Systematic review: Validity, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy of the electrogustometer.

Objective: What are the electrogustometer's (EGM) validity, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy in assessing taste sensation in adults compared to other taste tests? Data Sources: PubMed Medline, Elseviers's Embase, and the six databases of Cochrane Library. Methods: We conducted a systematic search on December 20, 2022, consisting of synonyms for EGM. We considered randomized controlled trials and observational studies with original data for inclusion if they included adults who underwent electrogustometry. Articles were excluded if no analysis regarding validity, reliability, or diagnostic accuracy had been performed or if these analyses could not be performed with the published data. Results: Nineteen articles discussing 18 studies were included for data extraction. The included studies carry a high risk of bias. Overall, the association between a variety of reference taste tests and EGM was moderate or weak with correlation coefficients ranging from -0.51 to 0.40 with one outlier of -0.74 found in one study correlating EGM and taste solutions. Test-retest reliability was good with reported correlation coefficients between 0.78 and 1.0. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of EGM in identifying abnormal taste function varied widely between the four studies on diagnostic accuracy. Conclusion: The included studies in this review lack the required standards regarding study design to draw firm conclusions about the validity, reliability, and diagnostic accuracy of the EGM. Future research is needed to assess these measurement properties. Based on the reported results, we would not recommend using the EGM as a screening test for taste disturbance in clinical practice. Level of Evidence: NA.

Systematic Review on Intra- and Extracochlear Electrical Stimulation for Tinnitus.

Several electrical stimulation patterns of the auditory nerve have been described for tinnitus relief, but there is no consensus on the most effective stimulation pattern. Therefore, we aim to systematically review the literature on the effect of intra- and extracochlear electrical stimulation patterns as a treatment option for patients with tinnitus. Only studies on intra- and extracochlear electrical stimulation for patients with tinnitus were included if the stimulation used did not concern standardized CI stimulation patterns to primarily rehabilitate hearing loss as intervention. A total of 34 studies met the inclusion criteria, with 10 studies (89 patients) on intracochlear electrical stimulation and 25 studies on extracochlear electrical stimulation (1109 patients). There was a high to medium risk of bias in 22 studies, especially due to lack of a non-exposed group and poor selection of the exposed group. All included studies showed subjective tinnitus improvement during or after electrical stimulation, using different stimulation patterns. Due to methodological limitations and low reporting quality of the included studies, the potential of intra- and extracochlear stimulation has not been fully explored. To draw conclusions on which stimulation patterns should be optimized for tinnitus relief, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in tinnitus suppression is needed.

Treatment of Tinnitus in Children-A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To systematically review studies on the effect of treatment of subjective tinnitus in children. Data Sources: We searched for studies in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, after which additional studies were hand searched using Scopus databases. The methods are described in the study protocol, which has been registered in the PROSPERO register. PRISMA guidelines were followed in the reporting of this study. Eligibility Criteria: We considered for inclusion randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, case reports, and case series, with tinnitus as primary outcome in children (0-18 years old) with acute or chronic subjective tinnitus. We excluded studies in which both children and adults participated but outcomes were not specifically reported for children, as well as animal studies, studies with a non-original study design and studies about children with pulsatile or objective tinnitus. Data Selection: Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility and quality, collected and extracted data. Statistical analyses were performed in case of homogeneous outcomes. Results: The search yielded a total of 4,447 studies. Of these, 147 eligible studies were selected. One case report and five observational studies met the eligibility criteria. Three studies applied counseling and (simplified-)TRT and reported improvement in tinnitus outcome in 68 out of 82 children after 3-6 months of treatment. Two studies used pharmacological treatments and reported improvement in 74 out of 86 patients after 10 days to 3 months of treatment. One study reported the outcome of biofeedback therapy, describing an improvement in tinnitus loudness and annoyance after 2 months of treatment. Conclusion: Due to the high risk of bias of the included studies, we cannot determine the effectiveness of the treatment of subjective tinnitus in children. Also, owing to brief follow-up periods, it is not possible to draw conclusions regarding long-term effects. Randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up periods are necessary to provide substantial evidence of the effects of therapies for children affected by tinnitus. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier [CRD42020178134].

A systematic review of functional outcomes after nerve reconstruction in extremity soft tissue sarcomas: A need for general implementation in the armamentarium.

Resection of nerves in extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS) can lead to large functional deficits. Nerve reconstructions are rarely performed and little is known on their outcomes and indications for their use, even though they are essential in restoring sensation in limb salvage procedures. This study investigated current knowledge on functional outcomes and considerations to be taken before performing such reconstructions after sarcoma resection. A systematic search was performed in July 2018 in PubMed and Embase databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Search terms related to "soft tissue sarcoma" and "nerve reconstruction" were used. Studies evaluating functional outcomes after nerve grafting or nerve transfers in extremity STS were included. Qualitative synthesis was performed on all studies. Nineteen studies were included after full-text screening, describing 26 patients. The majority of patients had a nerve reconstruction in the upper extremity (65%). Perioperative radiotherapy was administered in 67% and perioperative chemotherapy in 29% of patients. Nerve grafting was most commonly performed (n = 23) and nerve transfers were performed in six patients. A wide variety of outcome measures were used. Most patients recovered at least some motor function and sensation, but success rates were higher after upper than lower extremity defects. Multimodal treatment did not preclude successful reconstructions. Nerve reconstructions in extremity STS allow the restoration of sensation in limb salvation, even motor nerve function can be restored with satisfactory function. The use of multimodal therapy does not seem to interfere with success. Nerve reconstructions should therefore be considered in STS patients.

Resuscitating extremities after soft tissue sarcoma resections: Are functional reconstructions an overlooked option in limb salvage? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Although resection of extremity soft tissue sarcomas can occasionally lead to large disabilities, literature regarding the necessity and outcome of functional reconstructions are scarce. The goal of this review is to assess outcomes and usage of functional reconstructions in light of multimodal treatment. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in July 2018 in PubMed and Embase databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. Search terms related to 'soft tissue sarcoma' and 'functional reconstruction' were used. Case series evaluating outcomes of functional reconstructions after STS resection were included. Functional reconstructions were limited to free functioning muscle transfers, tendon reconstructions, and nerve reconstructions. Qualitative synthesis was performed on all studies. Tumor grade, multimodal treatment, reconstruction, outcomes, and complications were collected from individual patient data. Results were summarized by tumor site. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included after full-text screening. A total of 134 patients were described, of which the majority (74.9%) had functional reconstructions in the lower extremity. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were administered in 60.3% and 49.4% respectively. Free functioning muscle transfers were used in 41.0% of all cases, tendon reconstructions in 58.2%, and nerve reconstructions in only 12.7%. A wide variety of outcome measures were used. Most patients regained good functionality, also after multimodal treatment. Unfavorable outcomes were often related to flap failure or allograft tendon rupture. CONCLUSION: Functional reconstructions in extremity STS are rarely described, but generally result in good functionality in spite of multimodal treatment. Early participation of reconstructive surgeons may help achieve ideal functional and oncological outcomes.