Axonal damage and astrocytosis are biological correlates of grey matter network integrity loss: a cohort study in autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease.

Brain development and maturation leads to grey matter networks that can be measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Network integrity is an indicator of information processing capacity which declines in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease (AD). The biological mechanisms causing this loss of network integrity remain unknown. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein biomarkers are available for studying diverse pathological mechanisms in humans and can provide insight into decline. We investigated the relationships between 10 CSF proteins and network integrity in mutation carriers (N=219) and noncarriers (N=136) of the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Observational study. Abnormalities in Aß, Tau, synaptic (SNAP-25, neurogranin) and neuronal calcium-sensor protein (VILIP-1) preceded grey matter network disruptions by several years, while inflammation related (YKL-40) and axonal injury (NfL) abnormalities co-occurred and correlated with network integrity. This suggests that axonal loss and inflammation play a role in structural grey matter network changes. Key points: Abnormal levels of fluid markers for neuronal damage and inflammatory processes in CSF are associated with grey matter network disruptions.The strongest association was with NfL, suggesting that axonal loss may contribute to disrupted network organization as observed in AD.Tracking biomarker trajectories over the disease course, changes in CSF biomarkers generally precede changes in brain networks by several years.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs in emergency departments: how do we measure antimicrobial use? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) has become a usual practice in hospital settings. However, the method for monitoring antimicrobial use in accident and emergency departments (ED) is not yet adequately defined. Thus, the objective of this review is to describe antimicrobial use indicators used by ASPs implemented in ED. METHODS: A systematic review was performed based on studies found in the following academic research databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus (Period: January 2000 to December 2019). Controlled clinical trials, before-and-after studies, interrupted time series, and repeated measures studies assessing the impact of ASPs on antimicrobial use in ED were included; studies published in languages other than English or Spanish were excluded from this review. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. In total, 15 (62.5%) studies described the ASP team members who collaborated with the ED staff. Most (21; 80.8%) studies used the percentage of patients with an antibiotic prescription as an indicator. Four (15.4%) studies included defined daily dose data. The antibiotic treatment duration was reported in four (15.4%) studies. Only two studies assessed the impact of the ASP using microbiological indicators, both of which used the incidence of infection with Clostridioides difficile as the indicator. CONCLUSIONS: The reports of experiences in implementing ASPs in ED show heterogeneous antimicrobial use indicators, which makes it difficult to compare results. Therefore, antimicrobial use indicators for ASPs must be standardised between hospital units.

COQ6 mutation in patients with nephrotic syndrome, sensorineural deafness, and optic atrophy.

INTRODUCTION: Primary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiencies are a group of mitochondrial disorders that has proven responsiveness to replacement therapy. Mutations in enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of CoQ10 genes are associated with these deficits. The clinical presentation of this rare autosomal recessive disorder is heterogeneous and depends on the gene involved. Mutations in the COQ2, COQ6, PDSS2, and ADCK4 genes are responsible for steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), which is associated with extra-renal symptoms. Previous studies have reported COQ6 mutations in 11 patients from five different families presenting with SRNS and sensorineural deafness. CASE REPORTS: Our study reports the cases of two brothers of Turkish origin with renal failure and sensorineural deafness associated with COQ6 mutations responsible of CoQ10 deficiency. Optical symptoms were present in the eldest, that improved with Idebenone. CONCLUSION/DISCUSSION: For the first time, COQ6 mutation with optical involvement is associated with renal and hearing impairment. Although the response to replacement CoQ10 therapy was difficult to evaluate, we think that this treatment was able to stop the disease progression in both patients, and even to prevent the occurrence/development of optical and neurological impairment in the younger brother. Mitochondrial dysfunction secondary to CoQ10 deficiency should always be suspected in patients with SRNS and extra-renal symptoms. Early recognition of this genetic SRNS is mandatory since SRNS can be avoided by adequate treatment based on CoQ10 supplement or an analogue. All cases of primary CoQ10 deficiency should be treated at an early stage to limit the progression of lesions and prevent the emergence of new symptoms.

The efficacy of a medication review programme conducted in an emergency department.

Background Older age and inappropriate prescribing is related to a greater rate of emergency department visits and hospitalisations. Objective To assess the efficacy of an interprofessional collaboration programme in which a review of the medication of older patients seen in the emergency observation unit was carried out. Setting Emergency departments at four Spanish hospitals. Method Randomised, controlled study. Patients over 65 years of age presenting to the emergency department were randomised to a control or an intervention group. In the intervention group, a pharmacist reviewed the patients' chronic medication and identified any potentially inappropriate prescriptions based on the STOPP/START criteria. Each case was discussed with the emergency specialist and a recommendation to modify the treatment was sent to the general practitioner. Main outcome measure Rate of emergency visits and hospital admissions. Results The adjusted rate ratio of emergency visits and hospital admissions was 0.808 (95% CI 0.617 to 1.059) at 3 months, 0.888 (95% CI 0.696 to 1.134) at 6 months and 0.954 (95% CI 0.772 to 1.179) at 12 months. There was a statistically significant reduction at 3 months in two of the hospitals that participated in the study [adjusted rate ratio at 3 months was 0.452 (95% CI 0.222 to 0.923) in hospital 3 and 0.567 (95% CI 0.328 to 0.983) in hospital 4]. Conclusion Overall, the intervention did not reduce the number of emergency visits and hospital admissions. However, a significant effect was observed in centres were a high acceptance rate of treatment recommendations was achieved.

Structural signature of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal isoform of the human prion protein. Structural magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pathologically confirmed sCJD was compared with cognitively normal individuals to identify a cortical thickness signature of sCJD. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study compared patients with autopsy-confirmed sCJD with dementia (n = 11) with age- and sex-matched cognitively normal individuals (n = 22). We identified regions of interest (ROIs) in which cortical thickness was most affected by sCJD. Within patients with sCJD, the relationship between ROI cortical thickness and clinical measures (disease duration, cerebrospinal fluid tau and diffusion-weighted imaging abnormalities) was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with cognitively normal individuals, patients with sCJD had significantly reduced cortical thickness in multiple ROIs, including the fusiform gyrus, precentral gyrus, precuneus and superior temporal gyrus bilaterally; the caudal middle frontal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus and transverse temporal gyrus in the left hemisphere; and the superior parietal lobule in the right hemisphere. Only one patient with sCJD had co-pathology consistent with Alzheimer's disease. Reduced cortical thickness did not correlate with disease duration, presence of diffusion restriction or elevated cerebrospinal fluid tau. CONCLUSION: Cortical signature changes in sCJD may reflect brain changes not captured by standard clinical measures. This information may be used with clinical measures to inform the progression of sCJD and patterns of prion protein spread throughout the brain. These results may have implications for prediction of symptomatic progression and plausibly for development of therapeutic strategies.

Facteurs limitant la prise en charge du leiomyome remanie au CHU Mel de Cotonou : à propos d'un cas et revue de litterature

Les léiomyomes sont des pathologies courantes. Cependant ils peuvent présenter parfois des aspects inhabituels ce qui engendre des difficultés de prise en charge. La reconstitution du parcours thérapeu-tique d'une patiente de 36 ans, infertile porteuse d'un utérus polymyomateux et son suivi postopératoire ont permis d'identifier de nombreux facteurs limitant la précocité de la prise en charge. Malgré une prise en charge chirurgicale effective le pronostic fonctionnel reste réservé

L'éclampsie: aspects diagnostique, thérapeutique et pronostique A la cugo du CNHU-HKM de Cotonou en 2016

Introduction : L'éclampsie est une complication fréquente et grave de la prééclampsie. Elle est responsable de morbidité et de mortalité maternelle et périnatale élevées. Objectif : Etudier les aspects diagnostique, thérapeutique et pronostique de l'éclampsie à Cotonou. Matériel et Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude observationnelle transversale descriptive, menée du 1er janvier au 31 août 2016 à la Clinique Universitaire de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (CUGO) du Centre National Hospitalier Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) de Cotonou. Résultats : L'incidence de la crise éclamptique était de 1,9%. Les patientes affectées étaient jeunes avec un âge moyen de 25,4 ans, primigestes (60,3%), nullipares (64,7%) avec un mauvais suivi de la grossesse. L'éclampsie est survenue en antépartum dans 75% des cas. L'HTA était sévère (95,6%), la protéinurie massive (61,8%) et le coma léger (52,9%). Le Sulfate de magnésium était l'anticonvulsivant de choix (100%) et la césarienne la principale voie d'accouchement (100%). Le pronostic maternel et périnatal était mauvais avec une mortalité maternelle de 2,9%, une mortinatalité de 5,9% et une mortalité néonatale de 27,3%. Conclusion : L'éclampsie demeure une complication fréquente et redoutable de la prééclampsie à Cotonou. Un bon suivi de la grossesse s'avère capital pour un diagnostic et une prise en charge précoces de la prééclampsie avant l'apparition de la crise éclamptique

Connaissances, attitudes et pratiques des soins après avortement au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départemental du Borgou-Alibori

Introduction : L'avortement constitue un problème de santé publique par sa fréquence et la gravité de ses complications. Cette situation a conduit le Bénin à introduire les soins après avortements dans les Soins Obstétricaux et Néonataux d'Urgence. Objectif : Evaluer la connaissance l'attitude et la pratique des soins après avortement auprès des sage femmes et gynécologues de la maternité Cadre et méthode : Etude transversale et descriptive à la Maternité du CHUD-B/A de Février à mai 2016. Seize (16) prestataires dont dix (10) sages-femmes et six (6) gynécologues ont été évalués sur 68 patientes présentant un avortement. Résultats : la fréquence des avortements est de 7,9%. Les avortements spontanés restent les plus fréquents (61,7%). Les prestataires ayant le niveau de compétences théoriques requis sur les SAA représentent 61,7%. L'asepsie est respectée dans 83,8% des cas. L'AMIU reste la méthode d'évacuation utérine la plus utilisée (83,8%) suivie par le Misoprostol (16,2%). L'antibiothérapie et la prévention de l'allo-immunisation sont respectivement pratiquées dans 94,1% et 100%. Le counseling et la planification familiale ont été réalisés dans tous les cas d'avortement. Les services de santé de reproduction dont les patientes ont bénéficié sont : le service de gynécologie (68,1%) ; le dépistage du cancer du col (10,3%) ; le dépistage des IST (50%). L'implication de la communauté s'est faite dans tous les cas de prise en charge d'avortements. Nous n'avons enregistré aucune complication majeure ni aucun décès maternel. Conclusion : la majorité des prestataires ont les connaissances requises par rapport aux SAA. La pratique des SAA à la maternité du CHUD-B/A répond presque entièrement aux normes requises. Cependant certains points importants restent encore à corriger

Paramètres du spermogramme dans l'infertilité du couple: cas d'une clinique privée du Bénin à propos de 210 cas

Objectif : Analyser les résultats des spermogrammes dans une clinique privée de Cotonou prenant en charge les couples infertiles. Méthode d'étude : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective à visée descriptive portant sur 210 spermogrammes réalisés au niveau du laboratoire d'analyses biomédicales de la Clinique HOUEYIHO à Cotonou sur une période de 3 ans allant du 1er Janvier 2014 au 31 Décembre 2016. Résultats : Ce sont majoritairement les adultes jeunes entre 31 ­ 40 ans qui ont effectué le spermogramme (139/210 soit 66.2%) avec un âge moyen de 37.15ans. Parmi ces 139 adultes jeunes, 105 sont concernés par le problème d'infertilité soit 75.5% (105/139). Sur les 210 patients, le spermogramme était anormal dans 152 cas, soit 72.4%. Les conclusions le plus souvent rencontrées sont l'azoospermie 18.5% (39/210), l'asthénozoospermie 17.1% (36/210) et l'oligoasthénozoospermie 14.3% (30/210). La diminution de la mobilité spermatique est majoritaire avec 43.3% (61/210), notamment entre 31 - 40ans où elle concerne 1 homme sur 3 (65/139). On observe également une décroissance du nombre de spermatozoïdes en fonction du vieillissement de l'homme: avant 30ans, 80% de normalité (24/30) qui chute à 51.8% entre 31 et 40 ans (72/139) puis à 33.3% après 50ans. Conclusion : Les anomalies du spermogramme concernent 72.4% de patients ayant consulté pour une difficulté à concevoir. Pour prendre en charge les couples infertiles, la nécessité d'une unité de PMA au coût accessible à Cotonou n'est plus à démontrer. Il est aussi grand temps de déculpabiliser le rôle unique de la femme tel que conçu culturellement dans l'infertilité du couple

Pre- and Post-Transfusion Alloimmunization in Dogs Characterized by 2 Antiglobulin-Enhanced Cross-match Tests.

BACKGROUND: When dogs are transfused, blood compatibility testing varies widely but may include dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 typing and rarely cross-matching. OBJECTIVES: Prospective study to examine naturally occurring alloantibodies against red blood cells (RBCs) and alloimmunization by transfusion using 2 antiglobulin-enhanced cross-match tests. ANIMALS: Eighty client-owned anemic, 72 donor, and 7 control dogs. METHODS: All dogs were typed for DEA 1 and some also for DEA 4 and DEA 7. Major cross-match tests with canine antiglobulin-enhanced immunochromatographic strip and gel columns were performed 26-129 days post-transfusion (median, 39 days); some dogs had an additional early evaluation 11-22 days post-transfusion (median, 16 days). Plasma from alloimmunized recipients was cross-matched against RBCs from 34 donor and control dogs. RESULTS: The 2 cross-match methods gave entirely concordant results. All 126 pretransfusion cross-match results for the 80 anemic recipients were compatible, but 54 dogs died or were lost to follow up. Among the 26 recipients with follow-up, 1 dog accidently received DEA 1-mismatched blood and became cross-match-incompatible post-transfusion. Eleven of the 25 DEA 1-matched recipients (44%) became incompatible against other RBC antigens. No naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 alloantibodies were detected in DEA 7- dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The antiglobulin-enhanced immunochromatographic strip cross-match and laboratory gel column techniques identified no naturally occurring alloantibodies against RBC antigens, but a high degree of post-transfusion alloimmunization in dogs. Cross-matching is warranted in any dog that has been previously transfused independent of initial DEA 1 typing and cross-matching results before the first transfusion event.

An anthropomorphic breathing phantom of the thorax for testing new motion mitigation techniques for pencil beam scanning proton therapy.

Motion-induced range changes and incorrectly placed dose spots strongly affect the quality of pencil-beam-scanned (PBS) proton therapy, especially in thoracic tumour sites, where density changes are large. Thus motion-mitigation techniques are necessary, which must be validated in a realistic patient-like geometry. We report on the development and characterisation of a dynamic, anthropomorphic, thorax phantom that can realistically mimic thoracic motions and anatomical features for verifications of proton and photon 4D treatments. The presented phantom is of an average thorax size, and consists of inflatable, deformable lungs surrounded by a skeleton and skin. A mobile 'tumour' is embedded in the lungs in which dosimetry devices (such as radiochromic films) can be inserted. Motion of the tumour and deformation of the thorax is controlled via a custom made pump system driving air into and out of the lungs. Comprehensive commissioning tests have been performed to evaluate the mechanical performance of the phantom, its visibility on CT and MR imaging and its feasibility for dosimetric validation of 4D proton treatments. The phantom performed well on both regular and irregular pre-programmed breathing curves, reaching peak-to-peak amplitudes in the tumour of <20 mm. Some hysteresis in the inflation versus deflation phases was seen. All materials were clearly visualised in CT scans, and all, except the bone and lung components, were MRI visible. Radiochromic film measurements in the phantom showed that imaging for repositioning was required (as for a patient treatment). Dosimetry was feasible with Gamma Index agreements (4%/4 mm) between film dose and planned dose >90% in the central planes of the target. The results of this study demonstrate that this anthropomorphic thorax phantom is suitable for imaging and dosimetric studies in a thoracic geometry closely-matched to lung cancer patients under realistic motion conditions.

Les étiologies des urgences obstétricales à la maternité du centre hospitalier universitaire départemental de l'Ouémé-plateau (CHUD O/P) au Bénin

Objectif : Décrire les étiologies des urgences obstétricales dans le service de gynécologie et d'obstétrique du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départemental de l'Ouémé-Plateau.Patientes et Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale, descriptive et analytique menée à la maternité du CHUD O/P sur une période de 06 mois allant de Février 2016 à Aout 2016. Les critères d'inclusion étaient constitués de toutes les patientes admises à la maternité du CHUD O/P et traitées pour des complications de la gravido-puerpéralité. N'étaient pas inclues les urgences non obstétricales.L'analyse et les tests statistiques ont été effectués sur les logiciels CS PRO 6.2 et SPSS en comparant les moyennes et les écarts, en utilisant le chi carré de Pearson pour les variables dichotomiques en acceptant une probabilité significative p0,05. Les considérations éthiques, la confidentialité et l'anonymat étaient respectés. Résultats et conclusion : La fréquence d'admission des urgences obstétricales était de 34,8%. L'âge moyen était de 27,3 +/- 5,7 ans. Elles étaient nullipares (31,4%), aux activités professionnelles peu rémunératrices (69,3%). La référence était dans 70,4% le mode d'admission mais inadéquate. Les causes retrouvées par ordre de fréquence, étaient : les dystocies (30,7%) ; les urgences hémorragiques (25,9%) ; les urgences hypertensives (21,5%) ; les hypoxies foetales (17,8%) et les infections 4,0%). La létalité maternelle et néonatale étaient respectivement de 3,8% et 11,5%.L'anticipation des SONU s'avère indispensable dans la prise en charge des urgences obstétricales

Facteurs de risque d'hémorragie du post-partum immédiat dans un hôpital de district du nord Bénin

Introduction : L'hémorragie du post-partum constitue la principale cause de décès maternel surtout dans les pays en développement. L'objectif était de déterminer les facteurs de risque d'hémorragie du post-partum. Patientes et méthodes : Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale descriptive et analytique réalisée dans un hôpital de district au nord du Bénin. L'étude a concerné 186 cas d'hémorragie du post partum immédiat pris en charge dans cet hôpital du 15 octobre 2015 au 14 avril 2017. Les données ont été traitées avec les logiciels de statistique SPSS 20.0 et Epi info 7. Pour la comparaison des variables, nous avons utilisé le texte de « Khi-deux » et la différence était supposée statistiquement significative pour un p inférieur à 0,05. La confidentialité des résultats et l'anonymat des accouchées étaient respectées. Résultats : Les étiologies de l'hémorragie du post-partum immédiat dans l'étude étaient l'atonie utérine (50%), les lésions traumatiques de la filière génitale (48,4%) et la rétention placentaire (39,8%). L'atonie utérine était corrélée à la grande multiparité, à l'antécédent d'hémorragie de la délivrance, à la pré-éclampsie, au déclenchement du travail, à l'accouchement par césarienne,au travail prolongé et à la macrosomie. Quant aux lésions traumatiques de la filière génitales, elles étaient statistiquement associées à la primiparité et à la macrosomie. La rétention placentaire était surtout retrouvée chez les accouchées ayant un antécédent de césarienne. Conclusion : Il existe bien des facteurs de risque d'hémorragie du post-partum immédiat. La recherche systématique et la prise en charge précoce de ces facteurs pourraient contribuer à la réduction de la mortalité maternelle liée à l'hémorragie du post-partum immédiate

Ex Vivo Assessment of an Ultrasound-Guided Injection Technique of the Navicular Bursa in the Horse.

Synovitis of the navicular bursa is common in performance horses. The objective of this study was to describe an ultrasound-guided technique to inject a distended navicular bursa and to evaluate its feasibility for use by a clinician not trained in the technique. Twenty distal limbs of horses of various breeds and sizes were used. To produce synovial distension, the navicular bursa of each limb was injected with contrast medium using a lateral approach and radiography was performed to confirm that the contrast medium was distending the bursa. The digit was positioned with the distal interphalangeal joint in hyperextension. A microconvex ultrasound probe was placed in the hollow of the pastern, palmar to the middle phalanx and the region was assessed in a transverse plane slightly oblique to the horizontal plane. The ultrasound probe was rotated to visualize both the lateral and medial recesses and to select which side was more distended to inject. A 21G 0.8 × 50 mm needle was inserted abaxially to the probe in the plane of the ultrasound beam into the proximal recess of this navicular bursa and a methylene blue solution was injected. Following injection, dissection was performed to assess whether the navicular bursa had been successfully injected. This ultrasound-guided technique was reliably performed with a success rate of 68%. The success of injection is influenced by hyperextension of the foot, quality of ultrasound images and degree of distension of the bursa.

Grossesse abdominale. A propos d'un cas observé à l'hôpital de zone de Dassa (Bénin)

Les auteurs rapportent un cas de grossesse abdominale à 31 semaines d'aménorrhée chez une patiente de 32 ans à l'hôpital de zone de Dassa. Diagnostic fait, la patiente refuse l'hospitalisation et sort contre avis médical. Revue deux semaines plus tard pour douleurs abdominales, l'échographie de contrôle révèle une mort fœtale à 33 semaines d'aménorrhée + 3 jours. Une laparotomie a été réalisée suivie d'une extraction de la cavité abdominale d'un fœtus mort-né macéré 3ème degré. L'évolution post-opératoire était simple et la patiente était sortie au 6ème jour post-opératoire

Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Anatomy of the Normal Orbit and Eye of the Horse.

Traumatic and infectious diseases of the eye and orbit can occur in horses. For diagnosis and monitoring of such diseases, medical imaging is useful including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of the current study was to describe CT and MRI anatomy of the equine orbit and ocular globe. The heads from four adult horses were scanned with a 6-slice Emotion 6 CT (Siemens, Erlangen), and a 3.0 Tesla Siemens Verio 6 MRI using T1 and T2-weighted sequences. To validate CT and MR reference images, these were compared with anatomical models and gross anatomical sections. The bony limits of the orbital cavity, the relationship of the orbit with sinuses and foramina of the skull were well identified by CT. MRI was useful to observe soft tissues and was able to identify adnexae of the ocular globe (eyelids, periorbital fat, extraocular muscles, lacrymal and tarsal glands). Although MRI was able to identify all components of the eye (including the posterior chamber), it could not differentiate sclera from choroid and retina. The only nerve identified was the optic nerve. Vessels were not seen in this series of cadaver heads. This study showed that CT and MRI are useful techniques to image the equine orbit and eye that can have clinical applications.

Adherencia subóptima al tratamiento en la esclerosis múltiple / Adherence to treatment in multiple sclerosis

Objetivo Conocer la adherencia al tratamiento con interferón beta y acetato de glatirámero de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple, así como el porcentaje de discontinuación y sus causas. Método Estudio observacional, longitudinal prospectivo y multicéntrico de ámbito nacional en el que se seleccionaron pacientes con esclerosis múltiple que acudieron a los servicios de farmacia hospitalarios para recoger medicación. La variable principal de valoración fue el porcentaje de adherencia durante un año, medido como la relación entre las dosis de fármaco dispensadas y las necesarias. Secundariamente se midieron las discontinuaciones de tratamiento y sus causas. Resultados Se incluyeron, durante un periodo de seis meses, 543 pacientes en 39 servicios de farmacia. El tiempo medio de exposición a los fármacos durante el estudio fue de 312 días y la adherencia media en ese periodo del 61,5% (IC 95%: 59,4-63,5). De los 543 participantes en el estudio, 34 (6,26%) discontinuaron el tratamiento, en la mayoría de los casos por criterio médico. Conclusiones La adherencia terapéutica durante un año en los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple ha sido inferior a la óptima. Es necesario analizar las causas y establecer medidas correctoras (AU)

Objective To find out if patients with multiple sclerosis adhere to treatment with beta interferons and glatiramer acetate, the percentage of withdrawal and its causes. Methods Observational, longitudinal, prospective, national, multicentre study which selected multiple sclerosis patients who attended the hospital pharmacy department to collect their medication. The main variable was the adherence percentage during a year, measured as the relationship between the dose of the dispensed and necessary drug. Treatment withdrawals and their causes were then measured. Results Over a six-month period, 543 patients from 39 pharmacy departments were included. The average time exposed to the drugs during the study period was 312 days and the average adherence in this period was 61.5% (95% CI: 59.4-63.5). Thirty-four (6.26%) of the 543 study participants withdrew treatment, which for most cases was decided by the doctor. Conclusions Multiple sclerosis patients’ treatment adherence during a period of one year has been lower than the ideal. The causes should therefore be analysed and corrective measures established (AU)

Adherence to treatment in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To find out if patients with multiple sclerosis adhere to treatment with beta interferons and glatiramer acetate, the percentage of withdrawal and its causes. METHODS: Observational, longitudinal, prospective, national, multicentre study which selected multiple sclerosis patients who attended the hospital pharmacy department to collect their medication. The main variable was the adherence percentage during a year, measured as the relationship between the dose of the dispensed and necessary drug. Treatment withdrawals and their causes were then measured. RESULTS: Over a six-month period, 543 patients from 39 pharmacy departments were included. The average time exposed to the drugs during the study period was 312 days and the average adherence in this period was 61.5% (95% CI: 59.4-63.5). Thirty-four (6.26%) of the 543 study participants withdrew treatment, which for most cases was decided by the doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple sclerosis patients' treatment adherence during a period of one year has been lower than the ideal. The causes should therefore be analysed and corrective measures established.