Efficacy of topical treatments for molluscum contagiosum in randomized controlled trials.

Although molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common infectious dermatosis that is self-resolving, treatment can diminish discomfort and decrease the risk of autoinoculation and infection to others, because it is transmitted through direct skin contact. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of topical treatments for MC. A PubMed search following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed to find randomized, controlled trials of MC treatment. The search yielded 129 publications, but only 15 studies published between 1994 and 2020 were found to fit the inclusion criteria. Treatment modalities included podophyllotoxin, imiquimod, sodium nitrite, myrtle leaf extract, phenol, Salatac Gel (salicylic acid with lactic acid), potassium hydroxide, cantharidin, SB206, and VP-102. Outcomes were extracted from the literature, and subsequent quality and risk of bias assessments were performed. All treatments were more efficacious than the control except cantharidin, potassium hydroxide, and imiquimod, which had varying degrees of efficacy throughout studies. Overall, studies were of sufficient quality and had low risk of bias, but they had small sample sizes and lacked adequate explanation of statistical analysis. Current first-line treatment entails mechanical methods such as cryotherapy and curettage, which may be frightening to children with MC, so the development and assessment of topical treatments allows for alternative efficacious techniques.

The utility of deep brain stimulation surgery for treating eating disorders: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has demonstrated preliminary success as a treatment for neuropsychological disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use disorder. This systematic review aims to assess the use of DBS in treating eating disorders (EDs) to determine its utility and the extent of adverse effects. METHODS: A PubMed search following PRISMA guidelines was executed to find studies encompassing DBS as a treatment of ED. Outcomes were extracted from the literature and summarized while a review of quality was also performed. RESULTS: From a search yielding 299 publications, 11 studies published between 2010 and 2020 were found to fit the inclusion criteria. Out of 53 patients who began with an abnormal BMI before treatment, 22 patients (41.5%) achieved normal BMI on follow-up. Significant neuropsychological improvement was seen in most patients as measured by neuropsychiatric testing and questionnaires. CONCLUSION: DBS as a treatment for ED may result in significant objective and psychological benefits. Further studies should aim to increase the sample size, standardize follow-up protocol, and standardize the neuropsychiatric tests used to determine psychological and physiological benefits.

Outcomes of deep brain stimulation surgery for substance use disorder: a systematic review.

Long has the standard of care for substance use disorder (SUD) been pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, or rehabilitation with varying success. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may have a beneficial reduction in the addiction-reward pathway. Recent studies have found reduced relapse and improvements in quality of life following DBS stimulation of the nucleus accumbens. We aim to identify positive outcomes and adverse effects to assess the viability of DBS as a treatment of addiction. A PubMed search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify the entirety of reports reporting DBS as a treatment for SUD. Outcomes were extracted from the literature to be summarized, and a review of the quality of publications was also performed. From 2305 publications, 14 studies were found to fit the inclusion criteria published between 2007 and 2019. All studies targeted the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and remission rates at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and more than 6 years were 61% (20/33), 53% (17/32), 43% (14/30), and 50% (3/6), respectively. Not all studies detailed the stimulation settings or coordinates. The most common adverse effect across studies was a weight change of at least 2 kg. DBS shows potential as a long-term treatment of SUD in refractory patients. Further studies with controlled double-blind paradigms are needed for evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this treatment. Future studies should also investigate other brain regions for stimulation and optimal device stimulation parameters.