Multidisciplinary radio-guided surgery team: Alternative to change the current paradigm.

INTRODUCTION: Given the constant increase in the healthcare demand for examinations related to radio-guided surgery (RGS), our hospital adopted new professional profiles in the RGS team, in order to partially reduce the time spent by nuclear medicine physicians on this task. AIM: To analyze the process of incorporating the profiles of Diagnostic Imaging Technician (DIT) and Sentinel Node Referent Nurse (SNRN), evaluating their deployment in the procedures linked to the technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of RGS activity during the period 2018-2022, focusing on pre-surgical and surgical procedures related to breast cancer (BC) and malignant melanoma (MM), as they are those pathologies on which the transfer of care competencies was concentrated. Chronological evolution of the competencies assumed by the different profiles during their integration into the RGS team. RESULTS: RGS's healthcare activity during the analyzed period experienced an increase of 109%. BC and MM were the pathologies that accounted for by far the greatest demand for care. The transfer of competencies in these two pathologies occurred in a progressive and staggered manner, with 74% (460/622) of the administration phase being carried out by the SNRN and 64% (333/519) of the surgeries by the DIT in 2022. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of a multidisciplinary RGS team that includes different professional profiles (nuclear medicine physician [MN], ERGC and TSID) is an effective strategy to respond to the increase in the complexity and number of all procedures related to RGS.

Perfil enfermera referente de ganglio centinela: descripción, validación y aplicación en la práctica asistencial / Sentinal lymph node reference nurse model: description, validation, and application in clinical practice

Introducción En 2019 se genera la oportunidad de integrar un enfermero en el equipo de cirugía radioguiada (CRG), adaptando el modelo de enfermera referente a las exploraciones de ganglio centinela (GC). Objetivos Describir el procedimiento adoptado para definir el perfil enfermera referente de ganglio centinela (ERGC), validar su aplicación práctica y establecer su implementación asistencial. Material y métodos Metodología de análisis y mejora continua en gestión de procesos (ciclo PDCA): definición y planificación de las funciones de ERGC en el protocolo de cáncer de mama, realización prueba piloto con 20 pacientes y análisis de los datos de cara a validar el circuito y establecer su implementación asistencial. Resultados Se elaboraron flujos del procedimiento, integrando la figura de ERGC. En la prueba piloto, un 15% de las mujeres presentaron un resultado positivo de ansiedad frente a un 60% de valoración subjetiva positiva de ansiedad. Tras las intervenciones enfermeras realizadas, se obtuvo una reducción del 58,3% en valoración subjetiva de ansiedad, un 100% de conocimiento de la prueba y una valoración del dolor en la administración del radiotrazador aceptable en las pacientes. En el nivel de calidad técnica, 8/10 ítems valorados consiguieron el objetivo previamente establecido por el equipo de CRG. Conclusiones La creciente complejidad de la técnica de biopsia de GC ha creado la oportunidad de implementar cuidados enfermeros en el procedimiento de localización prequirúrgica del GC. El perfil ERGC es el idóneo para llevarlo a cabo y ha conllevado mejoras objetivas en los diagnósticos enfermeros e ítems evaluados (AU)

Introduction In 2019 the opportunity to add a nurse within the radioguided surgery (RGS) team was generated. The referent nurse model was adapted to, the sentinel node (SN) preoperative approaches. Objectives To describe the process performed to define the sentinel node referentnurse (SNRN) profile, to validate its practical application and to establish its clinical implementation. Material and methods Methodology of analysis and continuous improvement in the management of processes (cycle PDCA): Definition and planning of the SNRN functions in the breast cancer protocol, performance of a pilot test with 20 patients and analysis of the data in order to validate the circuit and establish its final clinical implementation. Results New procedure flows-charts were elaborated, adding the figure of the SNRN, its function and nursing interventions during the process. In the pilot test a 58.3% reduction in subjective anxiety, a 75% decrease of the overall anxiety level, a 100% knowledge of the test and an acceptable patient perception of pain's level during the radiotracer administration were obtained. Regarding technical quality, 8/10 items assessed reached the level previously established by the RGS team. Conclusions The increasing complexity of the SN biopsy technique has created the opportunity to implement nursing care in the presurgical SN localization process. The profile of the SNRN is ideal for carrying it out and has led to improvements in the nursing diagnoses and assessed items (AU)

Semillas radiactivas y no radiactivas como método de localización quirúrgica de las lesiones mamarias no palpables / Radioactive and non-radioactive seeds as surgical localization method of non-palpable breast lesions

El diagnóstico cada vez más precoz de la enfermedad mamaria y el uso más extendido del tratamiento sistémico primario conlleva en la práctica clínica un creciente número de cirugías de lesiones mamarias no palpables (LMNP).La cirugía conservadora de la mama requiere a menudo la utilización de un procedimiento de localización preoperatorio guiado por imagen, en el cual se coloca un dispositivo en el interior de la lesión a extirpar para guiar al cirujano durante la cirugía. Se trata de pacientes con tumores pequeños, no palpables, detectados en la mamografía de cribado poblacional, casos con significativa reducción de la lesión tras la quimioterapia neoadyuvante e incluso en ocasiones es necesario el marcaje de adenopatías axilares previo al tratamiento sistémico.Durante décadas, la localización con arpón ha sido el estándar para el marcaje preoperatorio en cáncer de mama. Debido al componente externo del arpón, se debe extremar el cuidado de no alterar su posición antes de la cirugía, por lo que se coloca horas antes de la cirugía y conlleva una compleja y limitada flexibilidad de programación quirúrgica.La ecografía intraoperatoria subsana este inconveniente, pero tiene la limitación de que únicamente va a poder realizarse en aquellas LMNP que tienen traducción ecográfica. La técnica Radioguided Ocult Lesión Localization (ROLL), si bien es otra alternativa adoptada por muchas instituciones, no está exenta de complicaciones, entre las que destaca la posibilidad de difusión del radiotrazador hacia el tejido sano.Para solventar estos inconvenientes, más recientemente, se comenzaron a utilizar las semillas radiactivas de 125I. Posteriormente, gracias a los avances tecnológicos, han surgido alternativas de semillas no radiactivas como los reflectores de radar, las semillas magnéticas y los marcadores por radiofrecuencia. Estos dispositivos de localización se pueden colocar días antes de la cirugía

The increasingly early diagnosis of breast disease and the more widespread use of primary systemic therapy leads to an increasing number of surgeries for non-palpable breast lesions (NPL) in clinical practice.Breast-conserving surgery often requires the use of an image-guided preoperative localization procedure, in which a device is placed within the lesion to be removed to guide the surgeon during surgery. These are patients with small, non-palpable tumors detected in the population screening mammogram, cases with significant reduction of the lesion after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and sometimes it is even necessary to mark axillary lymphadenopathies prior to systemic treatment.For decades, wire localization has been the standard for preoperative marking in breast cancer. Due to the external component of this device, extreme care must be taken not to alter its position before surgery, which is why it is placed hours before surgery and entails complex and limited flexibility in surgical programming.Intraoperative ultrasound improves this drawback but has the limitation that it can only be performed in those NPLs that have ultrasound translation. The Radioguided Occult Lesion Localization (ROLL) technique, although it is another alternative adopted by many institutions, is not without complications, among which the possibility of diffusion of the radiotracer into healthy tissue stands out.To overcome these problems, more recently, 125I radioactive seeds began to be used. Subsequently, thanks to technological advances, non-radioactive seed alternatives such as radar reflectors, magnetic seeds and radio frequency markers have emerged. These locating devices can be placed days before surgery, avoiding wire-related problems and complications. They are introduced percutaneously and identified intraoperatively using a detector device.There is no perfect intraoperative localization method for NPL excision, but fortunately, we have multiple techniques

Sentinel node referent nurse: Description, validation and application in clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION: In 2019 the opportunity to add a nurse within the radioguided surgery (RGS) team was generated. The referent nurse model was adapted to, the sentinel node (SN) preoperative approaches. OBJECTIVES: To describe the process performed to define the sentinel node referent nurse (SNRN) profile, to validate its practical application and to establish its clinical implementation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Methodology of analysis and continuous improvement in the management of processes (cycle PDCA): definition and planning of the SNRN functions in the breast cancer protocol, performance of a pilot test with 20 patients and analysis of the data in order to validate the circuit and establish its final clinical implementation. RESULTS: New procedure flows-charts were elaborated, adding the figure of the SNRN, its function and nursing interventions during the process. In the pilot test a 58.3% reduction in subjective anxiety, a 75% decrease of the overall anxiety level, a 100% knowledge of the test and an acceptable patient perception of pain's level during the radiotracer administration were obtained. Regarding technical quality, 8/10 items assessed reached the level previously established by the RGS team. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing complexity of the SN biopsy technique has created the opportunity to implement nursing care in the presurgical SN localization process. The profile of the SNRN is ideal for carrying it out and has led to improvements in the nursing diagnoses and assessed items.

Radioactive and non-radioactive seeds as surgical localization method of non-palpable breast lesions.

The increasingly early diagnosis of breast disease and the more widespread use of primary systemic therapy leads to an increasing number of surgeries for non-palpable breast lesions (NPL) in clinical practice. Breast-conserving surgery often requires the use of an image-guided preoperative localization procedure, in which a device is placed within the lesion to be removed to guide the surgeon during surgery. These are patients with small, non-palpable tumors detected in the population screening mammogram, cases with significant reduction of the lesion after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and sometimes it is even necessary to mark axillary lymphadenopathies prior to systemic treatment. For decades, wire localization has been the standard for preoperative marking in breast cancer. Due to the external component of this device, extreme care must be taken not to alter its position before surgery, which is why it is placed hours before surgery and entails complex and limited flexibility in surgical programming. Intraoperative ultrasound improves this drawback but has the limitation that it can only be performed in those NPLs that have ultrasound translation. The Radioguided Occult Lesion Localization (ROLL) technique, although it is another alternative adopted by many institutions, is not without complications, among which the possibility of diffusion of the radiotracer into healthy tissue stands out. To overcome these problems, more recently, 125I radioactive seeds began to be used. Subsequently, thanks to technological advances, non-radioactive seed alternatives such as radar reflectors, magnetic seeds and radio frequency markers have emerged. These locating devices can be placed days before surgery, avoiding wire-related problems and complications. They are introduced percutaneously and identified intraoperatively using a detector device. There is no perfect intraoperative localization method for NPL excision, but fortunately, we have multiple techniques with different advantages and disadvantages that must be assessed and adapted to the center's own resources, the type of surgery, and always to the benefit of the patient.

PET/TC 11C-colina detecta múltiples pequeñas metástasis peritoneales en un paciente con cáncer de próstata / 11C-Choline PET/CT detects multiple small peritoneal metastasis in a prostate cancer patient

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Detección del foco epileptógeno mediante dos nuevos métodos de procesamiento de imágenes SPECT y PET cerebral: PET-Analysis y PISCOM / Detection of epileptogenic focus with two new methods of processing of SPECT and PET cerebral images: PET-Analysis and PISCOM

La neuroimagen funcional de la PET con 18F-FDG y la SPECT de perfusión son exploraciones cada vez más imprescindibles para la localización prequirúrgica del foco epileptógeno. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 18 años con crisis epilépticas refractarias a tratamiento antiepiléptico. La RM mostró displasia en córtex insular posterior derecho. El SISCOM detectó un aumento focal de captación en cíngulo frontoparietal izquierdo y en la PET-FDG se visualizaba una distribución normal del radiotrazador. Se realizó resección insular posterior derecha, cuyo resultado anatomopatológico fue ganglioglioma grado I de la clasificación de la OMS. El paciente mostró una evolución posquirúrgica favorable, encontrándose libre de crisis desde hace 5 años (Engel I). Un análisis retrospectivo de este caso con 2 nuevos métodos de procesamiento de imágenes: PET-Analysis y PISCOM, permitió localizar correctamente el foco epileptógeno en córtex insular posterior derecho

Functional neuroimaging with positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-18F-FDG) and perfusion single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) are increasingly more essential for presurgically locating the epileptogenic focus. We present the case of an 18-year-old male with epileptic seizures refractory to antiepileptic treatment. Magnetic resonance (MR) showed dysplasia in the posterior right insular cortex. Subtraction of ictal SPECT co-registered to MR (SICOM) detected a focal increase of uptake in the left fronto-parietal cingulate and PET-FDG showed normal distribution of the radiotracer. The posterior right insula was resected with histopathological results of grade I ganglioglioma according to the World Health Organization classification. The patient made favourable post-surgical progress, and remains seizure-free after 5 years (Engel I). Retrospective analysis of this case with two new image processing methods (PET analysis and PET interictal subtracted ictal SPECT coregistered with MR [PISCOM]) correctly localized the epileptogenic focus in the posterior right insular cortex

Detection of epileptogenic focus with two new methods of processing of SPECT and PET cerebral images: PET-Analysis and PISCOM. / Detección del foco epileptógeno mediante dos nuevos métodos de procesamiento de imágenes SPECT y PET cerebral: PET-Analysis y PISCOM.

Functional neuroimaging with positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET-18F-FDG) and perfusion single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) are increasingly more essential for presurgically locating the epileptogenic focus. We present the case of an 18-year-old male with epileptic seizures refractory to antiepileptic treatment. Magnetic resonance (MR) showed dysplasia in the posterior right insular cortex. Subtraction of ictal SPECT co-registered to MR (SICOM) detected a focal increase of uptake in the left fronto-parietal cingulate and PET-FDG showed normal distribution of the radiotracer. The posterior right insula was resected with histopathological results of grade I ganglioglioma according to the World Health Organization classification. The patient made favourable post-surgical progress, and remains seizure-free after 5 years (Engel I). Retrospective analysis of this case with two new image processing methods (PET analysis and PET interictal subtracted ictal SPECT coregistered with MR [PISCOM]) correctly localized the epileptogenic focus in the posterior right insular cortex.

Linfoma primario del sistema nervioso central aparentando lesión del ángulo pontocerebeloso / Primary central nervous system lymphoma mimicking cerebellopontine angle tumour

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Use of biological treatments in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

INTRODUCTION: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease which causes a great impact in the quality of life. Multiple therapeutic options have been proposed, and recently the potential use of biological drugs in severe cases has been postulated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study from seven tertiary Spanish centers reviewing the charts of patients with HS treated with biological drugs was performed. Retrieved information included epidemiological data, clinical features, pain intensity, Hurley stage, laboratory data and therapeutic outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included in the study; 10 men (52.6%) and 9 women. Eight patients (42%) showed a Hurley severity stage II and 11 a stage III (57.8%). Adalimumab was prescribed as the first biological treatment in nine out of 19 cases (47.3%), whereas infliximab was prescribed in seven cases (36.8%), ustekinumab in two cases (10.5%) and etanercept in one (5.2%). A complete response was observed in three patients (two cases with infliximab and one case with ustekinumab), a partial improvement in 10 patients and in six patients no clinical improvement was noted. One patient referred worsening of the skin symptoms. In 6 cases, a second biological treatment was prescribed. In three of such cases, a partial improvement was noted, whereas in three cases no clinical improvement was observed. In two cases a switch to a third biological drug was indicated, with a partial improvement in one case. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Biological drugs could be a potential and effective therapeutic option for patients with severe HS. Complete and persistent clinical responses are rarely obtained (15%) and partial responses are achieved in approximately 50% of patients. No specific markers for a therapeutic response have been identified. No definitive conclusions regarding the most effective biological drug for HS could be drawn. Higher dosage schedules seem to be associated with higher response rates. The lack of response of one particular drug does not preclude a potential efficacy to another biological treatment.

Esclerosis lateral amiotrofica; complicaciones gastrointestinales en nutrición enteral domiciliaria / Amyotrophyc Lateral Sclerosis. Gastrointestinal complications in home enteral nutrition

Objetivos: Analizar las complicaciones relacionadas con el soporte nutricional enteral en los pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica que forman parte de nuestro programa de ventilación mecánica domiciliaria, haciendo especial hincapié en las gastrointestinales. Método: Estudio retrospectivo de tipo descriptivo de enfermos que se incluyeron en nuestro Programa de Ventilación Mecánica Domiciliaria (PVMD) dirigido por médicos intensivistas, mediante la revisión sistemática de historias clínicas (procedentes de una base de datos de Microsoft Access), durante los años 2004-2011. Resultados: Entre los años 2004-2011 se siguieron 73 pacientes con diagnostico de Esclerosis lateral amiotrófica: 34 de ellos (46,6%) rechazaron el aporte nutricional a través de gastrostomía o de sonda nasogástrica, mientras que 39 (53,4%) aceptaron su colocación. De los 39 pacientes en los que se inició la NED: 20 eran mujeres mujeres (51,3%). La edad media de los pacienes fue de 60,6 + 13,4 años (IC 95% 56,464,8). Los diagnósticos al ingreso en el PVMD fueron: ELA, 21 casos (53,8%), y ELA con afectación bulbar, 18 (43,1%). Se alimentaron a través de GEP 34 pacientes (87,2%), con gastrostomía quirúrgica 3 (7,7%) y mediante sonda nasogástrica 3 (7,7%). La gastrostomía percutánea endoscópica se realizó tras la inclusión de los pacientes en el programa, con una media días de 222,7 + 356,6 (IC 95% 110,8-334,7). En pacientes con ELA la media fue de 271,4 + 449,5 días (IC 95% 130,3-412,1), con ELA y afectación bulbar de 126,4 + 131,3 días (IC 95% 90-172,6). El recambio de sonda fue de 7,3 + 4,8 meses (IC 95% 4-10,6). La nutrición enteral tuvo una duración media de 578,6 + 872,9 días (IC 95% 304,7-852,6). Se hallaron complicaciones en 35 pacientes (89,7%), y solamente en 4, no se encontró ninguna (10,3%). Ver tabla II. El estreñimiento se manifestó, después del inicio de la NE, en 30 pacientes (76,9%); sin embargo, ya existía previamente en 18 de ellos (60%). El resto de complicaciones gastrointestinales evidenciadas fueron: distensión abdominal, en 9 pacientes (23,1%); dolor abdominal, en 6 (15,4%); sensación nauseosa y vómitos, en 5 (12,8%); y diarrea, en 3 (7,7%). Conclusiones: Las complicaciones gastrointestinales son las más frecuentes; destaca el estreñimiento como problema fundamental en pacientes con ELA y NED. Sin embargo, no se puede considerar una complicación exclusiva debida al soporte nutricional ya que también forma parte de la evolución de la enfermedad. La aparición de granulomas es también muy frecuente (AU)

Objectives: To analyze the complications related to enteral nutritional support in patients with lateral amyotrophic sclerosis included in our home-based mechanical ventilation program (HMVP), with a special emphasis on gastrointestinal complications. Method: retrospective, descriptive study of the patients included in our HMVP directed by intensive care physicians, by means of systematic review of the medical records (included in a Microsoft Access database) during the period 2004-2011. Results: in the period 2004-2011, 73 patients with a diagnosis of lateral amyotrophic sclerosis were followed: 34 (46.6%) refused nutritional support through gastrostomy or nasogastric tube, whereas 39 (53.4%) accepted. Twenty (51.3%) of the 39 patients with (home-based nutritional support) were females. The mean age of the patients was 60.6 + 13.4 years (95% CI 56.4-64.8). Diagnoses at the time of inclusion in the HMVP were: LAS, 21 cases (53.8%), and LAS with bulbar impairment 18 (43.1%). 34 patients (87.2%) were fed through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), 3 (7.7%) through surgical gastrostomy, and 3 (7.7%). PEG was performed at the time of inclusion of the patients in the program, with a mean duration of 222.7 + 356.6 days (95% CI: 110.8-334.7). In patients with LAS, the mean duration was 271.4 + 449.5 days (95% CI: 130.3-412.1), and with LAS and bulbar impairment of 126.4 + 131.3 days (95% CI: 90-172.6). The mean duration of the nasogastric tube was 7.3 + 4.8 months (95% CI: 4-10.6). The mean duration of enteral nutrition was 578.6 + 872.9 days (95% CI: 304.7-852.6). There were complications in 35 patients (89.7%), and no complications occurred in only 4 patients (10.3%) (See table 2). Constipation occurred after initiating EN in 30 patients (76.9%); however, it was already present in 18 of them (60%). The remaining gastrointestinal complications observed were: abdominal bloating (9 patients; 23.1%); abdominal pain (6; 15,.4%); nausea and vomiting (5; 12.8%); diarrhea (3; 7.7%). Conclusions: gastrointestinal complications are the most common ones; constipation stands out as the main problem in patients with LAS and HEN. However it may not be considered as a complication exclusively due to nutritional support since it is also a manifestation in the disease course. The occurrence of granulomas is also common (AU)

Blefarospasmo y espasmo hemifacial: tratamiento a largo plazo con toxina botulínica / Blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm: long-term treatment with botulinum toxin

Introducción: Nuestro objetivo es describir las características clínico epidemiológicas y terapéuticas de los pacientes con blefarospasmo (BS) y espasmo hemifacial (EH) en tratamiento con toxina botulínica tipo A (TBA). Pacientes y métodos: Se estudió retrospectivamente a los pacientes diagnosticados de BS y EH en tratamiento con TBA en la consulta de neurología del Complejo Asistencial de Segovia, desde marzo del 1991 hasta diciembre del 2009. Resultados: Se recogieron distintas variables de 34 pacientes con BS y 55 pacientes con EH, de los cuales el 44,1 y el 32,7%, respectivamente, llevaban más de 10 años en tratamiento con TBA. Desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta la consulta la mediana de tiempo fue de 24 meses en el grupo de BS, y de 59,7 meses en el grupo de EH, diagnosticándose en la primera visita el 76,5 y el 90,7%, respectivamente. El 34,6% de los pacientes con BS y el 77,6% de los pacientes con EH fueron derivados desde atención primaria. En ambos grupos, el preparado farmacológico de TBA más utilizado fue BOTOX®, sin hallarse resistencias primarias ni secundarias. La mediana de la dosis se incrementó progresivamente en ambas entidades, de forma significativa en los primeros años de tratamiento. La ptosis fue el efecto secundario más frecuente (el 47,1% en el BS, el 32,5% en el EH). Conclusiones: El BS y el ES constituyen los trastornos del movimiento faciales más comunes, recogiendo en esta serie diferentes parámetros epidemiológicos, clínicos y terapéuticos, confirmándose el beneficio y la seguridad del tratamiento con TBA a largo plazo (AU)

Introduction: Our purpose is to describe the demographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with blepharospasm (BS) and hemifacial spasm (HFS) in treatment with botulinum toxin type A (BtA). Patients and methods: Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with BS or HFS and treated with BtA in the Neurology Department at Complejo Asistencial de Segovia between March 1991 and December 2009. Results: Different variables were collected from 34 patients with BS and 55 with HFS, of whom44.1% and 32.7% respectively had been undergoing treatment with BtA for more than 10 years. Elapsed time from symptom onset to the first visit was 24 months in the BS group and 59.7 months in the HFS group. Diagnosis was given on the first visit for 76.5% of the BS patients and90.7% of the HFS patients. Patients were referred by their primary care centres in 34.6% of the cases with BS and in 77.6% of the cases with HFS. The most commonly used BtA preparation was BOTOX® in both groups, and there were no cases of primary or secondary resistance. The median dose of BtA was raised gradually in both groups, and the increase was statistically significant during the early years of treatment. The most common side effect was ptosis (47.1% in BS, 32.5% in HFS). Conclusions: BS and HFS are the most common facial movement disorders. The demographic and clinical characteristics and therapeutic findings from this study show that treatment with BtA is both effective and safe over the long term (AU)

Blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm: long-term treatment with botulinum toxin.

INTRODUCTION: Our purpose is to describe the demographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with blepharospasm (BS) and hemifacial spasm (HFS) in treatment with botulinum toxin type A (BtA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with BS or HFS and treated with BtA in the Neurology Department at Complejo Asistencial de Segovia between March 1991 and December 2009. RESULTS: Different variables were collected from 34 patients with BS and 55 with HFS, of whom 44.1% and 32.7% respectively had been undergoing treatment with BtA for more than 10 years. Elapsed time from symptom onset to the first visit was 24 months in the BS group and 59.7 months in the HFS group. Diagnosis was given on the first visit for 76.5% of the BS patients and 90.7% of the HFS patients. Patients were referred by their primary care centres in 34.6% of the cases with BS and in 77.6% of the cases with HFS. The most commonly used BtA preparation was BOTOX(®) in both groups, and there were no cases of primary or secondary resistance. The median dose of BtA was raised gradually in both groups, and the increase was statistically significant during the early years of treatment. The most common side effect was ptosis (47.1% in BS, 32.5% in HFS). CONCLUSIONS: BS and HFS are the most common facial movement disorders. The demographic and clinical characteristics and therapeutic findings from this study show that treatment with BtA is both effective and safe over the long term.

[Amyotrophyc lateral sclerosis; gastrointestinal complications in home enteral nutrition]. / Esclerosis lateral amiotrofica; complicaciones gastrointestinales en nutrición enteral domiciliaria.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the complications related to enteral nutritional support in patients with lateral amyotrophic sclerosis included in our home-based mechanical ventilation program (HMVP), with a special emphasis on gastrointestinal complications. METHOD: Retrospective, descriptive study of the patients included in our HMVP directed by intensive care physicians, by means of systematic review of the medical records (included in a Microsoft Access database) during the period 2004-2011. RESULTS: In the period 2004-2011, 73 patients with a diagnosis of lateral amyotrophic sclerosis were followed: 34 (46.6%) refused nutritional support through gastrostomy or nasogastric tube, whereas 39 (53.4%) accepted. Twenty (51.3%) of the 39 patients with (home-based nutritional support) were females. The mean age of the patients was 60.6 + 13.4 years (95% CI 56.4-64.8). Diagnoses at the time of inclusion in the HMVP were: LAS, 21 cases (53.8%), and LAS with bulbar impairment 18 (43.1%). 34 patients (87.2%) were fed through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), 3 (7.7%) through surgical gastrostomy, and 3 (7.7%). PEG was performed at the time of inclusion of the patients in the program, with a mean duration of 222.7 + 356.6 days (95% CI: 110.8-334.7). In patients with LAS, the mean duration was 271.4 + 449.5 days (95% CI: 130.3-412.1), and with LAS and bulbar impairment of 126.4 + 131.3 days (95% CI: 90-172.6). The mean duration of the nasogastric tube was 7.3 + 4.8 months (95% CI: 4-10.6). The mean duration of enteral nutrition was 578.6 + 872.9 days (95% CI: 304.7-852.6). There were complications in 35 patients (89.7%), and no complications occurred in only 4 patients (10.3%) (See table 2). Constipation occurred after initiating EN in 30 patients (76.9%); however, it was already present in 18 of them (60%). The remaining gastrointestinal complications observed were: abdominal bloating (9 patients; 23.1%); abdominal pain (6; 15,.4%); nausea and vomiting (5; 12.8%); diarrhea (3; 7.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal complications are the most common ones; constipation stands out as the main problem in patients with LAS and HEN. However it may not be considered as a complication exclusively due to nutritional support since it is also a manifestation in the disease course. The occurrence of granulomas is also common.

Objetivos: Analizar las complicaciones relacionadas con el soporte nutricional enteral en los pacientes con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica que forman parte de nuestro programa de ventilación mecánica domiciliaria, haciendo especial hincapié en las gastrointestinales. Método: Estudio retrospectivo de tipo descriptivo de enfermos que se incluyeron en nuestro Programa de Ventilación Mecánica Domiciliaria (PVMD) dirigido por médicos intensivistas, mediante la revisión sistemática de historias clínicas (procedentes de una base de datos de Microsoft Access), durante los años 2004-2011. Resultados: Entre los años 2004-2011 se siguieron 73 pacientes con diagnostico de Esclerosis lateral amiotrófica: 34 de ellos (46,6%) rechazaron el aporte nutricional a través de gastrostomía o de sonda nasogástrica, mientras que 39 (53,4%) aceptaron su colocación. De los 39 pacientes en los que se inició la NED: 20 eran mujeres mujeres (51,3%). La edad media de los pacienes fue de 60,6 + 13,4 años (IC 95% 56,4-64,8). Los diagnósticos al ingreso en el PVMD fueron: ELA, 21 casos (53,8%), y ELA con afectación bulbar, 18 (43,1%). Se alimentaron a través de GEP 34 pacientes (87,2%), con gastrostomía quirúrgica 3 (7,7%) y mediante sonda nasogástrica 3 (7,7%). La gastrostomía percutánea endoscópica se realizó tras la inclusión de los pacientes en el programa, con una media días de 222,7 + 356,6 (IC 95% 110,8-334,7). En pacientes con ELA la media fue de 271,4 + 449,5 días (IC 95% 130,3-412,1), con ELA y afectación bulbar de 126,4 + 131,3 días (IC 95% 90-172,6). El recambio de sonda fue de 7,3 + 4,8 meses (IC 95% 4-10,6). La nutrición enteral tuvo una duración media de 578,6 + 872,9 días (IC 95% 304,7-852,6). Se hallaron complicaciones en 35 pacientes (89,7%), y solamente en 4, no se encontró ninguna (10,3%). Ver tabla 2. El estreñimiento se manifestó, después del inicio de la NE, en 30 pacientes (76,9%); sin embargo, ya existía previamente en 18 de ellos (60%). El resto de complicaciones gastrointestinales evidenciadas fueron: distensión abdominal, en 9 pacientes (23,1%); dolor abdominal, en 6 (15,4%); sensación nauseosa y vómitos, en 5 (12,8%); y diarrea, en 3 (7,7%). Conclusiones: Las complicaciones gastrointestinales son las más frecuentes; destaca el estreñimiento como problema fundamental en pacientes con ELA y NED. Sin embargo, no se puede considerar una complicación exclusiva debida al soporte nutricional ya que también forma parte de la evolución de la enfermedad. La aparición de granulomas es también muy frecuente.

[Dopaminergic stimulation in the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease]. / Estimulación dopaminérgica en los trastornos no motores de la enfermedad de Parkinson.

INTRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: The non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease have a great impact in terms of quality of life. They are frequently underdiagnosed and clinical experience suggests that not only is dopamine therapy ineffective but that in many cases it is also responsible for the appearance of some of these symptoms. Different studies have drawn attention to the involvement of the dopaminergic pathways in the pathogenesis of some non-motor symptoms. It has been observed that they can undergo fluctuations in relation to dopaminergic stimulation, generally in wearing off states, while displaying a significant correlation with motor fluctuations and a clinical response with continuous dopaminergic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Although recent reviews offer insufficient evidence for treatment of non-motor symptoms with dopaminergic therapy, involvement of the dopaminergic pathways in the aetiopathogenesis of some of these disorders and the clinical observation that such symptoms undergo fluctuations in relation to pulsatile dopaminergic stimulation may lead us to reconsider the possible role of dopaminergic therapy in the treatment of these symptoms.