scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of VNS Therapy or Continued Medication Management for Treatment of Adults with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author(s):  
Joan Conry ◽  
Sarah Batson ◽  
Stephen Mitchell ◽  
Rohit Shankar ◽  
Jane Boggs ◽  
...  

Abstract Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) Therapy® is an adjunctive neurostimulation treatment for people withdrug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) who are unwilling to undergo resective surgery, have had unsuccessfulsurgery or are unsuitable for surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted todetermine the treatment effects of VNS Therapy as an adjunct to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) forthe management of adults with DRE.A literature search was performed in August 2020 of the Medline®, Medline® Epub Ahead of Print,Embase, and the Cochrane library databases. Outcomes examined included reduction in seizurefrequency, seizure freedom, ASM load, discontinuations, and serious adverse events (SAEs).Comparators included best medical practice, ASMs, low-stimulation or sham VNS Therapy.Four RCTs and six comparative observational studies were identified for inclusion. Against comparators,individuals treated with VNS had a significantly better odds of experiencing a ≥50% reduction in seizurefrequency (OR: 2.27 [95% CI: 1.47, 3.51]; p=0.0002), a ≥75% reduction in seizure frequency (OR: 3.56[95% CI: 1.59, 7.98]; p=0.002) and a reduced risk for increased ASM load (risk ratio: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.21,0.62]; p=0.0002). There was no difference in the odds of discontinuation or the rate of SAEs betweenVNS versus comparators.This meta-analysis demonstrated the benefits of VNS Therapy in people with DRE, which includedimprovement in seizure frequency without an increase in the rate of SAEs or discontinuations, therebysupporting the consideration of VNS Therapy for people who are not responding to ASMs and thoseunsuitable or unwilling to undergo surgery.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joan Conry ◽  
Sarah Batson ◽  
Stephen Mitchell ◽  
Rohit Shankar ◽  
Jane Boggs ◽  
...  

Abstract Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) Therapy® is an adjunctive neurostimulation treatment for people withdrug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) who are unwilling to undergo resective surgery, have had unsuccessfulsurgery or are unsuitable for surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted todetermine the treatment effects of VNS Therapy as an adjunct to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) forthe management of adults with DRE.A literature search was performed in August 2020 of the Medline®, Medline® Epub Ahead of Print,Embase, and the Cochrane library databases. Outcomes examined included reduction in seizurefrequency, seizure freedom, ASM load, discontinuations, and serious adverse events (SAEs).Comparators included best medical practice, ASMs, low-stimulation or sham VNS Therapy.Four RCTs and six comparative observational studies were identified for inclusion. Against comparators,individuals treated with VNS had a significantly better odds of experiencing a ≥50% reduction in seizurefrequency (OR: 2.27 [95% CI: 1.47, 3.51]; p=0.0002), a ≥75% reduction in seizure frequency (OR: 3.56[95% CI: 1.59, 7.98]; p=0.002) and a reduced risk for increased ASM load (risk ratio: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.21,0.62]; p=0.0002). There was no difference in the odds of discontinuation or the rate of SAEs betweenVNS versus comparators.This meta-analysis demonstrated the benefits of VNS Therapy in people with DRE, which includedimprovement in seizure frequency without an increase in the rate of SAEs or discontinuations, therebysupporting the consideration of VNS Therapy for people who are not responding to ASMs and thoseunsuitable or unwilling to undergo surgery.


Author(s):  
Sarah Batson ◽  
Rohit Shankar ◽  
Joan Conry ◽  
Jane Boggs ◽  
Rodney Radtke ◽  
...  

AbstractVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) Therapy® is an adjunctive neurostimulation treatment for people with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) who are unwilling to undergo resective surgery, have had unsuccessful surgery or are unsuitable for surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the treatment effects of VNS Therapy as an adjunct to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) for the management of adults with DRE. A literature search was performed in August 2020 of the Medline®, Medline® Epub Ahead of Print, Embase, and the Cochrane library databases. Outcomes examined included reduction in seizure frequency, seizure freedom, ASM load, discontinuations, and serious adverse events (SAEs). Comparators included best medical practice, ASMs, low-stimulation or sham VNS Therapy. Four RCTs and six comparative observational studies were identified for inclusion. Against comparators, individuals treated with VNS had a significantly better odds of experiencing a ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency (OR: 2.27 [95% CI 1.47, 3.51]; p = 0.0002), a ≥ 75% reduction in seizure frequency (OR: 3.56 [95% CI 1.59, 7.98]; p = 0.002) and a reduced risk for increased ASM load (risk ratio: 0.36 [95% CI 0.21, 0.62]; p = 0.0002). There was no difference in the odds of discontinuation or the rate of SAEs between VNS versus comparators. This meta-analysis demonstrated the benefits of VNS Therapy in people with DRE, which included improvement in seizure frequency without an increase in the rate of SAEs or discontinuations, thereby supporting the consideration of VNS Therapy for people who are not responding to ASMs and those unsuitable or unwilling to undergo surgery.


2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302110042
Author(s):  
Grace Mary Turner ◽  
Christel McMullan ◽  
Olalekan Lee Aiyegbusi ◽  
Danai Bem ◽  
Tom Marshall ◽  
...  

Aims To investigate the association between TBI and stroke risk. Summary of review We undertook a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library from inception to 4th December 2020. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool hazard ratios (HR) for studies which reported stroke risk post-TBI compared to controls. Searches identified 10,501 records; 58 full texts were assessed for eligibility and 18 met the inclusion criteria. The review included a large sample size of 2,606,379 participants from four countries. Six studies included a non-TBI control group, all found TBI patients had significantly increased risk of stroke compared to controls (pooled HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.46-2.37). Findings suggest stroke risk may be highest in the first four months post-TBI, but remains significant up to five years post-TBI. TBI appears to be associated with increased stroke risk regardless of severity or subtype of TBI. There was some evidence to suggest an association between reduced stroke risk post-TBI and Vitamin K antagonists and statins, but increased stroke risk with certain classes of antidepressants. Conclusion TBI is an independent risk factor for stroke, regardless of TBI severity or type. Post-TBI review and management of risk factors for stroke may be warranted.


Author(s):  
Yusuke Handa ◽  
Kenya Okada ◽  
Hiroshi Takasaki

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of a lumbar roll reduced forward head posture (FHP) while sitting among individuals with or without musculoskeletal disorders. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to August 2020. The quality of evidence for variables used in the meta-analysis was determined using the GRADE system. Five studies satisfied the criteria for data analysis. All studies included individuals without any spinal symptoms. Data from five studies on neck angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.02) overall effect (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.77), indicating a lesser neck flexion angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. Data from two studies on head angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.04) overall effect (SMD = 0.47), indicating a lesser head extension angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. In each meta-analysis, the quality of evidence was very low in the GRADE system. The use of a lumbar roll while sitting reduced FHP among individuals without spinal symptoms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Wilks ◽  
R Mcleod ◽  
V Unadkat

Abstract Aim This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess this relationship and determine the most appropriate age for recommendation of surgery. Method According to the “Preferred Reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis” (PRISMA) statement, a literature search was performed across Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library from 1946-2018. Articles examining a relationship between age and myringoplasty or type 1 tympanoplasty success rates were screened. Results 20 articles encompassing data from 2244 procedures were included. The overall results conveyed a clear correlation between increasing age and rising success rate. A t-test was conducted which demonstrated a significant (P = 0.05) transition at aged 10, whereby success rate below age 10 was 70.6% and above 10 was 86%. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis has uncovered a clear correlation between increasing age and increasing success rate for myringoplasty in the paediatric population. Furthermore, a significant transitional point has been demonstrated at the age of 10 and We hope that knowledge of increased success rates particularly after the age of 10 helps clinicians make more informed decisions about when to operate


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rong-liang Dun ◽  
Min Yao ◽  
Long Yang ◽  
Xue-jun Cui ◽  
Jian-min Mao ◽  
...  

Objective. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery for male varicocele infertility compared to surgery.Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) data of traditional Chinese herbs combined with surgery for male varicocele fertility versus surgery were collected by searching the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Chinese databases. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Handbook. Study outcomes were presented as risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous data.Results. Seventeen of 72 potentially relevant trials met the inclusion criteria. The methodological qualities of the RCTs were low. Compared with the surgery group, the traditional Chinese herb combined with surgery group had superiority in pregnancy rate at 3-month (RR=1.76, andP=0.008), 6-month (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005), and 2-year (RR=1.58, andP=0.0005) follow-ups. No RCT was found to describe the side effects.Conclusion. On considering the low methodological quality of RCTs, there was no enough evidence on traditional Chinese herb with surgery for male varicocele infertility, and more high-quality RCTs of large sample sizes are required.


Author(s):  
Alferes AR ◽  
◽  
Oliveiros B ◽  
Pereira C ◽  
◽  
...  

There is a deep-rooted correlation between refractory epilepsy in pediatric age and intelligence development. However, little is known about whether surgical procedures used in pediatric epilepsy treatment can affect Intelligence Quotient (IQ) or not. Factors that might influence postoperative IQ are also a matter of study in several articles. To tackle these issues, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted with the terms “epilepsy”, “epileptic”, “surgery”, “surgical”, “Wechsler Scale” and “intelligence tests” in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Clinical Trials.gov. A descriptive data synthesis was carried out to address each of the objectives and then a metaanalysis using a random effects model was conducted. A meta-regression was performed to ascertain possible factors that could influence postoperative IQ. The meta-analysis of the studies included found a mean difference between postoperative and preoperative full-scale IQ values of 1.014 standardized points (p < 0.001). Among all the articles regarding curative surgeries, only three reported an overall significant improvement in IQ after surgery. Regarding palliative procedures, both studies with anterior corpus callosotomy reported a significant improvement in full-scale IQ values two years after surgery. The meta-regression performed did not find any predictors of change in full-scale IQ.


Author(s):  
Isabelle Holscher ◽  
Tijs J van den Berg ◽  
Koen M A Dreijerink ◽  
Anton F Engelsman ◽  
Els J M Nieveen van Dijkum

Abstract Background Evidence on follow-up duration for patients with sporadic pheochromocytomas is absent, and current guidelines of the European Society of Endocrinology, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Endocrine Surgeons, and the Endocrine Society are ambiguous about the appropriate duration of follow-up. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the recurrence rate of sporadic pheochromocytomas after curative adrenalectomy. Materials and Methods A literature search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed. A study was eligible if it included a clear report on the number of sporadic patients, recurrence rate, and follow-up duration. Studies with an inclusion period before 1990, &lt;2 years of follow-up, &lt;10 patients, and unclear data on the sporadic nature of pheochromocytomas were excluded. A meta-analysis on recurrence was performed provided that the heterogeneity was low (I2 &lt; 25%) or intermediate (I2 26–75%). Hozo’s method was used to calculate weighted mean follow-up duration and weighted time to recurrence with combined standard deviations (SDs). Results A total of 13 studies, including 430 patients, were included in the synthesis. The meta-analysis results describe a pooled recurrence rate after curative surgery of 3% (95% confidence interval: 2–6%, I2 = 0%), with a weighted mean time to recurrence of 49.4 months (SD = 30.7) and a weighted mean follow-up period of 77.3 months (SD = 32.2). Conclusions This meta-analysis shows a very low recurrence rate of 3%. Prospective studies, including economical and health effects of limited follow-up strategies for patients with truly sporadic pheochromocytomas should be considered.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi243-vi243
Author(s):  
Christina Jackson ◽  
John Choi ◽  
Carrie Price ◽  
Chetan Bettegowda ◽  
Michael Lim ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION Due to the infiltrative nature of glioblastoma(GBM) outside of the contrast enhancing region in the peritumoral zone, there is increasing movement to perform supratotal resections (SpTR) by extending the edge of resection beyond the contrast enhancing portion of the tumor. However, there is currently no consensus on the potential survival benefit of SpTR in GBM as compared to gross total resection (GTR). METHODS Therefore, we performed a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines and performed a comprehensive literature search on Pubmed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov, from inception to August 16, 2018, to identify articles comparing overall survival (OS) after SpTR versus GTR. Furthermore, we assessed study quality using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. RESULTS We identified 8902 unique citations, of which 11 articles and 2 abstracts met study inclusion criteria. 925 patients underwent SpTR out of a total of 2137 patients. 9 of the 13 studies demonstrated improved survival with SpTR compared to GTR (median improvement in OS of 10.5 months), with no significant difference in post-operative complication rate. Conversely, one abstract found worsened outcomes with SpTR compared to GTR (median decrease in OS of 4 months). However, overall study quality was poor, with 12 of the 13 studies of level IV evidence and one study of level IIIb evidence. We were unable to perform a meta-analysis due to significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity amongst the studies (e.g. differences in adjuvant therapy and lack of standardization of definition of supratotal resection). CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review indicates that SpTR may be associated with improved OS compared to GTR for GBM. However, this is limited by poor study quality and significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity amongst the studies. There is need for prospective clinical trials to further establish standardized guidelines for SpTR in GBM.


2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 967-981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Zheng ◽  
Jianye Cai ◽  
Hui Li ◽  
Kaining Zeng ◽  
Liying He ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Systemic inflammatory response (SIR) is widely considered as a preoperative risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) outcomes. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), two of the prognostic indices, have been investigated in post-therapeutic recurrence and survival of HCC. Here, we quantify the prognostic value of these two biomarkers and evaluate their consistency in different HCC therapies. Methods: A systematic review of electronic database of the Web of Science, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library was conducted to search for associations between the NLR and PLR in the blood and clinical outcomes of HCC. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were the primary outcomes, and hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were explored as effect measures. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the heterogeneity of different therapies. Results: A total of 24 articles comprising 6318 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled outcomes revealed that a high NLR before treatment predicted a poor OS (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.34 to 1.76, p<0.001) and poor RFS (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.16 to 1.82, p=0.001). Moreover, an increased PLR predicted a poor OS (HR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.34 to 1.98, p<0.001) and earlier HCC recurrence (HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.21 to 1.91, p<0.001). In addition, both the NLR and PLR were identified as independent risk factors for predicting OS and RFS in HCC patients in a subgroup analysis of different treatment types, including curative or palliative therapy; however, these results were not found in the sorafenib subgroup due to limited clinical research. Conclusion: An increased NLR or PLR indicated poor outcomes for patients with HCC. The NLR and PLR may be considered as reliable and inexpensive biomarkers for making clinical decisions regarding HCC treatment.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document