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Clinical question: Does the use of steroids and/or antivirals improve recovery in patients with newly diagnosed Bell's palsy?
Background: The American Academy of Neurology's last recommendation in 2001 stated that steroids were probably effective and antivirals possibly effective. The current review and recommendations looked at additional studies published since 2000.
Study design: Systematic review of MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews data published since June 2000.
Setting: Prospective controlled studies from Germany, Sweden, Scotland, Italy, South Korea, Japan, and Bangladesh.
Synopsis: The authors identified nine studies that fulfilled inclusion criteria. Two of these studies examined treatment with steroids alone and were judged to have the lowest risk for bias. Both studies enrolled patients within three days of symptom onset, continued treatment for 10 days, and demonstrated a significant increase in the probability of complete recovery in patients randomized to steroids (NNT 6-8). Two high-quality studies were identified that looked at the addition of antivirals to steroids. Neither study showed a statistically significant benefit.
Of note, the studies did not quantify the risk of harm from steroid use in patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes. Thus, the authors concluded that in some patients, it would be reasonable to consider limiting steroid use.
Bottom line: For patients with new-onset Bell’s palsy, steroids increase the probability of recovery of facial nerve function. Patients offered antivirals should be counseled that a benefit from antivirals has not been established and, if there is a benefit, it is modest at best.
Citation: Gronseth GS, Paduga R. Evidence-based guideline update: steroids and antivirals for Bell palsy: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2012;79(22):2209-2213.
Visit our website for more physician reviews of recent HM-relevant literature.
Clinical question: Does the use of steroids and/or antivirals improve recovery in patients with newly diagnosed Bell's palsy?
Background: The American Academy of Neurology's last recommendation in 2001 stated that steroids were probably effective and antivirals possibly effective. The current review and recommendations looked at additional studies published since 2000.
Study design: Systematic review of MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews data published since June 2000.
Setting: Prospective controlled studies from Germany, Sweden, Scotland, Italy, South Korea, Japan, and Bangladesh.
Synopsis: The authors identified nine studies that fulfilled inclusion criteria. Two of these studies examined treatment with steroids alone and were judged to have the lowest risk for bias. Both studies enrolled patients within three days of symptom onset, continued treatment for 10 days, and demonstrated a significant increase in the probability of complete recovery in patients randomized to steroids (NNT 6-8). Two high-quality studies were identified that looked at the addition of antivirals to steroids. Neither study showed a statistically significant benefit.
Of note, the studies did not quantify the risk of harm from steroid use in patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes. Thus, the authors concluded that in some patients, it would be reasonable to consider limiting steroid use.
Bottom line: For patients with new-onset Bell’s palsy, steroids increase the probability of recovery of facial nerve function. Patients offered antivirals should be counseled that a benefit from antivirals has not been established and, if there is a benefit, it is modest at best.
Citation: Gronseth GS, Paduga R. Evidence-based guideline update: steroids and antivirals for Bell palsy: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2012;79(22):2209-2213.
Visit our website for more physician reviews of recent HM-relevant literature.
Clinical question: Does the use of steroids and/or antivirals improve recovery in patients with newly diagnosed Bell's palsy?
Background: The American Academy of Neurology's last recommendation in 2001 stated that steroids were probably effective and antivirals possibly effective. The current review and recommendations looked at additional studies published since 2000.
Study design: Systematic review of MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews data published since June 2000.
Setting: Prospective controlled studies from Germany, Sweden, Scotland, Italy, South Korea, Japan, and Bangladesh.
Synopsis: The authors identified nine studies that fulfilled inclusion criteria. Two of these studies examined treatment with steroids alone and were judged to have the lowest risk for bias. Both studies enrolled patients within three days of symptom onset, continued treatment for 10 days, and demonstrated a significant increase in the probability of complete recovery in patients randomized to steroids (NNT 6-8). Two high-quality studies were identified that looked at the addition of antivirals to steroids. Neither study showed a statistically significant benefit.
Of note, the studies did not quantify the risk of harm from steroid use in patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes. Thus, the authors concluded that in some patients, it would be reasonable to consider limiting steroid use.
Bottom line: For patients with new-onset Bell’s palsy, steroids increase the probability of recovery of facial nerve function. Patients offered antivirals should be counseled that a benefit from antivirals has not been established and, if there is a benefit, it is modest at best.
Citation: Gronseth GS, Paduga R. Evidence-based guideline update: steroids and antivirals for Bell palsy: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2012;79(22):2209-2213.
Visit our website for more physician reviews of recent HM-relevant literature.