RESUMEN
Objective: Evaluate safety and effectiveness of thermal radiofrequency in the musculocutaneous nerve in patients with focal elbow flexor spasticity. Design: Ambispective observational follow-up study. Patients with focal spasticity secondary to central nervous system injury with elbow flexor pattern who received thermal radiofrequency treatment in the musculocutaneous nerve between 2021 and 2023 were included. Subjects: 12 patients. Methods: Ultrasound-guided thermal radiofrequency was applied to the musculocutaneous nerve at 80°C for 90 s. Effectiveness was assessed prior to thermal radiofrequency and at 6 months using scales to measure pain (VAS), spasticity (MAS), disability (DAS), quality of life (SQol-6D), patient-perceived and physician-perceived satisfaction (PIG-C, PGA), and goal attainment (GAS). Elbow joint range of motion was evaluated via goniometry. Safety was evaluated by assessing side effects. Results: Patients had statistically significant improvements in spasticity (p = 0.003), severe elbow flexion (p = 0.02), pain (p = 0.046), functioning (p < 0.05), and spasticity-related quality of life (p < 0.05 in three sections). Furthermore, treatment goals were attained. Patient- and physician-perceived clinical improvement was achieved. Regarding side effects, two patients had dysesthesia that was self-limiting, with maximum duration of 1 month. Conclusion: Thermal radiofrequency in the musculocutaneous nerve can be a safe, effective treatment for patients with severe spasticity with an elbow flexor pattern.
RESUMEN
Background: Rehabilitation is still the only treatment available to improve functional status after the acute phase of stroke. Most clinical guidelines highlight the need to design rehabilitation treatments considering starting time, intensity, and frequency, according to the tolerance of the patient. However, there are no homogeneous protocols and the biological effects are under investigation. Objective: To investigate the impact of rehabilitation intensity (hours) after stroke on functional improvement and serum angiogenin (ANG) in a 6-month follow-up study. Methods: A prospective, observational, longitudinal, and multicenter study with three cohorts: strokes in intensive rehabilitation therapy (IRT, minimum 15 h/week) vs. conventional therapy (NO-IRT, <15 h/week), and controls subjects (without known neurological, malignant, or inflammatory diseases). A total of seven centers participated, with functional evaluations and blood sampling during follow-up. The final cohort includes 62 strokes and 43 controls with demographic, clinical, blood samples, and exhaustive functional monitoring. Results: The median (IQR) number of weekly hours of therapy was different: IRT 15 (15-16) vs. NO-IRT 7.5 (5-9), p < 0.01, with progressive and significant improvements in both groups. However, IRT patients showed earlier improvements (within 1 month) on several scales (CAHAI, FMA, and FAC; p < 0.001) and the earliest community ambulation achievements (0.89 m/s at 3 months). There was a significant difference in ANG temporal profile between the IRT and NO-IRT groups (p < 0.01). Additionally, ANG was elevated at 1 month only in the IRT group (p < 0.05) whereas it decreased in the NO-IRT group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest an association of rehabilitation intensity with early functional improvements, and connect the rehabilitation process with blood biomarkers.
RESUMEN
Resumen. La espasticidad es una secuela común en los pacientes que han sufrido un ictus. La identificación de pacientes con alto riesgo de presentar espasticidad postictus e iniciar el tratamiento en fases tempranas probablemente beneficiaría al paciente. Se revisaron las áreas clave en el manejo temprano de la espasticidad postictus, y se consideraron las implicaciones clínicas y la solidez de las evidencias. El documento elaborado por los coordinadores fue sometido a revisión y se elaboró un texto, que finalmente se validó. El grupo de expertos recomienda definir el tratamiento temprano de la espasticidad como el que comienza antes de los tres primeros meses tras el ictus. El panel considera muy importante identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con la aparición de la espasticidad, ya que esto podría reducir su impacto. Se definen las situaciones más frecuentes subsidiarias de tratamiento precoz tanto del miembro superior como del miembro inferior. El panel recomienda que el tratamiento con toxina botulínica tipo A sea administrado por especialistas que posean una amplia experiencia en el diagnóstico y manejo clínico de la espasticidad. En conclusión, el tratamiento de la espasticidad focal en los primeros tres meses tras un ictus está indicado en determinadas situaciones. Estas recomendaciones ayudan a estandarizar el manejo temprano de la espasticidad postictus, con la consiguiente ayuda para el clínico y los pacientes (AU)
Summary. Spasticity is a common complication that occurs in those patients that have suffered a stroke. To identify those patients at high risk of having post-stroke spasticity and to start treatment at early stages would probably benefit the patient. The key aspects in the early management of post-stroke spasticity were review and the clinical implications and strength of evidences were also considered. The document drafted by the study coordinators was subsequently reviewed and then a validated document was developed. The experts recommend defining early treatment of spasticity as one that begins before the first three months after stroke. The panel considers very important to identify the risk factors associated with the onset of spasticity, since this might reduce its impact. Additionally, the most common conditions subsidiaries of early treatment of both upper and lower limb are defined. The panel recommends that the treatment with botulinum toxin A must only be given by specialists with experience in diagnosis and management of spasticity. In conclusion, the treatment of focal spasticity in the first three months after stroke is indicated in certain situations. These recommendations help to standardize the early management of post-stroke spasticity, with the consequent support to clinicians and patients (AU)