Subject(s)
Deep Brain Stimulation , Tremor , Humans , Tremor/complications , Tremor/therapy , Thalamus , AtaxiaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Clinical correlates of fear of falling (FoF) are scarcely studied in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical correlates of FoF in PSP and MSA. METHODS: This cross-sectional study features motor, cognitive, and psychiatric assessment and longitudinal evaluation of falls and FoF at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with PSP-parkinsonism, 22 patients with MSA (13 parkinsonian type and nine cerebellar type), and 22 healthy controls were evaluated; 76.2% of patients with PSP and 86.4% of patients with MSA had FoF regardless of falls. Berg Balance Scale (p < 0.001), Tinetti Mobility Test (p < 0.01), Beck Anxiety Inventory (p = 0.001), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (p = 0.01) correlated with FoF in patients with PSP and MSA, whereas Timed Up and Go test (p = 0.01) and Starkstein Apathy Scale correlated only in MSA (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Mobility, balance, and gait performance as well as anxiety and depression in PSP and MSA, and apathy in MSA, were determinants of FoF. These findings underline the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to FoF in neurodegenerative atypical parkinsonism.
Subject(s)
Multiple System Atrophy , Parkinsonian Disorders , Supranuclear Palsy, Progressive , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Postural Balance , Fear , Time and Motion StudiesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Despite the availability of the Unified Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Rating Scale (UMSARS) for almost two decades, studies still use scales developed for Parkinson's disease (PD) or ataxia (ATX). Our aim was to evaluate the use of UMSARS (part II, motor) compared to other motor rating scales in patients with MSA. METHODS: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-compliant literature search was conducted concerning studies of patients with MSA, reporting motor assessment with clinical rating scales, and focusing on the frequency of UMSARS use. RESULTS: We included 261 articles, of which 42.9% did not use UMSARS, but rather scales for PD (59.8%), ATX (24.1%), or both (14.3%). Although UMSARS use increased with time, misuse of PD and ATX scales persists, with no evidence of a decremental trend. CONCLUSIONS: Although higher in observational studies, the misuse of PD and ATX-related scales in MSA patients persists in prospective (planned) trials. Reasons for that must be addressed.
Subject(s)
Multiple System Atrophy , Parkinson Disease , Humans , Multiple System Atrophy/diagnosis , Prospective Studies , Parkinson Disease/diagnosisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The average accepted depth for non-tunneled catheters (NTC) insertion does not guarantee its correct position, so controversy exists. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two NTC placement depths on the number of NTC complication episodes. METHODS: We designed a triple blind, parallel group, randomized controlled trial in a single Hemodialysis Center in Mexico (Registry: ACTRN12619000774123). We included patients in urgent need of hemodialysis via internal right jugular vein NTC. The length of the NTC tip placement depth was randomized to second intercostal space (2ICS) or fourth intercostal space (4ICS), using physical landmarks. The primary outcome was to compare the composite number of NTC dysfunction, repositioning, and relocation episodes for 48 hours post-procedure. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five patients were included, 86 and 79 patients to NTC placement in the 2ICS and 4ICS, respectively. All patients underwent intention-to-treat analysis. The incidence of the composite outcome was lower in the 2ICS group compared to the 4ICS group, 4 (4.6%) and 50 (63%) combined episodes, respectively (P<0.001). Compared to the 4ICS group, the 2ICS group presented a relative risk of 0.06 (CI: 0.02-0.21, P<0.001) and number needed to treat (NNT) of 2.1. No adverse events occurred, derived from the NTC placement. CONCLUSIONS: NTC tip placement in the 2ICS compared to 4ICS decreases the incidence of the combined number of dysfunctions, repositioning and relocation episodes, with a NNT of 2 for its prevention.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Central Venous , Central Venous Catheters , Humans , Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects , Catheterization, Central Venous/methods , Renal Dialysis/adverse effects , Central Venous Catheters/adverse effects , Incidence , MexicoABSTRACT
The eight-and-a-half syndrome (EHS)-defined by the combination of a seventh cranial nerve palsy and an ipsilateral one-and-a-half syndrome-is a rare brainstem syndrome, which localises to the caudal tegmental region of the pons. We present a case of the EHS secondary to an inflammatory lesion on a previously healthy 26-year-old woman, with a literature review emphasising the relevance of aetiological assessment.
Subject(s)
Brain Diseases/therapy , Cranial Nerve Diseases/therapy , Facial Nerve Diseases/therapy , Facial Paralysis/therapy , Methylprednisolone/therapeutic use , Physical Therapy Modalities , Adult , Brain Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Combined Modality Therapy , Cranial Nerve Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Diplopia , Facial Nerve Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Facial Paralysis/diagnostic imaging , Female , Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use , Humans , SyndromeABSTRACT
Neurotoxicity from intrathecally administered chemotherapeutic drugs is frequent, particularly with some agents like methotrexate, which are more prone to developing adverse effects. Myelopathy ranks among the most frequently reported neurological entities; with the diagnosis being straightforward, after ruling out infectious, metabolic, autoimmune or paraneoplastic causes. Scarcity of cases precludes evidence-based recommendations for the management of these complications. The most common therapeutic approach consists of the suspension of chemotherapy, exclusion of infectious and neoplastic causes, with prompt administration of high-dose steroids. We report a 21-year-old patient with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, who developed acute transverse myelitis and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, after five rounds of intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine. Although neurotoxicity from both agents has been documented, this combination has not been previously reported.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Hearing Loss, Bilateral/chemically induced , Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/chemically induced , Myelitis, Transverse/chemically induced , Neuromyelitis Optica/chemically induced , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Injections, Spinal , Male , Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/drug therapy , Young AdultSubject(s)
Ischemic Stroke/complications , Paresis/etiology , Female , Fingers , Humans , Middle AgedABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The association between memory loss and Hodgkin's lymphoma has been given the eponym of Ophelia syndrome, in memory of Shakespeare's character in The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Nevertheless, there are differences between the disease and the character. OBJECTIVE: To review the origins and uses of the eponym through an original article by pathologist Ian Carr, its relation to the character Ophelia, and the related autoantibodies. METHODS: Historical narrative review. RESULTS: Besides an eloquent description in the original article, Carr presaged the presence of autoantibodies, before they had been thoroughly researched. Since then, five different autoantibodies (mGluR5, Hu, NMDAR, SOX, PCA2) have been associated with Hodgkin's disease. It is interesting to note the divergent outcomes of Shakespeare's character and the patient in the original description by Carr, the latter recovering to lead a normal life, and the former deceased. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is little relationship between the fictional character and the syndrome, both imply the unintentional trigger of self-harm (suicide in one case, autoimmunity in the other), thus remaining associated.
Subject(s)
Hodgkin Disease , Medicine in Literature , Memory Disorders , Autoantibodies , Female , History, 20th Century , Hodgkin Disease/immunology , Humans , Limbic Encephalitis , Male , Memory Disorders/immunology , SyndromeABSTRACT
The works of Argentinian scholar Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) have captivated physicians. An assiduous reader, he was given, with magnificent irony, "books and the night". Borges suffered from chronic and irreversible blindness, which influenced much of his work and has been the subject of different literary and diagnostic analyses from the ophthalmological point of view. However, the characteristics of his visual impairment have escaped the neurological approach, which is why we reviewed his work looking for data suggesting a concomitant brain injury. On his autobiography, he recounts how, during an episode of septicemia, he suffered hallucinations and loss of speech; in addition, in some poems and essays he describes data that suggest "phantom chromatopsia", a lesion of cortical origin. After that accident, Borges survived with a radical change in literary style. Although a precise diagnosis is impossible, his literary work allows recognizing some elements in favor of concomitant brain involvement.
La obra del erudito argentino Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) ha cautivado a los médicos. Asiduo lector con magnífica ironía, le fueron dados "los libros y la noche". Borges padeció una ceguera crónica e irreversible que impulsó gran parte de su obra y ha sido objeto de distintos análisis literarios y diagnósticos desde el punto de vista oftalmológico. Sin embargo, las características de su ceguera han escapado al abordaje neurológico, por lo cual revisamos su obra en busca de datos que sugieran una lesión cerebral concomitante. En su autobiografía relata cómo durante un episodio de septicemia padeció alucinaciones y pérdida del habla; además, en algunos poemas y ensayos describe datos que sugieren "cromatopsia fantasma", lesión de origen cortical. Tras dicho accidente, Borges sobrevivió con un cambio radical en su estilo literario. Aunque un diagnóstico preciso es imposible, su obra literaria nos permite reconocer algunos elementos que sugieren involucramiento cerebral concomitante.
Subject(s)
Blindness/history , Medicine in Literature/history , Poetry as Topic/history , Argentina , Autobiographies as Topic , Blindness/etiology , Head Injuries, Penetrating/complications , Head Injuries, Penetrating/history , History, 20th Century , Libraries/historyABSTRACT
ABSTRACT The association between memory loss and Hodgkin's lymphoma has been given the eponym of Ophelia syndrome, in memory of Shakespeare's character in The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Nevertheless, there are differences between the disease and the character. Objective: To review the origins and uses of the eponym through an original article by pathologist Ian Carr, its relation to the character Ophelia, and the related autoantibodies. Methods: Historical narrative review. Results: Besides an eloquent description in the original article, Carr presaged the presence of autoantibodies, before they had been thoroughly researched. Since then, five different autoantibodies (mGluR5, Hu, NMDAR, SOX, PCA2) have been associated with Hodgkin's disease. It is interesting to note the divergent outcomes of Shakespeare's character and the patient in the original description by Carr, the latter recovering to lead a normal life, and the former deceased. Conclusions: Although there is little relationship between the fictional character and the syndrome, both imply the unintentional trigger of self-harm (suicide in one case, autoimmunity in the other), thus remaining associated.
RESUMO El síndrome de Ofelia describe la asociación entre pérdida de memoria y enfermedad de Hodgkin, en memoria del personaje de La Tragedia de Hamlet, Príncipe de Dinamarca, de William Shakespeare. Sin embargo, existen diferencias entre ambos. Objetivo: Revisar los orígenes y usos del epónimo a través del artículo original, su relación con el personaje y los autoanticuerpos relacionados. Métodos: Revisión narrativa histórica. Resultados: Además de una descripción elocuente, el artículo original prefigura los autoanticuerpos, cuando no se buscaban de rutina. Desde entonces, cinco distintos (mGluR5, Hu, NMDAR, SOX, PCA2) han sido asociados. Cabe destacar, que el desenlace del personaje y del paciente fueron diametralmente opuestos, el primero falleció y el segundo se recuperó, llevando una vida normal. Conclusiones: A pesar de la poca relación entre el personaje y el síndrome, ambos implican el desencadenamiento no intencional de daño auto-inflingido (suicidio en un caso, autoinmunidad en el otro), manteniendo así la adecuacía.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , History, 20th Century , Hodgkin Disease/immunology , Medicine in Literature , Memory Disorders/immunology , Autoantibodies , Syndrome , Limbic EncephalitisABSTRACT
The works of Argentinian scholar Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) have captivated physicians. An assiduous reader, he was given, with magnificent irony, "books and the night". Borges suffered from chronic and irreversible blindness, which influenced much of his work and has been the subject of different literary and diagnostic analyses from the ophthalmological point of view. However, the characteristics of his visual impairment have escaped the neurological approach, which is why we reviewed his work looking for data suggesting a concomitant brain injury. On his autobiography, he recounts how, during an episode of septicemia, he suffered hallucinations and loss of speech; in addition, in some poems and essays he describes data that suggest "phantom chromatopsia", a lesion of cortical origin. After that accident, Borges survived with a radical change in literary style. Although a precise diagnosis is impossible, his literary work allows recognizing some elements in favor of concomitant brain involvement.
Subject(s)
History, 20th Century , Poetry as Topic/history , Writing/history , Blindness/history , Famous Persons , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/history , Argentina , Autobiographies as Topic , Blindness/etiology , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/complicationsSubject(s)
Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Diabetes Complications/epidemiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Comorbidity , Sex Factors , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Age Factors , Diabetes Complications/physiopathology , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology , Anemia/epidemiology , Liver Diseases/epidemiology , Mexico/epidemiology , Neoplasms/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The works of Argentinian scholar Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) have captivated physicians. An assiduous reader, he was given, with magnificent irony, "books and the night". Borges suffered from chronic and irreversible blindness, which influenced much of his work and has been the subject of different literary and diagnostic analyses from the ophthalmological point of view. However, the characteristics of his visual impairment have escaped the neurological approach, which is why we reviewed his work looking for data suggesting a concomitant brain injury. On his autobiography, he recounts how, during an episode of septicemia, he suffered hallucinations and loss of speech; in addition, in some poems and essays he describes data that suggest "phantom chromatopsia", a lesion of cortical origin. After that accident, Borges survived with a radical change in literary style. Although a precise diagnosis is impossible, his literary work allows recognizing some elements in favor of concomitant brain involvement.