[Evaluation of quality of life, social stigma and treatment adherence in patients with epilepsy in the Caceres Healthcare Area: a cross-sectional study]. / Valoracion de la calidad de vida, estigma social y adhesion al tratamiento en pacientes con epilepsia del Area de Salud de Caceres: estudio transversal.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a chronic disease with high prevalence. Its impact in the quality of life is influenced by factors like disease characteristics, comorbidities, stigma perception and treatment adherence. AIM: To assess the quality of life, the social stigma and the treatment adherence of patients with epilepsy in our area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. We analyzed data on quality of life (QUOLIE-10), social stigma and treatment adherence through different questionnaires. RESULTS: 40 patients were studied. The mean age was 42.43 ± 17.20 years, and the onset of epilepsy was 25.88 ± 16.81 years. 55% were women. The score in the quality of life questionnaire was 19.28 ± 8.03 points in men and 17.00 ± 7.69 for women, this difference being not significant. There were also no significant differences for social stigma, with a mean of 11.50 ± 13.47 points in men and 6.00 ± 10.36 points for women (p = 0.152). According to the treatment adherence questionnaire (Morisky-Green), 70% of the patients studied were compliant with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with epilepsy in our environment have a good quality of life, probably related to good treatment adherence and compliance. There is low perceived social stigma but people with epilepsy still trend to hide their condition.

TITLE: Valoracion de la calidad de vida, estigma social y adhesion al tratamiento en pacientes con epilepsia del Area de Salud de Caceres: estudio transversal.Introduccion. La epilepsia es una enfermedad cronica, con elevada prevalencia. La repercusion de la epilepsia en la calidad de vida de las personas que la padecen se ve influida por factores como las caracteristicas de la enfermedad, la presencia de comorbilidad, la percepcion de estigma social y la adhesion al tratamiento. Objetivo. Valorar la calidad de vida, el estigma social y la adhesion al tratamiento de pacientes con epilepsia de nuestra area. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio descriptivo, observacional y transversal. Se recogieron datos sociodemograficos y clinicos. Analizamos datos sobre la calidad de vida (Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10), el estigma social y la adhesion al tratamiento a traves de diferentes cuestionarios. Resultados. Se estudio a 40 pacientes, con una media de edad de 42,43 ± 17,2 años y una media de edad de inicio de la epilepsia de 25,88 ± 16,81 años. El 55% fueron mujeres. La puntuacion en el cuestionario sobre calidad de vida fue de 19,28 ± 8,03 puntos para los hombres y 17,00 ± 7,69 para las mujeres, y esta diferencia no fue significativa. Tampoco se observaron diferencias significativas para el estigma social: media de 11,50 ± 13,47 puntos para los hombres y 6,00 ± 10,36 para las mujeres (p = 0,152). Segun el cuestionario de adhesion terapeutica (Morisky-Green), el 70% de los pacientes fue cumplidor del tratamiento. Conclusiones. Los pacientes con epilepsia tienen una buena calidad de vida, que creemos atribuible a la buena adhesion y el cumplimiento del tratamiento. Se detecta una baja percepcion de estigma social, pero los pacientes tienden a ocultar el diagnostico.

[The impact of neurological and medical complications on the mortality and functional situation of acute stroke patients]. / Impacto de las complicaciones neurologicas y medicas sobre la mortalidad y situacion funcional de pacientes con ictus agudo.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke patients have a high risk of presenting complications, the appearance of which can condition the prognosis of the stroke. We studied the frequency and impact of the onset of several different complications on the early and mid-term prognosis of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted an observation-based study of the patients admitted to a stroke unit. The complications that occurred while hospitalised were recorded, a distinction being drawn between neurological and medical complications. The study examined their influence, according to the subtype of stroke, on intra-hospital mortality and that at 90 days, as well as on the functional situation at 90 days, by analysing the clinical factors that are predictive for the appearance of complications. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 847 patients. Altogether, 29.5% of the patients presented complications, which were more frequent in haemorrhagic stroke (50.5% versus 26.6%; p < 0.0001). The most usual complications were of a neurological nature (21%). For both subtypes, the presence of complications was associated with a higher rate of mortality both in hospital (2.1% versus 12.6%; p < 0.0001) and at 90 days (5.7% versus 29.6%; p < 0.0001), and a lower probability of independence at 90 days (72.9% versus 30.4%; p < 0.0001). The severity of the stroke on admission revealed itself as the most powerful predictor of the onset of any type of complication. CONCLUSIONS: The appearance of complications during the acute phase of the stroke has an adverse influence on mortality and on the functional prognosis. The identification of predictive factors could reduce the impact upon the progress of acute stroke patients.

TITLE: Impacto de las complicaciones neurologicas y medicas sobre la mortalidad y situacion funcional de pacientes con ictus agudo.Introduccion. Los pacientes con ictus presentan un elevado riesgo de presentar complicaciones. Su aparicion puede condicionar el pronostico del ictus. Estudiamos la frecuencia y el impacto de la aparicion de diversas complicaciones en el pronostico precoz y a medio plazo en estos pacientes. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio observacional de los pacientes ingresados en una unidad de ictus. Se registraron las complicaciones durante su estancia, distinguiendose entre complicaciones neurologicas y medicas. Se estudio la influencia de estas segun subtipo de ictus en la mortalidad intrahospitalaria y a los 90 dias, y en la situacion funcional a los 90 dias, analizandose los factores clinicos predictores para la aparicion de complicaciones. Resultados. Muestra de 847 pacientes. Un 29,5% de los pacientes presento complicaciones, que fueron mas frecuentes en el ictus hemorragico (50,5% frente a 26,6%; p < 0,0001). Las complicaciones mas habituales fueron las neurologicas (21%). Para ambos subtipos, la presencia de complicaciones se asocio a mayor mortalidad intrahospitalaria (2,1% frente a 12,6%; p < 0,0001) y a 90 dias (5,7% frente a 29,6%; p < 0,0001), y menor probabilidad de independencia a 90 dias (72,9% frente a 30,4%; p < 0,0001). La gravedad del ictus al ingreso se mostro como el predictor mas potente en la aparicion de cualquier tipo de complicacion. Conclusiones. La aparicion de complicaciones durante la fase aguda del ictus influye de forma adversa en la mortalidad y en el pronostico funcional. La identificacion de factores predictores podria disminuir el impacto sobre la evolucion del paciente con un ictus agudo.

Situación funcional tras un ictus y experiencia acumulada de una unidad de ictus / Functional outcome of stroke and the cumulative experience of a stroke unit

Objetivo: Los pacientes con un ictus tienen más probabilidades de supervivencia e independencia si son atendidos en una unidad de ictus. La información disponible en nuestro entorno acerca de la influencia del aprendizaje sobre estos resultados es escasa. Analizamos la situación funcional y mortalidad en nuestros pacientes en función de la experiencia acumulada en una unidad de ictus. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de pacientes ingresados en una unidad de ictus. Diferenciamos 2 grupos según el año de ingreso: grupo A (julio 2007-diciembre 2009) y grupo B (enero 2010-diciembre 2011), analizando la evolución precoz en función de la puntuación en la escala de ictus del National Institute of Health y la mortalidad al alta y la situación funcional a medio plazo en función de la mortalidad y estado funcional según la escala Rankin a los 3 meses. Resultados: Se incluyó a 1.070 pacientes. No se obtuvo diferencias entre los grupos ni en la evolución favorable (68,3% vs. 63,9), ni en la mortalidad tanto hospitalaria (5,1% vs. 6,6%), como a los 90 días (12,8% vs. 13,1%), siendo mayor el porcentaje de independientes a los 90 días en el grupo B (56,3% vs. 65,5%: p = 0,03). El análisis multivariante ajustado por subtipo de ictus y tratamiento fibrinolítico mantuvo la asociación entre la independencia y el período de ingreso. Conclusiones: La probabilidad de independencia funcional de nuestros pacientes aumentó con la experiencia acumulada de nuestra Unidad de Ictus sin observarse diferencias en la mortalidad

Objective: Patients with acute stroke are more likely to survive and achieve independence if they are treated in a stroke unit. Available information in our setting is scarce. We analyse the outcomes of our patients on the basis of cumulative experience in a stroke unit. Patients and methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to a stroke unit. We differentiate between two groups according to the year of admission: group A (July 2007-December 2009) and group B (January 2010-December 2011), analysing early outcome based on the score on the National Institute of Health stroke salce and mortality at discharge, and medium-term outcome in terms of mortality and functional status according to the modified Rankin scale at three months. Results: A total 1070 patients were included. There were no differences between groups with respect to favourable outcome (68.3% vs 63.9), hospital mortality (5.1% vs 6.6%), or 90-day mortality (12.8% vs 13.1%). The percentage of patients who were independent at 90 days was greater in group B (56.3% vs 65.5%, P = .03). In the multivariate analysis adjusted for stroke subtype and fibrinolytic therapy, the association between patient independence and admission period remained present. Conclusions: The probability of functional independence in our patients increased alongside accumulated experience in our stroke unit with no differences in mortality

Functional outcome of stroke and the cumulative experience of a stroke unit.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with acute stroke are more likely to survive and achieve independence if they are treated in a stroke unit. Available information in our setting is scarce. We analyse the outcomes of our patients on the basis of cumulative experience in a stroke unit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to a stroke unit. We differentiate between two groups according to the year of admission: group A (July 2007-December 2009) and group B (January 2010-December 2011), analysing early outcome based on the score on the National Institute of Health stroke scale and mortality at discharge, and medium-term outcome in terms of mortality and functional status according to the modified Rankin scale at three months. RESULTS: A total 1070 patients were included. There were no differences between groups with respect to favourable outcome (68.3% vs 63.9), hospital mortality (5.1% vs 6.6%), or 90-day mortality (12.8% vs 13.1%). The percentage of patients who were independent at 90 days was greater in group B (56.3% vs 65.5%, P=.03). In the multivariate analysis adjusted for stroke subtype and fibrinolytic therapy, the association between patient independence and admission period remained present. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of functional independence in our patients increased alongside accumulated experience in our stroke unit with no differences in mortality.

Evolución y respuesta al tratamiento intravenoso con activador del plasminógeno tisular en relación con el hospital de derivación. Experiencia de una unidad de ictus de referencia / Development and response to intravenous treatment with tissue plasminogen activator with regard to referral hospitals. The experience of a stroke referral unit

Introducción. La administración del activador del plasminógeno tisular por vía intravenosa constituye un tratamiento seguro y eficaz en pacientes con un ictus isquémico agudo. El pronóstico depende de múltiples factores, siendo el intervalode tiempo desde el inicio del ictus hasta su administración uno de los de mayor impacto. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio prospectivo observacional de los pacientes que recibieron fibrinólisis intravenosa en nuestra unidad de ictus entre junio de 2007 y diciembre de 2010. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos: los que acudieron directamente a urgencias de nuestro hospital y los que fueron derivados desde otros centros hospitalarios de Extremadura. Se compararon las características basales, la respuesta al tratamiento y la evolución entre ambos grupos. Resultados. Los pacientes que procedían de fuera de nuestra área de salud se caracterizaban por ser mayoritariamente varones, con ictus tipo TACI, y presentaban una mayor puntuación en la National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).El tiempo hasta la administración de la fibrinólisis fue menor en los pacientes de nuestra área de salud. La NIHSS al alta fue mayor en pacientes que venían de otra área de salud, pero no hubo diferencias en la escala Rankin a los tres mesesni en la mortalidad. Conclusiones. Los pacientes sometidos a fibrinólisis que provienen de otro centro hospitalario obtienen al alta una puntuaciónen la NIHSS mayor. Esto probablemente se debe a un sesgo en la selección de los pacientes, derivando mayoritariamentevarones, con una peor situación clínica al ingreso y que reciben el tratamiento en un período significativamente mayor desde el inicio de los síntomas (AU)

Introduction. The intravenous administration of tissue plasminogen inhibitor is a safe and effective treatment for patients with an acute ischaemic stroke. The prognosis depends on a number of factors, the time that elapses between the onsetof the stroke and its administration being one of those with the greatest impact. Patients and methods. This is a prospective observational study of the patients who received intravenous fibrinolysis in our stroke unit between June 2007 and December 2010. The patients were divided into two groups, a distinction being made between those who went directly to A&E at our hospital and those who were referred from other hospitals in Extremadura. The baseline characteristics, response to treatment and development in each group were compared. Results. The patients who came from outside our health district were mainly males, with a TACI-type stroke and theypresented higher scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The time elapsed prior to administration of the fibrinolysis was shorter in the patients from our health district. The NIHSS score on discharge was higher in patientswho came from another health district, but there were no differences in the Rankin scale at three months or in themortality rate. Conclusions. Patients submitted to fibrinolysis who come from another hospital score higher on the NIHSS on discharge.This is probably due to a bias in the selection of the patients, since those referred are mainly males, who have a poorer clinical situation on admission and receive treatment in a significantly longer time interval following the onset of symptoms (AU)

[Validation of supra-aortic trunks ultrasound in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease of the internal carotid artery. Comparison of the results with angiography]. / Validación del estudio ultrasonológico de troncos supraaórticos en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad aterosclerótica de la arteria carótida interna. Comparación de los resultados con los de angiografía.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriosclerosis of the extra-cranial arteries is believed to be responsible for almost one-third of all ischaemic strokes. The sound diagnosis of the degree of stenosis is essential in deciding the best therapeutic strategy. Although cerebral angiography is considered the reference technique, ultrasound study (UST) is a more readily available, non-invasive and well-established procedure for quantifying carotid stenosis. However, on being a dependent exploratory technique, it is recommended that each laboratory validates its results against angiography. OBJECTIVES: To establish the validity of the neuro-ultrasound study in our laboratory for use in the diagnosis of extracranial atheromatous disease, and determine its capacity to quantify the degree of stenosis in the internal carotid artery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with extracranial carotid atheromatous disease, in whom the diagnostic process was carried out with carotid ultrasound as well as supra-aortic trunk digital-subtraction angiography. RESULTS: A total of 254 carotids were evaluated and the degree of stenosis being classified into > 50%, 70-99% and 100%. The UST for the first group had a sensitivity (Se) of 97%, a specificity (Sp) of 90%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.6% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 94.2%. The second group had an Se of 96.4%, Sp 93%; PPV 94.4% and NPV 95.4%. The respective values for carotid occlusion were, 85%, 96.8%, 80% and 97.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Our data validates the ability of UST performed in our Laboratory to diagnose the degree of carotid stenosis.

Validación del estudio ultrasonológico de troncos supraaórticos en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad aterosclerótica de la arteria carótida interna. Comparación de los resultados con los de angiografía / Validation of supra-aortic trunks ultrasound in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease of the internal carotid artery. Comparison of the results with angiography

Introducción: Se considera que la arteriosclerosis de las arterias extracraneales causa casi un tercio de los ictus isquémicos. El diagnóstico certero del grado de estenosis es fundamental para indicar la mejor estrategia terapéutica. Si bien la angiografía cerebral se considera la técnica de referencia, el estudio ultrasonográfico (EUS) es un procedimiento más disponible, no invasivo y bien establecido en la cuantificación de la estenosis carotídea. Sin embargo, al ser una técnica dependiente del explorador, se recomienda que cada laboratorio valide sus resultados frente a la angiografía. Objetivos: Establecer, en nuestro laboratorio, la validez del estudio neurosonológico en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad ateromatosa extracraneal y determinar su capacidad para cuantificar el grado de estenosis de la arteria carótida interna. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes con enfermedad ateromatosa carotídea extracraneal en cuyo proceso diagnóstico se realizó tanto ultrasonografía carotídea como angiografía por sustracción digital de troncos supraaórticos. Resultados: Se evaluaron 254 carótidas clasificando el grado de estenosis en > 50%, 70-99% y 100%. Para el primer grupo el EUS obtuvo una sensibilidad del 97%, una especificidad del 90%, un valor predictivo positivo (VPP) del 94,6% y un VP negativo (VPN) del 94,2%. En el segundo grupo, se obtuvo: sensibilidad, 96,4%; especificidad, 93%; VPP, 94,4%, y VPN, 95,4%. Para la oclusión carotídea los valores respectivos fueron del 85, el 96,8, el 80 y el 97,8%. Conclusiones: Nuestros datos validan la capacidad del EUS realizado en nuestro laboratorio para el diagnóstico del grado de estenosis carotídea (AU)

Introduction: Arteriosclerosis of the extra-cranial arteries is believed to be responsible for almost one-third of all ischaemic strokes. The sound diagnosis of the degree of stenosis is essential in deciding the best therapeutic strategy. Although cerebral angiography is considered the reference technique, ultrasound study (UST) is a more readily available, non-invasive and well-established procedure for quantifying carotid stenosis. However, on being a dependent exploratory technique, it is recommended that each laboratory validates its results against angiography. Objetives: To establish the validity of the neuro-ultrasound study in our laboratory for use in the diagnosis of extracranial atheromatous disease, and determine its capacity to quantify the degree of stenosis in the internal carotid artery. Material and methods: A retrospective study of patients with extracranial carotid atheromatous disease, in whom the diagnostic process was carried out with carotid ultrasound as well as supra-aortic trunk digital-subtraction angiography. Results: A total of 254 carotids were evaluated and the degree of stenosis being classified into > 50%, 70-99% and 100%. The UST for the first group had a sensitivity (Se) of 97%, a specificity (Sp) of 90%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.6% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 94.2%. The second group had an Se of 96.4%, Sp 93%; PPV 94.4% and NPV 95.4%. The respective values for carotid occlusion were, 85%, 96.8%, 80% and 97.8%. Conclusions: Our data validates the ability of UST performed in our Laboratory to diagnose the degree of carotid stenosis (AU)

Angioplastia con prótesis endovascular en un caso de isquemia cerebral recurrente por estenosis de la arteria cerebral media / Angioplasty with stenting in a case of recurrent cerebral ischemia due to middle cerebral artery stenosis

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Neuralgia amiotrófica bilateral y simétrica que simula el síndrome del ‘hombre en el barril’ / Bilateral symmetrical amyotrophic neuralgia mimicking man-in-the-barrel syndrome

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