Efficacy and Safety of Thalidomide in Patients with Complicated Central Nervous System Tuberculosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prateek Kumar Panda ◽  
Pragnya Panda ◽  
Lesa Dawman ◽  
Rakesh Kumar Sihag ◽  
Indar Kumar Sharawat
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis

Thalidomide, an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent, has a potential role in cases with central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS-TB) with paradoxical reactions. Although several articles have described the use of thalidomide in CNS-TB, no systematic review has been performed in this regard. Different electronic databases were searched for articles describing the use of thalidomide in patients with CNS-TB. For determining pooled estimates in the quantitative review, studies with a minimum sample size of 5 were only considered, whereas for qualitative synthesis even single case reports were included. Fixed or random effect models were used suitably depending on the degree of heterogeneity. Fourteen articles describing a total of 107 patients (98 children and 9 adults) were selected from 156 records. A favorable clinical response was observed in 89% of patients with CNS-TB who had paradoxical reactions refractory to corticosteroids. Majority of the studies used a dose of 2–6 mg/kg/day and around 24% suffered from at least one adverse effect, with a mortality of 5%. Predominant adverse effects were rash (9.5%), neuropathy (6%), and elevated liver transaminases (9.5%). Only one placebo-controlled trial has been performed till now, which showed that high-dose thalidomide has numerous adverse effects, without any clinically significant improvement as compared with placebo. While in HIV-positive patients with TB-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome thalidomide was helpful in around 82% of cases. Low-dose thalidomide is helpful in patients with CNS-TB who had a paradoxical reaction and unresponsive to corticosteroids. Large, randomized trials are needed to provide more concrete information regarding the safety and efficacy of thalidomide.

scholarly journals Systematic Review of Adverse Effects: A Further Step towards Modernization of Acupuncture in China

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyi Wu ◽  
Yanmei Hu ◽  
Yin Zhu ◽  
Ping Yin ◽  
Gerhard Litscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Outcome ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
The World ◽  
Organ Tissue

As a further step towards the modernization of acupuncture, the objective of this review was to figure out the frequency and severity of adverse complications and events in acupuncture treatment reported from 1980 to 2013 in China. All first-hand case reports of acupuncture-related complications and adverse events that could be identified in the scientific literature were reviewed and classified according to the type of complication and adverse event, circumstance of the event, and long-term patient outcome. The selected case reports were published between 1980 and 2013 in 3 databases. Relevant papers were collected and analyzed by 2 reviewers. Over the 33 years, 182 incidents were identified in 133 relevant papers. Internal organ, tissue, or nerve injury is the main complications of acupuncture especially for pneumothorax and central nervous system injury. Adverse effects also included syncope, infections, hemorrhage, allergy, burn, aphonia, hysteria, cough, thirst, fever, somnolence, and broken needles. Qualifying training of acupuncturists should be systemized and the clinical acupuncture operations should be standardized in order to effectively prevent the occurrence of acupuncture accidents, enhance the influence of acupuncture, and further popularize acupuncture to the rest of the world.

scholarly journals Switching Tenofovir/Emtricitabine/Efavirenz (TDF/FTC/EFV) to TDF/FTC/Rilpivirine vs Continuing TDF/FTC/EFV in HIV-Infected Patients With Virological Suppression: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirichai Wiriyatanakorn ◽  
Somnuek Sungkanuparph
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Virological Suppression ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Limited Setting

AbstractA randomized controlled noninferiority trial was conducted in HIV-infected patients receiving tenofovir/emtricitabine/efavirenz (TDF/FTC/EFV) with virological suppression in a resource-limited setting. Switching to TDF/FTC/rilpivirine was noninferior to continuing TDF/FTC/EFV in terms of maintaining compete viral suppression at 24 weeks and provided better lipid profiles and fewer central nervous system adverse effects.

scholarly journals Assessing Steroid Toxicity in the Elderly with Multiple Myeloma

Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 5557-5557
Author(s):  
Vidhya Nair ◽  
Hadi Mohammed ◽  
Sharmeen Mahmood ◽  
Pushpinderdeep Singh Kahlon ◽  
Philip Kuriakose
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Dose Reduction ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Full Dose ◽  
Starting Dose

Background The mainstay of treatment for Multiple Myeloma (MM) includes various combinations of chemotherapy, which generally includes high dose steroids. The median age at diagnosis for MM is above 60 years. Patients above the age of 70 may not be considered for an auto peripheral blood transplant, resulting in being treated with chemotherapy alone. This often leads to a relatively long period of steroid exposure. Increasing age is a risk factor for decreased tolerance to steroids, and increased drug toxicity. As such, the steroid dose (usually Dexamethasone) is often considered for reduction in patients above a certain age. However, there are no clear guidelines regarding a standard dose to use in the elderly, nor is there uniformity among clinicians in the way doses are chosen. Purpose To assess a) the starting dose of Dexamethasone (dex) in the elderly, b) frequency of dose reduction of dexamethasone, c) adverse effects of dex treatment in the elderly with MM, and d) average time after dose reduction. Methods We performed a 10 year retrospective chart review on patients, age 70 or greater treated at Henry Ford Health System with a diagnosis of MM from 2000-2015. Patients were grouped by age 70-75 years, 76-80 years, and greater than 80 years based on when treatment was initiated. We investigated the starting treatment dose of dex, ranging from 1-20 mg weekly and 21-40 mg weekly. Secondly, we assessed for the occurrence of dose reduction; and, if present, the length of time to reducing the dose. Lastly, the types of adverse effects to dex leading to dose reduction were grouped by system, such as, central nervous system, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal and psychiatric. Data collected was categorical, thus, no statistical tests were performed as this was a descriptive study. Results A total of 150 patients were reviewed and 91 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 8 (8.8%) were started at doses between 1-20 mg and majority (62.5%) were ages 70-75, thus, there was no relation between lower starting dose and age. Of the 91 patients, 24 (26.4%) had a dose reduction and 11 (12.1%) had both chemotherapy and dex discontinued prior to therapy completion. Majority (87.5%) of patients that had a dose reduction were initially started at 40 mg. The reasons for dose reduction included adverse effects grouped by musculoskeletal (29.17%), psychiatric (16.67%), endocrine (12.3%), central nervous system (4.17%), and gastrointestinal (4.17%). Of note, 8 patients (33.3%) had dose reductions as result of their clinical trial requirement. The average length of dex therapy before dose reduction was 17.2 months. Conclusion The majority of elderly patients (age 70 or above) with MM tolerated full doses of dex without adverse effects. Secondly, there was no relation between lower starting dose for dex and advanced age. However, since there were limited patients (n=8) who started at a low dose, other than those on clinical trials, we were not able to do a comparison of starting doses. But we were able to show that the majority of patients tolerated full dose, despite their age. The most frequent cause of steroid toxicity was musculoskeletal, such as leg swelling. On average, elderly patients were able to tolerate full dose of dex for over 1 year prior to requiring a dose reduction. Summary Our data demonstrates no correlation between advanced age in MM and lack of tolerability of high dose steroids. In conclusion, current findings do not justify reduced doses solely based on age alone. Future studies could include investigating statistical analysis on steroid exposure and survivorship. Disclosures Kuriakose: Alexion: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Bayer: Consultancy.

scholarly journals Effect of Attentional Focus Instructions on Motor Learning and Performance of Patients with Central Nervous System and Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Piccoli ◽  
Giacomo Rossettini ◽  
Simone Cecchetto ◽  
Antonello Viceconti ◽  
Diego Ristori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Motor Learning ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Attentional Focus ◽  
Focus Of Attention ◽  
Improve Performance ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Exercise is one of the main rehabilitative interventions, commonly used to improve performance and motor learning. During the application of attentional focus strategies, External Focus of Attention (EFA) aiming at the movement effect has been reported to have more efficacy than Internal Focus of Attention (IFA) aiming at movement characteristics in healthy subjects. There are not many studies that compare the EFA and IFA instructions in people with Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Central Nervous System disorders (CNS). The purpose of this systematic review is to determine if IFA or EFA, in patients with CNS or MSK, may improve performance and have some effects on motor learning. Databases used for research: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PEDro, PsycINFO, SCOPUS. Inclusion criteria: Randomized Controlled Trial, quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial, enrolled subjects with CNS or with MSK and compared the efficacy of EFA and IFA. The studies suggest that the EFA is better than IFA in affecting the movement execution in patients with MSK, while conflicted findings emerge in presence of CNS disorders. Studies included in the qualitative analysis showed heterogeneous methodological features in study design and conductance, so results must be interpreted with caution.

scholarly journals Does cytoreduction surgery and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy prolong survival in patients with N0–N1 nonsmall cell lung cancer and malignant pleural effusion?

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (153) ◽  
pp. 190018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcello Migliore ◽  
Marco Nardini
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Malignant Pleural Effusion ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Debulking Surgery

IntroductionDebulking surgery and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) has been successfully used in the treatment of thoracic tumours. Few authors report on the feasibility of its use in patients with lung cancer and malignant pleural effusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and results of debulking surgery and HITHOC in the treatment of selected patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural effusion.MethodsA systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The word search included: “hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy and/or HITHOC or hyperthermic intrapleural”. Inclusion criteria were only those studies reporting a sufficient amount of data on HITHOC and surgery for lung cancer. Single case reports and review articles were excluded.Results20 articles were selected as they related to the topic of HITHOC and lung cancer. Most were from China (n=8) and Japan (n=6). Only four out of the 20 articles had sufficient data for this review. In total, data for 21 patients were collected. Debulking surgery ranged from wedge resection to pneumonectomy and pleurectomy. Mean survival was 27 months and median survival was 18 months (range 1–74 months). 13 patients out of 21 (62%) were alive at 1 year and six (28.5%) were alive at 2 years. 10 patients were still alive at the time of the respective publication in the 21 patients included. Systemic toxicity and treatment-related mortality were nil. There were insufficient data to perform a meta-analysis.ConclusionAlthough reported survival in this systematic review is encouraging, available evidence concerning debulking surgery and HITHOC in N0–N1 NSCLC with malignant pleural effusion is weak. Better evidence in the form of a randomised controlled trial is mandatory.

scholarly journals Opioid Prescribing in the Elderly: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Jassal ◽  
Greg Egan ◽  
Karen Dahri
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Opioid Use

Objective: To characterize the literature describing the therapeutic use of opioids in the elderly. Data Sources: Two electronic databases, EMBASE and MEDLINE, were searched from years 1990 to September 5, 2018. Relevant reference lists were reviewed. Searches were restricted to English language. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Two reviewers independently screened 827 citations to identify observational studies, population-based cohort studies, retrospective analyses, and control trials looking at the management of persistent pain in patients aged ≥65 years and/or frail patients. Data Synthesis: Thirty-nine articles were included in the systematic review. More specifically, 17 observational studies, 7 population-based cohort studies, 10 retrospective analyses, and 4 controlled trials. The most common etiology of persistent pain was musculoskeletal (50%), and the most often adverse effects reported were central nervous system related (41%) and falls/fractures (39%). Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: As there is a lack of strong evidence-based recommendations for opioid use in the elderly, this review aims to evaluate opioid use in the elderly and compare their efficacy and safety among this population. Conclusions: Overall, central nervous system adverse effects were most commonly seen in the elderly. However, higher quality evidence is required to further appreciate the dose-related effects on efficacy and safety of opioids in the elderly.

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