The role of clubfoot training programmes in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Genetic Role in Recurrence of Idiopathic CTEV: A Systematic Review

Background

Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) is a multitude of deformities involving equinus, varus, adductus, and cavus deformities. Clubfoot affects 1 in every 1000 infants born worldwide, with various incidences according to geographical areas. It has been previously hypothesized that the possible genetic role in Idiopathic CTEV (ICTEV) might have a treatment-resistant phenotype. However, the genetic involvement in recurrent ICTEV cases is yet to be determined.

Aim

To systematically review existing literature regarding the discovery of genetic involvement in recurrent ICTEV to date to further understand the etiology of relapse.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed on medical databases, and the review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed on several medical databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and European PMC on May 10, 2022. We included studies reporting patients with recurring idiopathic CTEV or CTEV of unknown cause after treatment, reporting whole-genetic sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction, or Western blot analysis as methods of genetic analysis (intervention) and providing results of idiopathic CTEV genetic involvement. Non-English studies, literature reviews, and irrelevant articles were excluded. Quality and risk of bias assessments were performed using Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for non-randomized studies where appropriate. The authors discussed data extracted with the primary outcome of gene(s) frequency being reported of their involvement in recurrent ICTEV cases.

Results

Three pieces of literature were included in this review. Two studies analyzed the genetic involvement in CTEV occurrence, while one analyzed the protein types found.

Discussion

With included studies of less than five, we could not perform other forms of analysis apart from qualitatively.

Conclusion

The rarity of literature exploring the genetic etiology of recurrent ICTEV cases has been reflected in this systematic review, giving opportunities for future research.

The Health Determinants of Accessibility to Clubfoot Treatment in LMICs: A Global Exploration of Barriers and Solutions

BACKGROUND

Clubfoot or Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV) treatment in newborn infants involves simple, non-invasive manipulation and is primarily managed non-surgically if identified early. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), less than 15% of patients with CTEV access treatment. This cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted descriptive and regression analysis of institutional reasons for CTEV management in LMICs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken of 1,489 medical institutions in 62 LMICs. Data were evaluated from the "World Health Organization Situation Analysis tool" database. We analyzed characteristics of institutions that manage and did not manage CTEV. With the use of a multivariate linear regression model, we identified a set of factors linked to referral for non-management of CTEV.

RESULTS

A total of 72.7% (1,083/1,395) of institutions surveyed did not manage CTEV. The most common reason cited for not managing CTEV was a lack of sufficient skills, 92.1% (668/725, P<0.001). A total of 39.4% (286/725) of institutions also cited a lack of functioning equipment as a reason. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed lack of training, lack of supplies, and lack of functioning equipment were most closely related to non-management of CTEV.

CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

We identified that failure to manage CTEV may result from a lack of skills and medical equipment. Increasing the capacity of sustainable training programs may reduce the presently available skill deficit in treating CTEV in LMICs and provide improved health outcomes for those with CTEV. While considerable progress has been made in building capacity for the treatment and management of CTEV in LMICs, structured training programs that support conservative manipulative methods to manage CTEV should be initiated globally.