From Modic to Disc Endplate Bone Marrow Complex - The Natural Course and Clinical Implication of Vertebral Endplate Changes.

STUDY DESIGN: Review article. OBJECTIVES: A review of literature on the epidemiology, natural course, pathobiology and clinical implications of vertebral endplate changes. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, and PubMed. Studies published over the last 10 years were analysed. The searches were performed using Medical Subject Headings terms, and the subheadings used were "Vertebral endplate changes", "Modic changes", "Disc Endplate Bone Marrow complex". RESULTS: The disc, endplate (EP), and bone marrow region of the spine constitute a unified morphological and functional unit, with isolated degeneration of any one structure being uncommon. Disc degeneration causes endplate defects, which result in direct communication and a constant cross-talk between the disc and the vertebral body. This may result in a persistent inflammatory state of the vertebral bone marrow, serving as a major pain generator. This review article focuses on vertebral endplate changes and how the current understanding has progressed from the Modic classification to the Disc Endplate Bone Marrow complex classification. It provides a clear portrayal of the natural course of these alterations and their clinical implications in low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the heightened interest and current prominence of vertebral endplate changes within the spine community, we must progress beyond the Modic changes to achieve a comprehensive understanding. The DEBM complex classification will play a major part in disc degeneration research and clinical care, representing a considerable advancement in our understanding of the vertebral endplate changes over the classical Modic changes.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced eyelid and periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma: a study of 25 cases.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for eyelid and periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma (eSGC). METHODS: Retrospective study of 25 patients. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation of eSGC was 59 years. The mean tumor basal diameter was 46 mm. By the 8th edition of AJCC classification, tumors belonged T2 (n = 2, 8%), T3 (n = 6, 24%), and T4 (n = 17, 68%); N1 (n = 12,48%); and M1 (n = 1, 4%). NACT with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin/carboplatin was administered in 21 (84%)/4 (16%) patients, respectively. The mean number of cycles of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy per patient was 2 (median, 3). The mean percentage reduction of tumor basal volume after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 65% (median, 60%). After NACT, 12 (48%) patients underwent surgical treatment, 6 (12%) patients underwent EBRT, and 4 (8%) underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. A total of 11 (44%) patients were lost to follow-up during the course of treatment, of whom 3 died from metastatic disease. In 16 patients followed up for ≥ 3 months, complete tumor control was achieved in 11 (69%) patients, local tumor control in 14 (88%), and globe salvage in 7 (44%) at a mean follow-up of 25 months (median, 7 months; range, 3 to 110 months). No tumor recurrence was seen in any case. One (4%) serious adverse event of cardiotoxicity was noted. CONCLUSION: Platinum-based NACT is a suitable option for eSGC with advanced tumors and locoregional metastasis. Adverse events are rare and in patients compliant with treatment, NACT-based combination therapy offers globe salvage and systemic tumor control.

Perceptions of stigma in youth at clinical high risk for psychosis and depressive symptomatology.

It is unclear what types of stigma youth at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) experience, and the relationship between them and symptomatology. 94 CHR youth, and a control group of 45 youth with no psychosis spectrum symptoms (NP) were rated for perceived devaluation (i.e. negative views from others) and internalized mental health stigma (i.e. the extent to which they would agree with said views) as well as positive and mood symptomatology. CHR youth reported stigma more frequently than the NP group (χ2(1) = 53.55, p < .001) and at higher levels (perceived devaluation: t (137) = 8.54, p < .001; internalized stigma: t (137) = 7.48, p < .001). Surprisingly, in the CHR group, positive symptoms held no significant relationship to stigma measures. However, ratings of perceived devaluation stigma were associated with depressive symptomatology (ß = 0.27, t = 2.68, p = .0087) and depression scores were conversely associated with perceived devaluation stigma (ß = 0.30, t = 2.05, p = .043). These findings speak to the relationship between depressive symptomatology and perceived devaluation stigma in CHR youth. Perceived devaluation stigma showed greater clinical significance and could have different mechanisms than internalized stigma in CHR youth. It is also noteworthy that while positive symptoms play a central role in defining the CHR syndrome, they seem less relevant to the experience of stigma than mood symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of interventions aimed at ameliorating youth's exposure to negative views about mental health as those managing depressive symptomatology.

Intravitreal Topotecan for Vitreous Seeds in Retinoblastoma: A Long-term Review of 91 Eyes.

PURPOSE: To study the long-term efficacy of intravitreal topotecan (IVT) for vitreous seeds in eyes with retinoblastoma and risk factors for their recurrence. DESIGN: Retrospective, non-comparative, interventional study. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-one eyes of 90 patients with retinoblastoma treated between January 2013 and April 2019. METHODS: Patients with recurrent or refractory vitreous seeds after completion of intravenous or intra-arterial chemotherapy were treated with IVT (30 µg/0.15 ml) by the safety-enhanced technique. The injection was repeated every 4 weeks until the regression of seeds. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included in the analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures were vitreous seed regression and eye salvage. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for vitreous seed recurrence after treatment with IVT, vision salvage, and complications of IVT. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 18 months, with most having group D (n = 58 [64%]) and group E (n = 26 [29%]) retinoblastoma. Vitreous seeds were refractory in 46 eyes (51%) and recurrent in 45 eyes (49%). A total of 317 IVT injections were administered, with the median being 3 injections. The median number of IVT injections required was 2.5 injections for dust, 3 injections for sphere, and 5 injections for cloud morphologic features. Recurrence of vitreous seeds after IVT was seen in 17 eyes (19%) at a mean follow-up of 7.9 months. At a mean follow-up 34 months, vitreous seed regression was achieved in 88 eyes (97%) and eye salvage was achieved in 77 eyes (85%). Older age (P = 0.018) and recurrence of retinal tumor (15/17 eyes; P < 0.01) significantly increased the risk of vitreous seed recurrence. Cataract was the most common complication seen in 17 eyes (9%). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal topotecan at an every 3- to 4-week regimen is effective against both refractory and recurrent vitreous seeds. The vitreous seed morphologic features correspond to the number of injections required for regression. Increasing age and recurrence of retinal tumor increase the risk of vitreous seed recurrence after treatment with IVT. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy for treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and imaging features of circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas (CCH) and their treatment outcomes with Ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy. METHODS: Retrospective study of 24 patients (24 eyes) diagnosed with CCH and treated with 106Ru plaque between 2017 and 2022. Analysis included pre- and post-treatment clinical and imaging features such as tumor regression, reduction in height, subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution, and change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 36 years (range, 16-57). The most common tumor location was the temporal quadrant (n = 19) with macular involvement (n = 13). Associated features were macular SRF (n = 22) and inferior exudative retinal detachment (n = 10). Nineteen of the 24 patients underwent primary treatment, whereas 5 patients underwent plaque as a salvage treatment. The mean tumor apex dose was 40 Gy. At a median follow-up of 7.5 months (range 3-65 months), 18 eyes showed complete regression, whereas 6 eyes showed partial regression. The mean height decreased from 4.8 (SD 1.28) mm at presentation to 2.5 (SD 1.63) mm. Median BCVA improved from logMAR 1.2 (IQR 0.4-2) at baseline to logMAR 1.05 (IQR 0.1-1.95) (p = 0.4). Complete resolution of the macula and tumor SRF was observed in 15 (68%) and 13 (57%) eyes, respectively. The radiation-related complications observed were radiation maculopathy (4 eyes), retinopathy (1 eye), and vitreous hemorrhage (1 eye). CONCLUSION: Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy is effective for CCH (> 3 mm height) as a primary and salvage treatment for tumors unresponsive to other modalities.

Indocyanine green-enhanced transpupillary thermotherapy for juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioblastoma.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of indocyanine green-enhanced transpupillary thermotherapy (ICG-TTT) for treatment-naïve juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioblastoma (JRCH). METHODS: A prospective interventional case series. The technique involved ICG dye infusion 45 seconds prior to application of TTT. The main study outcomes were local tumor control, resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF), and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Eight eyes of seven patients (5 males and 2 females) were included. The mean age was 26 years (range: 5-56 years). Systemic evaluation revealed von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease in five patients. The most common location was the temporal aspect of the optic disc (5 eyes). The mean basal diameter was 2.9 mm (range: 1-8 mm), and tumor thickness was 1.4 mm (range: 1-4 mm). All eight eyes were treated with multiple sessions of ICG-TTT (mean: 3 sessions). Six eyes received adjuvant intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implant (4 eyes) and/or bevacizumab (4 eyes). Post treatment, six eyes (75%) had tumor regression with reduction of SRF. One eye had a partial response with persisting SRF, and one eye showed poor response to TTT for which external beam radiotherapy was performed. At the last follow-up (median: 11 months; range: 6-29 months), the BCVA remained stable in seven eyes and improved in one eye (hand motion to 20/40). CONCLUSION: Multiple ICG-TTT sessions can be considered as an alternative treatment option for JRCH with effective local tumor control and SRF resolution.

A Whole-Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Cross-Sectional Study of the Clinicoradiological Association of Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra with Degenerative Disc Disease, End Plate Degeneration, Low Back Pain, and Facet Tropism.

OBJECTIVE: To understand lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV)-associated degenerative pathologies and their correlation to low back pain and radicular pain. METHODS: Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated for disc degeneration using Pfirrmann grading, end plate changes using total end plate score (TEPS), and facet tropism in patients with low back pain and radicular pain, and their association with LSTV was analyzed. RESULTS: In group 1, LSTV was seen in 15% of patients with 83% of these patients having sacralization. Disc degeneration was seen in 58%, 51%, and 63% of patients at levels C, B, and A, respectively; patients with sacralization had significant degeneration at all 3 levels. Similarly, the total end plate score and facet tropism were significantly higher in patients with sacralization. Facet tropism was observed in 31%, 40%, and 35% of patients with no -LSTV, patients with sacralization, and patients with lumbarization, respectively. In group 2, LSTV was seen in 17% of patients with sacralization accounting for 82%. Disc degeneration was seen in 44%, 36%, and 54% patients at levels C, B, and A, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the mean total end plate score between groups. Facet tropism was identified in 89% and 81% of patients with sacralization and patients with lumbarization, respectively, compared with only 19% of patients with no LSTV. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low back pain had a higher incidence of sacralization with corresponding disc degeneration, facet tropism ,and end plate changes. In patients with radicular pain, lumbarization was associated only with facet tropism. These findings may aid clinicians in prognostication and patient counseling.

Innovative blood transfusion strategies to address global blood deserts: a consensus statement from the Blood Delivery via Emerging Strategies for Emergency Remote Transfusion (Blood DESERT) Coalition.

In rural settings worldwide, many people live in effective blood deserts without access to any blood transfusion. The traditional system of blood banking is logistically complex and expensive for many resource-restricted settings and demands innovative and multidisciplinary solutions. 17 international experts in medicine, industry, and policy participated in an exploratory process with a 2-day hybrid seminar centred on three promising innovative strategies for blood transfusions in blood deserts: civilian walking blood banks, intraoperative autotransfusion, and drone-based blood delivery. Participant working groups conducted literature reviews and interviews to develop three white papers focused on the current state and knowledge gaps of each innovation. Seminar discussion focused on defining blood deserts and developing innovation-specific implementation agendas with key research and policy priorities for future work. Moving forward, advocates should prioritise the identification of blood deserts and address the context-specific challenges for these innovations to alleviate the ongoing crisis in blood deserts.

The disc-endplate-bone-marrow complex classification: progress in our understanding of Modic vertebral endplate changes and their clinical relevance.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The disc, endplate (EP), and bone marrow region of the spine form a single anatomical and functional interdependent unit; isolated degeneration of any one structure is rare. Modic changes (MC), however, are restricted to the subchondral bone alone and based on only T1 and T2 sequences of MRI. This results in poor reliability in differentiating fat from edema and hence may give a false impression of disease inactivity. PURPOSE: To study the changes in disc, endplate, and bone marrow as a whole in degeneration and propose a classification based on the activity status of this complex with the addition of STIR MRI sequences. STUDY DESIGN: Observational cohort. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients with isolated brain, cervical, or thoracic spine injury and patients with low back pain (LBP) who underwent MRI formed the control and study groups, respectively. OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic data, the prevalence of MC and disc-endplate-bone marrow classification (DEBC) changes, EPs undergoing reclassification based on DEBC, and comparison of the prevalence of MC, DEBC, H+modifier and DEBC with H+concordance between control and LBP group. The study determined the risk of LBP patients undergoing surgery as well as the incidence of postoperative infection based on DEBC changes. Significance was calculated by binomial test and chi-square test with the effect size of 0.3 to 0.5. Prevalence and association of outcome were calculated by Altman's odds ratio with the 95% CI and the scoring of z statistics. Logistic expression was plotted for independent variables associated with each class of both Modic and DEBC against dependent variables surgery and nonsurgery. METHODS: Lumbar segments in both groups were assessed for MC types. The DEBC classification was developed with the addition of STIR images and studying the interdependent complex as a whole: type-A: acute inflammation; type-B: chronic persistence; type-C: latent and type-D: inactive. Modifier H+ was added if there was disc herniation. The classification was compared with MC and correlated to clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 3,560 EPs of 445 controls and 8,680 EPs in 1,085 patients with LBP were assessed. Four nonMC, 560 MC-II, and 22 MC-III EPs were found to have previously undetected edema in STIR (n=542) or hyperintensity in discs (n=44) needing reclassification. The formerly undescribed type-B of DEBC, representing a chronic persistent activity state was the most common (51.8%) type. The difference between the control and LBP of H+(12% vs 28.8%) and its co-occurrence with DEBC type 1.1% vs 23.3%) was significant (p<.0001). The odds ratio for the need for surgery was highest (OR=5.2) when H+ and DEBC type change co-occurred. Postoperative deep infection (as determined by CDC criteria) was 0.47% in nonDEBC, compared with 2.4% in patients with DEBC (p=.002), with maximum occurrence in type-B. CONCLUSION: Classification based on the classic MC was found to need a reclassification in 586 EPs showing the shortcomings of results of previous studies. Considering the DEBC allowed better classification and better predictability for the need for surgical intervention and incidence of postoperative infection rate than MC.

SECONDARY SALVAGE INTRAVENOUS CHEMOTHERAPY FOR REFRACTORY/RECURRENT RETINOBLASTOMA: A Study of 41 Eyes.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of secondary salvage intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) for refractory/recurrent retinoblastoma. METHODS: Retrospective, nonrandomized interventional case series of 41 eyes of 33 patients with recurrent retinoblastoma. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients, mean age at the time of commencement of salvage IVC was 5 years (median, 5 years; range, 2-8 years). At presentation, recurrent retinoblastoma in 41 eyes of 33 patients was classified by the International Classification of Retinoblastoma as Group B (n = 7; 17%), Group C (n = 3; 7%), Group D (n = 16; 39%), and Group E (n = 15; 37%). All patients received 6 cycles of IVC as primary treatment. The indication for secondary salvage IVC with focal treatment included recurrent solid tumor (n = 36; 88%), subretinal seeds (n = 22; 54%), or persistent solid tumor (n = 2; 5%). Mean number of cycles of salvage IVC were 8 (median, 6; range, 6-18). Over a mean follow-up period of 43 months (median, 43 months; range, 12-96 months) after completion of salvage IVC, globe salvage was achieved in 22 (54%) eyes, 1 (3%) patient had histopathology-proven bone metastasis, and 1 (3%) patient died because of presumed metastasis. CONCLUSION: Secondary salvage IVC with appropriate focal treatment allows globe salvage in 54% eyes with refractory/recurrent retinoblastoma and thus serves as an alternative to intraarterial chemotherapy or enucleation.

Metastatic retinoblastoma at presentation: Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes.

The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine clinical features, treatment outcomes, and overall survival in four patients with metastatic retinoblastoma at presentation. The mean age at diagnosis was 63 months (range: 24-108 months). Three patients had overt orbital disease of at least one eye and one patient had microscopic orbital disease with scleral infiltration on histopathology. Metastatic sites included regional lymph nodes (RLN) (n = 4), bone marrow (BM) (n = 2), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (n = 1). The most common sites of RLN were ipsilateral preauricular nodes (two patients) and contralateral parotid gland involvement (one patient). The treatment administered included primary enucleation (n = 1), high-dose intravenous chemotherapy (n = 4), secondary enucleation (n = 2), orbital external beam radiotherapy (n = 3), and intrathecal chemotherapy (n = 1). High-risk features included massive choroidal and microscopic scleral infiltration in the eye that underwent primary enucleation. At a mean follow-up of 33 months (range, 4-68 months), one patient with CSF involvement deceased in 4 months. The remaining three patients were alive and disease-free at the last mean follow-up period of 43 months (range, 18-68 months). The results of our study showed that RLN and BM metastasis respond well to treatment while CSF metastasis is associated with poor prognosis.

Vancomycin Flushing Syndrome After the Use of Vancomycin-Impregnated Bone Graft During Spine Surgery: A Case Report.

CASE: Intrawound vancomycin in spine surgery is a common clinical practice. We report a case of a 14-year-old adolescent girl undergoing surgery for scoliosis correction who developed features of vancomycin flushing syndrome after the use of vancomycin-impregnated bone graft. After resuscitation, she was extubated and had an uneventful postoperative recovery. At 1-year follow-up, she is back to her routine without any sequelae of the intraoperative event. CONCLUSION: The use of intrawound vancomycin can result in life-threatening reactions. With the increase in its use, the anesthetist and the surgeon must be aware of such complications.

Plaque brachytherapy - Radiating positivity.

Background: Plaque brachytherapy is an evolving, yet effective globe and vision-sparing modality for the treatment of intraocular tumors by transscleral irradiation of the tumor base with a radioactive implant. The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) along with the collaboration of the international multicenter Ophthalmic Oncology Task Force (OOTF) was assembled to reach a consensus regarding establishing practice guidelines and setting standards of care for intraocular tumors. The advent of plaque brachytherapy has revolutionized the outcomes of intraocular tumors, thus ensuring globe salvage, reducing morbidity and mortality, and avoiding cosmetic disfigurement. A well-planned dosimetry for plaque brachytherapy results in achieving local tumor control and excellent prognosis. Purpose: This technique provides the advantage of focal radiation, thus eliminating the damage to the adjacent structures, minimal periorbital tissue damage, absence of cosmetic disfigurement owing to lack of retarded bone growth as seen in external beam radiotherapy. Thus, it reduces the risk of metastasis, and with the recent advances, it provides a shorter duration of treatment. Synopsis: : In this video, we shall display the concept of plaque brachytherapy, the various types of plaques available, different radiations sources, planning dosimetry and calculations, target disease spectrum, surgical placement, and post-radiation outcomes in terms of local tumor control and prognosis. Highlights: This video highlights the history, basic principles and techniques of plaque brachytherapy and provides an understanding of its applications in the world of ocular oncology. Video link: https://youtu.be/7PX0mDQETRY.

Brachytherapy training in India: Results from the GEC-ESTRO-India survey.

INTRODUCTION: Brachytherapy (BT) is integral in treatment of gynecological malignancies and is also an option for many other cancers. Data on training and proficiency levels of early career oncologists is limited. Like other continents a survey was conducted for early career oncologists in India. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An online survey was conducted from November 2019 to February 2020, through Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI) for early career radiation oncologists expected to be within 6 years of training. The survey used a 22 item questionnaire that was also used for European survey. Responses to individual statements were recorded on a 1-5 Likert-type scale. Descriptive statistics were used to describe proportions. RESULTS: One-hundred twenty-four (17%) of 700 recipients responded to the survey. Majority of the respondents (88%) stated that being able to perform BT at the end of their training was important. Two-thirds of the respondents (81/124) had performed >10 intracavitary procedure and 22.5% had performed >10 intracavitary-interstitial implants. Many respondents had not performed nongynecological procedure- breast (64%), prostate(82%), gastro-intestinal (47%). Respondents predicted that in next 10 years, the role of BT is likely to increase. Lack of dedicated curriculum and training was perceived as the greatest barriers to achieving independence in BT (58%). Respondents suggested that BT training should be prioritized during conferences (73%) and online teaching modules (56%), along with development of BT skills labs (65%). CONCLUSION: This survey identified a lack of proficiency in gynecological intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy and non-gynecological brachytherapy, despite BT training being regarded as highly important. Dedicated programs, including standardized curriculum and assessment need to be developed for training early- career radiation oncologists in BT.

Hospitalisation outcomes in pneumococcal-vaccinated versus -unvaccinated patients with exacerbation of COPD: results from the HOPE COPD Study.

Background: Infectious exacerbations are crucial events that dictate the natural course of COPD patients. Pneumococcal vaccination has been shown to decrease incidence of community-acquired pneumonia in COPD patients. There is a paucity of data on outcomes of hospitalisation in pneumococcal-vaccinated COPD patients in comparison with unvaccinated subjects. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the difference in hospitalisation outcomes in pneumococcal-vaccinated versus -unvaccinated COPD subjects hospitalised with acute exacerbation. Methods: This was a prospective analytical study on 120 subjects hospitalised with acute COPD exacerbation. 60 patients with prior pneumococcal vaccination and 60 unvaccinated patients were recruited. Outcomes of hospitalisation such as mortality rate, need for assisted ventilation, length of hospital stay, need for intensive care unit (ICU) care and length of ICU stay were collected and compared between two groups with appropriate statistical tools. Results: 60% of unvaccinated patients (36 out of 60) required assisted ventilation, whereas only 43.3% of vaccinated subjects (26 out of 60) needed assisted ventilation (p-value of 0.04). Most of the secondary outcomes were better in the vaccinated group. The mean±SD length of ICU stay in the vaccinated group was 0.67±1.11 days compared to 1.77±1.89 days in the unvaccinated group. The mean±SD length of hospital stay was 4.50±1.64 days and 5.47±2.03 days in the vaccinated and unvaccinated group, respectively (p-value of 0.005). Conclusions: COPD patients who have received prior pneumococcal vaccination have better outcomes when they are hospitalised for an acute exacerbation. Pneumococcal vaccination may be recommended for all patients with COPD who are at risk of hospitalisation with acute exacerbation.

Validation of Blood Pressure Devices as per 2020 World Health Organization Technical Specifications: A Scoping Review of Global Literature.

BACKGROUND: To identify and summarize the global research literature on validation of automated noninvasive blood pressure measurement devices (BPMDs) with upper arm cuff, develop a repository of validated BPMDs in compliance with the 2020 World Health Organization technical specifications, and identify challenges and gaps in evidence base on validated BPMDs. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted. Primary research validating BPMDs complying with the 2020 World Health Organization technical specifications (ie, semiautomated/automated noninvasive devices with upper arm cuff), published in English between January 2000 and December 2021, was included. We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, ProQuest and the dabl website. RESULTS: We included 269 studies validating 251 BPMDs across 89 manufacturers. Omron (29%), Microlife (10%), and A&D Company (8%) were the top 3 manufacturers. The 3 most frequently used validation protocols were the European Society of Hypertension-international protocol 2002 (27%), European Society of Hypertension-international protocol 2010 (25%), and modified British Hypertension Society protocol 1993 (16%), respectively. Nearly 45% of the validated BPMDs were intended for use in clinical settings, 38% were for home or self-measurement use, and 48% were for general adults. Most studies reported that BPMDs passed the validation criteria. There was inadequate reporting across studies, especially pertaining to validation settings. CONCLUSIONS: Most BPMDs fulfilled the validation criteria. However, there are considerable gaps in BPMD research in terms of geographical representation, including specific target populations and diseases/conditions, and a range of arm circumferences. Additionally, a potential strategy is required to accelerate the adoption of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI)/European Society of Hypertension/International Organization for Standardization Universal Standard (International Organization for Standardization 81060-2:2018) for BPMD validation.