Real-world cost- effectiveness analysis: Tumor Treating Fields for newly diagnosed glioblastoma in China.

BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma (GBM) stands as the most aggressive and prevalent primary brain malignancy. Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), an innovative therapy complementing chemotherapy for GBM treatment, which can significantly enhance overall survival, disease progression-free survival, and patient's quality of life. However, there is a dearth of health economics evaluation on TTFields therapy both domestically and internationally. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of TTFields + temozolomide (TMZ) in comparison to TMZ alone for newly diagnosed GBM patients. The intent is to provide robust economic evidence to serve as a foundation for policymaking and decision-making processes in GBM treatment. METHODS: We estimated outcomes for newly diagnosed GBM patients over a lifetime horizon using a partitioned survival model with three states: Progression-Free Survival, Progression Disease, and Death. The survival model was derived from a real-world study in China, with long-term survival data drawn from GBM epidemiology literature. Adverse event rates were sourced from the EF-14 trial data. Cost data, validated by expert consultation, was obtained from public literature and databases. Utility values were extracted from published literature. Using Microsoft Excel, we calculated expected costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over 15 years from a health system perspective. The willingness-to-pay threshold was set at three times the Chinese per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022, amounting to CN¥242,928 (US$37,655) /QALY. A 5% discount rate was applied to costs and utilities. Results underwent analysis through single factor and probability sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: TTFields + TMZ demonstrated a mean increase in cost by CN¥389,326 (US$57,859) and an increase of 2.46 QALYs compared to TMZ alone. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was CN¥157,979 (US$23,474) per QALY gained. The model exhibited heightened sensitivity to changes in the discount rate. Probability sensitivity analysis indicates that, under the existing threshold, the probability of TTFields + TMZ being economical is 95.60%. CONCLUSIONS: This cost-effectiveness analysis affirms that incorporating TTFields into TMZ treatment proves to be cost-effective, given a threshold three times the Chinese per capita GDP.

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-s) for potential resolution of restless leg syndrome symptoms and increased cost savings for patients: A case study.

INTRODUCTION: We report successful use of dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-s) to treat a patient with persistent symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS). METHODS: The treatment involved the placement of a small device millimeters away from the patient's DRG, which are nerves near the spinal cord that carry sensory information from the periphery of the body to the brain. The device automatically delivers electrical impulse to the DRG to alter and decrease pain perception in the brain. RESULTS: Our case report elucidates the use of this procedure as a targeted therapy for RLS, with a nearly 90% reduction in reported symptoms in our patient, thus potentially reducing morbidity associated with this condition. Furthermore, we report a 10-year cost savings of nearly $90,000 following DRG-s for our patient. CONCLUSION: This case study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of DRG-s neuromodulation in managing RLS, a condition that is often difficult and costly to treat.

Effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation for idiopathic slow-transit constipation: a systematic review.

AIM: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a minimally invasive treatment option for functional constipation. Evidence regarding its effectiveness is contradictory, driven by heterogeneous study populations and designs. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of SNM in children and adults with refractory idiopathic slow-transit constipation (STC). METHOD: OVID Medline, OVID Embase, Cochrane Library, the KSR Evidence Database, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database and the International HTA Database were searched up to 25 May 2023. For effectiveness outcomes, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. For safety outcomes, all study designs were selected. For cost-effectiveness outcomes, trial- and model-based economic evaluations were selected for review. Study selection, risk of bias and quality assessment, and data extraction were independently performed by two reviewers. For the intervention 'sacral neuromodulation' effectiveness outcomes included defaecation frequency and constipation severity. Safety and cost-effectiveness outcomes were, respectively, adverse events and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. RESULTS: Of 1390 records reviewed, 67 studies were selected for full-text screening. For effectiveness, one cross-over and one parallel-group RCT was included, showing contradictory results. Eleven studies on safety were included (four RCTs, three prospective cohort studies and four retrospective cohort studies). Overall infection rates varied between 0% and 22%, whereas reoperation rates varied between 0% and 29%. One trial-based economic evaluation was included, which concluded that SNM was not cost-effective compared with personalized conservative treatment at a time horizon of 6 months. The review findings are limited by the small number of available studies and the heterogeneity in terms of study populations, definitions of refractory idiopathic STC and study designs. CONCLUSION: Evidence for the (cost-)effectiveness of SNM in children and adults with refractory idiopathic STC is inconclusive. Reoperation rates of up to 29% were reported.

Dispositif OptuneMC pour le traitement des patients adultes atteints d'un glioblastome nouvellement diagnostiqué / Optune™ for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma

MANDAT: L'Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) a reçu le mandat du Bureau de l'innovation d'estimer la valeur de la technologie OptuneMC et la pertinence de sa couverture par le régime public en tant que dispositif de traitement des patients adultes souffrant d'un glioblastome nouvellement diagnostiqué avec et après la chimiothérapie d'entretien standard au témozolomide. DESCRIPTION: Pour l'indication demandée, le dispositif requiert la pose de matrices de transducteurs fixées sur le crâne rasé des patients afin de délivrer un champ électrique alternatif antitumoral via le générateur de champ OptuneMC. Les champs antitumoraux visent à stopper la progression des tumeurs en ciblant les étapes de la mitose des cellules cancéreuses et ils doivent agir en continu. Le dispositif OptuneMC est donc proposé avec des accessoires permettant un traitement ambulatoire et constant des patients. DÉMARCHE D'ÉVALUATION: Une revue des donn

MANDATE: L'Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) was mandated by the Bureau de l'innovation to assess the value of OptuneTM technology and the relevance of its coverage by the public plan as a treatment device for adult patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma with and after standard temozolomide maintenance chemotherapy. DESCRIPTION: For the requested indication, the device requires the placement of transducer arrays to patients' shaved scalp to deliver to deliver a tumour-treating field through the OptuneTM field generator. Tumour treating fields aim to halt tumour progression by targeting the mitosis stages of cancer cells and must act continuously. The OptuneTM device is therefore provided with accessories for constant ambulatory treatment of patients. EVALUATION PROCESS: A review of data from the literature and those provided by the manufacturer was carried out to assess the scientific evidence regarding the application of tumour treating fields provided by Novocure's OptuneTM device for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Contextual and experiential stakeholder data were also collected through an expert advisory committee and one-on-one interviews with caregivers and patients who have used the OptuneTM device. SOCIO-CULTURAL DIMENSION: Despite the media visibility of the OptuneTM device and the enthusiasm for new therapeutic options, the acceptability of the device by Quebec patients is difficult to predict, as several factors need to be taken into consideration - e.g., aesthetic considerations, portability of the device and usage requirements. According to advisory committee members, the maximum acceptability rate could be as high as 50% of eligible patients offered the treatment. Some health technology assessment agencies have assessed OptuneTM and issued divergent recommendations, some favourable from the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS, France), other unfavourable from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK). For their part, publications by listed oncology learned societies have chosen to recommend the OptuneTM device as a complementary treatment option to temozolomide in patients under 70 years of age. POPULATION DIMENSION: Glioblastoma is a heterogeneous cancer, with some subtypes more aggressive than others, affecting an estimated 150 new patient/year in Quebec. Median survival is around 8 months, with a 1-year survival rate of 25%. The disease is both cognitively and physically disabling, and family caregivers play an important role in its management. Current management is mainly based on diagnosis with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), followed by tumour resection, when possible, combined radiotherapy with temozolomide, and maintenance chemotherapy with temozolomide (Stupp protocol). Despite treatment, 90% of patients will experience a recurrence of their cancer within 7 months. At this stage, there is no recognized standard of care. Glioblastoma is therefore an incurable pathology with limited treatment options, and with high unmet medical needs related to the development of new treatment options to prolong life and reduce the risk of recurrence. CLINICAL DIMENSION: The efficacy of the OptuneTM device is supported by the EF-14 study, an open-label, multicenter, randomized Phase 3 clinical trial conducted in 14 countries, including Canada. This study compared the efficacy of the OptuneTM device / temozolomide combination versus temozolomide alone in adult patients with supratentorial glioblastoma. The EF-14 study is judged to be of good methodological quality, despite the presence of a selection bias favouring the inclusion of individuals with a better prognosis. Moreover, the study population is also younger, has a higher performance index and contains a higher proportion of individuals with MGMT (6-O-Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) promoter methylation than the Quebec glioblastoma patient population. The main results of the study showed clinically significant gains in progression-free survival of 2.7 months and overall survival of 4.9 months. A dose-response effect was also observed according to patients' level of adherence to treatment, with a minimum use threshold of 50% to obtain a benefit, i.e., 12 hours per day. Secondary analyses failed to identify a sub-population that might benefit more from treatment and showed that all subgroups treated with the OptuneTM device benefited. The main adverse events attributable to this device were skin reactions and irritations. The results of the quality-of-life assessment indicate that the device is well tolerated by patients, as illustrated by the fact that the 75% adherence threshold was reached by 75% of the cohort. Skin irritation was the main cause of reduced quality of life in the cohort studied. Other results are subject to uncertainty due to the open design of the study, the low response of patients to the quality-of-life questionnaires, and the design of the device used, which was heavier, bulkier, and noisier than the model currently available. ORGANIZATIONAL DIMENSION: The OptuneTM device does not replace current care, but it is added to the standard maintenance treatment. GBM patients' diagnosis MRI images are transmitted to the manufacturer for array creation. Once the healthcare professional has assessed the patient's eligibility and transmitted the prescription to the manufacturer, the latter charges a monthly fee for unlimited array replacement, equipment delivery, patient service (technical assistance and training), and healthcare professional service, which includes training and reporting on patient compliance. This rental model is not common in Quebec, and the real involvement of healthcare network professionals and resources in monitoring patient use of the device is also uncertain, for example regarding skin effects, array repositioning and technical problems. However, Quebec centres participated in the EF-14 study and therefore have some experience with the device and the manufacturer. The OptuneTM device requires the help of a third party to place the electrode arrays, which may represent an issue for patients who have no family caregiver and/or for whom resources from the healthcare network could be solicited. Members of the advisory committee consulted are therefore of the opinion that, without access to such a resource, patients may be unable to use the device. In addition, there is uncertainty as to the optimal discontinuation criteria for patients treated with the OptuneTM device. Indeed, according to the members of the advisory committee consulted, there is no clinical advantage to continuing treatment after a first recurrence. Because of the organizational issues, several uncertainties remain as to whether the results of the clinical study can be reproduced in a real healthcare setting. ECONOMIC DIMENSION: The use of the OptuneTM device to treat patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma concomitantly with temozolomide versus temozolomide alone is not cost-effective. Public coverage could generate additional costs of $ XX million over 5 years for the treatment of 308 patients. The real costs of adding the OptuneTM device, particularly those associated with its implementation in the health and social services network and with the involvement of healthcare personnel in patient follow-up, are uncertain. Market share for the OptuneTM device is also uncertain, since it depends on the quality of the manufacturer's service offering in Quebec, the organizational capacity of the Quebec healthcare network, and real patient acceptability. INESSS'S RECOMMENDATION: Based on the information available to date, and given the importance of the uncertainties raised, INESSS considers that it would not be fair and equitable to provide public coverage for the OptuneTM device for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed supratentorial glioblastoma following maximal reduction surgery and completion of radiotherapy with and after standard maintenance chemotherapy. INESSS may reassess the OptuneTM device, at the request of the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS), when more information becomes available, including data in reallife settings that will better reduce uncertainties and mitigate associated risks.

Informe de evaluación científica en la evidencia disponible: enfermedad de parkinson / Scientific evaluation report on the available evidence: Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) es la segunda enfermedad neurodegenerativa más común (después de la enfermedad de Alzheimer) en el sistema nervioso central, afectando principalmente el sistema motor. Actualmente los medicamentos antiparkinsonianos como levodopa y agonistas dopaminérgicos son la primera línea de tratamiento para EP. Estos medicamentos pueden mejorar los síntomas tempranos de EP, pero se vuelven inefectivos e incluso producen efectos adversos, como disquinesia y síntomas psicóticos, a medida que la enfermedad progresa. La terapia de estimulación cerebral profunda (ECP) o Deep Brain Stiumulation (DBS Therapy) es un tratamiento quirúrgico que puede reducir algunos de los síntomas asociados a la Enfermedad de Parkinson. Para esto, se utiliza un dispositivo médico implantado quirúrgicamente, similar a un marcapasos cardíaco, para administrar estimulación eléctrica en áreas muy definidas del cerebro. La estimulación de estas áreas bloquea las señales que causan los síntomas motores incapacitantes de la enfermedad de Parkinson. La estimulación eléctrica puede ajustarse de forma no invasiva para aumentar al máximo los beneficios de la terapia. Como resultado, muchas personas logran tener un mayor control sobre los movimientos de su cuerpo. TECNOLOGÍAS SANITARIA DE INTERÉS: La terapia de estimulación cerebral profunda (DBS Therapy) es un tratamiento quirúrgico que puede reducir algunos de los síntomas asociados a la EP. Para esto, se utiliza un dispositivo médico implantado quirúrgicamente, similar a un marcapasos cardíaco, para administrar estimulación eléctrica en áreas muy definidas del cerebro. La estimulación de estas áreas bloquea las señales que causan los síntomas motores incapacitantes de la enfermedad de Parkinson. La estimulación eléctrica puede ajustarse de forma no invasiva para aumentar al máximo los beneficios de la terapia. Como resultado, muchas personas logran tener un mayor control sobre los movimientos de su cuerpo. Este sistema cuenta con tres componentes: Electrodo: se compone de cuatro cables delgados aislados dispuestos en espiral con cuatro polos en la punta del electrodo. El electrodo se implanta en el cerebro. Extensión: se conecta al electrodo y se conduce bajo la piel desde la cabeza al tórax superior, pasando por el cuello. Neuroestimulador: se conecta a la extensión. Este pequeño dispositivo, similar a un marcapasos cardíaco, contiene una batería y componentes electrónicos. El neuroestimulador se implanta normalmente bajo la piel en el tórax, debajo de la clavícula (si el paciente lo requiere, el cirujano puede implantar el neuroestimulador en el abdomen). El denominado, a veces, "marcapasos del cerebro" genera los impulsos eléctricos necesarios para la estimulación. EFICACIA DE LOS TRATAMIENTOS: La ECP está asociada con un mejoramiento significativo en la función motora, calidad de vida y reducción de dosis de L-dopa Existe una posibilidad pequeña de serios eventos adversos como Hemorragia Subaracnoidea. Es necesario que la operación sea realizada por un equipo multidisciplinario y experimentado para asegurar la selección óptima de personas y reducir el riesgo de eventos adversos. ALTERNATIVAS DISPONIBLES: Tratamiento farmacológico: Destinados principalmente al alivio de síntomas de la enfermedad. Entre los fármacos que se utilizan para el tratamiento de síntomas motores se puede mencionar a levodopa, antagonistas de la dopamina, anticolinérgicos, amantadina e inhibidores de la monoamino oxidasa, entre otros. Por otro lado, se utilizan medicamentos para el tratamiento de síntomas no motores derivados de condiciones relacionadas (comorbilidades o secuelas del tratamiento) como psicosis, demencia, depresión y fatiga. Tratamiento no farmacológico: Entre las intervenciones no farmacológicas para el tratamiento de la enfermedad de Parkinson se encuentran educación, programas de apoyo, terapias de ejercicios y del lenguaje. Cirugía: Estimulador cerebral profundo. Es la técnica quirúrgica más utilizada en la actualidad y consiste en estimular eléctricamente a través de la implantación de electrodos en ciertas zonas del cerebro con el objetivo de controlar los síntomas del Parkinson. Otros procedimientos quirúrgicos: talamotomía, palidotomía, subtalamotomía, entre otros. RESULTADOS DE LA BÚSQUEDA DE EVIDENCIA: La información presentada fue extraída de 3 revisiones sistemáticas publicadas entre los años 2013 y 2016 que evaluaron el dispositivo de estimulación cerebral profunda en comparación con terapia farmacológica. A continuación, en la Tabla 1, se muestra un resumen con la evidencia encontrada. CONCLUSIÓN: Para dar cumplimiento al artículo 28° del Reglamento que establece el proceso destinado a determinar los diagnósticos y tratamientos de alto costo con Sistema de Protección Financiera, según lo establecido en los artículos 7° y 8° de la ley N°20.850, aprobado por el decreto N°13 del Ministerio de Salud, se concluye que el presente informe de evaluación se considera no favorable, dado el impacto en las redes asistenciales, de acuerdo a lo establecido en el Título III. de las Evaluaciones Favorables de la Norma Técnica N° 0192 de este mismo Ministerio.

Análise clinica da espasticidade em indivíduos com lesão medular / Clinical assessment of spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular na espasticidade nos pacientes com lesão medular.MÉTODOS: Participaram do estudo onze sujeitos lesados medulares (C4 a T5). Foram utilizados para esta avaliação a escala modificada de Ashworth e o teste pendular, que foi realizado através do Dispositivo de Teste Pendular - DTP (o equipamento possui um acelerômetro de transdutores de cristais de quartzo e eletrogoniômetro de fibra óptica flexível que mede as tensões e os deslocamentos angulares). Os pacientes realizaram estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) nos músculos quadríceps e nervo fibular, sendo que os testes foram aplicados antes e após o procedimento.RESULTADOS: Os dados mostram uma diminuição da espasticidade após a EENM, com características tais como um aumento na variação entre o pico máximo e o mínimo, ou seja, aumento da amplitude das curvas. Além disso, os dados da escala subjetiva, e escala modificada de Ashworth, após a estimulação elétrica neuromuscular também apresentaram uma redução nos valores da espasticidade.CONCLUSÃO: Os dados sugerem que a EENM é eficaz para reduzir a espasticidade imediatamente após a sua realização. Nível de Evidência II, Estudos Terapêuticos -Investigação dos Resultados do Tratamento.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury.METHODS: The study included eleven subjects with spinal cord injuries (C4 to T5). The modified Ashworth scale and pendulum test, which is accomplished through the Pendular Test Device - PTD (equipment which has a quartz crystal transducer accelerometer and optic fiber flexible electrogoniometer measuring the tensions and angular displacements). Patients underwent neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to the quadriceps muscle from fibular nerve, and the tests were administered before and after therapy.RESULTS: The data show a decrease in spasticity after NMES, with features such as increased variation between maximum and minimum peaks, i.e. increased amplitude of the curves. Furthermore, data from the subjective scale, and modified Ashworth scale after neuromuscular electrical stimulation also showed a reduction in the values of spasticity.CONCLUSION: The data suggest that NMES is effective in reducing spasticity immediately after completion. Level of Evidence II, Therapeutic Studies-Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Avaliação da estimulação elétrica no tratamento da disfagia secundário ao acidente vascular encefálico / Assessment of electrical stimulation in the treatment of the dysphagia caused by stroke

A disfagia neurogênica compreende as alterações da deglutição que ocorrem em virtude de uma doença neurológica, com os sintomas e complicações decorrentes do comprometimento sensório-motor dos músculos envolvidos no processo da deglutição. Este tipo de disfagia é particularmente debilitante, podendo levar a morte ou aumento do custo de saúde decorrentes da aspiração traqueal. Esta patologia é comum e consiste numa complicação potencialmente fatal para AVE agudo, ocorrendo em aproximadamente 50% desses pacientes. Dentre os possíveis tratamentos, a estimulação tátil-térmica e biofeedback têm um sucesso freqüente, variando de 0% a 83%. Estudos registram alto sucesso deste tratamento com pacientes que sofreram AVE, o que geralmente não incluem a mais severa forma de disfagia. Já o uso da estimulação elétrica no tratamento da disfagia foi primeiro descrito em 1996 por Freed et al e, posteriormente, por Park et al. O objetivo dessa estimulação elétrica era alcançar um ramo aferente do reflexo da deglutição em pacientes com atraso do início da deglutição. Sendo esta uma alternativa de tratamento ainda pouco explorada, o objetivo desse estudo foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a utilização da estimulação elétrica no tratamento da disfagia em pacientes que sofreram acidente vascular encefálico. Conclusão: A disfagia neurogência, por estar diretamente associada ao aumento da morbi-mortalidade, necessita da atenção especial dos profissionais da Saúde. Sendo a eletroestimulação uma terapêutica importante a ser explorada já que possui uma eficácia significativa nesta patologia.

Neurogenic dysphagia encompasses the disturbances in swallowing that occur because of a neurological disease, with the symptoms and complications stemming from the sensorial-motor impairment of the muscles involved in the swallowing process. This type of dysphagia is particularly debilitating. It can cause death or increased health care costs due to tracheal aspiration. This pathology is common and it presents a potentially fatal complication for stroke, happening in approximately 50% of these patients. Among the possible treatments, tactile-thermal stimulation and biofeedback are frequently successful, varying from 0% to 83%. Studies register a high success rate for this treatment with patients that have suffered strokes, which doesn't usually include the most severe dysphagia. The use of the electrical stimulation in treating dysphagia was first reported in 1996 by Freed et al and, later, by Park et al. The objective of the electrical stimulation was to find an afferent branch for the swallowing reflex in stroke patients with dysphagia associated with delayed initiation of swallowing. Since this was a little-explored alternative treatment, the objective of that study was to perform a bibliographical review concerning the use of electrical stimulation in the treatment of dysphagia in patients that had suffered strokes. Conclusion: Dysphagia caused by stroke is directly associated with an increase in life-threatening medical complications and requires the attention of health professionals. Electrical stimulation is an important therapy for dysphagia and its effectiveness in this pathology must be explored.

Eletroestimulação transvaginal do assoalho pélvico no tratamento da incontinência urinária de esforço: avaliações clínica e ultra-sonográfica / Transvaginal electrical stimulation of the pelvic floor in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: clinical and ultrasonographic assessment

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da eletroestimulação transvaginal no tratamento de mulheres com incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE) adequadamente selecionadas. MÉTODOS: Vinte e duas mulheres com IUE, diagnosticadas através de estudo urodinâmico, foram submetidas à eletroestimulação transvaginal do assoalho pélvico. A média das idades foi de 49 anos (22 a 74 anos). Foram realizadas duas sessões semanais, com duração de 20 minutos cada, durante oito semanas. Todas as mulheres foram avaliadas por anamnese, exames clínico e uroginecológico, registro semanal dos episódios de perda urinária, teste de esforço e ultra-sonografia transperineal antes e após o tratamento. Os parâmetros elétricos utilizados foram: pulso de 700 microssegundos, freqüência de 50 Hertz e intensidade com variação entre 12 e 53 miliamperes, de acordo com a sensibilidade da mulher. RESULTADOS: Consideraram-se satisfeitas com a eletroestimulação 18 mulheres (81,7 por cento), havendo redução significativa do número de perdas urinárias (p<0,01). O teste de esforço foi negativo em 77,2 por cento das mulheres após o tratamento. A pressão de perda sob esforço aumentou em 14 mulheres (64 por cento), não alcançando, entretanto, valor com significância estatística (p = 0,37). A avaliação ultra-sonográfica não demonstrou diferença significativa na mobilidade do colo vesical antes e após as sessões de eletroestimulação (p = 0,30). CONCLUSÃO: A eletroestimulação transvaginal do assoalho pélvico representou uma alternativa terapêutica efetiva e segura às mulheres com IUE sem defeito esfincteriano, com diminuição significativa dos episódios de perda urinária

Electroestimulacion en la incontinencia fecal con tecnologia apropiada / Electrostimulation in fecal incompetence with apropiate tecnology

Con intencion de suministrar tratamiento electroestimulativo a los pacientes con incontinencia fecal desarrollamos un aparato a modo galvanico con una tension de 50 Volts, corriente ajustable de 0 a 10 Miliamperios y frecuencia variable de 0,5 a 20 Hertzios. Una pacientes de 63 anos, con incontinencia permanente a solidos, liquidos y gases, con presiones esfincterianas abajo de lo normal; fue sometida al tratamiento durante un periodo de cinco meses, al cabo de los cuales las presiones mencionadas alcanzaron valores normales. Aunque un solo paciente desde el punto de vista estadistico no es determinante, la evidencia cuantitativa del aumento presorio nos muestra la eficacia del metodo.

Fisioterapia en dermatologia / Physical therapy in dermatology

Esta publicación, la primera de una corta serie, pretende actualizar la fisioterapia en dermatología, auxilio que durante largos años constituyó tal vez el fundamental procedimiento terapéutico en afecciones de la piel si se remonta uno a la época en la cual no se conocían los esteroides, los antibioticos ni los retinoides y la terapia medicamentosa se realizaba a base de formulas magisteriales que el dermatólogo debía prescribir. Los progresos de la industria farmacéutica, si bien han reducido la utilización de los métodos físicos de tratamiento dermatológico, no lo han sustituido totalmente. En esta primera entrega se hace un resumen del uso de la electricidad, continua y alterna, en dermatología, sus actuales indicaciones y la mejor forma de utilizarla