scholarly journals Zolpidem for Insomnia: A Double-Edged Sword. A Systematic Literature Review on Zolpidem-Induced Complex Sleep Behaviors

2021 ◽  
pp. 025371762199237
Author(s):  
Niti Mittal ◽  
Rakesh Mittal ◽  
M. C. Gupta

Background: Being a nonbenzodiazepine, zolpidem is believed to have a favorable side-effect profile and is widely prescribed for insomnia. However, in the past few years, numerous neuropsychiatric adverse reactions, particularly complex sleep behaviors (CSBs), have been reported with zolpidem. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of zolpidem-associated CSBs. Data Sources: An electronic search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews to extract relevant articles till July 2020. Study Eligibility Criteria: Any type of literature article (case report, case series, and observational or interventional study) reporting CSBs associated with zolpidem. Results: In this review, we present aggregate summarized data from 148 patients presenting with zolpidem-induced CSBs (79 patients from 23 case reports and 5 case series; 69 patients out of 1454 taking zolpidem [4.7%] from three observational clinical studies). Various types of CSBs associated with zolpidem were reported, most common being sleepwalking/somnambulism and sleep-related eating disorder. On causality assessment, around 88% of cases were found to have a probable association with zolpidem. Limitations: Extraction of data from observational studies and spontaneous reports, due to nonavailability of any randomized controlled trials relevant to the study objective. Conclusion and Implication of Key Findings: Zolpidem-induced CSBs, although not very common, may develop when the drug is used at therapeutic doses for insomnia. Doctors need to be alert to monitor such adverse effects of zolpidem and exercise caution while prescribing it.

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael G. dos Santos ◽  
José Carlos Bouso ◽  
Jaime E. C. Hallak

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogen brew traditionally used for ritual and therapeutic purposes in Northwestern Amazon. It is rich in the tryptamine hallucinogens dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which acts as a serotonin 5-HT2A agonist. This mechanism of action is similar to other compounds such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. The controlled use of LSD and psilocybin in experimental settings is associated with a low incidence of psychotic episodes, and population studies corroborate these findings. Both the controlled use of DMT in experimental settings and the use of ayahuasca in experimental and ritual settings are not usually associated with psychotic episodes, but little is known regarding ayahuasca or DMT use outside these controlled contexts. Thus, we performed a systematic review of the published case reports describing psychotic episodes associated with ayahuasca and DMT intake. We found three case series and two case reports describing psychotic episodes associated with ayahuasca intake, and three case reports describing psychotic episodes associated with DMT. Several reports describe subjects with a personal and possibly a family history of psychosis (including schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorders, psychotic mania, psychotic depression), nonpsychotic mania, or concomitant use of other drugs. However, some cases also described psychotic episodes in subjects without these previous characteristics. Overall, the incidence of such episodes appears to be rare in both the ritual and the recreational/noncontrolled settings. Performance of a psychiatric screening before administration of these drugs, and other hallucinogens, in controlled settings seems to significantly reduce the possibility of adverse reactions with psychotic symptomatology. Individuals with a personal or family history of any psychotic illness or nonpsychotic mania should avoid hallucinogen intake.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. E975-E991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Shelby Burks ◽  
Ross C Puffer ◽  
Iahn Cajigas ◽  
David Valdivia ◽  
Andrew E Rosenberg ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND Synovial sarcoma of the nerve is a rare entity with several cases and case series reported in the literature. Despite an improved understanding of the biology, the clinical course is difficult to predict. OBJECTIVE To compile a series of patients with synovial sarcoma of the peripheral nerve (SSPN) and assess clinical and pathological factors and their contribution to survival and recurrence. METHODS Cases from 2 institutions collected in patients undergoing surgical intervention for SSPN. Systematic review including PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for related articles published from 1970 to December 2018. Eligibility criteria: (1) case reports or case series reporting on SSPN, (2) clinical course and/or pathological features of the tumor reported, and (3) articles published in English. RESULTS From patients treated at our institutions (13) the average follow-up period was 3.2 yr. Tumor recurrence was seen in 4 cases and death in 3. Systematic review of the literature yielded 44 additional cases with an average follow-up period of 3.6 yr. From pooled data, there were 10 recurrences and 7 deaths (20% and 14%, respectively). Adjuvant treatment used in 62.5% of cases. Immunohistochemical markers used in diagnosis varied widely; the most common are the following: Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), cytokeratin, vimentin, cluster of differentiation (CD34), and transducin-like enhancer of split 1 (TLE1). Statistical analysis illustrated tumor size and use of chemotherapy to be negative predictors of survival. No other factors, clinically or from pathologist review, were correlated with recurrence or survival. CONCLUSION By combining cases from our institution with historical data and performing statistical analysis we show correlation between tumor size and death.


2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Savage

The database of the New Zealand Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) is an example of the practice-based evidence discussed in the June issue of the Journal of Primary Health Care. Databases of reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were established to generate hypotheses to be tested about previously unrecognised adverse reactions and interactions. Occasionally they are sufficient evidence in themselves. They can also identify prescribing practices that might increase the potential for ADRs to occur and provide feedback into guidelines in terms of the consequences of their use or non-use. Well-documented ADR reports can also highlight risk factors, thus providing a valuable contribution to risk benefit assessments in individual patients. Examples are discussed that support the use of ADRs as practice-based evidence in a non-hierarchical system in which case reports and case series, observational studies and randomised clinical trials contribute in a flexible relationship depending on the issue under investigation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 485
Author(s):  
Antonio Crea ◽  
Gianluca Grimod ◽  
Gianluca Scalia ◽  
Mariarosaria Verlotta ◽  
Lucio Mazzeo ◽  
...  

Background: Primary intradiploic meningiomas, extra-axial tumors arising primarily in the skull, are rare. The authors reported a complex case of intradiploic intraosseous metaplastic meningioma of the left medial wall and orbital roof with the left frontal sinus invasion and left ethmoidal body bone substitution. The authors also conducted a systematic review concerning diagnosis and management of patients affected by purely calvarial intradiploic meningiomas along with a focus on fronto-orbito-ethmoidal ones. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement and with the following Mesh terms: Intradiploic, intraosseous, calvarial, and meningioma. Eligibility criteria were limited by the nature of existing literature on intradiploic meningiomas, consisting of only case series, and case reports. Results: A total of 128 published studies were identified through our search. 41 studies were included in this systematic review, 59 patients with a female/male ratio of 1.2/1. The mean age of the patients is of 47.69 years (range 3–84 years). Only seven out of 59 patients (11.9%) presented a complex intradiploic meningioma located in fronto-orbito-ethmoidal region like our case. In almost all patients, a gross-total resection was performed (96.6%) and only in two patients (3.4%) a subtotal resection was achieved. Conclusion: The authors shared this successfully treated case to add to the overall clinical experience in the management of this rare subtype tumor, with the hope that more studies are conducted to further address the mechanism of intradiploic meningiomas development.


Author(s):  
Juan Juan ◽  
María M. Gil ◽  
Zhihui Rong ◽  
Yuanzhen Zhang ◽  
Huixia Yang ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo perform a systematic review of available published literature on pregnancies affected by COVID-19 to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes.MethodsWe performed a systematic review to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy, perinatal and neonatal outcomes. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database and Wan Fang Data until April 20, 2020 (studies were identified through PubMed alert after April 20, 2020). For the research strategy, combinations of the following keywords and MeSH terms were used: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019, pregnancy, gestation, maternal, mothers, vertical transmission, maternal-fetal transmission, intrauterine transmission, neonates, infant, delivery. Eligibility criteria included laboratory-confirmed and/or clinically diagnosed COVID-19, patient was pregnant on admission, availability of clinical characteristics, including maternal, perinatal or neonatal outcomes. Exclusion criteria were unpublished reports, unspecified date and location of the study or suspicion of duplicate reporting, and unreported maternal or perinatal outcomes. No language restrictions were applied.ResultsWe identified several case-reports and case-series but only 19 studies, including a total of 266 pregnant women with COVID-19, met eligibility criteria and were finally included in the review. In the combined data from seven case-series, the maternal age ranged from 20 to 41 years and the gestational age on admission ranged from 5 to 41 weeks. The most common symptoms at presentation were fever, cough, dyspnea/shortness of breath and fatigue. The rate of severe pneumonia was relatively low, with the majority of the cases requiring intensive care unit admission. Almost all cases from the case-series had positive computer tomography chest findings. There were six and 22 cases that had nucleic-acid testing in vaginal mucus and breast milk samples, respectively, which were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Only a few cases had spontaneous miscarriage or abortion. 177 cases had delivered, of which the majority by Cesarean section. The gestational age at delivery ranged from 28 to 41 weeks. Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes ranged from 7 to 10 and 8 to 10, respectively. A few neonates had birthweight less than 2500 grams and over one-third of cases were transferred to neonatal intensive care unit. There was one case each of neonatal asphyxia and neonatal death. There were 113 neonates that had nucleic-acid testing in throat swab, which was negative for SARS-CoV-2. From the case-reports, two maternal deaths among pregnant women with COVID-19 were reported.ConclusionsThe clinical characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 are similar to those of nonpregnant adults with COVID-19. Currently, there is no evidence that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more prone to develop severe pneumonia, in comparison to nonpregnant patients. The subject of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains controversial and more data is needed to investigate this possibility. Most importantly, in order to collect meaningful pregnancy and perinatal outcome data, we urge researchers and investigators to reference previously published cases in their publications and to record such reporting when the data of a case is being entered into a registry or several registries.ContributionWhat are the novel findings of this work?Amongst a few cases from the case-series that had qRT-PCR testing in vaginal mucus and breast milks, the results were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, some of the cases from the case-series had qRT-PCR testing in amniotic fluid, cord blood, neonatal throat swab and neonatal feces, and the results were negative for SARS-CoV-2. Amongst the case-reports, there were two maternal deaths and two neonates tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at 16 / 24 hours of life.What are the clinical implications of this work?The subject of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains controversial and more data is needed to investigate this possibility. In order to collect meaningful pregnancy and perinatal outcome data, we urge researchers and investigators to reference previously published cases in their publications and to record such reporting when the data of a case is being entered into a registry or several registries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max J. Dullaart ◽  
Marijn Kip ◽  
Adriana L. Smit ◽  
Inge Stegeman

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].


2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1279-1290
Author(s):  
N Cimolai

Brimonidine is a first-line topical medication for increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma which may be used alone or in conjunction with other topical therapies. Its structural and pharmacological comparabilities to clonidine give way to the hypothesis that it may cause neuropsychiatric side effects. The majority of case reports citing brimonidine toxicity, either for topical or peripheral exposure, include pediatric age groups but especially infants. Among the latter, a dose-response phenomenon is evident. Dose-response correlates have also been shown among adults. Case series and prospective double-blind treatment studies also give evidence for the occurrence of several central nervous system adverse reactions. Topical ophthalmic brimonidine use should be followed for the occurrence of neuropsychiatric disturbances generally, and enhanced vigilance should be maintained for at-risk populations.


Author(s):  
Daniele Trevisanuto ◽  
Francesco Cavallin ◽  
Maria Elena Cavicchiolo ◽  
Martina Borellini ◽  
Serena Calgaro ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo summarise currently reported neonatal cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodsA search strategy was designed to retrieve all articles published from 1 December 2019 to 12 May 2020, by combining the terms ‘coronavirus’ OR ‘covid’ OR ‘SARS-CoV-2’) AND (‘neonat*’ OR ‘newborn’) in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, MedRxiv, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review and the WHO COVID-19 database, with no language restrictions. Quality of studies was evaluated by using a specific tool for assessment of case reports and/or case series.ResultsTwenty-six observational studies (18 case reports and 8 case series) with 44 newborns with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the final analysis. Studies were mainly from China and Italy. Half of neonates had a documented contact with the infected mother and one out of three infected neonates was admitted from home. Median age at diagnosis was 5 days. One out of four neonates was asymptomatic, and the remaining showed mild symptoms typical of acute respiratory infections and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. The majority of neonates were left in spontaneous breathing (room air) and had good prognosis after a median duration of hospitalisation of 10 days.ConclusionsMost neonates with SARS-CoV-2 infection were asymptomatic or presented mild symptoms, generally were left in spontaneous breathing and had a good prognosis after median 10 days of hospitalisation. Large epidemiological and clinical cohort studies, as well as the implementation of collaborative networks, are needed to improve the understanding of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in neonates.


2016 ◽  
Vol 101 (10) ◽  
pp. 953-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samer Alabed ◽  
Giordano Pérez-Gaxiola ◽  
Amanda Burls

ObjectiveTo review the evidence for the efficacy and safety of colchicine in children with pericarditis.DesignSystematic review.Search strategyThe following databases were searched for studies about colchicine in children with pericarditis (June 2015): Cochrane Central, Medline, EMBASE and LILACS.Eligibility criteriaAll observational and experimental studies on humans with any length of follow-up and no limitations on language or publication status were included. The outcomes studied were recurrences of pericarditis and adverse events.Data extractionTwo authors extracted data and assessed quality of included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for non-randomised trials.ResultsTwo case series and nine case reports reported the use of colchicine in a total of 86 children with pericarditis. Five articles including 74 paediatric patients were in favour of colchicine in preventing further pericarditis recurrences. Six studies including 12 patients showed that colchicine did not prevent recurrences of pericarditis.LimitationsNo randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were found.ConclusionsAlthough colchicine is an established treatment for pericarditis in adults, it is not routinely used in children. There is not enough evidence to support or discourage the use of colchicine in children with pericarditis. Further research in the form of large double-blind RCTs is needed to establish the efficacy of colchicine in children with pericarditis.


Author(s):  
Prateek Kumar Panda ◽  
Indar Kumar Sharawat ◽  
Lesa Dawman ◽  
Pragnya Panda ◽  
Ananthanarayanan Kasinathan ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is one of the most difficult to treat childhood-onset epileptic encephalopathies. There is growing evidence that lacosamide is safe and efficacious in patients and adults with refractory epilepsy. However, the evidence regarding the efficacy of lacosamide in LGS is controversial so far. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of lacosamide in patients with LGS. Methods We conducted a systematic review on MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE CENTRAL, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, collating all available literature till July 31, 2020. The qualitative review included case reports, case series, and both controlled/uncontrolled trials as well as retrospective studies, but for determining pooled estimates, we only included studies with a sample size of 5 or more. The primary outcome was the efficacy of lacosamide in patients with LGS. Clinical variables related to efficacy and adverse events attributed to lacosamide were extracted from each publication. The pooled estimate of variables related to these parameters was performed using a random-effect model. Results Of the 68 items identified by the search, 14 were reviewed as full-text. Eleven articles including two prospective and six retrospective studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and described outcomes in 81 patients (42 adults, 39 children, 60% male, range—1.4–61 years). On average, 35.2%, 27.9%, 7.3%, and 29.4% patients had > 50% reduction, < 50% reduction, no change, and worsening of seizure frequency, respectively. Although 36% of patients had adverse events like somnolence, behavioral abnormalities including irritability, aggressiveness, nausea, tremor, memory problems, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and weight loss, no serious adverse events were noted. Conclusion The evidence available in the current literature is not sufficient to support or refute the use of lacosamide in patients with LGS. Although it is one of the possible therapeutic options worth exploring in patients with LGS, caution is still necessary, as there are reports of worsening of seizure frequency in some patients.


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