Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation: clinical features and treatment response in a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-ri) is an entity characterised by an inflammatory response to ß-amyloid deposition in the walls of cerebral microvessels. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a series of patients with a diagnosis of CAA-ri according to histopathological study findings or clinical-radiological diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: The study included 7 patients (5 men) with a mean age of 79 years. Disease onset was acute or subacute in 6 patients. The most frequent symptoms were cognitive impairment (n = 6), behavioural alterations (n = 5), epileptic seizures (n = 5), focal neurological signs (n = 4), and headache (n = 2). Cerebrospinal fluid was abnormal in 3 patients (lymphocytic pleocytosis and high protein levels). The most frequent MRI findings were microbleeds (n = 7), subcortical white matter hyperintensities on T2-FLAIR sequences (n = 7), and leptomeningeal enhancement (n = 6). Lesions were bilateral in 3 patients and most frequently involved the parieto-occipital region (n = 5). Amyloid PET studies were performed in 2 patients, one of whom showed pathological findings. Two patients underwent brain biopsy, which confirmed diagnosis. All patients received immunosuppressive therapy. An initially favourable clinical-radiological response was observed in all cases, with 2 patients presenting radiological recurrence after treatment withdrawal, with a subsequent improvement after treatment was resumed. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of CAA-ri is essential: early treatment has been shown to improve prognosis and reduce the risk of recurrence. Although a histopathological study is needed to confirm diagnosis, clinical-radiological criteria enable diagnosis without biopsy.

[Lecanemab in Alzheimer's disease: are we really before a shift in the prognosis of the disease?] / Lecanemab en la enfermedad de Alzheimer: ¿realmente estamos ante un cambio en el pronóstico de la enfermedad?

TITLE: Lecanemab en la enfermedad de Alzheimer: ¿realmente estamos ante un cambio en el pronóstico de la enfermedad?

Cambio de sesiones docentes presenciales a virtuales durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un servicio de neurología: descripción del proceso y satisfacción de los usuarios / From in-person didactic sessions to videoconferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic: satisfaction survey among participants

Introducción y objetivo: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha trastornado la actividad hospitalaria, incluyendo la docente. Se describe el cambio de un sistema presencial a otro de sesiones en línea en un servicio de neurología, y se analizan la satisfacción y las opiniones de los usuarios. Material y métodos. Exposición de las medidas adoptadas para pasar a modalidad en línea y análisis de una encuesta entre los participantes. Resultados: Se pasó de tres a dos sesiones semanales, con restricción del público presencial. El público virtual superó al presencial. Contestaron la encuesta 49 participantes, un 51% mujeres, con una media de 40,5 años (rango: 25-65). La satisfacción de los asistentes fue mayor para las sesiones presenciales (8,68) que para las en línea (8,12) (p = 0,006). Existía una correlación inversa significativa entre la edad y la satisfacción con las sesiones en línea (r = –0,37; p = 0,01) que no se daba para las sesiones presenciales. El 75,5% fue partidario de mantener las sesiones virtuales cuando se eliminaran las restricciones de aforo. Una mayoría (87,8%) apoyó sesiones interhospitalarias y recomienda que las autoridades sanitarias faciliten aplicaciones informáticas seguras (53,1%). Conclusiones: La introducción de sesiones virtuales es una medida fácil de implementar en un servicio de neurología, con un alto grado de satisfacción de los usuarios, aunque menor que con las sesiones presenciales. Existen problemas no resueltos respecto al uso de plataformas comerciales y conexión interhospitalaria. Sería recomendable que las autoridades sanitarias y educativas desarrollaran aplicaciones seguras y fomentaran la educación médica en línea.(AU)

Introduction and aim: COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed many hospital activities, including medical education. We describe the switch from in-person didactic sessions to videoconferencing in a Neurology department. We analyse the opinions and satisfaction of participants. Material and methods: Narrative description of the adopted measures; Online survey among participants. Results: One of the three weekly sessions was cancelled, and two switched to videoconferencing. There were more participants online than in the conference hall. 49 users answered the survey, 51% women, mean age 40.5 years (range 25-65). Satisfaction was higher for previous face-to-face meetings (8.68) than for videoconferencing (8.12) (p=0.006). There was a significant inverse correlation between age and satisfaction with virtual sessions (r=-0.37; p=0.01), that was not found for in-person attendance. Most users (75.5%) would prefer to continue with online sessions when the pandemic is over, and 87.8% support inter-hospital remote meetings, but the safety of web platforms is a concern (53.1%). Conclusions: The change from in-person to virtual sessions is an easy measure to implement in a neurology department, with a good degree of satisfaction among users. There are some unsolved problems with the use of commercial web platforms and inter-hospital connection. Most users recommend leadership and support from educational and health authorities.(AU)

[From in-person didactic sessions to videoconferencing during the COVID-19 pandemic: satisfaction survey among participants]. / Cambio de sesiones docentes presenciales a virtuales durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un servicio de neurología: descripción del proceso y satisfacción de los usuarios.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: COVID-19 pandemic has disturbed many hospital activities, including medical education. We describe the switch from in-person didactic sessions to videoconferencing in a Neurology department. We analyse the opinions and satisfaction of participants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Narrative description of the adopted measures; Online survey among participants. RESULTS: One of the three weekly sessions was cancelled, and two switched to videoconferencing. There were more participants online than in the conference hall. 49 users answered the survey, 51% women, mean age 40.5 years (range 25-65). Satisfaction was higher for previous face-to-face meetings (8.68) than for videoconferencing (8.12) (p=0.006). There was a significant inverse correlation between age and satisfaction with virtual sessions (r=-0.37; p=0.01), that was not found for in-person attendance. Most users (75.5%) would prefer to continue with online sessions when the pandemic is over, and 87.8% support inter-hospital remote meetings, but the safety of web platforms is a concern (53.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The change from in-person to virtual sessions is an easy measure to implement in a neurology department, with a good degree of satisfaction among users. There are some unsolved problems with the use of commercial web platforms and inter-hospital connection. Most users recommend leadership and support from educational and health authorities.

TITLE: Cambio de sesiones docentes presenciales a virtuales durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un servicio de neurología: descripción del proceso y satisfacción de los usuarios.Introducción y objetivo. La pandemia de COVID-19 ha trastornado la actividad hospitalaria, incluyendo la docente. Se describe el cambio de un sistema presencial a otro de sesiones en línea en un servicio de neurología, y se analizan la satisfacción y las opiniones de los usuarios. Material y métodos. Exposición de las medidas adoptadas para pasar a modalidad en línea y análisis de una encuesta entre los participantes. Resultados. Se pasó de tres a dos sesiones semanales, con restricción del público presencial. El público virtual superó al presencial. Contestaron la encuesta 49 participantes, un 51% mujeres, con una media de 40,5 años (rango: 25-65). La satisfacción de los asistentes fue mayor para las sesiones presenciales (8,68) que para las en línea (8,12) (p = 0,006). Existía una correlación inversa significativa entre la edad y la satisfacción con las sesiones en línea (r = ­0,37; p = 0,01) que no se daba para las sesiones presenciales. El 75,5% fue partidario de mantener las sesiones virtuales cuando se eliminaran las restricciones de aforo. Una mayoría (87,8%) apoyó sesiones interhospitalarias y recomienda que las autoridades sanitarias faciliten aplicaciones informáticas seguras (53,1%). Conclusiones. La introducción de sesiones virtuales es una medida fácil de implementar en un servicio de neurología, con un alto grado de satisfacción de los usuarios, aunque menor que con las sesiones presenciales. Existen problemas no resueltos respecto al uso de plataformas comerciales y conexión interhospitalaria. Sería recomendable que las autoridades sanitarias y educativas desarrollaran aplicaciones seguras y fomentaran la educación médica en línea.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation: clinical features and treatment response in a case series. / Inflamación relacionada con angiopatía amiloide: características clínicas y respuesta al tratamiento en una serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-ri) is an entity characterised by an inflammatory response to ß-amyloid deposition in the walls of cerebral microvessels. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a series of patients with a diagnosis of CAA-ri according to histopathological study findings or clinical-radiological diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: The study included 7 patients (5 men) with a mean age of 79 years. Disease onset was acute or subacute in 6 patients. The most frequent symptoms were cognitive impairment (n = 6), behavioural alterations (n = 5), epileptic seizures (n = 5), focal neurological signs (n = 4), and headache (n = 2). Cerebrospinal fluid was abnormal in 3 patients (lymphocytic pleocytosis and high protein levels). The most frequent MRI findings were microbleeds (n = 7), subcortical white matter hyperintensities on T2-FLAIR sequences (n = 7), and leptomeningeal enhancement (n = 6). Lesions were bilateral in 3 patients and most frequently involved the parieto-occipital region (n = 5). Amyloid PET studies were performed in 2 patients, one of whom showed pathological findings. Two patients underwent brain biopsy, which confirmed diagnosis. All patients received immunosuppressive therapy. An initially favourable clinical-radiological response was observed in all cases, with 2 patients presenting radiological recurrence after treatment withdrawal, with a subsequent improvement after treatment was resumed. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of CAA-ri is essential: early treatment has been shown to improve prognosis and reduce the risk of recurrence. Although a histopathological study is needed to confirm diagnosis, clinical-radiological criteria enable diagnosis without biopsy.

Minigammacámara portátil para el diagnóstico de muerte encefálica / Portable gamma-camera for the diagnosis of brain death diagnosis

Objetivo: Evaluar la factibilidad del empleo de la minigammacámara portátil Sentinella(R), para el diagnóstico de muerte encefálica (ME). Diseño: Estudio observacional, prospectivo, de factibilidad. Ámbito: Unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital de tercer nivel. Pacientes: Desde enero a diciembre de 2017 se registraron de forma consecutiva los pacientes mayores de edad que tras su ingreso en unidad de cuidados intensivos fueron diagnosticados de ME según criterios clínicos. Intervenciones: El procedimiento se realizó a la cabecera del paciente tras la administración intravenosa de tecnecio 99 metaestable-hexametil-propilen-amino-oxima. La ausencia de perfusión a nivel de hemisferios cerebrales y fosa posterior se describía como patrón compatible con ME. Se correlacionó el diagnóstico con doppler transcraneal y/o electroencefalograma. Resultados: Cincuenta y seis pacientes presentaron exploración física compatible con ME. Un 66,1% fueron hombres con una mediana de edad de 60 (RIQ: 51-72) años. La causa más frecuente que precipitó la ME fue el ictus hemorrágico en el 48,2% (27) seguido por traumatismo craneoencefálico grave en el 30,4% (17), ictus isquémico en el 10,7% (6) y encefalopatía anóxica tras parada cardiorrespiratoria en el 7,1% (4). En todos los casos se realizó el diagnóstico clínico de ME y posteriormente una gammagrafía portátil que confirmó dicho diagnóstico en el 100% de los pacientes. Se contrastó el resultado con doppler transcraneal en 46 de ellos que confirmaba la presencia de reverberación diastólica y/o picos sistólicos. En 10 casos se registró el electroencefalograma, con aparición de silencio eléctrico, debido a la ausencia de ventana acústica en el doppler transcraneal. Conclusiones: El uso de minigammacámara portátil puede resultar una herramienta útil y factible para el diagnóstico de ME

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of using the Sentinella(R) portable gamma-camera for the diagnosis of brain death (BD). Design: A prospective, observational feasibility study was carried out. Setting: Intensive Care Unit of a third level hospital. Patients: Consecutive recording was made of the adults diagnosed with brain death based on clinical criteria following admission to the Intensive Care Unit in the period from January to December 2017. Interventions: The procedure was performed at the patient bedside with the intravenous administration of technetium 99 metastable hexamethylpropylene amine oxime. The absence of perfusion in the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem was described as a pattern consistent with BD. The diagnosis was correlated to the transcranial Doppler and / or electroencephalographic findings. Results: A total of 66.1% of the patients were men with an average age of 60 years [IQR: 51-72]. The most frequent causes resulting in BD were hemorrhagic stroke (48.2%, n=27), followed by traumatic brain injury (30.4%, n=17), ischemic stroke (10.7%, n=6) and post-cardiac arrest anoxic encephalopathy (7.1%, n=4). A clinical diagnosis of BD was made in all cases, and the portable gamma-camera confirmed the diagnosis in 100% of the patients with a pattern characterized by the absence of brain perfusion. In addition, the results were compared with the transcranial Doppler findings in 46 patients, confirming the presence of diastolic reverberation and / or systolic peaks. The electroencephalographic tracing was obtained in 10 cases, with the appearance of electrical silence, due to the absence of an acoustic window in the transcranial Doppler study. Conclusions: A portable gamma-camera could be a useful and feasible tool for the diagnosis of BD

Portable gamma-camera for the diagnosis of brain death diagnosis. / Minigammacámara portátil para el diagnóstico de muerte encefálica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of using the Sentinella® portable gamma-camera for the diagnosis of brain death (BD). DESIGN: A prospective, observational feasibility study was carried out. SETTING: Intensive Care Unit of a third level hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive recording was made of the adults diagnosed with brain death based on clinical criteria following admission to the Intensive Care Unit in the period from January to December 2017. INTERVENTIONS: The procedure was performed at the patient bedside with the intravenous administration of technetium 99 metastable hexamethylpropylene amine oxime. The absence of perfusion in the cerebral hemispheres and brainstem was described as a pattern consistent with BD. The diagnosis was correlated to the transcranial Doppler and / or electroencephalographic findings. RESULTS: A total of 66.1% of the patients were men with an average age of 60 years [IQR: 51-72]. The most frequent causes resulting in BD were hemorrhagic stroke (48.2%, n=27), followed by traumatic brain injury (30.4%, n=17), ischemic stroke (10.7%, n=6) and post-cardiac arrest anoxic encephalopathy (7.1%, n=4). A clinical diagnosis of BD was made in all cases, and the portable gamma-camera confirmed the diagnosis in 100% of the patients with a pattern characterized by the absence of brain perfusion. In addition, the results were compared with the transcranial Doppler findings in 46 patients, confirming the presence of diastolic reverberation and / or systolic peaks. The electroencephalographic tracing was obtained in 10 cases, with the appearance of electrical silence, due to the absence of an acoustic window in the transcranial Doppler study. CONCLUSIONS: A portable gamma-camera could be a useful and feasible tool for the diagnosis of BD.

Extraña erupción tras viaje a Tailandia / Strange rash after travel to Thailand

No disponible

[Major neurological complications of genitourinary cancers]. / Principales complicaciones neurologicas de los canceres nefrourologicos.

INTRODUCTION: Genitourinary cancers constitute a heterogeneous and increasingly frequent group of malignant tumors that have the potential to derive directly, or indirectly from the treatment applied, in a series of neurological complications that negatively impact on the quality of life of the patients who suffer them. AIMS: To report the most relevant data on the main neurological complications of genitourinary cancers. DEVELOPMENT: We conducted a PubMed search for articles, latest books, leading clinical practice guidelines, and scientific societies, regarding the appearance of such complications. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological complications of genitourinary cancers generate a significant burden of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. In a paradoxical manner, owing to the raised survival of these patients, the likelihood of metastatization at the nervous system level and/or adverse effects related to the treatment received, especially due to chemotherapy, is also increased. Currently, diagnosis and management of neurological complications associated with genitourinary cancers represent a very important area of growing interest for the development of research projects that allow to improve the prognosis and quality of life genitourinary cancers subjects and their relatives and/or caregivers. For this purpose, it is necessary to know more about the etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology that leads to the occurrence of these type of complications in genitourinary cancers individuals, in particular paraneoplastic syndromes. Moreover, on the other hand, to carry out further well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials that expand the therapeutic arsenal with new chemotherapeutic drugs that possess a better antineoplastic effectiveness and improve the safety related to the neurotoxic side effects.

TITLE: Principales complicaciones neurologicas de los canceres nefrourologicos.Introduccion. Los canceres nefrourologicos constituyen un conjunto heterogeneo y cada vez mas frecuente de tumores malignos que poseen el potencial de derivar directamente, e indirectamente por el tratamiento aplicado, en una serie de complicaciones neurologicas que impactan negativamente sobre la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Objetivo. Exponer los datos mas relevantes sobre las principales complicaciones neurologicas de los canceres nefrourologicos. Desarrollo. Busqueda de articulos en PubMed, ultimos libros y principales guias de practica clinica y sociedades cientificas publicados referentes al diagnostico y tratamiento de dichas complicaciones. Conclusiones. Las complicaciones neurologicas de los canceres nefrourologicos generan una carga importante de morbimortalidad en los pacientes oncologicos. Paradojicamente, gracias al aumento de su supervivencia, tambien se incrementa la probabilidad de producirse metastasis en el sistema nervioso o efectos adversos por el tratamiento, en especial la quimioterapia. Actualmente, el diagnostico y el tratamiento de las complicaciones neurologicas asociadas a los canceres nefrourologicos suponen un area muy importante de interes creciente para el desarrollo de trabajos de investigacion que permitan mejorar el pronostico y la calidad de vida de estos pacientes y de sus familiares o cuidadores. Para ello, es preciso conocer mejor la etiopatogenia y la fisiopatologia que llevan a la aparicion de este tipo de complicaciones, particularmente los sindromes paraneoplasicos, y, por otro lado, la realizacion de ensayos clinicos controlados, aleatorizados, bien diseñados, que amplien el arsenal terapeutico con nuevos farmacos quimioterapicos con mayor efectividad antineoplasica y mejor seguridad relativa a los efectos secundarios neurotoxicos.

Slowly progressive behavioral frontotemporal dementia with C9orf72 mutation. Case report and review of the literature.

We present a 86-year-old woman without relevant medical history and two brothers who died by dementia, who started at 55 years with depression and personality changes with ongoing worsening (>30 years) and functional decline. Screening dementia blood test and brain magnetic resonance imaging did not show results that pointed to a secondary cause. The patient met the diagnostic criteria for possible behavioral frontotemporal dementia with a slow progression (bvFTD-SP), suggesting a benign variant. A genetic study confirmed a C9ORF72 hexanucleotide expansion, making this the sixth case mentioned in the literature. We review and discuss the other cases described previously.

TARDBP mutation associated with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, case report and review of the literature.

Semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) is a clinical syndrome included in the frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum. Unlike other forms of FTD, it is sporadic in the majority of cases and not commonly associated with motor neuron disease (MND). We describe a case of svPPA associated with MND in the same family, due to a mutation of the transactive response DNA binding protein (TARDBP) gene, and review the literature.

[Mild behavioural impairment as an antecedent of dementia: presentation of the diagnostic criteria and the Spanish version of the MBI-C scale for its evaluation]. / Deterioro comportamental leve como antecedente de la demencia: presentacion de los criterios diagnosticos y de la version española de la escala MBI-C para su valoracion.

INTRODUCTION: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common in dementia and also in previous stages such as mild cognitive impairment. Their presence is related to greater conversion to dementia in cognitively healthy people or with mild cognitive impairment compared to those who do not suffer them. AIM: An international working group pertaining to the Alzheimer Association has proposed the concept of 'mild behavioral impairment' (MBI) to identify patients with mild neuropsychiatric symptoms and normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment and to study the further risk of developing dementia from any cause. A new scale, the Mild Behavioral Impairment-Checklist (MBI-C), has been developed for the assessment of MBI in clinical and research settings. DEVELOPMENT: Data on the greater risk of dementia in the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms are shown to justify the development of the new concept of MBI, improving the previous attempts of categorization of these states. Diagnostic criteria of MBI and the process of creation of the MBI-C scale are described. The Spanish version is presented in this article. Finally, the next steps in the investigation of the concept and measurement of MBI and its future prospects are suggested. CONCLUSIONS: The new MBI criteria and their measurement using the MBI-C scale are promising for a better and earlier identification of patients at risk of developing dementia and as an aid to investigate the underlying neurodegenerative processes.

TITLE: Deterioro comportamental leve como antecedente de la demencia: presentacion de los criterios diagnosticos y de la version española de la escala MBI-C para su valoracion.Introduccion. Los sintomas neuropsiquiatricos son frecuentes en la demencia y tambien en estadios previos, como el deterioro cognitivo leve. Su aparicion se relaciona con mayor conversion a demencia en personas cognitivamente sanas o con deterioro cognitivo leve, en comparacion con las personas que no los presentan. Objetivo. Dar a conocer la importancia en las fases previas a la demencia del concepto 'deterioro comportamental leve' (DCoL) y mostrar los criterios consensuados de DCoL de la International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment. Estos criterios permitiran identificar a pacientes con sintomas neuropsiquiatricos leves y cognicion normal o deterioro cognitivo leve, y estudiar el riesgo ulterior de desarrollar demencia por cualquier causa. A su vez, se presenta una nueva escala, la Mild Behavioral Impairment-Checklist (MBI-C), para la valoracion clinica y en investigacion del DCoL. Desarrollo. Se muestran datos del mayor riesgo de demencia en presencia de sintomas neuropsiquiatricos para justificar el desarrollo del nuevo concepto de DCoL, que perfecciona los intentos previos de categorizacion de estos estados. Se describen los criterios diagnosticos de DCoL y el proceso de creacion de la MBI-C, y se presenta su version española. Finalmente, se plantean los proximos pasos en la investigacion del concepto y medicion del DCoL y sus perspectivas de futuro. Conclusiones. Los nuevos criterios de DCoL y su medicion mediante la MBI-C resultan prometedores de cara a una mejor y mas temprana identificacion de los pacientes con riesgo de desarrollar demencia y una ayuda para la investigacion de los procesos neurodegenerativos subyacentes.

Aplicación práctica de los test cognitivos breves / Practical application of brief cognitive tests

Introducción: Los test cognitivos breves (TCB) pueden ayudar a detectar el deterioro cognitivo (DC) en el ámbito asistencial. Se han desarrollado y/o validado varios TCB en nuestro país, pero no existen recomendaciones específicas para su uso. Desarrollo: Revisión de estudios sobre el rendimiento diagnóstico en la detección del DC llevados a cabo en España con TCB que requieran menos de 20 min y recomendaciones de uso consensuadas por expertos, sobre la base de las características de los TCB y de los estudios disponibles. Conclusión: El Fototest, el Memory Impairment Screen (MIS) y el Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) son las opciones más recomendables para el primer nivel asistencial, pudiendo añadirse otros test (Test del Reloj [TR] y test de fluidez verbal [TFV]) en caso de resultado negativo y queja o sospecha persistente (aproximación escalonada). En el segundo nivel asistencial es conveniente una evaluación sistemática de las distintas áreas cognitivas, que puede llevarse a cabo con instrumentos como el Montreal Cognitive Assessment, el MMSE, el Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment o el Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, o bien mediante el uso escalonado o combinado de herramientas más simples (TR, TFV, Fototest, MIS, Test de Alteración de la Memoria y Eurotest). El uso asociado de cuestionarios cumplimentados por un informador (CCI) aporta valor añadido a los TCB en la detección del DC. La elección de los instrumentos vendrá condicionada por las características del paciente, la experiencia del clínico y el tiempo disponible. Los TCB y los CCI deben reforzar -pero nunca suplantar- el juicio clínico, la comunicación con el paciente y el diálogo interprofesional

Introduction: Brief cognitive tests (BCT) may help detect cognitive impairment (CI) in the clinical setting. Several BCT have been developed and/or validated in our country, but we lack specific recommendations for use. Development: Review of studies on the diagnostic accuracy of BCT for CI, using studies conducted in Spain with BCT which take less than 20 min. We provide recommendations of use based on expert consensus and established on the basis of BCT characteristics and study results. Conclusion: The Fototest, the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) are the preferred options in primary care; other BCT (Clock Drawing Test [CDT], test of verbal fluency [TVF]) may also be administered in cases of negative results with persistent suspected CI or concern (stepwise approach). In the specialised care setting, a systematic assessment of the different cognitive domains should be conducted using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the MMSE, the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment, the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, or by means of a stepwise or combined approach involving more simple tests (CDT, TVF, Fototest, MIS, Memory Alteration Test, Eurotest). Associating an informant questionnaire (IQ) with the BCT is superior to the BCT alone for the detection of CI. The choice of instruments will depend on the patient's characteristics, the clinician's experience, and available time. The BCT and IQ must reinforce - but never substitute - clinical judgment, patient-doctor communication, and inter-professional dialogue

Pilot study of the efficacy of empowering patients through coaching as a complementary therapy in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequent neurodevelopmental disorder and must be considered a public health priority because of its functional repercussions in school, family, and social settings. Health empowerment is an innovative model of care for patients with chronic diseases based on self-management education. Our goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of empowerment using coaching within a multimodal treatment plan in paediatric patients with ADHD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive open prospective study. We included children between 6 and 12 years old belonging to patient association in a suburban area of the Region of Madrid. We evaluated the situation before and after 5 cost-free coaching sessions using the Conners Questionnaire, Dundee difficult times of day scale, and satisfaction scales. RESULTS: We included 49 patients (73.5% males) with an average age of 8.5 years. The ADHD hyperactive-impulsive subtype was present in 63.3% and 77.6% had some type of comorbidity. All were treated with methylphenidate and their clinical course was poor. Clinical improvements were observed in 79.6% with a 34.6% mean reduction in symptoms (SD 11.1), and improvements remained stable at 6 months follow-up after coaching. We reached a satisfaction level of 7.8 out of 10 (SD 1.7), and 95.9% of the participants recommended this treatment to other families. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide information on the potential benefits of coaching as complementary treatment for ADHD.

Practical application of brief cognitive tests.

INTRODUCTION: Brief cognitive tests (BCT) may help detect cognitive impairment (CI) in the clinical setting. Several BCT have been developed and/or validated in our country, but we lack specific recommendations for use. DEVELOPMENT: Review of studies on the diagnostic accuracy of BCT for CI, using studies conducted in Spain with BCT which take less than 20 min. We provide recommendations of use based on expert consensus and established on the basis of BCT characteristics and study results. CONCLUSION: The Fototest, the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) are the preferred options in primary care; other BCT (Clock Drawing Test [CDT], test of verbal fluency [TVF]) may also be administered in cases of negative results with persistent suspected CI or concern (stepwise approach). In the specialised care setting, a systematic assessment of the different cognitive domains should be conducted using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the MMSE, the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment, the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination, or by means of a stepwise or combined approach involving more simple tests (CDT, TVF, Fototest, MIS, Memory Alteration Test, Eurotest). Associating an informant questionnaire (IQ) with the BCT is superior to the BCT alone for the detection of CI. The choice of instruments will depend on the patient's characteristics, the clinician's experience, and available time. The BCT and IQ must reinforce - but never substitute - clinical judgment, patient-doctor communication, and inter-professional dialogue.

A pilot study of a new method of cognitive stimulation using abacus arithmetic in healthy and cognitively impaired elderly subjects. / Estudio piloto de un nuevo método de estimulación aritmética empleando el ábaco en ancianos sanos y con trastorno cognitivo.

BACKGROUND: This study explores the applicability of a cognitive stimulation method based on abacus arithmetic in elderly people with and without cognitive impairment. METHODS: This observational and prospective pilot study was performed in 2 hospitals. The study assessed the applicability of a programme of arithmetic training developed for use in the elderly population. The primary endpoint was an evaluation of the stimulation programme, in terms of usability, satisfaction, and participation, in healthy elderly controls and elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer disease. Secondary endpoints were family satisfaction, caregiver burden, and the behaviour and cognition of patients. RESULTS: Usability, satisfaction, and degree of participation were high. The Mini-Mental State Examination showed significant changes (23.1±4.8 before the intervention vs 24.9±4.2 afterwards, P=.002); there were no changes on the Trail Making Test parts A and B, Yesavage Geriatric Depression scale, and Zarit caregiver burden scale. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that cognitive stimulation with abacus arithmetic may be used in elderly people with and without cognitive impairment. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the efficacy of this kind of programmes.

Uso de la plasmaféresis en la pancreatitis aguda hipertrigliceridémica / Plasmapheresis in hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis

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