Z-drugs and Falls: A Focused Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 549-554
Author(s):  
Nicole Ryba ◽  
Rebecca Rainess

OBJECTIVE: To provide a focused review of the literature related to the association between exposure to Z-drugs and the risk of falls, especially in the older population.<br/> DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted using Medline, PsychInfo, and the Cochrane Library database for all clinical trials, case series, and case reports published in English up to May 2020. The search terms used consisted of each Z-drug, including "zolpidem," "zopiclone," "eszopiclone," and "zaleplon," matched with "falls."<br/> STUDY SELECTION: The search yielded 295 studies. After review of abstracts, content and references were reviewed, and duplicates removed, a total of 9 articles met inclusion of exposure to at least 1 Z-drug and a primary outcome of falls.<br/> DATA EXTRACTION: The American Geriatrics Society 2019 Beers Criteria Update for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults recommends to avoid using nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics in this patient population because of the risk of adverse events.<br/> DATA SYNTHESIS: A majority of the literature suggests an increased risk of falls with exposure to Z-drug use, especially zolpidem. Eight trials examined falls as a primary outcome in non-elderly (n=3) and elderly (n=5) patients in different settings, mostly in an inpatient setting (nursing facility or acute care hospital).<br/> CONCLUSION: Exposure to Z-drugs, especially zolpidem, should be evaluated and counseled on continuously as these medications put patients at an increased risk for falls and other complications.

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 549-554
Author(s):  
Nicole Ryba ◽  
Rebecca Rainess

OBJECTIVE: To provide a focused review of the literature related to the association between exposure to Z-drugs and the risk of falls, especially in the older population.<br/> DATA SOURCES: A literature search was conducted using Medline, PsychInfo, and the Cochrane Library database for all clinical trials, case series, and case reports published in English up to May 2020. The search terms used consisted of each Z-drug, including "zolpidem," "zopiclone," "eszopiclone," and "zaleplon," matched with "falls."<br/> STUDY SELECTION: The search yielded 295 studies. After review of abstracts, content and references were reviewed, and duplicates removed, a total of 9 articles met inclusion of exposure to at least 1 Z-drug and a primary outcome of falls.<br/> DATA EXTRACTION: The American Geriatrics Society 2019 Beers Criteria Update for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults recommends to avoid using nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics in this patient population because of the risk of adverse events.<br/> DATA SYNTHESIS: A majority of the literature suggests an increased risk of falls with exposure to Z-drug use, especially zolpidem. Eight trials examined falls as a primary outcome in non-elderly (n=3) and elderly (n=5) patients in different settings, mostly in an inpatient setting (nursing facility or acute care hospital).<br/> CONCLUSION: Exposure to Z-drugs, especially zolpidem, should be evaluated and counseled on continuously as these medications put patients at an increased risk for falls and other complications.


2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 151-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Kwok ◽  
Wei Jing Loo ◽  
Lyn Guenther

Background: Psoriasis and multiple sclerosis (MS) are both autoimmune T cell-mediated diseases. Some case series have suggested an association. Objective: To investigate the potential relationship between psoriasis and MS based on a systematic review of the literature. Methods: Medline, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE searches were performed. Results: T-helper 17 cells are involved in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and MS. Both conditions have been associated with interleukin-23 receptor (IL23R) polymorphisms. Studies have reported psoriasis in 0.41 to 7.7% of individuals with MS. A higher rate of psoriasis compared to controls was noted in a few small MS cohorts, but the number of cases was too small to draw any firm conclusions. In two studies, including a large Canadian study of 5,031 patients with MS, there was no increased prevalence of psoriasis in patients over the control population. Family members of individuals with MS do not appear to be at increased risk for psoriasis in these studies. Psoriasis has developed during treatment for MS, and MS has developed during treatment for psoriasis. Conclusion: Although there are some common genetic linkages in psoriasis and MS, psoriasis does not appear to be more common in patients with MS or their relatives.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franz Sesti ◽  
Tiziana Feola ◽  
Giulia Puliani ◽  
Roberta Centello ◽  
Valentina Di Vito ◽  
...  

BackgroundParagangliomas (PGLs) are neuroendocrine neoplasms arising from chromaffin cells of sympathetic or parasympathetic paraganglia. Systemic therapies have been used only in metastatic PGLs. Antiangiogenic agents, such as sunitinib, could be a viable therapeutic choice in the subgroup of patients with SDH-positive PGLs. We describe the case of a man with Familial Paraganglioma Syndrome type 1 (FPGL) related to a novel mutation in SDHD gene treated with sunitinib. Furthermore, we performed a systematic review of the literature aimed to address the following question: is sunitinib treatment effective in patients with advanced/progressive/metastatic PGL?MethodsWe performed a data search using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus between April 2019 and September 2020. We included studies reporting data on clinical or biological characteristics, or clinical outcomes of patients with PGLs treated with sunitinib.ResultsThe search leaded to the selection of 25 publications. Data from case reports and case series showed that disease control rate (DCR = stable disease + partial response + complete response) was achieved in 34.7% of cases under sunitinib treatment. In 39% of patients DCR was followed by progressive disease (PD) or tumor relapse, 26.1% patients showed PD. Data from clinical trials showed that DCR was 83%, and the median progression free survival was 13.4 months.DiscussionData from the present literature review suggested that sunitinib could be a viable therapeutic option in advanced/progressive/metastatic inoperable PGLs. However, further trials on the efficacy of sunitinib in FPGL and sporadic PGL are needed.


Author(s):  
Nikita Mohan ◽  
Muhammad Ali Fayyaz ◽  
Christopher del Rio ◽  
Navpreet Kaur Rajinder Singh Khurana ◽  
Sampada Sandip Vaidya ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected everyone in a hit or miss manner. Since it began, evidence of the neuro-invasive potential of the virus has been intensifying significantly. Several pathways have been hypothesized to elucidate the neurotropic nature of SARS-CoV2. It is the need of the hour to collect vital information. Objective To evaluate and correlate the neuro-radiological and neurological manifestations in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV2. To identify neuro-invasive pathways of COVID infection. Methods Relevant studies were identified through four databases—the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. These were searched using relevant keywords—“COVID-19,” “SARS-CoV2,” “neurological manifestations,” “neuroimaging,” “CT,” and “MRI.” Relevant articles were screened according to a pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria from December 2019 to August 2020. Results Our review included a total of 63 full text publications with 584 patients, composed mainly of observational studies, case reports, and case series. The most common neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 were altered mental status, stroke, and paralysis. About 17.85% patients who underwent neuroimaging were found to be having ischemic changes suggestive of a stroke. This was followed by hemorrhagic changes as the second most common finding. The most commonly involved vessel was the Middle Cerebral Artery. Besides stroke, we found that SARS-CoV2 could be the cause for new-onset seizures, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, encephalitis, and many other severe neurological diseases. Conclusion The information that we have obtained so far will prove dynamic to healthcare providers working against the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to be aware of these atypical neurological findings for the early diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 infected patients. However, to completely understand the connection between SARS-CoV2 and the nervous system, further research is necessary.


2021 ◽  
pp. 106002802110299
Author(s):  
S. Lena Kang-Birken

Objective: To evaluate recent publications on efficacy of single-dose azithromycin and 7-day doxycycline when treating Chlamydia trachomatis. Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane library was conducted (1990 to June 13, 2021) using the terms: Chlamydia trachomatis, genital chlamydia, rectal chlamydia, extragenital chlamydia, azithromycin, doxycycline, and treatment guidelines. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched to identify ongoing trials. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English language studies, including controlled studies, retrospective analyses, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and case reports, reporting microbiological or clinical outcomes in adolescents and adults were considered. Data Synthesis: Systemic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized trials reported azithromycin efficacy of 96% to 97% in genital chlamydia. However, reports of treatment failure have emerged, especially among symptomatic males, with an increased risk of microbiological failure after azithromycin than doxycycline (relative risk = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.36-4.41). Retrospective analyses and prospective observational cohort studies reported lower efficacy range following azithromycin than doxycycline (74%-87% vs 92%-100%, respectively) in rectal chlamydia. First randomized controlled trial comparing azithromycin and doxycycline reported significantly higher microbiological cure following doxycycline, with absolute difference of 26% (95% CI = 16%-36%; P < 0.001). The proposed 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention treatment guidelines designate doxycycline as the preferred agent for treatment at any site. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: A growing body of evidence for treatment failure following azithromycin, especially in rectal chlamydia supports updating current practice. Conclusions: Doxycycline continues to achieve high efficacy in genital and rectal chlamydia. Clinicians should consider efficacy with convenience of dosing regimen, medication compliance, and sexual behavior risks when treating chlamydia infections.


Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriele Cervino ◽  
Luca Fiorillo ◽  
Ines Paola Monte ◽  
Rosa De Stefano ◽  
Luigi Laino ◽  
...  

Background: Nowadays, patients involved in antiplatelet therapy required special attention during oral surgery procedures, due to the antiplatelet drugs assumption. The motivations of the assumption may be different and related to the patient’s different systemic condition. For this reason, accordingly to the current international guidelines, different protocols can be followed. The aim of this work is to analyze how the dentist’s approach to these patients has changed from the past to the present, evaluating the risk exposure for the patients. Methods: This review paper considered different published papers in literature through quoted scientific channels, going in search of “ancient” works in such a way as to highlight the differences in the protocols undertaken. The analyzed manuscripts are in the English language, taking into consideration reviews, case reports, and case series in such a way as to extrapolate a sufficient amount of data and for evaluating the past therapeutic approaches compared to those of today. Results: Colleagues in the past preferred to subject patients to substitution therapy with low molecular weight anticoagulants, by suspending antiplatelet agents to treatment patients, often for an arbitrary number of days. The new guidelines clarify everything, without highlighting an increased risk of bleeding during simple oral surgery in patients undergoing antiplatelet therapy. Conclusion: Either patients take these medications for different reasons, because of cardiovascular pathologies, recent cardiovascular events, or even for simple prevention, although the latest research shows that there is no decrease of cardiovascular accidents in patients who carry out preventive therapy. Surely, it will be at the expense of the doctor to assess the patient’s situation and risk according to the guidelines. For simple oral surgery, it is not necessary to stop therapy with antiplatelet agents because the risk of bleeding has not increased, and is localized to a post-extraction alveolus or to an implant preparation, compared to patients who do not carry out this therapy. From an analysis of the results it emerges that the substitutive therapy should no longer be performed and that it is possible to perform oral surgery safely in patients who take antiplatelet drugs, after a thorough medical history. Furthermore, by suspending therapy, we expose our patients to more serious risks, concerning their main pathology, where present.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. e021793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Bunch ◽  
Nia Roberts ◽  
Marian Knight ◽  
Manisha Nair

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review to investigate the safety of induction and/or augmentation of labour compared with spontaneous-onset normal labour among pregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia.DesignSystematic review.SettingStudies from all countries, worldwide.PopulationPregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia at labour and delivery.InterventionAny intervention related to induction and/or augmentation of labour.Outcome measuresPrimary: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), heart failure and maternal death. Secondary: Emergency caesarean section, hysterectomy, admission to intensive care unit.MethodWe searched 10 databases, including Medline and Embase, from database inception to 1 October 2018. We included all study designs except cross-sectional studies without a comparator group, case reports, case series, ecological studies, and expert opinion. The searches were conducted by a healthcare librarian and two authors independently screened and reviewed the studies. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approachto ascertain risk of bias and conducted a narrative synthesis.ResultsWe identified 3217 journal articles, 223 conference papers, 45 dissertations and 218 registered trials. Ten articles were included for full-text review and only one was found to fulfil the eligibility criteria. This was a retrospective cohort study from India, which showed that pregnant women with moderate and severe anaemia could have an increased risk of PPH if they underwent induction and/or augmentation of labour, but the evidence was weak (graded as ‘high risk of bias’).ConclusionThe best approach is to prevent anaemia, but a large number of women in low-to-middle-income countries present with severe anaemia during labour. In such women, appropriate peripartum management could prevent complications and death. Our review showed that at present we do not know if induction and augmentation of labour is safe in pregnant women with iron-deficiency anaemia and further research is required.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42015032421.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1641
Author(s):  
Alba Jerez-Lienas ◽  
Alexis Mathian ◽  
Jenifer Aboab ◽  
Isabelle Crassard ◽  
Miguel Hie ◽  
...  

(1) Background: The Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by arterial and/or venous thrombosis, pregnancy morbidity and raised titers of antiphospholipid antibodies. Cerebral vein thrombosis (CVT) is a rare form of cerebrovascular accident and an uncommon APS manifestation; the information in the literature about this feature consists of case reports and small case series. Our purpose is to describe the particular characteristics of CVT when occurs as part of the APS and compare our series with the patients published in the literature. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study collecting data from medical records in three referral centers for APS and CVT, and a systematic review of the literature for CVT cases in APS patients. (3) Results: Twenty-seven APS patients with CVT were identified in our medical records, the majority of them diagnosed as primary APS and with the CVT being the first manifestation of the disease; additional risk factors for thrombosis were identified. The review of the literature yielded 86 cases, with similar characteristics as those of our retrospective series. (4) Conclusions: To our knowledge, our study is the largest CVT series in APS patients published to date, providing a unique point of view in this rare thrombotic manifestation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Burcin M. Atak ◽  
Gulali Aktas ◽  
Tuba T. Duman ◽  
Ozge Kurtkulagi ◽  
Satilmis Bilgin ◽  
...  

Aims — We aimed to study the medications used by older adults for any potentially inappropriate medications. Material and Methods — A hundred and four consecutive subjects over 65 years of age who visited our clinic were enrolled in the study. Possible inappropriate medications were defined according to Beers Criteria. Results — A total of 57 women and 49 men were enrolled in the study. Mean ages of the women and men were 78.6±6.1 years and 77.4±5.4 years, respectively (p=0.30). While 18 subjects (17%) had no increased risk due to inappropriate use of medications, 30 were on inappropriate medications that increased renal failure risk, 5 were on inappropriate medication that amplified neurological side effects, 12 were on inappropriate medications that augmented bleeding risk, 20 were on inappropriate medication that lack safety and efficacy data, and 30 were on inappropriate medication that amplified the risk of falls. The number of increased risks according to Beers Criteria was significantly and positively correlated with number of medications used (r=0.366, p<0.001) and the number of comorbidities (r=0.312, p=0.001). Conclusion — The number of increased risks due to inappropriate use of medicines in older adults is positively correlated with the number of medicines used and the number of accompanied diseases. Therefore we suggest that the medicines used by older people should be reviewed in all settings, and unnecessary drugs should be avoided to be prescribed.


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo G Menditto ◽  
Giulia Rossetti ◽  
Diletta Olivari ◽  
Alessia Angeletti ◽  
Marco Rocchi ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective to analyze the available evidence about the use of rituximab (RTX) and other biologic agents in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) patients and to provide useful findings to inform the design of future, reliable clinical trials. Methods A systematic review was performed. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane library databases and an extensive literature search on other biologic agents. Results 45 papers pertinent to our questions were found: 16 retrospective cohort studies, 8 case series, 3 prospective cohort studies and 18 single case reports, for a total of 368 EGPA patients. More than 80% of evaluable patients achieved complete or partial remission with a tendency towards a higher rate of complete response in pANCA positive subgroup. Conclusion Although the majority of the evaluable EGPA patients treated with RTX appears to achieve complete remission, we strongly believe that a number of sources of heterogeneity impairs a clear interpretation of results and limits their transferability in clinical practice. Differences in design, enrollment criteria, outcome definition and measurement make a comparison among data obtained from studies on RTX and other biologic agents unreliable.


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