Clinical Characteristics of Patients with co-Existent Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Depression: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Both diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression have significant implications on patients' quality of life, management and outcomes. We aimed to evaluate all available evidence concerning patients with co-existent diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression, and describe their clinical characteristics, in order to promote early recognition and management.

METHODS

Systematic search of PubMed for studies providing data on patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression. The primary outcome was to evaluate all available evidence related to characteristics of diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression. Secondary study outcomes included comorbid conditions and complications in these patients.

RESULTS

Final analysis included 24 studies with data on 205 patients. Most patients were adults between 18-65 years of age. Mean HbA1c value was above 8% and most patients were treated with insulin. Neuropathy was predominantly painful and most patients with available data were considered to have major depressive disorder. In addition to diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression, diabetes-related complications were recorded in 43 patients, the most common being autonomic neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. The most frequently reported comorbidities were weight loss (72 patients), impotence (60 patients), hypertension (23 patients) and coronary artery disease (22 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study describes the characteristics of patients with co-existent diabetic peripheral neuropathy and depression, aiming for prompt detection, prevention of further deterioration and improvement of patient outcomes. Available evidence shows that the majority of these patients are adults, with painful peripheral neuropathy and with insulin-treated and inadequately controlled diabetes.

Clinical characteristics, microbiology and outcomes of external ventricular drainage-associated infections: The importance of active treatment

Data concerning clinical characteristics, microbiology, treatment and outcomes of external ventricular drainage-associated infections (EVDAI) are limited. All hospitalized patients with EVDAI in a University Hospital between January 2009 and December 2015 were retrospective recorded. Only the first episode per patient was included. An antibiotic was considered "active" when its pharmacokinetic properties were appropriate for EVDAI and the implicated microorganism was in vitro susceptible. During the 7-year study period, 36 EVDAI were identified. Median patient age was 53years and 23 (63.9%) were male. Catheter types were intraventricular (70.6%) and lumbar (29.4%). Median catheterization duration before infection was 14days. Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) predominated (57.9%), followed by gram-positives (36.8%) and fungi (5.3%). Administered antibiotics were considered "active" in 69.4% of empirical and in 86.1% of definitive treatment regimens. In 10 infections, intraventricular/intrathecal (IVT) antibiotics were administered. Eleven patients died (30.6%) during hospitalization. Patients who died had higher rates of EVDAI by GNB (p=0.011) and higher rates of treatment with intravenous colistin (p=0.019 for empirical and p=0.006 for definitive colistin). Compared to EVDAI by other pathogens, patients with EVDAI by GNB had longer catheter-days before infection (p<0.001) and higher mortality (p=0.011). In our study, GNB were a frequent cause of EVDAI, and were related with high rates of inactive treatment and mortality. Intravenous colistin alone is not effective and treatment should include IVT antibiotics and intravenous antibiotics that achieve adequate CSF levels.

Effect of public health interventions during the first epidemic wave of COVID-19 in Cyprus: a modelling study

BACKGROUND

Cyprus addressed the first wave of SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) by implementing non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). The aims of this study were: a) to estimate epidemiological parameters of this wave including infection attack ratio, infection fatality ratio, and case ascertainment ratio, b) to assess the impact of public health interventions and examine what would have happened if those interventions had not been implemented.

METHODS

A dynamic, stochastic, individual-based Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) model was developed to simulate COVID-19 transmission and progression in the population of the Republic of Cyprus. The model was fitted to the observed trends in COVID-19 deaths and intensive care unit (ICU) bed use.

RESULTS

By May 8th, 2020, the infection attack ratio was 0.31% (95% Credible Interval [CrI]: 0.15, 0.54%), the infection fatality ratio was 0.71% (95% CrI: 0.44, 1.61%), and the case ascertainment ratio was 33.2% (95% CrI: 19.7, 68.7%). If Cyprus had not implemented any public health measure, the healthcare system would have been overwhelmed by April 14th. The interventions averted 715 (95% CrI: 339, 1235) deaths. If Cyprus had only increased ICU beds, without any social distancing measure, the healthcare system would have been overwhelmed by April 19th.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision of the Cypriot authorities to launch early NPIs limited the burden of the first wave of COVID-19. The findings of these analyses could help address the next waves of COVID-19 in Cyprus and other similar settings.

Epicardial adipose tissue deposition in patients with diabetes and renal impairment: Analysis of the literature

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a chronic disease of disordered metabolism with an ongoing increase in prevalence and incidence rates. Renal disease in patients with diabetes is associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality, particularly attributed to their very high cardiovascular risk. Since this group of patients frequently lacks specific symptomatology prior to the adverse events, a screening tool for the identification of high-risk patients is necessary. The epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a biologically active organ having properties similar to visceral adipose tissue and has been associated with metabolic diseases and coronary artery disease. Superior to conventional cardiovascular risk factors and anthropometric measures, including body mass index and waist circumference, the EAT can early predict the development of coronary artery disease. Assessment of EAT can be performed by two-dimensional echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging or computer tomography. However, its role and significance in patients with DM and nephropathy has not been thoroughly evaluated. The aim of the current editorial is to evaluate all available evidence regarding EAT in patients with DM and renal impairment. Systematic search of the literature revealed that patients with DM and nephropathy have increased EAT measurements, uncontrolled underlying disease, high body mass index and raised cardiovascular risk markers. Acknowledging the practical implications of this test, EAT assessment could serve as a novel and non-invasive biomarker to identify high-risk patients for cardiovascular adverse events.

Transition beyond the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: Need to address the long-term health impacts of COVID-19

Despite gaps in knowledge, long-term sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections are globally acknowledged and thus require special attention by public health organizations and services. Therefore, it is necessary to support and promote public health initiatives that address long-term disability due to COVID-19.

Fever of unknown origin caused by infectious diseases in the era of migrant and refugee crisis

Concern exists in Europe about the possibility of importation of infectious diseases due to the recent influx of migrants and refugees after 2011. In this retrospective 6-year study, we examined the epidemiology of fever of unknown origin (FUO) in Greece over the past years. Forty-eight patients with classical FUO were included. The proportion of infectious causes of FUO (29.2%) was similar to previous studies in Greece and all infections were endemic to the area. Disease-related mortality was 12.5% and no deaths due to infection were recorded. In conclusion, none of the diagnosed infectious causes of FUO raised concerns about the possibility of imported diseases or pathogens. These results re-inforce the perception that migrants and refugees are not carriers of communicable diseases that can cause public health problems to European countries.

Effect of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 reinfection risk: a case-control study in the Republic of Cyprus

OBJECTIVES

We explored the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing reinfection in the Republic of Cyprus.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a matched case-control study (1:2).

METHODS

Cases were adults with a first episode of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 2020 and a second episode (i.e. reinfection) between June and August 2021. Controls were adults with only one infection episode in 2020 (i.e. not reinfected). Matching was performed by age, gender, and week of diagnosis for the first episode. The reinfection date of a case was applied to the matched controls for estimating full or partial vaccination status. Cases and controls were classified as unvaccinated, partially vaccinated (i.e. vaccination series not completed or final dose received ≤14 days before the reinfection date), or fully vaccinated (i.e. final dose received >14 days before the reinfection date). Conditional logistic regression was performed to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for full or partial vaccination, against no vaccination, between controls and cases.

RESULTS

This study showed that controls were more likely to be vaccinated (odds ratio for full vaccination: 5.51, 95% confidence interval: 2.43-12.49) than cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This finding answers a pressing question of the public and supports the offer of vaccination to people with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Clinical significance of P-class pumps in cancer

P-class pumps are specific ion transporters involved in maintaining intracellular/extracellular ion homeostasis, gene transcription, and cell proliferation and migration in all eukaryotic cells. The present review aimed to evaluate the role of P-type pumps [Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA), H+/K+ ATPase (HKA) and Ca2+-ATPase] in cancer cells across three fronts, namely structure, function and genetic expression. It has been shown that administration of specific P-class pumps inhibitors can have different effects by: i) Altering pump function; ii) inhibiting cell proliferation; iii) inducing apoptosis; iv) modifying metabolic pathways; and v) induce sensitivity to chemotherapy and lead to antitumor effects. For example, the NKA β2 subunit can be downregulated by gemcitabine, resulting in increased apoptosis of cancer cells. The sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase can be inhibited by thapsigargin resulting in decreased prostate tumor volume, whereas the HKA α subunit can be affected by proton pump inhibitors in gastric cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis. In conclusion, the present review highlighted the central role of P-class pumps and their possible use and role as anticancer cellular targets for novel therapeutic chemical agents.

Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Food-Producing Animals: Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Veterinarians and Operators of Establishments in the Republic of Cyprus

Background: Current evidence suggests that more than half of all antimicrobials are used in the sector of food-producing animals, thus constituting a major risk factor for development and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) among veterinarians (n = 26) working with food-producing animals and operators (n = 165) of establishments that keep food-producing animals, across all districts of Cyprus between October and December 2024. Results: Most veterinarians demonstrated sufficient knowledge regarding AMR and AMU; however, certain knowledge gaps were identified. There was a general trend toward desired responses aimed at reducing AMU. Despite this, the level of responses advocating for restrictions on the use of specific priority antimicrobials and broad-spectrum antibacterials was unsatisfactory. Over half of veterinarians prescribed Category B substances. Furthermore, there was no significant association between the use of "restricted" antibiotics and veterinarians' level of knowledge nor between antibiotic use and the practice of microbiological culture and susceptibility testing. Among operators, positive attitudes were significant predictors of implementing of good practices. Additionally, operators who had contracts with a veterinarians were more likely to follow good practices. Conclusions: There is a need for further education on AMR in the veterinary sector in the Republic of Cyprus. Raising awareness among animal producers, is also crucial, along with enforcing a policy on antimicrobial use. Comprehensive governance involving all stakeholders must be implemented to address AMR more effectively.

Gaps in Knowledge About SARS-CoV-2 & COVID-19 Among University Students Are Associated With Negative Attitudes Toward People With COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in Cyprus

University students represent a highly active group in terms of their social activity in the community and in the propagation of information on social media. We aimed to map the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of University students in Cyprus about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to guide targeted future measures and information campaigns. We used a cross-sectional online survey targeting all students in conventional, not distance-learning, programs in five major universities in the Republic of Cyprus. Students were invited to participate through the respective Studies and Student Welfare Office of each institution. The survey was made available in English and Greek on REDCap. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The questionnaire was developed based on a consensus to cover the main factual information directed by official channels toward the general public in Cyprus at the time of the survey. In addition to sociodemographic information (N = 8), the self-administered questionnaire consisted of 19 questions, assessing the knowledge regarding the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, infection prevention and control measures (N = 10), perceptions related to COVID-19, for instance, whether strict travel measures are necessary (N = 4), and attitudes toward a hypothetical person infected (N = 2). Furthermore, participants were asked to provide their own assessment of their knowledge about COVID-19 and specifically with regard to the main symptoms and ways of transmission (N = 3). The number of students who completed the survey was 3,641 (41% studying Health/Life Sciences). Amongst them, 68.8% responded correctly to at least 60% of knowledge-related questions. Misconceptions were identified in 30%. Only 29.1% expressed a positive attitude toward a hypothetical person with COVID-19 without projecting judgment (9.2%) or blame (38%). Odds of expressing a positive attitude increased by 18% (95% CI 13-24%; p < 0.001) per unit increase in knowledge. Postgraduate level education was predictive of better knowledge (odds ratio (OR) 1.81; 95% CI 1.34-2.46; p < 0.001 among doctoral students] and positive attitude [OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.01-1.80; p = 0.04). In this study, we show that specific knowledge gaps and misconceptions exist among University students about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 and their prevalence is associated with negative attitudes toward people with COVID-19. Our findings highlight the integrated nature of knowledge and attitude and suggest that improvements to the former could contribute to improvements in the latter.

Oral Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir for the Treatment of COVID-19: A Literature Review with a Focus on Real-World Evidence

Vaccines remain the cornerstone of medical prevention and are highly effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the context of expanding the therapeutic armamentarium against COVID-19, molnupiravir (Lagevrio) and ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) were developed, constituting the first effective oral treatments against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this narrative review, we retrospectively inquired into the clinical trials and real-world studies investigating the efficacy of these agents. Overall, clinical trials and real-world studies have demonstrated the efficacy of both agents in reducing hospitalization and death rates in COVID-19 patients. As per current recommendations, their use is suggested in patients with mild to moderate symptoms who are at high risk of developing severe disease. Nevertheless, limited data exist regarding their efficacy in specific subpopulations, such as immunocompromised patients, those with severe kidney disease, pregnant women, and children.

The impact of seasonal influenza vaccination uptake on COVID-19 vaccination attitudes in a rural area in Greece

INTRODUCTION

Promoting vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly and persons with comorbidities, is important for reducing the incidence of severe disease and death.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional study of factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination, including previous influenza vaccination, among all persons who received medical services in a rural area in Crete, Greece, between October 2020-May 2021.

RESULTS

Among 3129 participants, receipt of influenza vaccination in 2020-21 was strongly associated with COVID-19 vaccination, as was influenza vaccination in 2019-20, albeit to a lesser extent. In addition, persons older than 59 years (with exception of those 90 + years old) and those who lived closer to the hospital/health center, were more likely to vaccinate for COVID-19. Persons younger than 40 years of age, females, persons with mental illness or neurologic disease, were also less likely to vaccinate for COVID-19 (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 vaccination was more likely among those who were vaccinated for influenza before and during the pandemic. Access to healthcare services and specific comorbidities, were important influencers for vaccination, underlying the importance of tailored interventions to enforce vaccination in high-risk groups.

European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases/European Committee on infection control clinical guidelines on pre-operative decolonization and targeted prophylaxis in patients colonized by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria before surgery

SCOPE

The aim of these guidelines is to provide recommendations for decolonization and perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) in multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria (MDR-GPB) adult carriers before inpatient surgery.

METHODS

These European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases/European Committee on Infection Control guidelines were developed following a systematic review of published studies targeting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci, and pan-drug-resistant-GPB. Critical outcomes were the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by the colonizing MDR-GPB and SSIs-attributable mortality. Important outcomes included the occurrence of SSIs caused by any pathogen, hospital-acquired infections, all-cause mortality, and adverse events associated with the interventions, including resistance development to the agents used and the incidence of Clostridioides difficile infections. The last search of all databases was performed on 1 November 2023. The level of evidence and the strength of each recommendation were defined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Consensus of a multidisciplinary expert panel was reached for the final list of recommendations. Antimicrobial stewardship considerations were included.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The guideline panel reviewed the impact of decolonization, targeted PAP, and combined interventions (e.g. decolonization and targeted PAP) on the risk of SSIs and other outcomes in MDR-GPB carriers, according to the type of bacteria and type of surgery. We recommend screening for S. aureus before high-risk operations, such as cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgery. Decolonization with intranasal mupirocin with or without a chlorhexidine bath is recommended in patients colonized with S. aureus before cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgery and suggested in other surgeries. The addition of vancomycin to standard prophylaxis is suggested for MRSA carriers in cardiothoracic surgery, orthopaedic surgery, and neurosurgery. Combined interventions (e.g. decolonization and targeted prophylaxis) are suggested for MRSA carriers undergoing cardiothoracic and orthopaedic surgery. No recommendation could be made regarding screening, decolonization and targeted prophylaxis for vancomycin-resistant enterococci because of the lack of data. No evidence was retrieved for methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci and pan-drug-resistant-GPB. Careful consideration of the laboratory workload and involvement of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control teams are warranted before implementing screening procedures or performing changes in PAP policy. Future research should focus on novel decolonizing techniques, on the monitoring of resistance to decolonizing agents and PAP regimens, and on standardized combined interventions in high-quality studies.

Implementation of a hospital antimicrobial stewardship program to improve vancomycin use in Cyprus: Challenges and opportunity

BACKGROUND

The Republic of Cyprus is among the highest consumers of antibacterials for systemic use in Europe. The antimicrobial resistance of invasive isolates in Cyprus is also high compared to the European Union. Formal antimicrobial stewardship initiatives are scarce in Cyprus, raising an urgent need to address the challenges for implementing hospital antimicrobial stewardship.

AIM

To implement an antimicrobial stewardship program and improve vancomycin use in a tertiary care hospital in Cyprus, through implementation of a protocol for treatment and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and to discuss the current challenges present in Cyprus.

METHODS

Following a local audit of practices, we established a hospital antimicrobial stewardship program with limited resources, towards a model of stewardship which included a persuasive approach, education, selective reporting of antimicrobial susceptibility, providing comments on the microbiology results and regular microbiology clinical ward rounds.

FINDINGS

By implementing our vancomycin protocol, we achieved a statistically significant improvement (P<0.01) in achieving vancomycin therapeutic levels over a 2-year period, while improving administration practices.

CONCLUSION

Meaningful steps toward implementing a local antimicrobial stewardship program are possible even in resource-limited and unfavourable settings.

A case of severe unprovoked hemorrhage in an elderly male: a case report

Acquired hemophilia is a rare but potentially fatal clinical condition requiring clinical suspicion to reach to a diagnosis, especially in elder patients. This diagnosis should be suspected in patients that present with unexplained persistent bleeding from skin, soft tissues, and mucosa and have a prolonged aPTT.

Lomentospora prolificans Disseminated Infections: A Systematic Review of Reported Cases

BACKGROUND

Lomentospora prolificans, a rare, highly virulent filamentous fungus with high rates of intrinsic resistance to antifungals, has been associated with different types of infections in immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent individuals.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically address all relevant evidence regarding L. prolificans disseminated infections in the literature.

METHODS

We searched Medline via PubMed and Scopus databases through July 2022. We performed a qualitative synthesis of published articles reporting disseminated infections from L. prolificans in humans.

RESULTS

A total of 87 studies describing 142 cases were included in our systematic review. The pathogen was most frequently reported in disseminated infections in Spain (n = 47), Australia (n = 33), the USA (n = 21), and Germany (n = 10). Among 142 reported cases, 48.5% were males. Underlying conditions identified for the majority of patients included malignancy (72.5%), hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (23.2%), solid organ transplantation (16%), and AIDS (2%). Lungs, central nervous system, skin, eyes, heart and bones/joints were the most commonly affected organs. Neutropenia was recorded in 52% of patients. The mortality rate was as high as 87.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review conducted on disseminated infections due to this rare microorganism. Physicians should be aware that L. prolificans can cause a diversity of infections with high mortality and primarily affects immunocompromised and neutropenic patients.

Patient Experiences and Perceptions with Infections Due to Multidrug-Resistant Organisms: A Systematic Review

Infections by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose significant public health challenges, including increased mortality rates, healthcare costs, and significant impacts on the quality of life for patients. Utilizing a systematic review methodology adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we performed a comprehensive search across three databases, identifying 20 relevant studies that investigated the psychological effects of infections due to MDROs on hospitalized adults. The primary outcomes examined included depression, anxiety, and other psychosocial impacts, while secondary outcomes included patient and caregiver understanding of the infection. Findings revealed consistent associations between contact isolation due to MDRO infections and heightened levels of depression and anxiety among patients, although evidence regarding the impact on anger was mixed. Other psychological aspects, such as feelings of stigmatization and reduced healthcare provider interactions, were also recorded. The current systematic review highlights the importance of addressing these psychological effects through holistic, patient-centered care approaches, emphasizing the need for better communication and comprehensive education for both patients and healthcare providers. Our findings suggest that mitigating the psychological burden of MDROs can enhance overall patient care and outcomes and call for further research to optimize care strategies for patients hospitalized for infections due to MDROs.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Infection: What Is the Interplay?

Immune checkpoint molecules are receptors expressed on immune cells, especially T-cells, which activate immunosuppressive pathways and lead them to a state known as T-cell exhaustion. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) constitute a group of specific antibodies that target these molecules, restoring T-cell effector function. Several ICIs have already been approved by the FDA as therapeutic options for certain malignancies. However, evidence in the literature remains unclear regarding the possible risk of infection in patients receiving this treatment. A thorough examination of existing literature was carried out to investigate whether the use of ICIs increases the likelihood of specific infections and to explore the potential beneficial effects of ICIs on the treatment of infections. Our review found most infectious complications are related to immunosuppressive therapy for immune-related adverse events caused by checkpoint blockade. Current evidence shows that ICIs per se do not seem to generally increase the risk of infection, yet they might increase susceptibility to certain infections, such as tuberculosis. On the other hand, reinvigoration of immune responses triggered by ICIs might play a significant role in pathogen clearance, establishing a possible positive impact of ICIs, especially on chronic infectious diseases, such as HIV infection. Data from preclinical models are limited and larger clinical trials are warranted to shed more light on the effect of immune checkpoint blockade on specific pathogens.

Statins in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Statins, apart from their plasma-cholesterol-lowering ability, exert several pleiotropic effects, making them a potential treatment for other diseases. Animal studies have showed that statins, through the inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, can affect the Ras/MAPK pathway, thus providing impetus to examine the efficacy of statins in the pediatric population with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). We aimed to systematically address all relevant evidence of statin treatment in children with NF1.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Cochrane Library resources up to 2 June 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) written in English and evaluating statins versus placebo in children with NF1 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023439424).

RESULTS

Seven RCTs were suitable to be included in this qualitative synthesis, with a total participation of 336 children with NF1. The duration of the studies ranged from 12 to 52 weeks. The mean age of the pediatric population was 10.9 years old. Three studies investigated the role of simvastatin, while four studies examined lovastatin. According to our analysis, neither simvastatin nor lovastatin improved cognitive function, full-scale intelligence, school performance, attention problems, or internalizing behavioral problems when compared with placebo in children with NF1. Statins were well tolerated in all included RCTs.

CONCLUSION

Although safe, current evidence demonstrates that statins exert no beneficial effect in cognitive function and behavioral problems in children with NF1.