Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of recombinant human prourokinase (rhPro-UK) administered via intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) routes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients compared with standard treatments. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines across Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed until 11 December 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing rhPro-UK’s efficacy and safety were included. Outcomes included the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), mortality, and adverse events (AEs). Data analysis used risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Six RCTs (n = 3993) met the inclusion criteria. IV rhPro-UK showed comparable efficacy to the comparator for the mRS 0–1 at 90 days (RD: 0.00, 95% CI: [−0.04, 0.04]) and the mRS 0–2 (RD: −0.01, 95% CI: [−0.03, 0.01], P = 0.23). IA rhPro-UK significantly improved the mRS 0–1 (RD: 0.13, 95% CI: [0.01, 0.26], P = 0.04). The NIHSS reduction was significant for IV rhPro-UK (MD: −0.83, 95% [CI: −1.36, −0.29]). IV rhPro-UK did not significantly reduce the risk of systemic bleeding (RD: −0.10, 95% CI: [−0.24, 0.03], P = 0.12), serious AEs (RD: −0.01, 95% CI: [−0.04, 0.02], P = 0.53), or mortality (RD: 0.01, 95% CI: −0.01, 0.02). IA rhPro-UK significantly increased hemorrhage with neurological deterioration (RD: 0.08, 95% CI: [0.01, 0.14], P = 0.02). Conclusions: IV rhPro-UK provides non-inferior efficacy to both alteplase and standard care with a better safety profile at 35 mg, while IA rhPro-UK enhances functional outcomes in middle cerebral artery occlusions, albeit with safety concerns. Further trials are needed to confirm long-term outcomes, optimal dosing, and broader applicability.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Diroximel Fumarate (DRF) in patients with different relapsing forms of MS (RMS) through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted. Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched until December 6, 2024, for clinical trials and observational studies on DRF in RMS. Eligibility criteria included studies evaluating DRF’s safety or efficacy, excluding case reports and non-clinical outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and ROBINS-I tools. Statistical analyses were performed using OpenMetaAnalyst, focusing on pooled mean differences and incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Seven studies with 3,075 participants were included. The overall persistence rate was 75.6% (95% CI: 63.5%, 87.7%). The discontinuation rate due to safety concerns was 6.1% (95% CI: 4.1%, 8.1%). Lymphocyte count decreased significantly by -355.02 cells/µL (95% CI: -636.71, -73.32). Mild adverse events (AEs) occurred in 33% (95% CI: 18.6%, 47.4%), moderate in 30% (95% CI: -9.9%, 69.9%), and severe in 5% (95% CI: -3.8%, 13.7%). Gastrointestinal (GI) AEs were observed in 17.4% (95% CI: 6%, 28.8%), flushing in 18.5% (95% CI: 5.7%, 31.3%), and lymphopenia in 24.3% (95% CI: 10.2%, 38.4%). The relapse rate was 7.1% (95% CI: -4.8%, 19%). Conclusion: DRF demonstrates efficacy in reducing relapse rates and offers an improved safety profile compared to its predecessor, Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF), particularly in GI tolerability. However, lymphopenia requires monitoring. Further research is recommended to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy in diverse populations.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (FUS) subthalamotomy in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), focusing on improvements in motor symptoms, quality of life (QoL), medication burden, and adverse events (AEs). Following PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science up to November 2025. Studies were included if they assessed the safety or efficacy of unilateral or bilateral FUS-STN in PD. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were independently conducted by two reviewers. Meta-analyses at six months used a random effects model to pool mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Five studies ( n = 75) were included. FUS-subthalamic nucleus (STN) significantly reduced Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Unified PD Rating Scale, Part III (MDS-UPDRS-III) scores at six months (MD: -11.05; 95% CI: [-14.68, -7.42]; P < 0.00001), with greater effects off-medication ( P = 0.0009). Treated-side scores improved (MD: -10.67; 95% CI: [-13.41, -7.92]), while untreated-side scores did not. Significant improvements were also seen in MDS-UPDRS-II (MD: -3.58; 95% CI: [-4.84, -2.32]; P < 0.00001), PD Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) (MD: -8.55; 95% CI: [-13.51, -3.58]; P = 0.0007), and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) (MD: -111.63 mg; 95% CI: [-162.52, -60.74]; P < 0.0001). Common AEs included dyskinesia (9.2%), gait disturbance (6.9%), and dysarthria (6.4%). FUS-STN significantly improves motor function, daily living activities, and QoL (PDQ-39) and reduces dopaminergic medication burden in PD patients with asymmetrical symptoms. AEs were generally mild and manageable, supporting its role as a safe, effective, and non-incisional alternative to conventional surgical options.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for pain management in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). A comprehensive literature search was conducted through May 2024 in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Eligible studies included clinical trials, observational, and case-control studies. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for randomized controlled trials and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager v.5.3, with heterogeneity evaluated by chi-square and I² tests. Five studies (245 patients) were included, with rTMS sessions ranging from 10 to 28. Meta-analysis showed significant pain reduction with rTMS compared to sham treatment. At 2 weeks post-treatment, the mean pain score difference (visual analogue scale) was –1.44 (95% CI: –2.12 to –0.77; p<0.0001), with sustained relief at 1 and 3 months. However, no significant differences were found in the patient’s global impression of change scale, sleep quality, quality of life (QoL), medication regulation, or adverse events. rTMS exerted a consistent pain relief effect of rTMS, but its impact on broader aspects of patient well-being was less clear. rTMS provides sustained pain relief in PHN for up to 3 months, but its impact on QoL and secondary outcomes remains unclear, warranting further investigation.