Insufficient Evidence for the Effect of Corticosteroid Treatment on Recovery of Vestibular Neuritis

2012 ◽  
Vol 147 (5) ◽  
pp. 826-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inge Wegner ◽  
Peter Paul G. van Benthem ◽  
Mark C. J. Aarts ◽  
Tjasse D. Bruintjes ◽  
Wilko Grolman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vestibular Function ◽  
Corticosteroid Treatment ◽  
Placebo Treatment ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Vestibular Neuritis ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Symptom Recovery ◽  
The Difference

The authors studied the effect of corticosteroid treatment on clinical recovery and recovery of vestibular function in patients with vestibular neuritis. The comprehensive search (March 29, 2012) yielded 496 original papers, of which 5 (including 199 patients) during full-text screening satisfied our eligibility criteria. Methods assessment showed that 1 study (30 patients) provided direct evidence and carried low risk of bias. Two studies properly reported on their random and concealed allocation of treatment. In 1 study, patients were not randomly allocated to treatment. Blinding of outcomes was lacking in 2 studies, whereas outcome data were clearly incomplete for 2 studies. Given the wide variety in outcome measures and scales and follow-up duration, the meaning of the size of reported effects is not clear. Therefore, the reported effects cannot simply be compared between studies, and this precludes pooling of study results. Still, there are large differences between studies in the size of the reported absolute effects after the placebo treatment. Moreover, the difference in effects between treatments is rather small and does not always favor corticosteroids. The moderate to high risk of bias of studies precludes firm conclusions, whereas the reported short-term effects on symptom recovery and improvement of peripheral vestibular function are too small to be clinically important. No long-term effect on symptom recovery has been shown. Recommendations or decisions for corticosteroid treatment in patients with vestibular neuritis cannot be based on current best evidence and therefore should be discussed with the patient.

scholarly journals Hallux valgus orthosis characteristics and effectiveness: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e047273
Author(s):  
Mei-Ying Kwan ◽  
Kit-Lun Yick ◽  
Joanne Yip ◽  
Chi-Yung Tse
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Registration Number ◽  
Mean Differences

ObjectiveThe treatment effect of orthoses for hallux valgus (HV) is unclear with little interventional studies, the design involves multiple complex factors, and therefore a systematic analysis with meta-analysis is necessary. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine whether current foot orthoses are effective in treating HV.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis.Data sourcesElectronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl and Medline) are searched up to February 2020.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesInterventional studies with content focus on HV orthosis design and any of the outcomes related to effectiveness for treating HV are included. The standardised mean differences are calculated. The risk of bias in included studies is assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tools.ResultsIn total, 2066 articles are identified. Among them, nine are selected and quality rated, and data are extracted and closely examined. A meta-analysis is conducted, where appropriate. The main causes of potential bias are missing outcome data and outcome measurement error. The results show that orthosis with a toe separator has the best effect of correcting the HV angle (standardised mean difference: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.189 to 0.803).ConclusionThe orthoses design with a toe separator or an element that allows for the foot anatomic alignment is critical for reducing the HV angle and relieving foot pain. The results contribute to a better selection of treatment for patients.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021260403.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF POSTURAL EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Janeiro Valenciano ◽  
Fabíola Unbehaun Cibinello ◽  
Jessica Caroliny de Jesus Neves ◽  
Dirce Shizuko Fujisawa
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Elementary School ◽  
High Risk ◽  
School Children ◽  
Elementary School Children ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Positive Effects

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the effect of postural education on the learning and postural habits of elementary school children without physical intervention. Methods: We searched PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Cochrane, and Science Direct data bases and reference lists of studies in February 2020. The eligibility criteria were randomized clinical trials related to the effect of postural education in children aged between 6 and 12 years old. Two authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias: randomization process, deviations from intended interventions, missing outcome data, measurement of the outcome, and selection of the reported result. Data were extracted in standardized tables including information on author, publication year, country, sample size, age, sex, intervention characteristics, outcome measurements and results. Results: We found seven clinical trials (involving 2,568 children) for the review. The studies were conducted between 2000 and 2018: four in Belgium, two in Spain, and one in Germany. All seven included trials underwent evaluation: only one had a clear process of randomization and allocation concealment. All included studies were judged as having high risk of bias in at least one domain or have concerns for multiple domains. Conclusions: The positive effects of acquired knowledge and postural habits found in the studies cannot be used to reliably support postural education in elementary school children due to a high risk of bias in the evaluated studies.

scholarly journals Influence of preoperative corticosteroid treatment on rate of diagnostic surgeries in primary central nervous system lymphoma: a multicenter retrospective study

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Scheichel ◽  
Franz Marhold ◽  
Daniel Pinggera ◽  
Barbara Kiesel ◽  
Tobias Rossmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Diagnostic Delay ◽  
Central Nervous System Lymphoma ◽  
Corticosteroid Treatment ◽  
Histopathological Diagnosis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Immunocompetent Patients

Abstract Background Corticosteroid therapy (CST) prior to biopsy may hinder histopathological diagnosis in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Therefore, preoperative CST in patients with suspected PCNSL should be avoided if clinically possible. The aim of this study was thus to analyze the difference in the rate of diagnostic surgeries in PCNSL patients with and without preoperative CST. Methods A multicenter retrospective study including all immunocompetent patients diagnosed with PCNSL between 1/2004 and 9/2018 at four neurosurgical centers in Austria was conducted and the results were compared to literature. Results A total of 143 patients were included in this study. All patients showed visible contrast enhancement on preoperative MRI. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of diagnostic surgeries with and without preoperative CST with 97.1% (68/70) and 97.3% (71/73), respectively (p = 1.0). Tapering and pause of CST did not influence the diagnostic rate. Including our study, there are 788 PCNSL patients described in literature with an odds ratio for inconclusive surgeries after CST of 3.3 (CI 1.7–6.4). Conclusions Preoperative CST should be avoided as it seems to diminish the diagnostic rate of biopsy in PCNSL patients. Yet, if CST has been administered preoperatively and there is still a contrast enhancing lesion to target for biopsy, surgeons should try to keep the diagnostic delay to a minimum as the likelihood for acquiring diagnostic tissue seems sufficiently high.

Oral Myofunctional and Articulation Disorders in Children with Malocclusions: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Zoë Thijs ◽  
Laura Bruneel ◽  
Guy De Pauw ◽  
Kristiane M. Van Lierde
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Open Bite ◽  
Anterior Open Bite ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Tongue Position ◽  
Articulation Disorders ◽  
Level 2 ◽  
Unclear Risk

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Relationships between malocclusion and orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD), as well as malocclusions and articulation disorders (AD) have been described, though the exact relationships remain unclear. Given the high prevalence of these disorders in children, more clarity is needed. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> The purpose of this study was to determine the association between OMD (specifically, bruxism, deviate swallowing, caudal resting tongue posture, and biting habits), AD, and malocclusions in children and adolescents aged between 3 and 18 years. To conduct a systematic review, 4 databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus). The identified articles were screened for the eligibility criteria. Data were extracted from the selected articles and quality assessment was performed using the tool of Munn et al. [Int J Health Policy Manag. 2014;3:123–81] in consensus. Using the search strategy, the authors identified 2,652 articles after the removal of duplicates. After reviewing the eligibility criteria, 17 articles were included in this study. One of the included articles was deemed to have an unclear risk of bias, whereas all other articles were considered to have a low risk of bias. The articles showed a relationship between anterior open bite and apico-alveolar articulatory distortions, as well as between anterior open bite and deviate swallowing. For the biting habits, bruxism, and low tongue position no clear conclusions could be drawn. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> The current review suggests a link between specific types of malocclusion and OMD and AD. However, more high-quality evidence (level 1 and level 2, Oxford Levels of Evidence) is needed to clarify the cooccurrence of other OMD, AD, and malocclusions.

scholarly journals Comparison of In-Situ and Retrospective Self-Reports on Assessing Hearing Aid Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Hsiang Wu ◽  
Elizabeth Stangl ◽  
Octav Chipara ◽  
Anna Gudjonsdottir ◽  
Jacob Oleson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Hearing Aid ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Outcome Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Ecological Momentary

Abstract Background Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a methodology involving repeated surveys to collect in-situ self-reports that describe respondents' current or recent experiences. Audiology literature comparing in-situ and retrospective self-reports is scarce. Purpose To compare the sensitivity of in-situ and retrospective self-reports in detecting the outcome difference between hearing aid technologies, and to determine the association between in-situ and retrospective self-reports. Research Design An observational study. Study Sample Thirty-nine older adults with hearing loss. Data Collection and Analysis The study was part of a larger clinical trial that compared the outcomes of a prototype hearing aid (denoted as HA1) and a commercially available device (HA2). In each trial condition, participants wore hearing aids for 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured using EMA and retrospective questionnaires. To ensure that the outcome data could be directly compared, the Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile was administered as an in-situ self-report (denoted as EMA-GHABP) and as a retrospective questionnaire (retro-GHABP). Linear mixed models were used to determine if the EMA- and retro-GHABP could detect the outcome difference between HA1 and HA2. Correlation analyses were used to examine the association between EMA- and retro-GHABP. Results For the EMA-GHABP, HA2 had significantly higher (better) scores than HA1 in the GHABP subscales of benefit, residual disability, and satisfaction (p = 0.029–0.0015). In contrast, the difference in the retro-GHABP score between HA1 and HA2 was significant only in the satisfaction subscale (p = 0.0004). The correlations between the EMA- and retro-GHABP were significant in all subscales (p = 0.0004 to <0.0001). The strength of the association ranged from weak to moderate (r = 0.28–0.58). Finally, the exit interview indicated that 29 participants (74.4%) preferred HA2 over HA1. Conclusion The study suggests that in-situ self-reports collected using EMA could have a higher sensitivity than retrospective questionnaires. Therefore, EMA is worth considering in clinical trials that aim to compare the outcomes of different hearing aid technologies. The weak to moderate association between in-situ and retrospective self-reports suggests that these two types of measures assess different aspects of hearing aid outcomes.

The use of eHealth to promote physical activity in people living with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Adam McDermott ◽  
Ciaran Haberlin ◽  
Jonathan Moran
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Attrition Rate ◽  
Medical Subject Headings ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Ehealth Intervention ◽  
High Level

BACKGROUND: People living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are less active than healthy individuals. Ehealth is an emerging concept in healthcare which presents opportunities to promote physical activity (PA) in people with PD. The aim of this systematic review was to explore the effectiveness of ehealth in the promotion of PA in people living with PD. METHODS: Suitable articles were searched for using EMBASE, PsychInfo, Web of Science and OVID Medline databases using a combination of keywords and medical subject headings. Articles were included if they described an ehealth intervention designed to promote PA in people living with PD. Two reviewers screened studies for suitability and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool and the Downs and Black risk of bias checklist. Due to the heterogeneity of studies, a narrative synthesis of study interventions and results was completed rather than a quantitative analysis. RESULTS: 1449 articles were screened. Four studies met the eligibility criteria which included 652 participants. Web and mobile applications were used to design the PA interventions. PA levels were measured using self-reported questionnaires, Fitbits, activity monitors and accelerometers. Three of the studies reported improvements in aspects of PA. However, this was not consistently reported in all study participants. No adverse effects, a high level of enjoyment and a relatively low attrition rate (∼12.5%) were reported. CONCLUSION: Ehealth is a safe and feasible intervention to promote PA in this population. It is unclear whether ehealth is effective at promoting PA in people with PD. Keywords:

scholarly journals Impact of metformin treatment during pregnancy on maternal outcomes: a systematic review/meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane L. Tarry-Adkins ◽  
Susan E. Ozanne ◽  
Catherine E. Aiken
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Gestational Hypertension ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Maternal Outcomes ◽  
Metformin Treatment ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Gastrointestinal Side Effects ◽  
The Impact

AbstractWe systematically assessed the impact of metformin treatment on maternal pregnancy outcomes. PubMed, Ovid Embase, Medline, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane databases were systematically searched (inception-1st February 2021). Randomised controlled trials reporting pregnancy outcomes in women randomised to metformin versus any other treatment for any indication were included. Outcomes included gestational weight gain (GWG), pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, preterm birth, gestational age at delivery, caesarean section, gestational diabetes, glycaemic control, and gastrointestinal side-effects. Two independent reviewers conducted screening, with a third available to evaluate disagreements. Risk-of-bias and GRADE assessments were conducted using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias and GRADE-pro software. Thirty-five studies (n = 8033 pregnancies) met eligibility criteria. GWG was lower in pregnancies randomised to metformin versus other treatments (1.57 kg ± 0.60 kg; I2 = 86%, p < 0.0001), as was likelihood of pre-eclampsia (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.95; I2 = 55%, p = 0.02). The risk of gastrointestinal side-effects was greater in metformin-exposed versus other treatment groups (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.53–3.84; I2 = 76%, p = 0.0002). The risk of other maternal outcomes assessed was not significantly different between metformin-exposed versus other treatment groups. Metformin for any indication during pregnancy is associated with lower GWG and a modest reduced risk of pre-eclampsia, but increased gastrointestinal side-effects compared to other treatments.

Mortality Benefit From the Passive Leg Raise Maneuver in Guiding Resuscitation of Septic Shock Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

2021 ◽  
pp. 088506662110197
Author(s):  
Moosa Azadian ◽  
Suyee Win ◽  
Amir Abdipour ◽  
Carolyn Krystal Kim ◽  
H. Bryant Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Septic Shock ◽  
Fluid Resuscitation ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Passive Leg Raise

Background: Fluid therapy plays a major role in the management of critically ill patients. Yet assessment of intravascular volume in these patients is challenging. Different invasive and non-invasive methods have been used with variable results. The passive leg raise (PLR) maneuver has been recommended by international guidelines as a means to determine appropriate fluid resuscitation. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if using this method of volume assessment has an impact on mortality outcome in patients with septic shock. Methods: This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched available data in the MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases from inception until October 2020 for prospective, randomized, controlled trials that compared PLR-guided fluid resuscitation to standard care in adult patients with septic shock. Our primary outcome was mortality at the longest duration of follow-up. Results: We screened 1,425 article titles and abstracts. Of the 23 full-text articles reviewed, 5 studies with 462 patients met our eligibility criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality at the longest reported time interval were calculated for each study. Using random effects modeling, the pooled OR (95% CI) for mortality with a PLR-guided resuscitation strategy was 0.82 (0.52 -1.30). The included studies were not blinded and they ranged from having low to high risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Conclusion: Our analysis showed there was no statistically significant difference in mortality among septic shock patients treated with PLR-guided resuscitation vs. those with standard care.

scholarly journals Risk factors for thoracolumbar pain following percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 030006052198946
Author(s):  
Xiaoguang Fan ◽  
Sha Li ◽  
Xianshang Zeng ◽  
Weiguang Yu ◽  
Xiangzhen Liu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Bone Cement ◽  
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty ◽  
Vertebral Compression Fractures ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Compression Fractures ◽  
Logistic Analysis ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Poor Outcomes

Objective To explore possible risk factors for poor outcomes following percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for painful osteoporotic compression fractures of thoracolumbar vertebra. Methods This was a retrospective review of data from patients who underwent PV at our institution over a ten-year period to evaluate the association between possible risk factors and thoracolumbar pain (T11-L2). According to the difference between pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for pain, patients were separated into poor relief (PR; <4) and good relief (GR; ≥4) of pain. Results Of the 750 patients identified, 630 (PR group, n =310; GR group, n = 320) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Multivariate binary logistic analysis showed that bone mineral density (BMD), >2 fractured vertebral bodies, maldistribution of bone cement, <5 ml bone cement injected into a single vertebral body and thoracolumbar fascia injury prior to surgery were independent risk factors associated with thoracolumbar pain following PV. Conclusion Although prospective controlled studies are required to confirm our results, this review suggests that the above factors should be taken into account when selecting patients for PV.

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