Goal-Setting in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Spasticity Treated with Botulinum Toxin: The GASEPTOX Study.

Spasticity is one of the most disabling symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS). Botulinum toxin injection (BTI) is a first-line treatment for focal spasticity. There is a lack of evidence of a functional improvement following BTI in MS-related spasticity. To describe goal-setting for BTI in MS, and evaluate the degree of attainment, using goal attainment scaling (GAS) 4-to-6 weeks after injection session, a one-year multi-center retrospective observational study assessing goal-setting and achievement during BTI session in spastic patients with MS was set up. Following the GAS method, patients and their physicians set up to three goals and scored their achievement 4 to 6 weeks thereafter. Commonly used goals from three centers were combined into a standardized list and 125 single BTI sessions were analyzed. The most frequent goals regarded lower limb (LL) impairments (equinovarus foot, toe claw) or locomotion (stability, walking distance, clinging) and accounted for 89.1%, versus 10.9% for upper limb (UL), mostly for mild-to-moderate MS. Overall, goals were frequently achieved (85.77%) mainly when related to gait and mobility rather than hygiene and ease of care. This study gives an overview on the most frequent, relevant, and achievable goals to be set in real-life practice of BTI for spasticity management in MS.

Prehabilitation Program in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study of Patients Followed Up Postoperatively for Up to 6 Months.

The preoperative period may be an opportune period to optimize patients' physical condition with a multimodal preoperative program. The impact of a "prehabilitation" program on elderly patients is discussed. This mono-center observational cohort study included consecutively 139 patients planned for major abdominal and thoracic surgery, with 44 in the control group (age < 65) and 95 in the elderly group (age > 65). All patients followed a "prehabilitation" program including exercise training, nutritional optimization, psychological support, and behavioral change. Seventeen patients in the control group and 45 in the elderly group completed the study at six months. The 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) increased in both groups from the initial evaluation to the last (median value of 80 m (interquartile range 51) for those under 65 years; 59 m (34) for the elderly group; p = 0.114). The 6 MWT was also similar after one month of prehabilitation for both populations. The rate of postoperative complications was similar in the two groups. Prehabilitation showed equivalence in patients over 65 years of age compared to younger patients in terms of increase in functional capabilities and of postoperative evolution. This multimodal program represents a bundle of care that can benefit a frailer population.