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Miskin BM, Fox LA, Abou-Al-Shaar H, Bin-Alamer O, Goertz A, Lipin CT, Fertig N, Cox N. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the Management of Mild and Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single-Center Experience. World Neurosurg 2023; 176:e357-e370. [PMID: 37244521 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to be an effective modality in the management of a variety of conditions. However, its role in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains an area of controversy. This study aims to evaluate the safety and outcomes of HBOT in managing the long-term sequelae of TBI. METHODS The records of TBI patients who underwent increments of 40 sessions of HBOT at 1.5 atmosphere absolute at a single medical center were reviewed. The outcome measures included physical, cognitive (i.e., Trail Making Test, parts A and B; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Subjective Symptoms tool), and single-photon emission computed tomography findings. The complications and withdrawals were recorded. RESULTS During the study period, 17 patients underwent HBOT to manage the long-term sequelae of their TBI. Of the 17 patients, 12 (70.6%) completed 120 HBOT sessions and were evaluated 3 months after treatment. All 12 patients had statistically significant improvements in their Trail Making Test, parts A and B, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Evaluation of Cognitive Impairment and Subjective Symptoms scores (P < 0.05). Additionally, single-photon emission computed tomography depicted increased cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism among studied subjects compared with the baseline values. A total of 5 patients withdrew from the study, which was related to new-onset headaches associated with HBOT for 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS HBOT using 1.5 atmosphere absolute in increments of 40 sessions was found to be a safe and effective modality in the management of the long-term sequelae of TBI. HBOT should be considered in the management of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Miskin
- Department of Surgery, Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, Florida, USA.
| | - Lee A Fox
- Department of Radiology, Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Hussam Abou-Al-Shaar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Othman Bin-Alamer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aaron Goertz
- Pulmonary Medical Associates, Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Napa, California, USA
| | - Conner T Lipin
- Department of Psychiatry, Memorial Regional Hospital, Hollywood, Florida, USA
| | - Nicole Fertig
- Department of Surgery, Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Nevada Cox
- Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Chen Y, Wang L, You W, Huang F, Jiang Y, Sun L, Wang S, Liu S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes consciousness, cognitive function, and prognosis recovery in patients following traumatic brain injury through various pathways. Front Neurol 2022; 13:929386. [PMID: 36034283 PMCID: PMC9402226 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.929386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical curative effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment and its mechanism in improving dysfunction following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Patients were enrolled into control and HBO groups. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) scores were used to measure consciousness; the Rancho Los Amigos scale-revised (RLAS-R) score was used to assess cognitive impairment; the Stockholm computed tomography (CT) score, quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), and biomarkers, including neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100 calcium-binding protein beta (S100β), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were used to assess TBI severity. The patients were followed up 6 months after discharge and assessed with the Glasgow outcome scale-extended (GOSE), functional independence measure (FIM), and the disability rating scale (DRS). Results The CRS-R scores were higher in the HBO group than the control group at 10 days after treatment. The RLAS-R scores were higher in the HBO group than the control group at 10 and 20 days after treatment. The Stockholm CT scores were significantly lower in the HBO group than the control group at 10 days after treatment. HBO depressed the (δ + θ)/(α + β) ratio (DTABR) of EEG, with lower δ band relative power and higher α band relative power than those in the control group. At 20 days after treatment, the expression of NSE, S100β, and GFAP in the HBO group was lower than that in controls, whereas the expression of BDNF, NGF, and VEGF in the HBO group was higher than that in controls. Six months after discharge, the HBO group had lower DRS scores and higher FIM and GOSE scores than the control group significantly. Conclusions HBO may be an effective treatment for patients with TBI to improve consciousness, cognitive function and prognosis through decreasing TBI-induced hematoma volumes, promoting the recovery of EEG rhythm, and modulating the expression of serum NSE, S100β, GFAP, BDNF, NGF, and VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Wenjun You
- Department of Geriatrics, Second Peoples Hospital of Nantong, Affiliated of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Fei Huang
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nantong Health College of Jiangsu Province, Nantong, China
| | - Yingzi Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Siye Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Su Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Su Liu
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Zafonte RD, Wang L, Arbelaez CA, Dennison R, Teng YD. Medical Gas Therapy for Tissue, Organ, and CNS Protection: A Systematic Review of Effects, Mechanisms, and Challenges. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104136. [PMID: 35243825 PMCID: PMC9069381 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous molecules have been increasingly explored for therapeutic development. Here, following an analytical background introduction, a systematic review of medical gas research is presented, focusing on tissue protections, mechanisms, data tangibility, and translational challenges. The pharmacological efficacies of carbon monoxide (CO) and xenon (Xe) are further examined with emphasis on intracellular messengers associated with cytoprotection and functional improvement for the CNS, heart, retina, liver, kidneys, lungs, etc. Overall, the outcome supports the hypothesis that readily deliverable "biological gas" (CO, H2 , H2 S, NO, O2 , O3 , and N2 O) or "noble gas" (He, Ar, and Xe) treatment may preserve cells against common pathologies by regulating oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic, survival, and/or repair processes. Specifically, CO, in safe dosages, elicits neurorestoration via igniting sGC/cGMP/MAPK signaling and crosstalk between HO-CO, HIF-1α/VEGF, and NOS pathways. Xe rescues neurons through NMDA antagonism and PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α/ERK activation. Primary findings also reveal that the need to utilize cutting-edge molecular and genetic tactics to validate mechanistic targets and optimize outcome consistency remains urgent; the number of neurotherapeutic investigations is limited, without published results from large in vivo models. Lastly, the broad-spectrum, concurrent multimodal homeostatic actions of medical gases may represent a novel pharmaceutical approach to treating critical organ failure and neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross D. Zafonte
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Neurotrauma Recovery Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
- Spaulding Research InstituteSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital NetworkBostonMA02129USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
| | - Christian A. Arbelaez
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
| | - Rachel Dennison
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
| | - Yang D. Teng
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
- Neurotrauma Recovery Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
- Spaulding Research InstituteSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital NetworkBostonMA02129USA
- Laboratory of SCI, Stem Cell and Recovery Neurobiology Research, Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02129USA
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Xia A, Huang H, You W, Liu Y, Wu H, Liu S. The neuroprotection of hyperbaric oxygen therapy against traumatic brain injury via NF-κB/MAPKs-CXCL1 signaling pathways. Exp Brain Res 2021; 240:207-220. [PMID: 34687331 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy achieves neuroprotective effects by modulating neuroinflammatory responses. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. Based on our previous studies, we further investigated whether HBO therapy exerts neuroprotective effects in vivo by regulating the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/ mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)1 inflammatory pathway. In our study, a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) was established by controlled cortical impact (CCI) to verify that the expression of CXCL1 and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor (CXCR)2 increased after TBI, and CXCL1 was mainly expressed in astrocytes, while CXCR2 was mainly expressed in neurons. Increased apoptosis of cortical nerve cells in the injured cortex was also found after TBI. Reduced nerve cell apoptosis with improved neurological function was observed after application of a CXCR2 antagonist. The expression of phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) and p-NF-κB increased after TBI, and application of ERK, JNK and NF-κB inhibitors decreased expression of CXCL1 and CXCR2 in rats. We further found that HBO therapy down-regulated the expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, p-NF-κB, CXCL1, and CXCR2, and reduced nerve cell apoptosis, improved the neurological function of TBI rats, and ultimately alleviated the secondary injury. In conclusion, HBO therapy may exert neuroprotective effect by regulating the NF-κB/MAPKs (JNK and ERK)-CXCL1 inflammatory pathways following TBI, which probably provide the theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical application of HBO therapy in the treatment of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huan Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.,School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjun You
- Department of Geriatrics, the Second Peoples Hospital of Nantong, Affiliated of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hongqin Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Su Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Jiang Y, Chen Y, Huang C, Xia A, Wang G, Liu S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurological function via the p38-MAPK/CCL2 signaling pathway following traumatic brain injury. Neuroreport 2021; 32:1255-1262. [PMID: 34494990 PMCID: PMC8432607 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) treatment on traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced neuroinflammation remain unclear. The aim of this study was expected the effect of HBO on CCL2-related signaling pathway following severe TBI in rats. METHODS The severe TBI model in rats was induced by controlled cortical impact. TBI rats were treated with CCR2 antagonist, p38 inhibitor, or HBO. Modified neurological severity scores and Morris water maze were used to evaluate neurological and cognitive function. The expression levels of CCL2 and CCR2 were measured by ELISA and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Phospho-p38 expression was analyzed by western blotting. RESULTS TBI-induced upregulation of CCL2, CCR2, and p38 in the injured cortex. Application of CCR2 antagonist improved neurological and cognitive function of TBI rats. Application of p38 inhibitor decreased expression of CCL2 and CCR2 in the injured of TBI rats, meanwhile improved neurological and cognitive function. HBO improved neurological and cognitive function by decreasing the expressions of CCL2, CCR2, and phospho-p38. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that the p38-MAPK-CCL2 signaling pathway could mediate neuroinflammation and HBO therapy can modulate neuroinflammation by modulating the p38-MAPK-CCL2 signaling pathways following TBI. This study may provide theoretical evidence for HBO treatment in the treatment of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzi Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University
| | - Yuwen Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University
| | - Chunling Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University
| | - Anqi Xia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University
| | - Guohua Wang
- Institute of Special Environmental Medicine and Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Su Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University
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Shin SS, Hwang M, Diaz-Arrastia R, Kilbaugh TJ. Inhalational Gases for Neuroprotection in Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2634-2651. [PMID: 33940933 PMCID: PMC8820834 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite multiple prior pharmacological trials in traumatic brain injury (TBI), the search for an effective, safe, and practical treatment of these patients remains ongoing. Given the ease of delivery and rapid absorption into the systemic circulation, inhalational gases that have neuroprotective properties will be an invaluable resource in the clinical management of TBI patients. In this review, we perform a systematic review of both pre-clinical and clinical reports describing inhalational gas therapy in the setting of TBI. Hyperbaric oxygen, which has been investigated for many years, and some of the newest developments are reviewed. Also, promising new therapies such as hydrogen gas, hydrogen sulfide gas, and nitric oxide are discussed. Moreover, novel therapies such as xenon and argon gases and delivery methods using microbubbles are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S. Shin
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Misun Hwang
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ramon Diaz-Arrastia
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Todd J. Kilbaugh
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Critical Elements of Return to Learn for Students With Concussion: A Scoping Review. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2021; 37:E113-E128. [PMID: 34145156 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify critical elements of return to learn (RTL) for students with concussion and examine the state of the peer-reviewed published literature through a scoping review. METHODS Three electronic databases were systematically searched, and reference lists screened for articles addressing components of RTL protocols and accommodations for students with concussion. In total, 100 articles met inclusion criteria, including 56 empirical studies and 44 expert articles. RESULTS Four key components to RTL protocols were identified: RTL teams, management approaches, outcome measurement, and accommodations. Both bodies of literature agree on the importance of RTL teams, but evidence for specific monitoring tools and management approaches is less robust. Accommodations have been better addressed by experts than empirical evaluation. Empirical studies are largely cross-sectional, and many are survey based. Just 24 include student perspectives. Publication of expert literature has declined in frequency, as empirical studies have become more common. CONCLUSION This scoping review describes the current landscape of RTL and provides guidance toward expanding the empirical literature to systematically determine best practices to serve students with concussion.
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Meehan A, Hebert D, Deru K, Weaver LK. Longitudinal study of hyperbaric oxygen intervention on balance and affective symptoms in military service members with persistent post-concussive symptoms. J Vestib Res 2019; 29:205-219. [PMID: 31282447 DOI: 10.3233/ves-180671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dizziness and imbalance are common after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) has been proposed for persistent post-concussive symptoms after mTBI, but its effect on vestibular function is unknown. OBJECTIVE To describe balance function in military service-members before and after intervention, and to explore the influence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression on vestibular outcomes. METHODS Seventy-one participants with mTBI and seventy-five healthy adults without brain injury were enrolled (NCT01611194 and NCT01925963). mTBI participants were randomized to 40 HBO2 sessions or 40 sham chamber sessions over 12 weeks. Normative controls received no intervention. Balance and neuropsychological function were measured at baseline, 13 weeks, and 6 months. RESULTS The mTBI cohort performed worse than healthy controls on balance and gait measures and reported more affective symptoms. Some within-group improvements were noted at 13 weeks and 6 months. Significant between-intervention differences on balance measures were minimal but effects on postural control generally favored HBO2. Those with affective symptoms, particularly PTSD, had the most improvement in postural control and otolith function following 13 weeks of HBO2. CONCLUSION HBO2 may influence balance function after mTBI, particularly in those with affective symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Meehan
- Lovelace Biomedical Research, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Kayla Deru
- Division of Hyperbaric Medicine Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT, and Intermountain LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lindell K Weaver
- Division of Hyperbaric Medicine Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT, and Intermountain LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Vox F, Folkers KM, Turi A, Caplan AL. Medical Crowdfunding for Scientifically Unsupported or Potentially Dangerous Treatments. JAMA 2018; 320:1705-1706. [PMID: 30357284 PMCID: PMC6233813 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2018.10264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
This study identified fundraising campaigns for unsubstantiated treatments, such as homeopathic remedies for cancer and antibiotic therapy for chronic Lyme disease, on GoFundMe and other crowdfunding platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ford Vox
- Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Angela Turi
- Division of Medical Ethics, New York University School of Medicine, New York
| | - Arthur L. Caplan
- Division of Medical Ethics, New York University School of Medicine, New York
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Jonas WB, Crawford C, Hilton L, Elfenbaum P. Scientific Evaluation and Review of Claims in Health Care (SEaRCH): A Streamlined, Systematic, Phased Approach for Determining "What Works" in Healthcare. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 23:18-25. [PMID: 28026968 PMCID: PMC5248545 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Answering the question of “what works” in healthcare can be complex and requires the careful design and sequential application of systematic methodologies. Over the last decade, the Samueli Institute has, along with multiple partners, developed a streamlined, systematic, phased approach to this process called the Scientific Evaluation and Review of Claims in Health Care (SEaRCH™). The SEaRCH process provides an approach for rigorously, efficiently, and transparently making evidence-based decisions about healthcare claims in research and practice with minimal bias. Methods: SEaRCH uses three methods combined in a coordinated fashion to help determine what works in healthcare. The first, the Claims Assessment Profile (CAP), seeks to clarify the healthcare claim and question, and its ability to be evaluated in the context of its delivery. The second method, the Rapid Evidence Assessment of the Literature (REAL©), is a streamlined, systematic review process conducted to determine the quantity, quality, and strength of evidence and risk/benefit for the treatment. The third method involves the structured use of expert panels (EPs). There are several types of EPs, depending on the purpose and need. Together, these three methods—CAP, REAL, and EP—can be integrated into a strategic approach to help answer the question “what works in healthcare?” and what it means in a comprehensive way. Discussion: SEaRCH is a systematic, rigorous approach for evaluating healthcare claims of therapies, practices, programs, or products in an efficient and stepwise fashion. It provides an iterative, protocol-driven process that is customized to the intervention, consumer, and context. Multiple communities, including those involved in health service and policy, can benefit from this organized framework, assuring that evidence-based principles determine which healthcare practices with the greatest promise are used for improving the public's health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lara Hilton
- 1 Samueli Institute , Alexandria, VA.,2 RAND Corporation , Santa Monica, CA
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