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Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Sep 2019To determine accurate estimates of risks of maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies with fetal macrosomia by performing a systematic review of the literature... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine accurate estimates of risks of maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies with fetal macrosomia by performing a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.
METHODS
A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library was performed to identify relevant studies reporting on maternal and/or neonatal complications in pregnancies with macrosomia having a birth weight (BW) > 4000 g and/or those with birth weight > 4500 g. Prospective and retrospective cohort and population-based studies that provided data regarding both cases and controls were included. Maternal outcomes assessed were emergency Cesarean section (CS), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS). Neonatal outcomes assessed were shoulder dystocia, obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) and birth fractures. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was used to estimate weighted pooled estimates of summary statistics (odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI) for each complication, according to birth weight. Heterogeneity between studies was estimated using Cochran's Q, I statistic and funnel plots.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies reporting data on maternal and/or neonatal complications in pregnancy with macrosomia were included. In pregnancies with macrosomia having a BW > 4000 g, there was an increased risk of the maternal complications: emergency CS, PPH and OASIS, which had OR (95% CI) of 1.98 (1.80-2.18), 2.05 (1.90-2.22) and 1.91 (1.56-2.33), respectively. The corresponding values for pregnancies with BW > 4500 g were: 2.55 (2.33-2.78), 3.15 (2.14-4.63) and 2.56 (1.97-3.32). Similarly, in pregnancies with a BW > 4000 g, there was an increased risk of the neonatal complications: shoulder dystocia, OBPI and birth fractures, which had OR (95% CI) of 9.54 (6.76-13.46), 11.03 (7.06-17.23) and 6.43 (3.67-11.28), respectively. The corresponding values for pregnancies with a BW > 4500 g were: 15.64 (11.31-21.64), 19.87 (12.19-32.40) and 8.16 (2.75-24.23).
CONCLUSION
Macrosomia is associated with serious maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. This study provides accurate estimates of these risks, which can be used for decisions on pregnancy management. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Topics: Adult; Cesarean Section; Dystocia; Female; Fetal Macrosomia; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 30938004
DOI: 10.1002/uog.20279 -
Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience 2022To evaluate the literature on the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)- and augmented reality (AR)-based treatments for phantom limb pain (PLP) in postamputation or... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the literature on the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR)- and augmented reality (AR)-based treatments for phantom limb pain (PLP) in postamputation or brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) populations.
METHODS
Multiple databases were queried in July 2021 with the keywords "virtual reality," "augmented reality," and "phantom limb pain." Included studies utilized VR or AR to treat PLP with outcome measurement. Two independent reviewers assessed methodological quality using the Physiotherapy Evidence Databsae (PEDro) Scale and the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) scoring. Studies were separated into immersive and nonimmersive AR/VR systems, with further categorization according to the specific methodologies used.
RESULTS
Of 110 results from the database queries, 20 publications met the inclusion criteria. There was one unblinded, randomized, control trial (RCT), one single-blinded, randomized, crossover trial (RCxT), three comparative case series, 13 noncomparative case series, and two case reports. Seven of the 20 studies were classified as nonimmersive. Six studies reported decreased PLP after AR/VR treatments, of which four reported significant reductions. One study reported a reduction in PLP with no significant difference from control conditions. Thirteen of the 20 studies were classified as immersive AR/VR. Twelve studies reported decreased PLP after AR/VR treatments, of which eight reported significant reductions. One study found no change in PLP, compared to baseline.
CONCLUSION
The number of studies using AR/VR in PLP treatment has expanded since a 2017 review on the topic. The majority of these studies offer support for the efficacy of treating PLP with AR/VR-based treatments. Research has expanded on the customization, outcome measurements, and statistical analysis of AR/VR treatments. While results are promising, most publications remain at the case series level, and clinical indications should be cautioned. With improvements in the quality of evidence, there remain avenues for further investigations, including increased sampling, randomization, optimization of treatment duration, and comparisons to alternative therapies.
PubMed: 36591552
DOI: No ID Found -
European Journal of Physical and... Feb 2022Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is a flaccid paralysis occurring in the upper limb during birth. The OBPP includes mild lesions with complete spontaneous recovery...
INTRODUCTION
Obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) is a flaccid paralysis occurring in the upper limb during birth. The OBPP includes mild lesions with complete spontaneous recovery and severe injuries with no regain of arm function. Among the most promising rehabilitation treatments aimed at improving upper extremity motor activities in individuals with neurological dysfunctions, there is the modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT). The aim of this systematic review is to assess and synthesize the critical aspects of the use of mCIMT in children with OBPP.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
This systematic review has been carried out according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis). A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE and Evidence Based Medicine Reviews, databases. We enclosed experimental and original articles, case reports and book chapters. Four articles were finally included.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
One case report tested the feasibility of mCIMT to encourage use of the affected arm in a child with Erb-Duchenne palsy and documented the clinical changes observed. A case series had the purpose to determine if mCIMT in combination with botulinum toxin (BTX-A) improved arm function in 2 children with OBPP. A cohort study compared the use of mCIMT in 19 OBPP and 18 unilateral Cerebral Palsy. A prospective single-blind RCT described mCIMT versus conventional therapy in a group of 39 children with OBPP.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review on the use of mCIMT in children with OBPP shows that there is unanimous agreement that a program should last 2 weeks at least. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting a single common mCIMT protocol in the management of OBPP because of a considerable heterogeneity. Further high methodological studies regarding the application of mCIMT for OBPP and based on larger patients' sample should have the potential to optimize the appropriateness of care provided to infants with OBPP and, therefore, their quality of life.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Child; Cohort Studies; Humans; Infant; Paralysis; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Single-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34747579
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.21.06886-6 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2016Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most common entrapment neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment may be conservative or surgical, but optimal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most common entrapment neuropathy after carpal tunnel syndrome. Treatment may be conservative or surgical, but optimal management remains controversial. This is an update of a review first published in 2010 and previously updated in 2012.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness and safety of conservative and surgical treatment in ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). We intended to test whether:- surgical treatment is effective in reducing symptoms and signs and in increasing nerve function;- conservative treatment is effective in reducing symptoms and signs and in increasing nerve function;- it is possible to identify the best treatment on the basis of clinical, neurophysiological, or nerve imaging assessment.
SEARCH METHODS
On 31 May 2016 we searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL Plus, and LILACS. We also searched PEDro (14 October 2016), and the papers cited in relevant reviews. On 4 July 2016 we searched trials registries for ongoing or unpublished trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The review included only randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs evaluating people with clinical symptoms suggesting the presence of UNE. We included trials evaluating all forms of surgical and conservative treatments. We considered studies regarding therapy of UNE with or without neurophysiological evidence of entrapment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts of references retrieved from the searches and selected all potentially relevant studies. The review authors independently extracted data from included trials and assessed trial quality. We contacted trial investigators for any missing information.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified nine RCTs (587 participants) for inclusion in the review, of which three studies were found at this update. The sequence generation was inadequate in one study and not described in three studies. We performed two meta-analyses to evaluate the clinical (3 trials, 261 participants) and neurophysiological (2 trials, 101 participants) outcomes of simple decompression versus decompression with submuscular or subcutaneous transposition; four trials in total examined this comparison.We found no difference between simple decompression and transposition of the ulnar nerve for both clinical improvement (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.08; moderate-quality evidence) and neurophysiological improvement (mean difference (in m/s) 1.47, 95% CI -0.94 to 3.87). The number of participants to clinically improve was 91 out of 131 in the simple decompression group and 97 out of 130 in the transposition group. Transposition showed a higher number of wound infections (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.85; moderate-quality evidence).In one trial (47 participants), the authors compared medial epicondylectomy with anterior transposition and found no difference in clinical and neurophysiological outcomes.In one trial (48 participants), the investigators compared subcutaneous transposition with submuscular transposition and found no difference in clinical outcomes.In one trial (54 participants for 56 nerves treated), the authors found no difference between endoscopic and open decompression in improving clinical function.One trial (51 participants) assessed conservative treatment in clinically mild or moderate UNE. Based on low-quality evidence, the trial authors found that information on avoiding prolonged movements or positions was effective in improving subjective discomfort. Night splinting and nerve gliding exercises in addition to information provision did not result in further improvement.One trial (55 participants) assessed the effectiveness of corticosteroid injection and found no difference versus placebo in improving symptoms at three months' follow-up.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found only two studies of treatment of ulnar neuropathy using conservative treatment as the comparator. The available comparative treatment evidence is not sufficient to support a multiple treatment meta-analysis to identify the best treatment for idiopathic UNE on the basis of clinical, neurophysiological, and imaging characteristics. We do not know when to treat a person with this condition conservatively or surgically. Moderate-quality evidence indicates that simple decompression and decompression with transposition are equally effective in idiopathic UNE, including when the nerve impairment is severe. Decompression with transposition is associated with more deep and superficial wound infections than simple decompression, also based on moderate-quality evidence. People undergoing endoscopic surgery were more likely to have a haematoma. Evidence from one small RCT of conservative treatment showed that in mild cases, information on movements or positions to avoid may reduce subjective discomfort.
Topics: Decompression, Surgical; Elbow; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Nerve Transfer; Patient Education as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Splints; Ulna; Ulnar Nerve; Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndromes
PubMed: 27845501
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006839.pub4 -
Revista de Neurologia Jul 2020Obstetric brachial palsy is involved with affected upper limb, resulting in permanent structural and function sequelae that limit the motion articular range and reduce...
INTRODUCTION
Obstetric brachial palsy is involved with affected upper limb, resulting in permanent structural and function sequelae that limit the motion articular range and reduce independence in daily activities, as well as the children participation in their natural environment.
AIM
To describe the physiotherapy treatments currently used to increase the affected upper limb functionality in children from 0 to 10 years diagnosed with obstetric brachial palsy.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A bibliographic search of published studies between 2009 and 2018 was carried out in the PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect and The Cochrane Library databases.
RESULTS
After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, ten studies were obtained with favorable results for the affected upper limb functionality and bone mineralization density, regardless of the technique of choice used during the intervention. The used physiotherapy programs in the different studies such as Constraint Induced movement therapy, kinesiotape, electrotherapy, virtual reality and use of splints or orthotics were analyzed.
CONCLUSION
All the described techniques suggest favorable results for the affected upper limb functionality in obstetric brachial palsy from 0 to 10 years.
Topics: Arm; Bone Density; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Paralysis, Obstetric; Physical Therapy Modalities; Quality of Life; Secondary Prevention
PubMed: 32583409
DOI: 10.33588/rn.7101.2020029 -
Medical Archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and... 2023Traumatic brachial plexus injuries are common among young adults, with a majority of patients succumbing to chronic pain syndromes. Conservative management is usually... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Traumatic brachial plexus injuries are common among young adults, with a majority of patients succumbing to chronic pain syndromes. Conservative management is usually not satisfactory in these cases and surgical interventions are often required. We have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining one of the neurosurgical techniques, spinal cord stimulation (SCS), in chronic pain neuromodulation in cases of chronic pain syndrome after traumatic brachial plexus injuries.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aims to explore the reported use of cervical spinal cord stimulation as a neuromodulator in patients with chronic pain syndromes following traumatic brachial plexus injury.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE through the OVID interface, ProQuest, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Our own files and reference lists of identified key articles were also searched.
RESULTS
A total of 13 studies (8 case reports and 5 case series), comprising 29 patients were included. Most brachial plexus injuries were sustained in motor vehicle accidents. 86% (25/29) of patients showed a good initial response to SCS, however, the response decreased over time, and 69% (20/29) of the patients reported a good response at the end of follow-up. Lead migration was the only complication reported in two studies.
CONCLUSION
SCS is a less invasive procedure with significantly fewer neurological side effects. A trial period of SCS is suggested in patients who have failed conservative treatment modalities before other neurosurgical interventions are considered.
Topics: Young Adult; Humans; Chronic Pain; Brachial Plexus; Spinal Cord; Neurosurgical Procedures
PubMed: 38299090
DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2023.77.370-376 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... Jun 2020To provide a comprehensive update on the most prevalent, significant risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIM
To provide a comprehensive update on the most prevalent, significant risk factors for neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP).
METHOD
Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant publications up to March 2019. Studies assessing risk factors of NBPP in relation to typically developing comparison individuals were included. Meta-analysis was performed for the five most significant risk factors, on the basis of the PRISMA statement and MOOSE guidelines. Pooled odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and across-study heterogeneity (I ) were reported. Reporting bias and quality of evidence was rated. In addition, we assessed the incidence of NBPP.
RESULTS
Twenty-two observational studies with a total sample size of 29 419 037 live births were selected. Significant risk factors included shoulder dystocia (OR 115.27; 95% CI 81.35-163.35; I =92%), macrosomia (OR 9.75; 95% CI 8.29-11.46; I =70%), (gestational) diabetes (OR 5.33; 95% CI 3.77-7.55; I =59%), instrumental delivery (OR 3.8; 95% CI 2.77-5.23; I =77%), and breech delivery (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.67-3.7; I =70%). Caesarean section appeared as a protective factor (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.11-0.16; I =41%). The pooled overall incidence of NBPP was 1.74 per 1000 live births. It has decreased in recent years.
INTERPRETATION
The incidence of NBPP is decreasing. Shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, maternal diabetes, instrumental delivery, and breech delivery are risk factors for NBPP. Caesarean section appears as a protective factor.
WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS
The overall incidence of neonatal brachial plexus palsy is 1.74 per 1000 live births. The incidence has declined significantly. Shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, maternal diabetes, instrumental delivery, and breech delivery are the main risk factors. Prevention is difficult owing to unpredictability and often labour-related risk.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors
PubMed: 31670385
DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14381 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth May 2023Caesarean section (CS) is widely perceived as protective against obstetric brachial plexus injury (BPI), but few studies acknowledge the factors associated with such...
BACKGROUND
Caesarean section (CS) is widely perceived as protective against obstetric brachial plexus injury (BPI), but few studies acknowledge the factors associated with such injury. The objectives of this study were therefore to aggregate cases of BPI after CS, and to illuminate risk factors for BPI.
METHODS
Pubmed Central, EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched using free text: ("brachial plexus injury" or "brachial plexus injuries" or "brachial plexus palsy" or "brachial plexus palsies" or "Erb's palsy" or "Erb's palsies" or "brachial plexus birth injury" or "brachial plexus birth palsy") and ("caesarean" or "cesarean" or "Zavanelli" or "cesarian" or "caesarian" or "shoulder dystocia"). Studies with clinical details of BPI after CS were included. Studies were assessed using the National Institutes for Healthy Study Quality Assessment Tool for Case Series, Cohort and Case-Control Studies.
MAIN RESULTS
39 studies were eligible. 299 infants sustained BPI after CS. 53% of cases with BPI after CS had risk factors for likely challenging handling/manipulation of the fetus prior to delivery, in the presence of considerable maternal or fetal concerns, and/or in the presence of poor access due to obesity or adhesions.
CONCLUSIONS
In the presence of factors that would predispose to a challenging delivery, it is difficult to justify that BPI could occur due to in-utero, antepartum events alone. Surgeons should exercise care when operating on women with these risk factors.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Cesarean Section; Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Case-Control Studies; Risk Factors; Paralysis; Birth Injuries; Dystocia
PubMed: 37198580
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05696-1 -
Microsurgery May 2022Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is a serious complication of high-risk deliveries with controversy surrounding timing of corrective nerve surgery. This review... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) is a serious complication of high-risk deliveries with controversy surrounding timing of corrective nerve surgery. This review systematically examines the existing literature and investigates correlations between age at time of upper trunk brachial plexus microsurgery and surgical outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic screening of PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases using PRISMA-IPD guidelines was conducted in January 2020 to include full-text English papers with microsurgery in upper trunk palsy, pediatric patients. Spearman rank correlation analysis and two-tailed t-tests were performed using individual patient data to determine the relationship between mean age at time of surgery and outcome as determined by the Mallet, Medical Research Council (MRC), or Active Movement Scale (AMS) subscores.
RESULTS
Two thousand nine hundred thirty six papers were screened to finalize 25 papers containing individual patient data (n = 256) with low to moderate risk of bias, as assessed by the ROBINS-I assessment tool. Mallet subscore for hand-to-mouth and shoulder abduction, AMS subscore for elbow flexion and external rotation, and MRC subscore for elbow flexion were analyzed alongside the respective age of patients at surgery. Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation (ρ = -0.30, p < .01, n = 89) between increasing age (5.50 ± 2.09 months) and Mallet subscore for hand-to-mouth (3.43 ± 0.83). T-tests revealed a significant decrease in Mallet hand-to-mouth subscores after 6 months (p < .05) and 9 months (p < .05) of age. No significant effects were observed for Mallet shoulder abduction, MRC elbow flexion, or AMS elbow flexion and external rotation.
CONCLUSION
The cumulative evidence suggests a significant negative correlation between age at microsurgery and Mallet subscores for hand-to-mouth. However, a similar correlation with age at surgery was not observed for Mallet shoulder abduction, MRC elbow flexion, AMS external rotation, and AMS elbow flexion subscores.
Topics: Brachial Plexus; Brachial Plexus Neuropathies; Child; Elbow Joint; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy; Nerve Transfer; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35147253
DOI: 10.1002/micr.30871 -
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.... Dec 2005The management of radial nerve palsy associated with fractures of the shaft of the humerus has been disputed for several decades. This study has systematically reviewed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The management of radial nerve palsy associated with fractures of the shaft of the humerus has been disputed for several decades. This study has systematically reviewed the published evidence and developed an algorithm to guide management. We searched web-based databases for studies published in the past 40 years and identified further pages through manual searches of the bibliography in papers identified electronically. Of 391 papers identified initially, encompassing a total of 1045 patients with radial nerve palsy, 35 papers met all our criteria for eligibility. Meticulous extraction of the data was carried out according to a preset protocol. The overall prevalence of radial nerve palsy after fracture of the shaft of the humerus in 21 papers was 11.8% (532 palsies in 4517 fractures). Fractures of the middle and middle-distal parts of the shaft had a significantly higher association with radial nerve palsy than those in other parts. Transverse and spiral fractures were more likely to be associated with radial nerve palsy than oblique and comminuted patterns of fracture (p < 0.001). The overall rate of recovery was 88.1% (921 of 1045), with spontaneous recovery reaching 70.7% (411 of 581) in patients treated conservatively. There was no significant difference in the final results when comparing groups which were initially managed expectantly with those explored early, suggesting that the initial expectant treatment did not affect the extent of nerve recovery adversely and would avoid many unnecessary operations. A treatment algorithm for the management of radial nerve palsy associated with fracture of the shaft of the humerus is recommended by the authors.
Topics: Algorithms; Humans; Humeral Fractures; Paralysis; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Prognosis; Radial Nerve; Radial Neuropathy; Recovery of Function; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 16326879
DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.87B12.16132