scholarly journals Evidence-Based Practice in Rehabilitation of Myasthenia Gravis. A Systematic Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Bruno Corrado ◽  
Benedetto Giardulli ◽  
Massimo Costa
Keyword(s):  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Balance Training ◽  
Neuromuscular Disorder ◽  
Final Phase ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
Respiratory Training ◽  
Meta Analyses

Myasthenia gravis is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. This review analyzes the most recent evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of different rehabilitative approaches to the disease. The review was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 365 articles were found in the main scientific databases. Applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 11 studies were admitted to the final phase of the review. Three different rehabilitative approaches were identified: physical training, respiratory training, and balance training. All rehabilitative modalities contributed to enhancing functional outcomes, reducing fatigue, and improving quality of life, but currently none can be recommended over another for the lack of cross-comparative studies. The included studies showed methodological quality from low to fair. Despite the range of rehabilitative interventions available, there is a lack of high-quality evidence. However, this review suggests that a multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach should be recommended to people with myasthenia gravis, and above all, for those with mild to moderate symptomatology.

scholarly journals Zytux in Refractory Myasthenia Gravis: A Multicenter, Open-Labeled, Clinical Trial Study of Effectiveness and Safety of a Rituximab Biosimilar

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzad Fatehi ◽  
Kamyar Moradi ◽  
Ali Asghar Okhovat ◽  
Ghazaleh Shojatalab ◽  
Behnaz Sedighi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Neuromuscular Disorder ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Prednisolone Dose ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Post Infusion

Objectives: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an immune-mediated neuromuscular disorder responsive to immunomodulatory treatments. 10–20% of MGs are not responsive to conventional first-line therapies. Here, we sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of rituximab therapy in the treatment of patients with refractory MG.Methods: In a 48-week, multicenter, open-labeled, prospective cohort setting, 34 participants with refractory MG were assigned to receive infusions of Zytux, which is a rituximab biosimilar, according to a validated protocol. Clinical, functional, and quality of life (QoL) measurements were recorded at baseline, and seven further visits using the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA), Myasthenia Gravis Composite (MGC), Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living profile (MG-ADL), and Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life (MGQoL-15) scales. Besides, the post-infusion side effects were systematically assessed throughout the study.Results: The correlation analysis performed by generalized estimating equations analysis represented a significant reduction of MGC, MG-ADL, and MGQoL-15 scores across the trial period. The subgroup analysis based on the patients' clinical status indicated a significant effect for the interaction between time and MGFA subtypes on MG-ADL score, MGC score, and pyridostigmine prednisolone dose, reflecting that the worse clinical condition was associated with a better response to rituximab. Finally, no serious adverse event was documented.Conclusions: Rituximab therapy could improve clinical, functional, and QoL in patients with refractory MG in a safe setting. Further investigations with larger sample size and a more extended follow-up period are warranted to confirm this finding.Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) (Code No: IRCT20150303021315N18).

A Primer on Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (02) ◽  
pp. 103-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nghia Nguyen ◽  
Siddharth Singh
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Biomedical Literature ◽  
Data Abstraction ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Medical Librarian ◽  
Quantitative Synthesis ◽  
Review Protocol ◽  
Meta Analyses

AbstractWith the rapid growth of biomedical literature, there is increasing need to make meaningful inferences from a comprehensive and complex body of evidence. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses offer an objective and summative approach to synthesize knowledge and critically appraise evidence to inform clinical practice. Systematic reviews also help identify key knowledge gaps for future investigation. In this review, the authors provide a step-by-step approach to conducting a systematic review. These include: (1) formulating a focused and clinically-relevant question; (2) designing a detailed review protocol with explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria; (3) performing a systematic literature search of multiple databases and unpublished data, in consultation with a medical librarian, to identify relevant studies; (4) meticulous data abstraction by at least two sets of investigators independently; (5) assessing risk of bias in individual studies; (6) quantitative synthesis with meta-analysis; and (7) critically and transparently ascertaining quality of evidence.

scholarly journals Analyzes of Life World of a Young Girl With Myasthenia Gravis: Qualitative Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 412-421
Author(s):  
Anahita Khodabakhshi-Koolaee ◽  
◽  
Mohammad Pourebrahimi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Neuromuscular Disorder ◽  
Young Girl ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Life World ◽  
Patient’S Perception ◽  
Physical Weakness

Background and Aim: Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder and auto-immune disease that is associated with symptoms of fluctuating muscle fatigue and dysfunction of the neuromuscular junction system. This disease greatly affects various aspects of the patient's life and impacts the person's perception of the quality of life. The aim of this study was to explain and analyze life experiences with myasthenia gravis disease in a young girl. Methods & Materials: This report is a qualitative case with interpretive phenomenological approach that examines the life experiences of a young girl with myasthenia gravis in 2019. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Van Manen's phenomenological approach. Ethical Considerations: This study was registered in the Research Ethics Committee of Khatam University (Code: 3299/100/P/98). Results: Thematic analysis indicated that myasthenia gravis disease affects all aspects of person's life world. These four aspects include living and feelings with time, body, space, and others. Eventually, three interrelated themes emerged from the patient's perception of the world around her, including physical weakness, future ambiguity, and frustration. Conclusion: The present study shows a clear image and understanding of the problems of living with MG in a young girl. The phenomenological world of mixed by physical weakness, ambiguity in the future, and frustration that indicating the suffering and distress that the patient experiences following the illness. The results of this study contribute to the awareness of health and rehabilitation specialists in the field of work and research in myasthenia gravis as a neurological disease.

scholarly journals Oxytocin levels in individuals with schizophrenia are high in cerebrospinal fluid but low in serum: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yazmin Hernández-Díaz ◽  
Thelma Beatriz González-Castro ◽  
Carlos Tovilla-Zarate ◽  
María Lilia López-Narváez ◽  
Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Analysis Software ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Prisma Statement ◽  
Newcastle Ottawa Scale ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Ottawa Scale

Abstract Schizophrenia is a mental and disabling disease. Levels of oxytocin have been proposed as a biomarker of schizophrenia; however, the observed levels of oxytocin in individuals with schizophrenia have been inconsistent across studies. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate oxytocin levels in plasma, serum and cerebrospinal fluid to see if there are statistically different concentrations between individuals with schizophrenia and the comparison group.The meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to guarantee a high quality and reproducibility.Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The quality of the study was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects model was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis software with the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Serum oxytocin levels in individuals with schizophrenia were significantly lower than that in comparison group (SMD = − 1.74, 95% CI = − 3.22 to − 0.26, p = 0.02) but cerebrospinal fluid oxytocin levels in individuals with schizophrenia were significantly higher than those in the comparison group (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.05 to 1.04, p = 0.03).Our results suggest that oxytocin levels in cerebrospinal fluid are increased in individuals with schizophrenia but decreased in serum. Therefore, the oxytocin system dysregulation may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and it should be measured in more populations for a possible implementation as a biomarker of schizophrenia.

219: Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life Following Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Prospective Analysis Over a 4-Year Experience

2006 ◽  
Vol 175 (4S) ◽  
pp. 72-72
Author(s):  
Andrew A. Wagner ◽  
Richard E. Link ◽  
Aron Sulman ◽  
Wendy Sullivan ◽  
Christian P. Pavlovich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Radical Prostatectomy ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy ◽  
Prospective Analysis

Psychological and Cognitive Aspects of Borderline Intellectual Functioning

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastianina Contena ◽  
Stefano Taddei
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Intellectual Functioning ◽  
Clinical Impact ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Borderline Intellectual Functioning ◽  
General Quality ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Over Time

Abstract. Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) refers to a global IQ ranging from 71 to 84, and it represents a condition of clinical attention for its association with other disorders and its influence on the outcomes of treatments and, in general, quality of life and adaptation. Furthermore, its definition has changed over time causing a relevant clinical impact. For this reason, a systematic review of the literature on this topic can promote an understanding of what has been studied, and can differentiate what is currently attributable to BIF from that which cannot be associated with this kind of intellectual functioning. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, we have conducted a review of the literature about BIF. The results suggest that this condition is still associated with mental retardation, and only a few studies have focused specifically on this condition.

Adverse Effects of Natural Products: A Brief Pre-Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Pires ◽  
Ana Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adverse Event ◽  
Natural Products ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Natural products are commonly used for treating health problems. These products may be associated with adverse events, which are defined as "noxious and unintended response to a medicinal product" by the European Medicine Agency. Objectives: To identify studies describing at least one adverse event (or with potential to promote an adverse event) related to the use of natural products, as well as to describe the involved product(s) and adverse event(s). Methods: A pre-systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Keywords: "natural product(s)" and ["adverse drug reaction(s)" or "adverse effect(s)"]. Screened databases: PubMed, SciELO, DOAJ and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: papers describing at least one adverse event associated with the use of natural products and published between 2017 and 2019. Exclusion criteria: Repeated studies, reviews and papers written in other languages than English, Portuguese, French or Spanish. Results: 104 studies were identified (20 PubMed; 0 SciELO; 2 DOAJ; 82 Google Scholar), but only 10 were selected (4 PubMed and 6 Google Scholar): 1 in-vitro study; 2 non-clinical studies, 1 study reporting in-vitro and clinical data and 5 studies were cases reports. Globally, 997 reports of adverse drug reactions with natural products were identified, mainly non-severe cases. Conclusion: Since a limited number of studies was found, we conclude that adverse events due to natural products may be underreported, or natural products may have a good safety profile. This review contributes for assuring the safety of natural products consumers, by evaluating the knowledge/information on the potential adverse events and interactions of these products.

Biopsychosocial Patterning of Multimorbidity and Its Consequences

2018 ◽  
pp. 220-236
Author(s):  
Elliot Friedman ◽  
Beth LeBreton ◽  
Lindsay Fuzzell ◽  
Elizabeth Wehrpsann
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
The United States ◽  
Chronic Medical Conditions ◽  
Quality Of Life Research ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Over Time

By many estimates the majority of adults over age 65 have two or more chronic medical conditions (multimorbidity) and are consequently at increased risk of adverse functional outcomes. Nonetheless, many older adults with multimorbidity are able to maintain high levels of function and retain good quality of life. Research presented here is designed to understand the influences that help ensure better functional outcomes in these older adults. This chapter presents findings that draw on data from the Midlife in the United States study. The independent and interactive contributions of diverse factors to multimorbidity and changes in multimorbidity over time are reviewed. The degree that multimorbidity increases risk of cognitive impairment and disability is examined. The role of inflammation as a mediator is considered. Multimorbidity is increasingly the norm for older adults, so better understanding of factors contributing to variability in multimorbidity-related outcomes can lead to improved quality of life.

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