Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026
05:04
Facial Nerve Surgery in the Rat Model to Study Axonal Inhibition and Regeneration
Published on: May 5, 2020
8.3K
Nerve growth factor for Bell's palsy: A meta-analysis
Yipeng Su1, Xiaomeng Dong1, Juan Liu2
1Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China ; Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|January 10, 2015
Summary
Nerve growth factor (NGF) shows favorable effects on Bell's palsy response rates in a meta-analysis. However, limited trial numbers and quality necessitate further research for definitive conclusions on NGF efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Bell's palsy is a common neurological disorder causing facial nerve paralysis.
- Current treatments for Bell's palsy have variable efficacy.
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is being investigated for its potential regenerative properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nerve growth factor (NGF) in treating Bell's palsy.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on NGF for Bell's palsy.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive meta-analysis of RCTs was conducted.
- Searches were performed across multiple international and Chinese databases up to December 2013.
- Data from eight RCTs involving 642 patients were analyzed using Review Manager 5.2.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis indicated favorable effects of NGF on the disease response rate (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.13-7.03; P<0.01).
- The heterogeneity (I²=0%) suggested consistency among the included studies.
Conclusions:
- NGF demonstrates a positive impact on the response rate in Bell's palsy treatment.
- The current evidence is limited by the low number and quality of available RCTs.
- Further high-quality, meticulous RCTs are essential to establish definitive conclusions on NGF's effectiveness and safety for Bell's palsy.
