scholarly journals Focus on Over-the-Counter Drugs' Misuse: A Systematic Review on Antihistamines, Cough Medicines, and Decongestants

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Schifano ◽  
Stefania Chiappini ◽  
Andrea Miuli ◽  
Alessio Mosca ◽  
Maria Chiara Santovito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Drug Misuse ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
The Past ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Over the past 20 years or so, the drug misuse scenario has seen the emergence of both prescription-only and over-the-counter (OTC) medications being reported as ingested for recreational purposes. OTC drugs such as antihistamines, cough/cold medications, and decongestants are reportedly the most popular in being diverted and misused.Objective: While the current related knowledge is limited, the aim here was to examine the published clinical data on OTC misuse, focusing on antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine, and dimenhydrinate), dextromethorphan (DXM)- and codeine-based cough medicines, and the nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine.Methods: A systematic literature review was carried out with the help of Scopus, Web of Science databases, and the related gray literature. For data gathering purposes, both the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and PROSPERO guidelines were followed (PROSPERO identification code CRD42020209261).Results: After completion of the selection, eligibility, and screening phases, some 92 articles were here taken into consideration; case reports, surveys, and retrospective case series analyses were included. Findings were organized according to the specific OTC recorded. Most articles focused here on DXM (n = 54) and diphenhydramine (n = 12). When specified, dosages, route(s) of administration, toxicity symptoms (including both physical and psychiatric ones), and outcomes were here reported.Conclusion: Results from the systematic review showed that the OTC misusing issues are both widespread worldwide and popular; vulnerable categories include adolescents and young adults, although real prevalence figures remain unknown, due to a lack of appropriate monitoring systems. Considering the potential, and at times serious, adverse effects associated with OTC misusing issues, healthcare professionals should be vigilant, and ad hoc preventative actions should be designed and implemented.

The benzydamine experience: a systematic review of benzydamine abuse

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiappini Stefania ◽  
Miuli Andrea ◽  
Mosca Alessio ◽  
Pettorruso Mauro ◽  
Guirguis Amira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Data Gathering ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Inflammatory Drug ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Emergency Units ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Background: Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs recently emerged among novel psychoactive substances (NPS) being reported as ingested for recreational purposes. Among them, benzydamine (BZY), normally prescribed as an OTC anti-inflammatory drug, is reportedly being diverted and recreationally used. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate how the misuse of BZY has been reported, illustrating its psychotropic molecular mechanism, and studying its psychopathological effects. Methods: We firstly conducted a systematic review of the literature concerning the abuse of BZY and its effects. For data gathering purposes, both PRISMA and PROSPERO guidelines were followed. All research methods were approved by PROSPERO (identification code CRD42020187266). Second, we analysed BZY-related data from the European Monitoring Agency (EMA) Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) database recorded during 2005-2020 regarding its abuse. Results: Eleven articles, published during 1997-2019, were included in our systematic review, including five case reports, four surveys, and two retrospective case series analyses. While nine articles dealt with a recreational use of BZY, two described an oral overdose of the drug. When specified, dosages of BZY consumed ranged from 500 to 1500mg. The EMA dataset contained three cases of BZY abuse. Conclusion: Results from the systematic review showed BZY might be diverted for typical hallucinogenic properties which occur at high dosages. Healthcare professionals should be warned about a possible misuse/abuse of a commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory drug and be vigilant when prescribing it. Physicians working in emergency units should know that psychotic symptoms may be related to BZY abuse.

scholarly journals Drugs Implicated, Mortality and Use of Corticosteroids in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Cases: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports and Case Series

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 132-138
Author(s):  
Sunil Dogra ◽  
Samir Malhotra ◽  
Promila Pandhi ◽  
Sharonjeet Kaur ◽  
Sujit Rajagopalan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
The Past ◽  
Changing Trends ◽  
Nonsignificant Difference ◽  
Developing And Developed Countries

ABSTRACT Background Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare idiosyncratic mucocutaneous reaction associated with high mortality. Drugs are most commonly implicated in TEN. The treatment constitutes stopping the offending drug, along with symptomatic management. In this study, we searched for case reports/series of TEN and analyzed data to find the most commonly implicated drugs in TEN, effects of use of corticosteroids on mortality in TEN patients, changing trends in mortality over the past 3 decades and difference in mortality rates in both developing and developed countries. Materials and methods We searched for case reports/series of TEN to evaluate most commonly implicated drugs in TEN, effects of use of corticosteroids on mortality in TEN patients, changing trends in mortality over the past three decades and difference in mortality rates in both developing and developed countries. Results Antibiotics (28.6%) followed by antiepileptics (17.4%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (9.6%) are most commonly implicated. There was nonsignificant decrease in mortality among steroids users as compared to nonusers (OR = 2.0, CI 0.96-4.24). During the period between 1980 and 1989 the reported mortality in TEN cases was approximately 33.4%, which decreased to 27% in the next two decades. There was a nonsignificant difference in mortality in develo- ping countries as compared to developed countries (OR: 0.70, CI 0.32-1.53). Conclusion Corticosteroids have been associated with non significant reduction in the mortality. Apart from this, mortality did not differ over years together in both developing and developed countries. How to cite this article Kaur S, Rajagopalan S, Shafiq N, Dogra S, Srinivasan A, Pandhi P, Malhotra S. Drugs Implicated, Mortality and Use of Corticosteroids in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Cases: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports and Case Series. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(3):132-138.

scholarly journals Vasculitis induced by biological agents used in rheumatology practice: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila da Silva Cendon Duran ◽  
Adriane Souza da Paz ◽  
Mittermayer Barreto Santiago
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Infusion Reaction ◽  
Biological Agents ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objectives: Biological medications have been used with an increasing frequency to treat rheumatological diseases. Autoimmune events can be induced by these drugs, such as psoriasiform lesions, alopecia, lupus and, vasculitis, which more often affects the skin (small-sized vessels) and eventually other organs. In this review, we describe the clinical profile of patients with vasculitis induced by the main biological agents used in rheumatology. Patients and methods: We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The PubMed database was used for searching eligible articles. We included case reports, case series, and letter to the editor of patients on anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-a) molecules, as well as tocilizumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, rituximab, and abatacept, who had vasculitis induced by these agents. Results: Eighty-one articles were included for final analysis (n=89). Twenty-seven patients were using infliximab, 20 adalimumab, 18 etanercept, seven secukinumab, four certolizumab, four rituximab, three golimumab, three ustekinumab, two abatacept, and one tocilizumab. Unspecific leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) was the most common type of vasculitis (n=37), followed by anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)- associated vasculitis (n=16). The medication was replaced with another biological molecule in 23 cases, with only four relapses. In six cases, the biological was maintained, but vasculitis worsened/persisted in one case, being necessary drug removal. Conclusion: Infections, infusion reaction, cancer, and autoimmune events are well-known side effects of biological therapy. This review demonstrates that vasculitis is another adverse effect of this type of therapy, particularly the anti-TNF-a molecules, and LCV the most reported type of vasculitis.

Wunder-women: Systematic review of causes, treatment and outcomes of Wunderlich syndrome during pregnancy

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-144
Author(s):  
Thomas Ahn ◽  
Matthew J Roberts ◽  
Anojan Navaratnam ◽  
Eric Chung ◽  
Simon T Wood
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Contemporary Literature ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Renal Neoplasm ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective: The objective of this article is to conduct a contemporary literature review on Wunderlich syndrome, or spontaneous renal haemorrhage (SRH), among pregnant women to describe contemporary aetiology, investigations and management patterns. Methods: A systematic review of MEDLINE and CENTRAL in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed. All articles, including case reports and case series on SRH published from 2000 to 2016, were included. Full-text manuscripts describing SRH among pregnant women were reviewed for clinical parameters, which were collated and analysed. Results: Twenty cases of SRH in pregnant women were identified. The median age and gestation were 32.1 years and 26.5 weeks, respectively, with SRH most commonly occurring in the third trimester (nine patients; 45%) and due to renal neoplasm, specifically angiomyolipoma (AML; 12 patients; 60%), followed by renal artery aneurysm (RAA; five patients; 25%). Surgical intervention (55%) was most commonly used for acute SRH. Foetal demise was not uncommon (15%). Conclusions: SRH in pregnant women is an uncommon but complex urological and obstetric emergency with potentially catastrophic consequences. A multidisciplinary approach is key to timely diagnosis and appropriate management considering the well-being both of mother and foetus. Pre-emptive diagnosis and intervention may reduce complications. Level of evidence: 4

Εndovascular Repair of Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanos Giannopoulos ◽  
Evan Trinidad ◽  
Herbert Aronow ◽  
Peter Soukas ◽  
Ehrin J. Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Endovascular Repair ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Extracranial Carotid Artery ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective: Both true and false extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAA) are a potential source of morbidity and mortality. While ECAA have historically been treated surgically, endovascular reconstruction with stenting is an emerging treatment option. The aim of our study was to report clinical/radiologic outcomes following endovascular repair of ECAAs. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Results: A total of 68 case reports and case series, comprising 162 patients, were included. Most patients presented with at least one symptom or sign related to the ECAA (89.5%; N = 145/162). In 42.6% (N = 69/162) and 46.3% (N = 75/162) of the cases polytetrafluoroethylene covered and uncovered stents were deployed respectively. Immediate post-procedural imaging demonstrated complete aneurysm exclusion in 86.4% (N = 140/162) of the cases and minimal filling of the aneurysm sack in 10.5% (N = 17/162) of all cases. Perioperative adverse event rates were 3.1% for stroke, 1.2% for transient ischemic attack (TIA) and 4.3% for mortality. During a mean follow-up of 21.8months, there were additionally observed one stroke, two TIAs and three deaths. Overall 88.6 % of the patients (N = 117/132) remained asymptomatic, partially recovered or at least did not suffer from new neurologic deficits during follow up, with no signs of stenosis or occlusion of the carotid artery. Conclusions: Endovascular stenting for the treatment of ECAAs is feasible with acceptable short- and long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes. Prospective real-world studies are needed to further validate the safety and the long-term patency of endovascular repair.

scholarly journals Fluid Extravasation in Shoulder Arthroscopic Surgery: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 232596711877161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muzammil Memon ◽  
Jeffrey Kay ◽  
Arian Gholami ◽  
Nicole Simunovic ◽  
Olufemi R. Ayeni
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Arthroscopic Surgery ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Respiratory Compromise ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fluid Extravasation ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Life Threatening Complication ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder joint has become increasingly more common given its advantages over open surgery; however, one rare but potentially life-threatening complication is fluid extravasation into the surrounding tissues, causing edema, respiratory compromise, abnormal results on laboratory blood tests, and possibly death. Currently, no systematic review exists that summarizes the existing clinical research on this topic. Purpose: To perform a systematic review on fluid extravasation as a complication of shoulder arthroscopic surgery, specifically assessing clinical presentation, risk factors, management, and outcomes. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Two reviewers independently searched 3 databases (PubMed, Ovid [MEDLINE], and Embase) from database inception until July 1, 2017. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) checklist guided the reporting and data abstraction. The methodological quality of these studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) checklist. The results are presented in a narrative summary fashion using descriptive statistics including ranges and agreement statistics. Results: A total of 26 studies (20 case reports, 4 case series, and 2 prospective comparative studies) encompassing 205 patients (mean age, 50.8 years [range, 15-83 years]) were included. The most common signs of fluid extravasation included chest wall swelling (n = 86) and neck swelling (n = 116). In 32 patients, observation alone was sufficient. Other patients required airway intubation (n = 16), diuretics (n = 7), steroids (n = 1), and percutaneous drainage of fluid (n = 1). Clinical edema resolved after 2 to 48 hours, and patients were discharged 1 to 20 days postoperatively. Serious complications included transfer to the intensive care unit (n = 14), anterior interosseous nerve palsy (n = 4), rhabdomyolysis (n = 1), and death (n = 1). Conclusion: Fluid extravasation has the potential to be a life-threatening complication of shoulder arthroscopic surgery; however, it is most commonly managed nonoperatively, and symptoms typically resolve with no evidence of long-term complications. Intraoperative surgical decisions, such as minimizing the surgical time and volume of irrigation fluid used, may limit fluid extravasation, while careful intraoperative monitoring may facilitate prompt diagnosis and management to optimize patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Alternative to Avoid Tooth Discoloration after Regenerative Endodontic Procedure: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 409-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciane Geanini Pena dos Santos ◽  
Luiz Alexandre Chisini ◽  
Camila Guerner Springmann ◽  
Beatriz Dulcineia Mendes de Souza ◽  
Fernanda Geraldo Pappen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate ◽  
Dental Bleaching ◽  
Tooth Discoloration ◽  
Triple Antibiotic Paste ◽  
Alternative Materials ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Double Antibiotic Paste

Abstract This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether alternative materials to conventional triple antibiotic paste (TAP - metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline) and grey mineral trioxide aggregate (GMTA) could avoid tooth discoloration in teeth submitted to Regenerative Endodontic Procedure (REP). It was also investigated if dental bleaching is able to reverse the color of darkened teeth due to REP. The search was conducted in four databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and BVS - Virtual health library), following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The retrieved papers were uploaded in the software EndNoteTM and two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted the data. Only studies in humans (case reports, case series, clinical trials) were included in the review. From 1,122 potentially eligible studies, 83 were selected for full-text analysis, and 38 were included in the review. The included studies were mainly case reports (76.3 %). The studies described a total of 189 teeth submitted to REP. From these, about 54% of teeth presented some degree of discoloration. Most teeth presenting color alteration were treated with TAP, especially when combined with GMTA. Only three studies performed dental bleaching to restore the color of teeth and neither bleaching technique was able to restore the original color of the crowns. The use of alternative materials to TAP and GMTA, such as double antibiotic paste or Ca(OH)2 pastes and white mineral trioxide aggregate or BiodentineTM, reduces the occurrence of tooth discoloration.

Adverse Events after Rigid and Flexible Endoscopic Repair of Zenker’s Diverticula: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 161 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brianna Crawley ◽  
Salem Dehom ◽  
Shanalee Tamares ◽  
Abdullah Marghalani ◽  
Julina Ongkasuwan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Endoscopic Techniques ◽  
Vocal Fold Palsy ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objective To determine adverse events after endoscopic flexible vs endoscopic rigid cricopharyngeal myotomy for treatment of Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD). Data Sources Systematic review of MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for all years according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Additional studies were identified from review citations and a by hand search of manuscripts referencing ZD. Review Methods A structured literature search was conducted to identify studies for this systematic review. Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria were applied to assess study quality. For inclusion, each study had to provide data for at least 10 adult patients who had undergone endoscopic ZD repair reporting clear association with the postprocedure course in each case. Data extracted included all reported adverse events, recurrences, follow-up, and operative times. Results In total, 115 studies were included. All but 8 were retrospective case series. Sixty-one reported series of patients after rigid endoscopic stapler repair, 31 after rigid laser repair, and 13 with other rigid endoscopic instruments. Twenty-nine flexible endoscopic studies were included. Mortality, infection, and perforation were not significantly more likely in either the rigid or the flexible group, but bleeding and recurrence were more likely after flexible endoscopic techniques (20% vs <10% and 4% vs 0%, respectively). Dental injury and vocal fold palsy were reported rarely in the rigid endoscopic groups. Conclusions Adverse events are rare after endoscopic Zenker’s repair. The flexible approach minimizes exposure limitations and can be completed in some patients without general anesthesia. Transoral rigid approaches result in fewer revision surgeries compared with flexible diverticulotomy.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular involvement and manifestations of systemic Chikungunya virus infection: A systematic review

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 390 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Fernanda Alvarez ◽  
Adrián Bolívar-Mejía ◽  
Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales ◽  
Eduardo Ramirez-Vallejo
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Raynaud Phenomenon ◽  
Cardiovascular Involvement ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Function Profile

Background: In the last three years, chikungunya virus disease has been spreading, affecting particularly the Americas, producing more than two million cases. In this setting, not only new disease-related epidemiological patterns have been found, but also new clinical findings have been reported by different research groups. These include findings on the cardiovascular system, including clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic alterations. Methods: We performed a systematic review looking for reports about cardiovascular compromise during chikungunya disease. Cardiac compromise is not so common in isolated episodes; but countries where chikungunya virus is an epidemic should be well informed about this condition. We used 6 bibliographical databases as resources: Medline/Pubmed, Embase, ScienceDirect, ClinicalKey, Ovid and SciELO. Dengue reports on cardiovascular affectation were included as well, to compare both arbovirus’ organic affectations. Articles that delved mainly into the rheumatic articular and cutaneous complications were not considered, as they were not in line with the purpose of this study. The type of articles included were reviews, meta-analyses, case-controls, cohort studies, case reports and case series. Results: Originally based on 737 articles, our reviewed selected 40 articles with 54.2% at least mentioning CHIKV cardiovascular compromise within the systemic affectation. Cardiovascular manifestations can be considered common and have been reported in France, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Colombia, Venezuela and USA, including mainly, but no limited to: hypotension, shock and circulatory collapse, Raynaud phenomenon, arrhythmias, murmurs, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive insufficiency, heart failure and altered function profile (Troponins, CPK). Conclusions: Physicians should be encouraged to keep divulgating reports on the cardiovascular involvement of chikungunya virus disease, to raise awareness and ultimately encourage suitable diagnosis and intervention worldwide.

Treatment of Sagittal Band Injuries and Extensor Tendon Subluxation: A Systematic Review

Hand ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 155894471989562
Author(s):  
Kitty Wu ◽  
Geoffrey Masschelein ◽  
Nina Suh
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Surgical Management ◽  
Nonoperative Management ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Extensor Tendon ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Background: This systematic review assesses the current literature and reviews the clinical outcomes of treatment for sagittal band injuries and extensor tendon instability. Materials: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases was performed for English-language articles on the treatment of nonrheumatoid adult sagittal band injuries between 1969 and 2019. Two independent reviewers were involved in screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal. The level of evidence was assigned using the Sackett scale, and the methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Structured Effectiveness Quality Evaluation Scale (SEQES). Outcome measures were persistent pain, extensor lag, and recurrent tendon subluxation. Results: In all, 1653 abstracts were identified, with 43 articles reviewed in full text and 17 articles (429 treated digits) included in the final systematic review. There were 10 studies on surgical management, 3 on nonoperative management, and 4 on both. There were 4 retrospective case series and 13 retrospective case reports (Sackett level 4) with an average SEQES score of 15 (low quality). Studies on nonoperative management had on average more digits per study and higher SEQES scores (n = 27.7, SEQES = 19) compared with studies on surgical management (n = 11.8, SEQES = 13.8). Variability in reported outcome measures precluded meta-analysis. Conclusion: Qualitative synthesis of available literature suggests that acute sagittal band injuries can be successfully treated by splinting the injured digit in neutral or hyperextension. Patients with chronic injuries or those failing nonoperative management may benefit from surgical exploration. A lack of consistent outcome measures precluded comparison of surgical techniques.

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