Contemporary management of keratosis obturans: a systematic review

Author(s):  
J A Harounian ◽  
V A Patel ◽  
H Isildak

Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine the medical literature regarding the natural history and management of keratosis obturans. Method PubMed was queried via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol, and the methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria. Results Fifty-one studies were abstracted, and dual investigator screening resulted in five retrospective studies for final analysis. All studies included patients afflicted with either unilateral (n = 75) or bilateral keratosis obturans (n = 8). The definition of keratosis obturans was present in three studies: a desquamated keratin plug within the external auditory canal. Mean and median Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scores were 9.5 and 9.5, respectively. All patients underwent keratosis obturans exenteration with microscopy. Two studies reported an outcome instrument to evaluate endpoints: marked stillette and audiometry. No complications were observed with follow-up periods from 3 weeks to 3.5 years. Conclusion This comprehensive review highlights a lack of published evidence relating to keratosis obturans. However, it appears keratosis obturans treatment is safe and efficacious with identifiable clinical practice patterns.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Oberndorfer ◽  
I Grabovac ◽  
S Haider ◽  
T E Dorner

Abstract Background Reports of the effectiveness of e-cigarettes (ECs) for smoking cessation vary across different studies making implementation recommendations hard to attain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation. Methods PubMed, PsycInfo and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing nicotine ECs with non-nicotine ECs or with established smoking cessation interventions (nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and or counselling) published between 01/01/2014 and 01/05/2019. Data from eligible studies were extracted and used for random-effects meta-analyses. Results Our literature review yielded 13190 publications with 10 studies being identified as eligible for systematic review, covering 8362 participants, and 8 for meta-analyses (n = 30 - 6006). Using the last follow-up of eligible studies, the proportion of smokers achieving abstinence was 1.67 [95CI:0.99 - 2.81] times higher in nicotine EC users compared to non-nicotine EC users. The proportion of abstinent smokers was 1.69 [95CI:1.25 - 2.27] times higher in EC users compared to participants receiving NRT. EC users showed a 2.70 [95CI:1.15 - 6.30] times higher proportion of abstinent smokers in comparison to participants solely receiving counselling. Conclusions Our analysis showed modest effects of nicotine-ECs compared to non-nicotine ECs. When compared to NRT or counselling, results suggest that nicotine EC may be more effective for smoking cessation. As ECs also help maintaining routinized behaviour and social aspects of smoking, we hypothesise that this may explain their advantage as a tool for smoking cessation. However, given the small number of included studies, different populations, heterogeneous designs, and the overall moderate to low quality of evidence, it is not possible to offer clear recommendations. More comparable data is needed to strengthen confidence in the quality of evidence. Key messages The number of previous studies assessing the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is limited. Further, comparability of these studies is restricted, weakening the quality of evidence. Although current evidence on the effectiveness of ECs for smoking cessation is inconclusive, our meta-analyses suggest that ECs could be a promising alternative tool in attempts to achieve abstinence.


1994 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-58
Author(s):  
F. Specchiulli ◽  
L. Scialpi ◽  
G. Solafino ◽  
L. Battelli ◽  
L. Nitti

In CHD (Congenital Hip Dislocation), the elements which determine the degree and quality of acetabular growth are not clear. This has caused a great deal of controversy on the capability of development of the cotyloid cavity, hence on the indications to reconstructive surgical treatment. In order to study the behavior of che cotyloid cavity, two groups of patients were taken into consideration: normal subjects and subjects with CHD. In normal subjects the median value of the Hingelreiner angle was 19°–4'± 1° (normal limit), at 1 year old. The acetabular index decreases rapidly until becoming stable at adult values at the age of 8-10 years of age. The distinctive characteristics of the hip with spontaneous recovery from cotyloid dysplasia could be defined as follows: a) the higher critical value on average is reached after 24 months of treatment; b) once the borderline is reached, the dislocated hip evolves in the same way as the healthy hip; c) the earlier treatment is started, the sooner correction of the H angle is obtained; d) the cotyloid cavity continues to develop even after 5 years from reduction. In CHD with terminal residual dysplasia, an initial correction of the H angle is followed by a sudden interruption in acetabular development, which remains inadequate and will never reach normal values. These data allow not only the definition of the acetabular growth potential, but also the establishment of more precise indications for reconstructive surgical treatment.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 2190-2190 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Cella ◽  
Jan McKendrick ◽  
Harrison Davis ◽  
Ravi Vij ◽  
Clara Chen

Introduction: The development of numerous novel therapies for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) has resulted in improved response rates and durable responses that prolong survival. Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has therefore become increasingly important as HRQoL decreases with increasing lines of therapy (LoTs) (Despiégel et al. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2019). In the phase 3 ELOQUENT-2 study (NCT01239797), elotuzumab (E) plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone (Ld) showed a 30% reduction in the risk of progression/death versus Ld in patients with relapsed or refractory MM and 1-3 prior LoTs (median follow-up: 24.5 months; Lonial et al. N Engl J Med 2015). The initial analysis of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from ELOQUENT-2 at a 3-year extended follow-up showed that the improvement in efficacy observed with ELd was achieved without a detriment to HRQoL (Cella et al. Ann Hematol 2018). Here we present the final analysis of PRO data from ELOQUENT-2. Methods: In ELOQUENT-2, patients with relapsed or refractory MM and 1-3 prior LoTs were randomized 1:1 to receive ELd or Ld in 28-day cycles until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF; pain severity, pain interference, and worst pain), the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life-Core 30 questionnaire (QLQ-C30; prespecified key domains were physical function, fatigue, global health status/QoL, and pain), and the myeloma-specific module (QLQ-MY20; includes assessment of symptoms and treatment side effects) were administered at baseline (BL), on Day 1 of each treatment cycle, and at the end of treatment/study withdrawal. All randomized patients with ≥1 post-BL assessment were included in each PRO analysis. Overall mean change from BL was compared between treatment groups based on a mixed-effect model for repeated measures; statistical tests for the overall population only included treatment cycles with >30 patients in each treatment group. A paired t-test was used to compare scores at each cycle with BL; an unpaired t-test compared mean values between treatment groups. BPI-SF scores range from 0-10 with lower scores representing better pain outcomes. EORTC QLQ-C30 scores range from 0-100 with higher scores representing better physical functioning and global health status/QoL, and worse fatigue and pain; EORTC QLQ-MY20 scores range from 0-100 with higher scores representing worse symptoms and problems. Results: In total, 646 patients were treated with ELd (n=321) or Ld (n=325); 319 and 311 patients had ≥1 post-BL assessment and were included in the PRO analysis, respectively (minimum follow-up: 70.6 months). BL BPI-SF mean scores for ELd versus Ld were low across all domains: pain severity (2.6 vs 2.9), pain interference (2.5 vs 2.8), and worst pain (3.6 vs 3.8). Scores for all BPI-SF domains remained stable over the course of the study (eg, pain severity: Figure A). ELd-treated patients with BL moderate/severe pain severity (score of ≥5) had significantly lower mean pain severity scores versus Ld-treated patients in Cycles 1-5. A higher proportion of clinical responders (complete or partial response per European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation criteria) versus non-responders had a sustained reduction in pain score across all BPI-SF domains: pain severity (18% vs 6%), pain interference (15% vs 6%), and worst pain (30% vs 13%); the difference in time to sustained improvement was not statistically significant between the clinical responders and non-responders for any pain endpoint. For both treatment groups, there was no clinically meaningful change (≥10 points) from BL scores at any cycle (>30 patients) across all key domains for EORTC QLQ-C30 (eg, global health status/QoL: Figure B) and QLQ-MY20. Conclusions: This final analysis of PROs in ELOQUENT-2 confirms that the efficacy benefits observed with addition of elotuzumab to Ld in patients with relapsed or refractory MM treated with 1-3 prior LoTs were achieved without negatively affecting HRQoL compared with Ld. Study support: BMS. Medical writing: Kenny Tran, Caudex, funded by BMS. Disclosures Cella: FACIT.org: Equity Ownership. McKendrick:PRMA Consulting Ltd.: Employment, Other: I am employed by PRMA Consulting Ltd who provide consulting services to a number of pharmaceutical companies. Davis:PRMA Consulting Ltd.: Employment, Other: I am employed by PRMA Consulting Ltd who provide consulting services to a number of pharmaceutical companies.. Vij:Sanofi: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Genentech: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding. Chen:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Employment.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Getu Gamo Gamo Sagaro ◽  
GOPI BATTINENI ◽  
FRANCESCO AMENTA

Abstract Background Different studies showed that the use of telemedicine is effective in reducing hospital burden, suffer from patients, need of transports, hospital fear, save the money and time, and increasing the quality of healthcare. However, the implementation of telemedicine countenances different challenges in developing countries generally and in Ethiopia, particular.Objective This review aims to evaluate barriers which affecting sustainable telemedicine implementation in Ethiopia through analyses of the published works since 2010.Methods We conducted this review by extracting data from different databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed Central, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Academic Search Ultimate, and Africa-Wide Information. We analyzed finally 12 articles from the above databases based on our eligibility criteria and identified different barriers found in studies. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRSIMA 2009) checklist for this review.Results We identified 23 barriers through 11 articles and classified barriers into organizational, users, and staff and programmers’ barriers. Accordingly, organizational, users’, and staff and programmer barriers were 11 (48%), 7 (30%) and 5 (22%), respectively with the frequency of occurrence through 11 articles and the results organized into table and figureConclusions Infrastructure and cost were the most frequently reported barriers, and staff resistance to change was also the critical factor. Inadequate availability Infrastructure and resistance to change could be overcome through training, creating awareness, strengthening Medicare reimbursement regulations and health care insurance programs, allocating budget for new technology and purchase, strong support and follow up, change management techniques.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Enrique Iranzo-Cortés ◽  
José María Montiel-Company ◽  
Teresa Almerich-Torres ◽  
Carlos Bellot-Arcís ◽  
José Manuel Almerich-Silla

Objective: To analyse the published evidence of the validity of DIAGNDOdent and VistaProof in diagnosing carious depths in pre-cavitated lesions. Material and methods: A systematic review was carried out after identifying a total of 184 articles, including 27 concerning the qualitative review and a subsequent meta-analysis. The quality of the studies was evaluated by using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: For DIAGNOdent, the sensitivity value was 0.77, the specificity value was 0.75 and AUC was 0.81 for the global meta-analyses. In relation to subgroups, the values estimated 0.85, 0.76 and 0.86, respectively, for the in vivo group and 0.71, 0.75 and 0.83 for the in vitro group. For VistaProof, sensitivity was 0.81, specificity 0.75 and AUC had a value of 0.80 in the global meta-analysis. For the subgroups, these were considered at 0.75, 0.81 and 0.89, respectively, for the in vivo group and 0.91, 0.74 and 0.76 for the in vitro group. Neither case presented publication bias when analysing the funnel plot, the classic fail-safe number and Egger’s intercept. Conclusion: Both VistaProof and DIAGNOdent are valid as they offer a moderate to high diagnostic effectiveness for dentine depth in pre-cavitated lesions.


2021 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-139392
Author(s):  
Rachel Wurth ◽  
Michelle Hajdenberg ◽  
Francisco J Barrera ◽  
Skand Shekhar ◽  
Caroline E Copacino ◽  
...  

AimThe aim of this study was to systematically appraise the quality of a sample of COVID-19-related systematic reviews (SRs) and discuss internal validity threats affecting the COVID-19 body of evidence.DesignWe conducted a scoping review of the literature. SRs with or without meta-analysis (MA) that evaluated clinical data, outcomes or treatments for patients with COVID-19 were included.Main outcome measuresWe extracted quality characteristics guided by A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2 to calculate a qualitative score. Complementary evaluation of the most prominent published limitations affecting the COVID-19 body of evidence was performed.ResultsA total of 63 SRs were included. The majority were judged as a critically low methodological quality. Most of the studies were not guided by a pre-established protocol (39, 62%). More than half (39, 62%) failed to address risk of bias when interpreting their results. A comprehensive literature search strategy was reported in most SRs (54, 86%). Appropriate use of statistical methods was evident in nearly all SRs with MAs (39, 95%). Only 16 (33%) studies recognised heterogeneity in the definition of severe COVID-19 as a limitation of the study, and 15 (24%) recognised repeated patient populations as a limitation.ConclusionThe methodological and reporting quality of current COVID-19 SR is far from optimal. In addition, most of the current SRs fail to address relevant threats to their internal validity, including repeated patients and heterogeneity in the definition of severe COVID-19. Adherence to proper study design and peer-review practices must remain to mitigate current limitations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 609-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad J Swidi ◽  
Andreea E Griffin ◽  
Peter H Buschang

SummaryBackgroundAlthough post-treatment mandibular alignment has been extensively investigated, the findings remain controversial.ObjectivesThe objective was to assess mandibular alignment changes, as measured by the irregularity index, of patients who underwent full-fixed orthodontic treatment and were followed up at least 1 year after retention.Search methodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library, in addition, the reference lists of included studies, were screened. The search was conducted up to April 2018.Selection criteriaThe study designs included both interventional and observational studies of orthodontic patients who received either extraction or non-extraction treatment.Data collection and analysisThe interventional studies were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias assessment tool. The quality of the observational studies was evaluated using National Institution of Health quality assessment tools. The first two authors independently applied the eligibility criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. Any conflicts were resolved with consensus discussion with the third author.ResultsThe search retrieved 11 326 articles, 170 of which were assessed for eligibility. There were 44 studies included in the qualitative assessments and 30 in the meta-analyses. The studies included 1 randomized control trial (RCT) and 43 observational studies. The RCT was judged to have a high risk of bias and all of the observational studies had either fair or poor quality. The meta-analysis was based on studies judged to be of fair quality, including a total of 1859 patients. All meta-analyses were performed using random-effect models. The standardized mean difference between post-treatment and post-retention irregularity was 1.22 (95% CI, 1.04–1.40) and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.63–1.07) after extraction and non-extraction treatments, respectively. There was a substantial heterogeneity for the extraction (I2 = 75.2%) and non-extraction (I2 = 70.1%) studies. The follow-up duration (1–10 versus 10–20 years) explained 33% of the heterogeneity, with longer follow-up studies showing more irregularity.LimitationsThe quality of evidence provided by the studies was low. There was a risk of publication bias, and the search was limited to English language.Conclusions and implicationsPost-treatment mandibular irregularity increases are limited. Irregularity increases are slightly greater in patients treated with mandibular premolars extractions, and in patients followed up over longer periods of time.RegistrationThe study protocol was not registered.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (03) ◽  
pp. 197-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Kovar ◽  
Salih Colakoglu ◽  
Matthew L. Iorio

Abstract Background Limb salvage in the setting of extremity osteomyelitis, though previously dependent on amputation, has been markedly improved through the application of free tissue flaps. Concern exists as to the utility of the fasciocutaneous flap to combat infection verses the traditional muscle flap. Prior studies have shown success with fasciocutaneous flaps in these patients, but given the small series, the choice remains controversial. The goal of this article was to determine if there is statistical evidence for flap choice in the setting of extremity osteomyelitis. Methods A systematic review utilizing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was completed of the current literature pertaining to the treatment of extremity osteomyelitis and flap reconstruction within the MedLine and PubMed databases. Six hundred forty-six studies were reviewed and ultimately 31 were included in the final analysis. Results Eight hundred seventy-eight flap reconstructions were identified. Of the 588 muscle flaps, 7.8% (n = 46) had recurrence of osteomyelitis after an average of 36.1 (8.0–111.6) months follow-up. There were seven cases (4.3%) of osteomyelitis recurrence in the 163 fasciocutaneous flap group after an average of 29.8 (18.2–44.6) months follow-up (p = 0.165). Secondary outcomes such as flap loss, hematomas, and infection were analyzed without statistically significant differences between the muscle and fasciocutaneous flap groups. Conclusion Selection of flap type is less important than adequate debridement, appropriate antibiotic selection, and sufficient duration of treatment. This study demonstrates that within the literature, fasciocutaneous flaps have a lower recurrence rate of osteomyelitis compared with muscle flaps. As such, fasciocutaneous flaps are appropriate for reconstruction and treatment of extremity osteomyelitis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 294-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Pablo Stolovitzky ◽  
Neelesh Mehendale ◽  
Keith E. Matheny ◽  
William J. Brown ◽  
Anthony A. Rieder ◽  
...  

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a devastating disease affecting nearly 30 million people in the United States. An interim analysis of data from the present study suggested that, in patients who had previously failed medical therapy, balloon sinus dilation (BSD) plus medical management (MM) provides a significant improvement in the quality of life (QOL) at 24 weeks postprocedure compared to MM alone. Objective The primary objective of this final analysis was to evaluate the durability of treatment effects through the 52-week follow-up. Methods Adults aged 19 and older with CRS who had failed MM elected either BSD plus MM or continued MM. Patients were evaluated at 2 (BSD arm only), 12, 24, and 52 weeks posttreatment. Balloon dilations were performed either as an office-based procedure under local anesthesia or in the operating room per physicians’ and patients’ discretion. The primary end point was change in patient-reported QOL as measured by Chronic Sinusitis Survey (CSS) total score from baseline to the 24-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes including changes in CSS, Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT) total and subscores, sinus medication usage, missed days of work/school, number of medical care visits, and sinus infections from baseline to the 52-week follow-up are reported here within. Results BSD led to sustained greater improvements in self-reported QOL using the CSS and RSDI total scores with a trend toward improvement in the SNOT-20 total score from baseline to the 52-week follow-up compared to continued MM. There were no changes in medication usage apart from nasal steroid usage for which the MM cohort had an increase in usage. There were no device-related serious adverse events. Conclusion The current analysis highlights the safety, effectiveness, and durability of BSD in CRS patients aged 19 and older who had previously failed MM.


2020 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2020-016399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ganesh Asaithambi ◽  
Megan E Tipps

BackgroundThe endovascular treatment (ET) for acute ischemic stroke is increasing among eligible patients. Assessing patients’ perspectives on quality of life (QOL) can supplement the use of formal outcome scales and enable the assessment of outcomes across multiple domains affected by stroke.MethodsWe analyzed publicly available data from the Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke (DEFUSE 3) trial. We evaluated patients who survived beyond the time of discharge from their acute hospitalizations and completed all Neuro-QOL short forms at 90-day follow-up.ResultsOur final analysis included 128 patients (median age 67 [range 23–90] years, 50.8% men). As modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores increased, there was a consistent increase in the severity of Neuro-QOL measures. T-scores for mobility, cognitive function, and the ability to participate in social roles declined significantly while depression T-scores increased significantly. We found that QOL T-scores for patients with mRS 3 did not differ significantly from T-scores for patients with mRS 2 in any domain.ConclusionsAmong ischemic stroke patients eligible for ET, QOL scores help validate and supplement quantitatively measured outcomes.


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