Paradoxical psoriasis induced by IL-17 inhibitors: a case series of patients with axial spondyloarthritis and a systematic literature review.

Following the market authorization of interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors, a growing number of cases of IL-17 inhibitor-induced paradoxical psoriasis (PsO) have been reported. Our objectives were to present two cases of IL-17 inhibitor-induced paradoxical PsO and to systematically review the literature for similar cases, summarizing and presenting the relevant data. A systematic literature review of previously presented cases of paradoxical PsO induced by IL-17 inhibitors was conducted. We presented two patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and paradoxical PsO induced by secukinumab (SEC). One patient's psoriatic lesions responded well to adjuvant topical treatment, while the other patient required a combination of topical treatment and cyclosporine Α for successful treatment. SEC was continued in both cases. We also identified 35 patients with IL-17 inhibitor-induced paradoxical PsO in the literature review. The most frequent types of paradoxical PsO were palmoplantar pustular and plaque PsO, while the median latency period was 11 weeks. Approximately one-third of patients continued IL-17 inhibitor treatment with adjunctive therapy, primarily topical, which produced satisfactory results in most patients. Almost two-thirds of the patients discontinued the IL-17 inhibitor, with the majority of patients switching to another biological agent with a different mechanism of action or initiating other systemic antipsoriatic treatments, resulting in mainly satisfactory outcomes. Therefore, paradoxical PsO induced by IL-17 inhibitors appears to respond well in both patients who continue IL-17 inhibitors with adjunctive treatment and those who discontinue IL-17 inhibitors while switching to a different class of biological agent or initiating other systemic antipsoriatic treatments.

Prevalence of hearing loss in patients with Sjögren syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a multisystem autoimmune disease, primarily targeting salivary and lacrimal glands; skin, nasal and vaginal dryness, along with musculoskeletal pain and fatigue are the most commonly reported symptoms. Hearing loss is hypothesized to be frequent as well. The purpose of this systematic review was to estimate the prevalence of Hearing loss and its different subtypes in patients with Sjögren syndrome. PRISMA guidelines were followed to ensure highest quality for our systematic review. A random effects model meta-analysis and meta-regression was conducted using I2 as heterogeneity indicator. Eleven observational studies were included in this systematic review. Ten of them were cross-sectional, while one study was case-control. Studies were assessed for risk of bias: all were rated to a moderate level, except for two rated to a low level. Pooled prevalence of any type of hearing loss was 52.2%. After excluding studies rated to moderate bias, the pooled prevalence of hearing loss was 36.7%. We also conducted a subgroup analysis depending on type of hearing loss. Pooled prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss was 42.6%., while pooled prevalence of conductive hearing loss and mixed hearing loss were 5% and 2.3%, respectively. Meta-regression was conducted in an effort to identify possible variables capable to explain high heterogeneity between studies. Sample size and year of study were separately found to account for a portion of heterogeneity between studies of sensorineural hearing loss. Year of study was also found to account for a portion of heterogeneity between studies of conductive hearing loss. In conclusion, sensorineural hearing loss, is highly prevalent in patients with Sjögren syndrome. On this basis, early screening and follow-up of patients with Sjögren syndrome by pure tone audiometry is important.

Treatment of chronic venous disorder: A comprehensive review.

Chronic venous disorder (CVD) is highly prevalent vascular disorder affecting up to 45% of the general population, with clinical manifestations ranging from teleangiectasias to venous leg ulcers (VLUs). We examined the currently available data in order to provide an updated, comprehensive review on treatment options of CVD. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials, and OpenGrey databases for relevant articles in English published until November 2020. Compression treatment is the mainstay of conservative treatment. Pharmacological treatment can provide significant symptomatic relief and hence it should be considered as part of conservative treatment. Transcutaneous Lacer treatment (TCL) is a safe and effective alternative option to sclerotherapy for treatment of C1 stage. High ligation and stripping (HL/S), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) systems and non thermal non tumescent ablation (NTNT) systems are safe and efficacious first-line options for treatment of saphenous insufficiency. Interventional treatment of co-existing incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) is not supported by contemporary evidence. Regarding deep venous insufficiency (DVI), treatment of symptomatic femoroiliocaval occlusive venous disease refractory to conservative treatment with percutaneous transluminal venoplasty stenting has produced encouraging results.

Association of systemic lupus erythematosus with hearing loss: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect virtually any organ, including middle and/or inner ear. The objective of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the association of SLE with the different subtypes of hearing loss. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in agreement with the PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=216353 ). A random effects model meta-analysis was carried out while heterogeneity was appraised by I2. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed. Nine studies comprising 7,654 SLE patients and 37,244 controls were included in this systematic review. Four of them were rated to a moderate rate of bias, while five of them were rated to a low rate of bias. SLE patients had significantly increased odds of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) compared with controls (OR 2.31; 95%CI 1.48-3.60; I2 = 0). SLE patients did not have significantly increased odds of Conductive Hearing Loss (CHL) (OR 1.30; 95% CI 0.23-7.45; I2 = 0). Only one study reported on the outcome of Mixed Hearing Loss (MHL) (3 events in SLE group vs. 0 events in control group). Subgroup analysis, based on study design and detection method of hearing loss also showed significantly increased odds of SNHL in SLE patients. The significantly increased odds of SNHL in SLE persisted even after sensitivity analysis. In conclusion, SLE is significantly associated with SNHL; SLE is not associated with CHL, while, due to lack of data, we could not reach a conclusion regarding the odds of MHL in SLE patients. Pure tone audiometry as a screening test and follow-up test in SLE patients could be of essence. Management and prognosis of hearing loss in SLE patients should be discussed.

Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on cognitive function. A systematic review of RCTs.

INTRODUCTION: Improvement of cognitive function may be desirable for healthy individuals and clinically beneficial for those with cognitive impairment such as from Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the cognitive effects of oral saffron intake, in patients with MCI/AD and/or in non-demented individuals, by following the PRISMA guidelines. METHODS: We performed a literature search on MedLine, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of oral saffron administration in patients with MCI/AD and/or in non-demented individuals. RESULTS: Five studies (enrolling 325 individuals) met our inclusion criteria. Four studies included patients with MCI/AD, and one study included cognitively normal individuals. Saffron was well-tolerated in all groups. Regarding cognitively impaired patients, scores on Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale or Mini mental state examination were significantly better when saffron was compared with placebo and did not differ significantly when saffron was compared with donepezil or memantine. Saffron effects on functional status were similar with its effects on cognition. CONCLUSIONS: Saffron was shown to be equally effective to common symptomatic drugs for MCI/AD and resulted in no difference in the incidence of side effects, when compared with placebo or drugs. The promising results should be seen cautiously, since the evidence was derived from studies with potentially high risk of bias (ROB). RCTs with larger sample sizes and low ROB are required to definitively assess the potential role of saffron as an MCI/AD treatment.

Synchronous Carotid Endarterectomy and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft versus Staged Carotid Artery Stenting and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft for Patients with Concomitant Severe Coronary and Carotid Stenosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Owing to the systemic nature of atherosclerosis, medium and large arteries at different sites are commonly simultaneously affected. As a result, severe coronary artery disease (CAD) requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) frequently coexists with significant carotid stenosis that warrants revascularization. The aim of this study was to compare synchronous carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and CABG vs. staged carotid artery stenting (CAS) and CABG for patients with concomitant CAD and carotid artery stenosis in terms of perioperative (30-day) outcomes. METHODS: This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible studies were identified through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane until July 2018. A meta-analysis was conducted with the use of a random-effects model. The I-square statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: Five studies comprising 16,712 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Perioperative stroke (odds ratio [OR]: 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-1.64; I2 = 39.1%), transient ischemic attack (TIA; OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.04-2.67; I2 = 27.6%), and myocardial infarction (MI) rates (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.08-3.85; I2 = 68.9%) were similar between the two groups. However, patients who underwent simultaneous CEA and CABG were at a statistically significant higher risk for perioperative mortality (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.05-3.06; I2 = 0.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis did not detect statistically significant differences in the rates of perioperative stroke, TIA, and MI between the groups. However, patients in the simultaneous CEA and CABG group had a significantly higher risk of 30-day mortality. Future randomized trials or prospective cohorts are needed to validate our results.

Association of rheumatoid arthritis with hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting up to 1% of the worldwide population. RA is associated with multiple extra-articular manifestations (EAMs). Middle ear, cochlea and the auditory nerve are suspected sites of RA activity and hearing loss is a possible novel EAM of RA. Objective was to investigate the association of RA with the different subtypes of hearing loss. This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. A random effects model meta-analysis was conducted and the I2 was used to assess heterogeneity. Twelve studies comprising 20,022 RA patients and 79,244 controls were included in this systematic review. All studies were observational and were rated to a moderate rate of bias. RA patients had nearly fourfold increased odds of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) compared with controls (OR 3.42; 95% CI 2.50-4.69; I2 = 13). RA patients also had a significantly increased risk of SNHL (RR 2.28; 95% CI 1.88-2.76; I2 = 0). RA patients did not have increased odds of conductive hearing loss (CHL) and mixed hearing loss (MHL) (OR 1.36; 95% CI 0.52-3.55; I2 = 22); (OR 2.73; 95% CI 0.78-9.58; I2 = 0%). RA is significantly associated with SNHL. RA is not associated with CHL and MHL. Early screening of RA patients with pure tone audiometry should be considered.

Epidermal Tumors Arising on Donor Sites From Autologous Skin Grafts: A Systematic Review.

Common complications of skin grafting used to cover cutaneous defects include bleeding, infection, pain, and graft failure. Epidermal tumor development on graft donor sites in the postoperative period has been reported. We performed a systematic search of the literature for cases of epidermal tumors arising on skin graft donor sites in patients undergoing autologous skin graft surgery. Our results included the demographic and clinical characteristics of these cases. We also provide a discussion on the nature of these lesions.

Management of Post-thrombotic Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review.

BACKGROUND: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the most common long-term complication of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The cumulative incidence of PTS in the first two years after the first acute DVT diagnosis approximates 25%. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to summarize the most recent updates and provide a comprehensive review of the current management of PTS. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE/PMC/NCBI Bookshelf (PubMed), Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, ClinicalTrials, and OpenGrey databases for relevant articles in English published from the establishment of each separate database until February 9, 2021. CONCLUSION: PTS constitutes the most frequent long-term complication of lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Lifestyle changes and compression treatment represent an integral part of PTS management and have a clear benefit to offer in PTS patients. Pharmacological treatment with phlebotonic and non-phlebotonic medications, such as micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MMPF) and sulodexide, respectively, may have a more central and significant role in PTS management than previously thought. The introduction of percutaneous transluminal venoplasty (PTV) and stenting has again raised our expectations with the field, along with new concerns and considerations. There is a growing number of studies that report promising results on patientoriented outcomes on PTS patients who were treated with PTV and stenting. Moreover, hybrid (endovascular/ surgical) interventions may also represent a safe and efficacious treatment option for a subset of patients with PTS. Patient selection criteria for endovascular and hybrid interventional treatment should be carefully set and standardized. Post-operative care after venoplasty is an important field of future research with potential clinical impact. Management of deep and superficial reflux remains controversial. Hopefully, future prospective studies shall provide more robust evidence on the management of PTS.

Large irritation fibroma of hard palate: a case report of a rare clinical entity.

Fibromas are benign tumors of connective tissue common in the oral cavity but rare on hard palate. This paper reports on an asymptomatic, slowly growing mass on the hard palate of a 90-year-old lady, with a reported use of denture for two decades. The patient presented with a 2.2cm, smooth-surfaced, well-circumscribed nodule attached with a stalk to the palatal mucosa. After excision, the histopathological examination revealed a mass of fibrous connective tissue, covered by stratified squamous epithelium with focal low-medium grade hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis. These findings were consistent with irritation fibroma of hard palate, a rare entity, which should be considered as a possible diagnosis for tumors of the area by every physician.

Use, Safety and Effectiveness of Subintimal Angioplasty and Re-Entry Devices for the Treatment of Femoropopliteal Chronic Total Occlusions: A Systematic Review of 87 Studies and 4,665 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Subintimal angioplasty (SIA) is often utilized to cross femoropopliteal (FP) artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs). Re-entry devices (RED) can further assist with true lumen re-entry. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature for studies reporting on the use of SIA, with or without RED. METHODS: A systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines was performed. Quantitative synthesis was applied when possible. RESULTS: 87 studies and 4665 patients (5161 lesions) were included (63.9% male). 46.7% of patients had critical limb ischemia at the time of the intervention. Two RED types were used (Pioneer and Outback). Sixty-eight studies included lesions treated with SIA without RED, 17 studies included lesions treated with RED only, and two studies included a comparison between the two treatment methods. In total, 3898 (83.6%) patients were treated with SIA without RED and 754 (12.2%) with RED. Procedural success rate ranged from 64.5%-100% (92.5% for SIA without RED, 88.3% for RED cases). The complication rate ranged from 1.6% - 28% among different studies (cumulative rates: SIA: 9.1%, RED 9.3%). Perforations occurred in 1.6% of the total population (n = 46). Primary patency at one year ranged from 22% to 94.1%. Newer studies had a higher patency rate, ranging from 70% to 94.1%. CONCLUSION: SIA with or without RED is a valuable alternative to intraluminal crossing for endovascular treatment of FP CTOs. Procedural success was excellent for both techniques, while the cumulative complication rate was numerically lower in the RED group. Short- and long-term outcomes were acceptable for both techniques.

Carotid Revascularization in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Results from studies comparing carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA) with carotid artery stenting (CAS) in the elderly population are variable in the literature. The objective of this study was to investigate whether CEA or CAS is associated with a better safety profile in older adults (>80 years of age) for treatment of symptomatic and asymptomatic stenosis. METHODS: A random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and the I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Subgroup analyses were performed as needed. RESULTS: Nine studies comprising 5955 patients were included in this meta-analysis. No differences were identified in terms of 30-day stroke (CEA: 5.8% [n = 257/4415]; CAS: 10.5% [n = 81/767]; odds ratio [OR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30-1.08; I2 = 26.1%), myocardial infarction (MI) (CEA: 1.1% [n = 4/357]; CAS: 0.5% [n = 2/355]; OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 0.37-7.46; I2 = 0%), transient ischemic attack (TIA) (CEA: 0% [n = 0/98]; CAS: 4.2% [n = 7/166]; OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.03-2.52; I2 = 0%), death (CEA: 1.5% [n = 8/523]; CAS: 0.9% [n = 4/431]; OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.43-4.58; I2 = 0%), and cranial nerve injury (CEA: 5.8% [n = 3/51]; CAS: 0% [n = 0/51]; OR, 4.74; 95% CI, 0.5-44.98; I2 =0%). A subgroup comparing CEA with transfemoral protected CAS showed that patients in the CEA group had a statistically significant lower risk of 30-day stroke (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.17-0.57; I2 = 30.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that CEA is associated with a statistically significant lower risk of 30-day stroke in the elderly population compared with transfemoral CAS with distal or proximal protection. No differences were noted in the rates of periprocedural TIA, MI, death, and cranial nerve injury between CEA and CAS in the original pooled analysis.