The Role of Nutrition in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the commonest cause of adult spinal cord impairment worldwide, encompassing chronic compression of the spinal cord, neurological disability and diminished quality of life. Evidence on the contribution of environmental factors is sparse; in particular, the role of nutrition in DCM is unknown. The objective of this review was to assess the effect of nutrition on DCM susceptibility, severity and surgical outcome. METHODS: A systematic review in MEDLINE and Embase was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Full-text papers in English papers, focussing on cervical myelopathy and nutrition, published before January 2020 were considered eligible. Quality assessments were performed using the GRADE assessment tool. Patient demographics, nutritional factor and DCM outcomes measures were recorded. Relationships between nutritional factors, interventions and disease prognosis were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 5835 papers were identified of which 44 were included in the final analysis. DCM patients with pathological weight pre-operatively were more likely to see poorer improvements post-surgically. These patients experienced poorer physical and mental health improvements from surgery compared to normal weight patients and were more likely to suffer from post-operative complications such as infection, DVT, PE and hospital readmissions. Two trials reporting benefits of nutritional supplements were identified, with 1 suggesting Cerebrolysin to be significant in functional improvement. An unbalanced diet, history of alcohol abuse and malnourishment were associated with poorer post-operative outcome. CONCLUSION: Although the overall strength of recommendation is low, current evidence suggests nutrition may have a significant role in optimising surgical outcome in DCM patients. Although it may have a role in onset and severity of DCM, this is a preliminary suggestion. Further work needs to be done on how nutrition is defined and measured, however, the beneficial results from studies with nutritional interventions suggest nutrition could be a treatment target in DCM.Funding: Dr Benjamin M. Davies is supported by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship. This report is independent research arising from a Clinician Scientist Award, CS-2015-15-023, supported by the National Institute for Health Research

Immediate post-operative PDE5i therapy improves early erectile function outcomes after robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

To assess whether the timing of post-operative Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor (PDE5i) therapy after Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP) is associated with a change in early erectile function (EF) outcomes, continence or safety outcomes. Data were prospectively collected from a single surgeon in one tertiary centre. 158 patients were treated with PDE5i therapy post RARP over a 2-year period. PDE5i therapy was started: immediately (day 1-2) post-op in 29%, early (day 3-14) post-op in 37% and late (after day 14) post-op in 34%. EPIC-26 EF scores were collected pre-op and post-op. There were no significant differences in pre-operative characteristics between the therapy groups. Drop in EF scores and percentage return to baseline for unilateral nerve sparing was, respectively, 9 and 11.1% of immediate therapy, 7 and 14.8% of early therapy and 9.7 and 9.5% of late therapy (p = 0.9 and p = 0.6). For bilateral nerve sparing, this was, respectively, 3.5 and 42.9% immediate therapy, 5.5 and 35.5% early therapy and 7.3 and 25% late therapy (p = 0.017 and p = 0.045). Pad free and social continence were achieved in 54% and 37% of those receiving immediate therapy, 60% and 33% for early therapy and 26% and 54% for late therapy. There were no differences in compliance, complication or readmission outcomes. In patients with bilateral nerve sparing RARP, immediate post-operative PDE5i therapy can protect EF and improve early continence outcomes. Therefore, immediate PDE5i therapy should be considered in patients following nerve sparing RARP to maximise functional outcomes

The Significance of Metabolic Disease in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review

Introduction Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a form of chronic spinal cord injury, with a natural history of potential for progression over time. Whilst driven by mechanical stress on the spinal cord from degenerative and congenital pathology, the neurological phenotype of DCM is likely to be modified by multiple systemic factors. The role of metabolic factors is therefore of interest, particularly given that ischaemia is considered a key pathological mechanism of spinal cord injury. The objective was therefore to synthesise current evidence on the effect of metabolism on DCM susceptibility, severity, and surgical outcomes. Methods A systematic review in MEDLINE and Embase was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Full-text papers in English, with a focus on DCM and metabolism, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anaemia, and lipid profile, were eligible for inclusion. Risk of methodological bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical assessment tools. Quality assessments were performed using the GRADE assessment tool. Patient demographics, metabolic factors and the relationships between metabolism and spinal cord disease, spinal column disease and post-operative outcomes were assessed. Results In total, 8523 papers were identified, of which 57 met criteria for inclusion in the final analysis. A total of 91% (52/57) of included papers assessed the effects of diabetes in relation to DCM, of which 85% (44/52) reported an association with poor surgical outcomes; 42% of papers (24/57) discussed the association between cardiovascular health and DCM, of which 88% (21/24) reported a significant association. Overall, DCM patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease experienced greater perioperative morbidity and poorer neurological recovery. They were also more likely to have comorbidities such as obesity and hyperlipidaemia. Conclusion Metabolic factors appear to be associated with surgical outcomes in DCM. However, evidence for a more specific role in DCM susceptibility and severity is uncertain. The pathophysiology and natural history of DCM are critical research priorities; the role of metabolism is therefore a key area for future research focus.BMD is supported by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship. ODM is supported by an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship. Research in the MRK’s laboratory is supported by a core support grant from the Wellcome Trust and MRC to the Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. MRNK is supported by a NIHR Clinician Scientist Award, CS-2015-15-023

The significance of metabolic disease in degenerative cervical myelopathy: a systematic review.

Peer reviewed: TrueINTRODUCTION: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a form of chronic spinal cord injury, with a natural history of potential for progression over time. Whilst driven by mechanical stress on the spinal cord from degenerative and congenital pathology, the neurological phenotype of DCM is likely to be modified by multiple systemic factors. The role of metabolic factors is therefore of interest, particularly given that ischaemia is considered a key pathological mechanism of spinal cord injury. The objective was therefore to synthesise current evidence on the effect of metabolism on DCM susceptibility, severity, and surgical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review in MEDLINE and Embase was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Full-text papers in English, with a focus on DCM and metabolism, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anaemia, and lipid profile, were eligible for inclusion. Risk of methodological bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical assessment tools. Quality assessments were performed using the GRADE assessment tool. Patient demographics, metabolic factors and the relationships between metabolism and spinal cord disease, spinal column disease and post-operative outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 8,523 papers were identified, of which 57 met criteria for inclusion in the final analysis. A total of 91% (52/57) of included papers assessed the effects of diabetes in relation to DCM, of which 85% (44/52) reported an association with poor surgical outcomes; 42% of papers (24/57) discussed the association between cardiovascular health and DCM, of which 88% (21/24) reported a significant association. Overall, DCM patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease experienced greater perioperative morbidity and poorer neurological recovery. They were also more likely to have comorbidities such as obesity and hyperlipidaemia. CONCLUSION: Metabolic factors appear to be associated with surgical outcomes in DCM. However, evidence for a more specific role in DCM susceptibility and severity is uncertain. The pathophysiology and natural history of DCM are critical research priorities; the role of metabolism is therefore a key area for future research focus. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42021268814.BMD is supported by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship. ODM is supported by an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship. Research in the MRK’s laboratory is supported by a core support grant from the Wellcome Trust and MRC to the Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. MRNK is supported by a NIHR Clinician Scientist Award, CS-2015-15-023