Research Sep 2022Pressure injury is a common complication after a spinal cord injury. Long-term multidisciplinary follow-up is difficult after such patients have been discharged.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pressure injury is a common complication after a spinal cord injury. Long-term multidisciplinary follow-up is difficult after such patients have been discharged. Telemedicine promises to provide convenient and effective support for the prevention and treatment of pressure injury, but previous attempts to demonstrate that have produced inconsistent results.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine in preventing and treating pressure injury among community-dwelling patients with spinal cord injury, and determine which telemedicine form is more effective.
METHODS
This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA-NMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Network Meta-Analysis) standards. Ten databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies related to the effectiveness of telemedicine intervention in patients with spinal cord injury. Two researchers worked independently and blindly selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The results were described as relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference and 95% CI.
RESULTS
The 35 studies comprised 25 randomized controlled trials and 10 quasi-experimental studies involving 3131 patients. The results showed that telemedicine can significantly (P<.05) reduce the incidence of pressure injury (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.14-0.41; P<.05; I=0%), promote faster healing (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.62-0.85; P<.05; I=0%), and yield lower scores on the pressure ulcer scale of healing (weighted mean difference=-1.98, 95% CI -3.51 to -0.46; P<.05; I=0%). Cumulative ranking estimates showed that combining telemedicine with conventional intervention (93.5%) was the most effective approach.
CONCLUSIONS
Telemedicine is a feasible way to prevent pressure injury among patients with spinal cord injuries. It can decrease the incidence and severity of pressure injury and accelerate patients' healing without imposing economic burden. It is best used in tandem with other, more conventional interventions. Due to the limited quality and quantity of included studies, large-scale and well-designed randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Independent Living; Pressure Ulcer; Spinal Cord Injuries; Telemedicine
PubMed: 36069842
DOI: 10.2196/37618 -
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine 2009Bone density loss occurs rapidly after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and is associated with low-energy fractures below the level of injury, commonly occurring... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE
Bone density loss occurs rapidly after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) and is associated with low-energy fractures below the level of injury, commonly occurring around the knee. Bisphosphonates have been tested as potential agents to prevent bone loss after SCI, but no guidelines exist for clinical use of bisphosphonates in these patients. The objective of this study was to systematically review and evaluate evidence quality in studies of bisphosphonate use in patients with post-treatment follow-up of sublesional bone mineral density.
METHODS
Literature search in MEDLINE/PubMed and ISI database using key words bisphosphonates, spinal cord injury, quadriplegia, paraplegia, and tetraplegia.
RESULTS
The search identified 6 experimental studies and 1 quasi-experimental study of bisphosphonate therapy in patients with acute and chronic SCI. The studies were small and of fair or poor quality, and none included fracture outcomes. Mild attenuation of bone density loss with acute administration of bisphosphonates after SCI was found at some measurement sites but was not always maintained during follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Data were insufficient to recommend routine use of bisphosphonates for fracture prevention in these patients. Current studies are limited by heterogeneity of patient populations and outcome measures. Uniform bone density measurement sites with rigorous quality control and compliance monitoring are needed to improve reliability of outcomes. Future studies should address specific populations (acute or chronic SCI) and should assess fracture outcomes.
Topics: Bone Density Conservation Agents; Diphosphonates; Humans; MEDLINE; PubMed; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 19810623
DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2009.11760776 -
Neural Regeneration Research Mar 2024Distraction spinal cord injury is caused by some degree of distraction or longitudinal tension on the spinal cord and commonly occurs in patients who undergo corrective... (Review)
Review
Distraction spinal cord injury is caused by some degree of distraction or longitudinal tension on the spinal cord and commonly occurs in patients who undergo corrective operation for severe spinal deformity. With the increased degree and duration of distraction, spinal cord injuries become more serious in terms of their neurophysiology, histology, and behavior. Very few studies have been published on the specific characteristics of distraction spinal cord injury. In this study, we systematically review 22 related studies involving animal models of distraction spinal cord injury, focusing particularly on the neurophysiological, histological, and behavioral characteristics of this disease. In addition, we summarize the mechanisms underlying primary and secondary injuries caused by distraction spinal cord injury and clarify the effects of different degrees and durations of distraction on the primary injuries associated with spinal cord injury. We provide new concepts for the establishment of a model of distraction spinal cord injury and related basic research, and provide reference guidelines for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
PubMed: 37721285
DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380871 -
Finite element modeling of the human cervical spinal cord and its applications: A systematic review.North American Spine Society Journal Sep 2023Finite element modeling (FEM) is an established tool to analyze the biomechanics of complex systems. Advances in computational techniques have led to the increasing use... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Finite element modeling (FEM) is an established tool to analyze the biomechanics of complex systems. Advances in computational techniques have led to the increasing use of spinal cord FEMs to study cervical spinal cord pathology. There is considerable variability in the creation of cervical spinal cord FEMs and to date there has been no systematic review of the technique. The aim of this study was to review the uses, techniques, limitations, and applications of FEMs of the human cervical spinal cord.
METHODS
A literature search was performed through PubMed and Scopus using the words finite element analysis, spinal cord, and biomechanics. Studies were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: (1) use of human spinal cord modeling at the cervical level; (2) model the cervical spinal cord with or without the osteoligamentous spine; and (3) the study should describe an application of the spinal cord FEM.
RESULTS
Our search resulted in 369 total publications, 49 underwent reviews of the abstract and full text, and 23 were included in the study. Spinal cord FEMs are used to study spinal cord injury and trauma, pathologic processes, and spine surgery. Considerable variation exists in the derivation of spinal cord geometries, mathematical models, and material properties. Less than 50% of the FEMs incorporate the dura mater, cerebrospinal fluid, nerve roots, and denticulate ligaments. Von Mises stress, and strain of the spinal cord are the most common outputs studied. FEM offers the opportunity for dynamic simulation, but this has been used in only four studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Spinal cord FEM provides unique insight into the stress and strain of the cervical spinal cord in various pathological conditions and allows for the simulation of surgical procedures. Standardization of modeling parameters, anatomical structures and inclusion of patient-specific data are necessary to improve the clinical translation.
PubMed: 37636342
DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100246 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Dec 2023Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) represent burgeoning treatments for diverse neurological disorders. This systematic review aims to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) represent burgeoning treatments for diverse neurological disorders. This systematic review aims to consolidate findings on the immunological and endocrine effects of DBS and SCS, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of neuromodulation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review, aligned with PRISMA protocols, synthesizes findings from 33 references-20 on DBS and 13 on SCS-to unravel the immunological and endocrine impacts of neuromodulation.
RESULTS
DBS interventions exhibited divergent effects on cytokines, with an increase in hepcidin levels and a variable impact on the IL-6/IL-10 ratio. While some studies reported elevated IL-6, animal studies consistently demonstrated a reduction in IL-1β and IL-6, with no significant changes in TNF-α and an increase in IL-10. Noteworthy hormonal changes included decreased corticosterone and ACTH concentrations and increased oxytocin levels following DBS of the hypothalamus. SCS mirrored similar effects on interleukins, indicating a reduction in IL-6 and IL-1β and an increase in IL-10 levels. Additionally, SCS led to reduced VEGF levels and elevated expression of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and GDNF, particularly under burst stimulation.
CONCLUSIONS
Both DBS and SCS exert anti-inflammatory effects, manifesting as a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines alongside the stimulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. These findings, observed in both animal and human models, imply that neurostimulation may modify the trajectory of neurological diseases by modulating local immune responses in an immunomodulatory and endocrine manner. This comprehensive exploration sets the stage for future research endeavors in this evolving domain.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Interleukin-10; Spinal Cord Stimulation; Deep Brain Stimulation; Interleukin-6; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Cytokines; Immunity; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 37862972
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115732 -
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine Jul 2023Suicide is a public health crisis within the United States. Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are vulnerable to negative outcomes such as suicide.
CONTEXT
Suicide is a public health crisis within the United States. Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are vulnerable to negative outcomes such as suicide.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review describes frequency of suicidal ideation (SI) and behaviors (suicide attempt [SA] and deaths) among samples of adults living with SCI. Associated risk and protective factors of SI and suicidal behaviors were also explored.
METHODS
On July 7, 2021, OVID Medline, EMBASE, OVID PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for SI, SA, and deaths by suicide among adults with a history of SCI. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool. Results were synthesized descriptively considering the likely impact of RoB. The updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 reporting method was used.
RESULTS
Sixty-nine articles were included. Frequency of SI and SAs within study samples ranged from 4% to 67%, and 0% to approximately 66%, respectively. While assessment methods for SI and SA widely varied, suicide deaths data sources were more consistent. Studies assessing SI and SA generally had high RoB and the overall strength of evidence was low. Stronger observational study designs assessing death by suicide had low RoB and the overall strength of evidence was high. Very few studies examined protective factors.
DISCUSSION
Findings support previous work. Quality of evidence, and therefore confidence in the frequency of these outcomes, was impacted by the use of assessment measures without sufficient psychometric properties. The field will benefit from use of psychometrically sound measures to assess for SI, SA and suicide deaths. Furthermore, additional work is needed to elucidate risk and protective factors and to clearly characterize samples to increase generalizability of findings to the larger SCI community, including standardized reporting of SCI characteristics (e.g. use of American Spinal Injury Association classification system). Ultimately, improved suicide assessment and risk management is expected to prevent suicide among those living with SCI.
REGISTRATION
CRD42020164686.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Suicidal Ideation; Spinal Cord Injuries; Suicide, Attempted; Databases, Factual; Risk Factors; Observational Studies as Topic
PubMed: 35192444
DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2022.2029282 -
Global Spine Journal Sep 2017Systematic review and meta-analysis. (Review)
Review
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of high-dose methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) versus no pharmacological treatment in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in PubMed and the Cochrane Collaboration Library for literature published between January 1956 and June 17, 2015. Included studies were critically appraised, and Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation methods were used to determine the overall quality of evidence for primary outcomes. Previous systematic reviews on this topic were collated and evaluated using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews scoring system.
RESULTS
The search yielded 723 citations, 13 of which satisfied inclusion criteria. Among these, 6 were primary research articles and 7 were previous systematic reviews. Based on the included research articles, there was moderate evidence that the 24-hour NASCIS II (National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Studies) MPSS regimen has no impact on long-term neurological recovery when all postinjury time points are considered. However, there is also moderate evidence that subjects receiving the same MPSS regimen within 8 hours of injury achieve an additional 3.2 points (95% confidence interval = 0.10 to 6.33; = .04) of motor recovery compared with patients receiving placebo or no treatment.
CONCLUSION
Although safe to administer, a 24-hour NASCIS II MPSS regimen, when all postinjury time points are considered, has no impact on indices of long-term neurological recovery. When commenced within 8 hours of injury, however, a high-dose 24-hour regimen of MPSS confers a small positive benefit on long-term motor recovery and should be considered a treatment option for patients with SCI.
PubMed: 29164020
DOI: 10.1177/2192568217706366 -
Journal of Craniovertebral Junction &... 2023Multiple Myeloma is a B-cell malignancy which can cause variety of lesions of the spine and spinal cord. The management of patients with spinal cord compression (SCC),... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Multiple Myeloma is a B-cell malignancy which can cause variety of lesions of the spine and spinal cord. The management of patients with spinal cord compression (SCC), and the efficacy and security of minimally invasive therapeutic approaches, are the main topics of discussion.
METHODS
To systematically review the scientific literature on neurosurgical aspects of MM spinal cord lesion management, a search was conducted among scientific papers in the databases ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and PubMed using keywords and Boolean operators. These comprise MM and lesions of the spine and spinal cord. Each database was searched from the earliest available article to January 2017.
RESULTS
According to the literature, low-dose radiotherapy, antimyeloma medications, and bisphosphonates comprise the mainstay management for symptomatic spinal lesions. The decision to operation is based on presence of myelopathy and degree of spinal cord compression.
CONCLUSIONS
As a result of the analysis, the following conclusions may be drawn: (1) surgery is a valuable option for MM patients with symptomatic spinal involvement who experience rapid neurological deterioration with SCC and/or mechanical instability and (2) it is important to ensure that the benefits of surgical treatment outweigh the risks, as patients with MM are susceptible to infections.
PubMed: 38268680
DOI: 10.4103/jcvjs.jcvjs_111_23 -
Journal of Translational Medicine Apr 2021Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe traumatic disease of the central nervous system, with a global prevalence of 236-4187 per million people. This meta-analysis aimed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe traumatic disease of the central nervous system, with a global prevalence of 236-4187 per million people. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in treating patients with SCI as well as the optimal source and transplantation method of MSCs. PubMed, OVID, Cochrane, Web of Science, and China Biomedical Database were searched up until April 01, 2021. The study was conducted for five endpoints: American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor and sensory score, ASIA grade improvement, Barthel Index (BI), and adverse reactions. Standard meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed using Stata 14.0. Eighteen studies with a total of 949 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Standard meta-analysis showed that MSCs significantly improved ASIA motor score (P < 0.001), sensory score (P < 0.001), ASIA grade (P < 0.001), and BI (P < 0.001) compared to rehabilitation. In addition, in the network meta-analysis, autologous MSCs significantly improved the ASIA motor [MD = 8.01, 95% CI (4.27, 11.76)], sensory score [MD = 17.98, 95% CI (10.04, 25.91)], and BI [MD = 7.69, 95% CI (2.10, 13.29)] compared to rehabilitation. Similarly, compared to rehabilitation, intrathecal injection (IT) of MSCs significantly improved the ASIA motor [MD = 7.97, 95% CI (4.40, 11.53)] and sensory score [MD = 19.60, 95% CI (9.74, 29.46)]. Compared to rehabilitation, however, only the IL of MSCs was associated with more adverse reactions [OR = 17.82, 95% CI (2.48, 128.22)]. According to the results of SUCRA, both autologous MSCs and IT transplantation approaches most improved the neurological function in SCI patients. Cell transplantation using MSCs is effective in patients with SCI and IT of autologous MSCs may be more beneficial.
Topics: China; Humans; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Network Meta-Analysis; Spinal Cord; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 33910588
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02843-0 -
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport Jul 2022For individuals with a spinal cord injury, thermoregulatory challenges presented by the environment are amplified, increasing the risk of exertional heat illness. Thus,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
For individuals with a spinal cord injury, thermoregulatory challenges presented by the environment are amplified, increasing the risk of exertional heat illness. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to quantify the effects of pre- and per-cooling on core temperature (T), skin temperature (T) and thermal sensation in participants with spinal cord injury and assess the influence of lesion level on the effects of cooling.
DESIGN
Systematic review with meta-analysis.
METHODS
Out of 2107 potential studies, 17 were identified via the inclusion criteria for a total of 145 research participants. A total of 12 studies were included in the primary analysis of T; 9 included in the analysis of T; and 9 included in the analysis of thermal perceptions. 15 experimental conditions were included in the secondary analysis of lesion level on the effects of cooling.
RESULTS
Cooling reduced T (Hedges' g = 0.44; 95% confidence intervals 0.16, 0.72; p < 0.001), T (Hedges' g = 1.11; 95% confidence intervals 0.56, 1.66; p < 0.002) and thermal sensation (Hedges' g = 0.60; 95% confidence intervals 0.27, 0.93; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed pre-cooling (Hedges' g = 0.92), reduced T to a greater extent than per-cooling (Hedges' g = 0.25; p = 0.020). The effect of lesion level on the effectiveness of cooling on T had a moderate, positive association (r = 0.518, p = 0.048).
CONCLUSION
Pre-cooling may reduce T to a greater extent than per-cooling during subsequent exercise. Pre- and per-cooling can attenuate the increase in thermal strain in athletes with a spinal cord injury. The beneficial effects of cooling are greater in tetraplegic individuals.
Topics: Athletes; Body Temperature Regulation; Cold Temperature; Humans; Skin Temperature; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 35272937
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.02.005