Electrical neurostimulation for the treatment of chronic pruritus: a systematic review

Background: Chronic pruritus is a debilitating condition associated with a wide range of dermatologic, systemic and psychogenic etiologies. In patients with chronic pruritus that is refractory to conventional therapy, symptoms can significantly decrease quality of life by contributing to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and in many cases depression. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of mirtazapine in relieving chronic itch that is refractory to standard first-line therapies. Methods: We searched PubMed for English-language articles containing the words (“pruritus” or “itch”) AND “antidepressant” and then conducted a systematic review of the current literature to summarize the efficacy of mirtazapine in treating chronic itch. Results: All studies reported a reduction in itch intensity following the administration of mirtazapine. Conclusion: Collectively, these studies suggest the potential for mirtazapine to relieve chronic itch attributed to dermatological causes and malignancies. As, such mirtazapine may be an option for patients with chronic pruritus that is refractory to typical first-line treatments.

Download Full-text

Acupuncture for patients with chronic pruritus: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034784 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. e034784

Author(s):

Leixiao Zhang ◽

Yanli Deng ◽

Junpeng Yao ◽

Xianjun Xiao ◽

Siyi Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Quality Index ◽

Biomedical Literature ◽

World Health ◽

Research Quality ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Quality Of Life Scale ◽

Chronic Pruritus

IntroductionChronic pruritus (CP) frequently occurs in many skin and systemic diseases, and adversely affects quality of life. This systematic review aims to evaluate treatment effects of acupuncture on CP.Methods and analysisAn electronic and manual search will be conducted for all acupuncture treatments for CP, from the inception date of predefined database up to 28 February 2020. Databases include PubMed, Embase, Springer, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registration Platform, the Chinese Medicine Database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the China Science Journal Database and the Wanfang Database. Other sources, including existing systematic reviews, conference proceedings and reference lists of identified publications will also be searched. Additionally, any clinical randomised controlled trials related to acupuncture treatment for CP, regardless of the publication status and language limitations, will be included. Study selection, data extraction and research quality assessments will be conducted independently by two researchers. The primary outcome measures include the Visual Analogue Scale, Urdu 5D-Itch Scale or other validated scales implemented after at least 2 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes include the effective rate, Quality of Life Scale (eg, the EQ-5D third level, the Dermatology Life Quality Index, etc.), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, recurrence rate during the follow-up period and adverse events. If possible, meta-analyses will be performed using RevMan V.5.3 statistical software; otherwise, a descriptive analysis or subgroup analysis will be conducted. The results will be presented as the risk ratio of the binary data and the mean difference (MD) or standardised MD of the continuous data.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review protocol does not require formal ethical approval because the data are not personalised. It will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international academic conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42019136727.

Download Full-text

Use of oral antidepressants in patients with chronic pruritus: A systematic review

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ◽

10.1016/j.jaad.2017.08.025 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 77 (6) ◽

pp. 1068-1073.e7 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Tessa A. Kouwenhoven ◽

Peter C.M. van de Kerkhof ◽

Marijke Kamsteeg

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Chronic Pruritus

Download Full-text

A Systemic Review of Dupilumab Efficacy and Safety by Phenotypic Variations of Atopic Dermatitis

Clinical Dermatology & Therapy ◽

10.24966/cdt-8771/100073 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Piyu Parth Naik ◽

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Atopic Dermatitis ◽

Safety Profile ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Systemic Review ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Current Systematic Review ◽

Phenotypic Variations ◽

Chronic Pruritus

Background: The Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritus- inflammatory TH2dominant skin disorder characterized by a reaction with complex immunopathogenesis. Dupilumab’s effectiveness and safety profile by phenotypic variations of atopic dermatitis the treatment of atopic dermatitis has been investigated in a variety of large clinical trials in atopic dermatitis for more than 10 years. The goal of the current systematic review was to determine the effectiveness and protection of dupilumab through phenotypic differences in atopic dermatitis. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google scholar databases to find appropriate articles published between last ten years related to dupilumab efficacy and safety by phenotypic variations of atopic dermatitis with the appropriate key terms (MeSH) including “dupilumab”, “atopic dermatitis”, “eczema”, “phenotypic variations” “phenotypes” etc. Results: Seven studies were included in the current review, which met the inclusion & exclusion criteria of the current study. All the included studies in this review demonstrated that the dupilumab significantly treated the various phenotypes of AD, with the improvement of EASI and DLQI scores. The most commonly occurred side effect during the treatment of duplimab was allergic conjunctivitis followed by allergic rhinitis and asthma. Most of the included studies demonstrated that the dupilumab has been shown to rapidly improving signs and symptoms in the treatment of extreme AD. Conclusion: Dupilumab was first prescribed for adults with atopic dermatitis and has been generally approved since 2018 for adult patients with moderate to extreme atopic dermatitis. The IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines in atopic dermatitis modulate the epidermal barrier and inhibit the production of antimicrobial peptides. Dupilumab’s efficacy and safety profile in the treatment of atopic dermatitis has been investigated in a number of major clinical trials. This current systematic review provides an evidence-based report on dupilumab efficacy and safety by different phenotypic variations of atopic dermatitis, which will help to clinicians for better understanding of the mechanism of dupilumab against AD phenotypes.

Download Full-text

The effects of low-ratio n-6/n-3 PUFA on biomarkers of inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Food & Function ◽

10.1039/d0fo01976c ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yali Wei ◽

Yan Meng ◽

Na Li ◽

Qian Wang ◽

Liyong Chen

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid ◽

Inflammation Markers ◽

Pufa Supplementation ◽

Long Chain

The purpose of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if low-ratio n-6/n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation affects serum inflammation markers based on current studies.

Download Full-text

Parent Education in Studies With Nonverbal and Minimally Verbal Participants With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2019_ajslp-19-00007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 890-902

Author(s):

Lynn Kern Koegel ◽

Katherine M. Bryan ◽

Pumpki Lei Su ◽

Mohini Vaidya ◽

Stephen Camarata

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Parent Education ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Verbal Communication ◽

Fidelity Of Implementation ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Education Programs ◽

Minimally Verbal ◽

Parent Education Programs

Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to identify parent education procedures implemented in intervention studies focused on expressive verbal communication for nonverbal (NV) or minimally verbal (MV) children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parent education has been shown to be an essential component in the habilitation of individuals with ASD. Parents of individuals with ASD who are NV or MV may particularly benefit from parent education in order to provide opportunities for communication and to support their children across the life span. Method ProQuest databases were searched between the years of 1960 and 2018 to identify articles that targeted verbal communication in MV and NV individuals with ASD. A total of 1,231 were evaluated to assess whether parent education was implemented. We found 36 studies that included a parent education component. These were reviewed with regard to (a) the number of participants and participants' ages, (b) the parent education program provided, (c) the format of the parent education, (d) the duration of the parent education, (e) the measurement of parent education, and (f) the parent fidelity of implementation scores. Results The results of this analysis showed that very few studies have included a parent education component, descriptions of the parent education programs are unclear in most studies, and few studies have scored the parents' implementation of the intervention. Conclusions Currently, there is great variability in parent education programs in regard to participant age, hours provided, fidelity of implementation, format of parent education, and type of treatment used. Suggestions are made to provide both a more comprehensive description and consistent measurement of parent education programs.

Download Full-text

Characteristics of the Frequency-Following Response to Speech in Neonates and Potential Applicability in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review

Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research ◽

10.1044/2020_jslhr-19-00322 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (5) ◽

pp. 1618-1635

Author(s):

Céline Richard ◽

Mary Lauren Neel ◽

Arnaud Jeanvoine ◽

Sharon Mc Connell ◽

Alison Gehred ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes ◽

Frequency Following Response ◽

Ovid Medline ◽

Published Evidence ◽

Mesh Terms ◽

Potential Applicability ◽

Clinical Potential

Purpose We sought to critically analyze and evaluate published evidence regarding feasibility and clinical potential for predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes of the frequency-following responses (FFRs) to speech recordings in neonates (birth to 28 days). Method A systematic search of MeSH terms in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied HealthLiterature, Embase, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline (R) and E-Pub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily, Web of Science, SCOPUS, COCHRANE Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed. Manual review of all items identified in the search was performed by two independent reviewers. Articles were evaluated based on the level of methodological quality and evidence according to the RTI item bank. Results Seven articles met inclusion criteria. None of the included studies reported neurodevelopmental outcomes past 3 months of age. Quality of the evidence ranged from moderate to high. Protocol variations were frequent. Conclusions Based on this systematic review, the FFR to speech can capture both temporal and spectral acoustic features in neonates. It can accurately be recorded in a fast and easy manner at the infant's bedside. However, at this time, further studies are needed to identify and validate which FFR features could be incorporated as an addition to standard evaluation of infant sound processing evaluation in subcortico-cortical networks. This review identifies the need for further research focused on identifying specific features of the neonatal FFRs, those with predictive value for early childhood outcomes to help guide targeted early speech and hearing interventions.

Download Full-text

Treating Velopharyngeal Inadequacy Using Bilateral Buccal Flap Revision Palatoplasty

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2019_pers-sig5-2019-0005 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

pp. 878-892

Author(s):

Joseph A. Napoli ◽

Linda D. Vallino

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽

Sleep Apnea ◽

Cleft Lip ◽

Cleft Lip And Palate ◽

A Priori ◽

Sufficient Evidence ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Before And After ◽

Buccal Flap

Purpose The 2 most commonly used operations to treat velopharyngeal inadequacy (VPI) are superiorly based pharyngeal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty, both of which may result in hyponasal speech and airway obstruction. The purpose of this article is to (a) describe the bilateral buccal flap revision palatoplasty (BBFRP) as an alternative technique to manage VPI while minimizing these risks and (b) conduct a systematic review of the evidence of BBFRP on speech and other clinical outcomes. A report comparing the speech of a child with hypernasality before and after BBFRP is presented. Method A review of databases was conducted for studies of buccal flaps to treat VPI. Using the principles of a systematic review, the articles were read, and data were abstracted for study characteristics that were developed a priori. With respect to the case report, speech and instrumental data from a child with repaired cleft lip and palate and hypernasal speech were collected and analyzed before and after surgery. Results Eight articles were included in the analysis. The results were positive, and the evidence is in favor of BBFRP in improving velopharyngeal function, while minimizing the risk of hyponasal speech and obstructive sleep apnea. Before surgery, the child's speech was characterized by moderate hypernasality, and after surgery, it was judged to be within normal limits. Conclusion Based on clinical experience and results from the systematic review, there is sufficient evidence that the buccal flap is effective in improving resonance and minimizing obstructive sleep apnea. We recommend BBFRP as another approach in selected patients to manage VPI. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.9919352

Download Full-text

Telepractice for Adult Speech-Language Pathology Services: A Systematic Review

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2019_persp-19-00146 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 326-338 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Kristen Weidner ◽

Joneen Lowman

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Primary Progressive Aphasia ◽

Future Research ◽

Service Delivery Model ◽

Speech Language Pathology ◽

Review Of The Literature ◽

Research Designs ◽

Assessment And Treatment ◽

Language Pathology ◽

Screening Assessment

Purpose We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding adult telepractice services (screening, assessment, and treatment) from approximately 2014 to 2019. Method Thirty-one relevant studies were identified from a literature search, assessed for quality, and reported. Results Included studies illustrated feasibility, efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, and noninferiority of various speech-language pathology services across adult populations, including chronic aphasia, Parkinson's disease, dysphagia, and primary progressive aphasia. Technical aspects of the equipment and software used to deliver services were discussed. Some general themes were noted as areas for future research. Conclusion Overall, results of the review continue to support the use of telepractice as an appropriate service delivery model in speech-language pathology for adults. Strong research designs, including experimental control, across multiple well-described settings are still needed to definitively determine effectiveness of telepractice services.

Download Full-text