[Rituximab for the treatment of generalised myasthenia gravis: experience in clinical practice]. / Rituximab para el tratamiento de la miastenia grave generalizada: experiencia en la práctica clínica.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Rituximab (RTX) is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that has been used in cases of refractory myasthenia gravis (MG). The aim of this work is to analyse the efficacy and safety of RTX in MG in real clinical practice in a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with patients with MG treated with RTX in our centre from March 2014 to September 2020. Demographic and serological data, together with information about previous immunomodulatory treatment, clinical response and adverse effects are collected. RESULTS: Twenty patients with MG - 100% generalised: 70% late-onset MG (LOMG) and 30% early-onset MG (EOMG) - were given RTX (mean age: 66.8 years; 70% male). A total of 90% are seropositive, 16 of them with positive anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and two with positive muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (anti-MuSK) antibodies. All had failed previous treatments: 100% with steroids, 100% with intravenous immunoglobulins and/or plasmapheresis, 55% with other immunosuppressants (25% with one previous immunosuppressant, 10% with two, 15% with three and 5% with four) and 35% with thymectomy. After RTX, 75% of patients showed a clinical response (12 patients with complete remission and the possibility of steroid withdrawal without recurrence; and three patients with partial remission and the possible reduction of steroid dosage) and 25% therapeutic failure; in all these cases RTX was withdrawn. All the anti-MuSK+ patients (100%) and 92.8% of the LOMG patients responded to RTX, while 66% of EOMG patients failed. Only three patients reported adverse effects, all of which were mild and did not require RTX withdrawal. CONCLUSION: In our experience, rituximab is a safe and effective treatment in aggressive generalised MG with anti-MuSK or late-onset MG (LOMG).

TITLE: Rituximab para el tratamiento de la miastenia grave generalizada: experiencia en la práctica clínica.Introducción y objetivos. El rituximab (RTX) es un anticuerpo monoclonal anti-CD20 que se ha utilizado en casos de miastenia grave (MG) refractaria. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la eficacia y la seguridad del RTX en la MG en la práctica clínica real en un hospital terciario. Pacientes y métodos. Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con MG tratados con RTX en nuestro centro de marzo de 2014 a septiembre de 2020. Se recogen datos demográficos, serológicos, tratamiento inmunomodulador previo, respuesta clínica y efectos adversos. Resultados. Veinte pacientes con MG ­el 100%, generalizada: el 70%, MG de inicio tardío (LOMG), y el 30%, MG de inicio temprano (EOMG)­ han recibido RTX (edad media: 66,8 años; 70%, varones). El 90% son seropositivos ­16 con anticuerpos antirreceptor de la acetilcolina positivos y dos con anticuerpos antitirosincinasa muscular específica (anti-MuSK) positivos­. Todos habían fracasado con tratamientos previos: el 100% con esteroides, el 100% con inmunoglobulinas intravenosas y/o con plasmaféresis, el 55% con otros inmunosupresores (25%, un inmunosupresor previo; 10%, dos; 15%, tres; y 5%, cuatro) y el 35% con timectomía. Tras el RTX, presentó respuesta clínica el 75% de los pacientes (12 pacientes, remisión completa con posibilidad de la retirada de los esteroides sin recurrencia; y tres parcial, con posibilidad de la reducción de la dosis de esteroides) y fracaso terapéutico el 25%; en todos estos casos se retiró el RTX. El 100% de los pacientes anti-MuSK+ y el 92,8% de los de LOMG presentaron respuesta al RTX, mientras que el 66% de los pacientes con EOMG fracasaron. Sólo tres pacientes presentaron efectos adversos, todos leves, que no requirieron la retirada del RTX. Conclusión. En nuestra experiencia, el rituximab es un tratamiento seguro y eficaz en la MG generalizada agresiva con anticuerpos anti-MuSK o de inicio tardío (LOMG).

Rituximab para el tratamiento de la miastenia grave generalizada: experiencia en la práctica clínica / Rituximab for the treatment of generalised myasthenia gravis: experience in clinical practice

Introducción y objetivos: El rituximab (RTX) es un anticuerpo monoclonal anti-CD20 que se ha utilizado en casos de miastenia grave (MG) refractaria. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la eficacia y la seguridad del RTX en la MG en la práctica clínica real en un hospital terciario. Pacientes y métodos:Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con MG tratados con RTX en nuestro centro de marzo de 2014 a septiembre de 2020. Se recogen datos demográficos, serológicos, tratamiento inmunomodulador previo, respuesta clínica y efectos adversos. Resultados: Veinte pacientes con MG –el 100%, generalizada: el 70%, MG de inicio tardío (LOMG), y el 30%, MG de inicio temprano (EOMG)– han recibido RTX (edad media: 66,8 años; 70%, varones). El 90% son seropositivos –16 con anticuerpos antirreceptor de la acetilcolina positivos y dos con anticuerpos antitirosincinasa muscular específica (anti-MuSK) positivos–. Todos habían fracasado con tratamientos previos: el 100% con esteroides, el 100% con inmunoglobulinas intravenosas y/o con plasmaféresis, el 55% con otros inmunosupresores (25%, un inmunosupresor previo; 10%, dos; 15%, tres; y 5%, cuatro) y el 35% con timectomía. Tras el RTX, presentó respuesta clínica el 75% de los pacientes (12 pacientes, remisión completa con posibilidad de la retirada de los esteroides sin recurrencia; y tres parcial, con posibilidad de la reducción de la dosis de esteroides) y fracaso terapéutico el 25%; en todos estos casos se retiró el RTX. El 100% de los pacientes anti-MuSK+ y el 92,8% de los de LOMG presentaron respuesta al RTX, mientras que el 66% de los pacientes con EOMG fracasaron. Sólo tres pacientes presentaron efectos adversos, todos leves, que no requirieron la retirada del RTX. Conclusión: En nuestra experiencia, el rituximab es un tratamiento seguro y eficaz en la MG generalizada agresiva con anticuerpos anti-MuSK o de inicio tardío (LOMG).(AU)

Introduction and aims: Rituximab (RTX) is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that has been used in cases of refractory myasthenia gravis (MG). The aim of this work is to analyse the efficacy and safety of RTX in MG in real clinical practice in a tertiary hospital. Patients and methods: A retrospective study was conducted with patients with MG treated with RTX in our centre from March 2014 to September 2020. Demographic and serological data, together with information about previous immunomodulatory treatment, clinical response and adverse effects are collected. Results: Twenty patients with MG – 100% generalised: 70% late-onset MG (LOMG) and 30% early-onset MG (EOMG) – were given RTX (mean age: 66.8 years; 70% male). A total of 90% are seropositive, 16 of them with positive anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and two with positive muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (anti-MuSK) antibodies. All had failed previous treatments: 100% with steroids, 100% with intravenous immunoglobulins and/or plasmapheresis, 55% with other immunosuppressants (25% with one previous immunosuppressant, 10% with two, 15% with three and 5% with four) and 35% with thymectomy. After RTX, 75% of patients showed a clinical response (12 patients with complete remission and the possibility of steroid withdrawal without recurrence; and three patients with partial remission and the possible reduction of steroid dosage) and 25% therapeutic failure; in all these cases RTX was withdrawn. All the anti-MuSK+ patients (100%) and 92.8% of the LOMG patients responded to RTX, while 66% of EOMG patients failed. Only three patients reported adverse effects, all of which were mild and did not require RTX withdrawal. Conclusion: In our experience, rituximab is a safe and effective treatment in aggressive generalised MG with anti-MuSK or late-onset MG (LOMG).(AU)

1st Post-European Headache Federation Meeting: a review of the latest developments presented at the 2020 European Headache Federation Congress. / I Reunión Post-European Headache Federation: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso de la European Headache Federation de 2020.

INTRODUCTION: After the European Headache Federation (EHF) Congress, renowned Spanish neurologists specialised in migraine presented the most significant latest developments in research in this field at the Post-EHF Meeting. DEVELOPMENT: The main data presented concerning the treatment of chronic and episodic migraine were addressed, with attention paid more specifically to those related to preventive treatments and real-life experience in the management of the disease. An important review was carried out of the new therapeutic targets and the possibilities they offer in terms of understanding the pathophysiology of migraine and its treatment. An update was also presented of the latest developments in the treatment of migraine with fremanezumab, a monoclonal antibody recently authorised by the European Medicines Agency. Participants were also given an update on the latest developments in basic research on the pathology, as well as an overview of the symptoms of migraine and COVID-19. Finally, the repercussions of migraine in terms of its burden on the care and economic resources of the health system were addressed, along with its impact on society. CONCLUSIONS: The meeting summarised the content presented at the 14th EHF Congress, which took place in late June/early July 2020.

TITLE: I Reunión Post-European Headache Federation: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso de la European Headache Federation de 2020.Introducción. Tras la celebración del congreso de la European Headache Federation (EHF), reconocidos neurólogos españoles expertos en el tratamiento de la migraña expusieron en la Reunión Post-EHF las principales novedades presentadas en el congreso y relacionadas con ese ámbito. Desarrollo. Se abordan los principales datos presentados relacionados con el tratamiento de la migraña crónica y episódica; concretamente, los relacionados con los tratamientos preventivos y la experiencia en vida real en el manejo de la enfermedad. Se hizo una importante revisión de las nuevas dianas terapéuticas y las posibilidades que ofrecen en cuanto al conocimiento de la fisiopatología de la migraña y su tratamiento. Asimismo, se hizo una actualización de las novedades presentadas en el tratamiento de la migraña con fremanezumab, anticuerpo monoclonal recientemente autorizado por la Agencia Europea de Medicamentos. Se hizo una actualización de las novedades en investigación básica en la patología, así como una relación de los síntomas de migraña y COVID-19. Finalmente, se abordaron las implicaciones de la migraña en la carga sanitaria asistencial y económica, y su impacto en la sociedad. Conclusiones. En la reunión se hizo un resumen del contenido presentado en el 14 Congreso de la EHF, que tuvo lugar a finales de junio y principios de julio de 2020.

I Reunión Post-European Headache Federation: revisión de las novedades presentadas en el Congreso de la European Headache Federation de 2020 / 1st Post-European Headache Federation Meeting: a review of the latest developments presented at the 2020 European Headache Federation Congress

Introducción: Tras la celebración del congreso de la European Headache Federation (EHF), reconocidos neurólogos españoles expertos en el tratamiento de la migraña expusieron en la Reunión Post-EHF las principales novedades presentadas en el congreso y relacionadas con ese ámbito. Desarrollo: Se abordan los principales datos presentados relacionados con el tratamiento de la migraña crónica y episódica; concretamente, los relacionados con los tratamientos preventivos y la experiencia en vida real en el manejo de la enfermedad. Se hizo una importante revisión de las nuevas dianas terapéuticas y las posibilidades que ofrecen en cuanto al conocimiento de la fisiopatología de la migraña y su tratamiento. Asimismo, se hizo una actualización de las novedades presentadas en el tratamiento de la migraña con fremanezumab, anticuerpo monoclonal recientemente autorizado por la Agencia Europea de Medicamentos. Se hizo una actualización de las novedades en investigación básica en la patología, así como una relación de los síntomas de migraña y COVID-19. Finalmente, se abordaron las implicaciones de la migraña en la carga sanitaria asistencial y económica, y su impacto en la sociedad. Conclusiones: En la reunión se hizo un resumen del contenido presentado en el 14 Congreso de la EHF, que tuvo lugar a finales de junio y principios de julio de 2020.(AU)

Introduction: After the European Headache Federation (EHF) Congress, renowned Spanish neurologists specialised in migraine presented the most significant latest developments in research in this field at the Post-EHF Meeting. Development: The main data presented concerning the treatment of chronic and episodic migraine were addressed, with attention paid more specifically to those related to preventive treatments and real-life experience in the management of the disease. An important review was carried out of the new therapeutic targets and the possibilities they offer in terms of understanding the pathophysiology of migraine and its treatment. An update was also presented of the latest developments in the treatment of migraine with fremanezumab, a monoclonal antibody recently authorised by the European Medicines Agency. Participants were also given an update on the latest developments in basic research on the pathology, as well as an overview of the symptoms of migraine and COVID-19. Finally, the repercussions of migraine in terms of its burden on the care and economic resources of the health system were addressed, along with its impact on society. Conclusions: The meeting summarised the content presented at the 14th EHF Congress, which took place in late June/early July 2020.(AU)

[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the training of Spanish neurology residents]. / Repercusión de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la formación de los residentes de neurología españoles.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed medical practice and severely disrupted the training of medical residents worldwide. The Spanish Society of Neurology conducted a study to assess its impact on the training of neurology residents in Spain. Methods: We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional study through a survey distributed by e-mail to all neurology residents belonging to the Society. The survey included questions on demographic variables, care activity, and personal and educational impact of the pandemic, as well as respondents' expectations for the future of their work in the post-pandemic era. Results: Of 422 surveys sent, we received a total of 152 responses (36%); 79 respondents (52%) were women and 73 (48%) were men. By year of residency, 51 respondents (33.6%) were in the fourth year, 45 (29.6%) in the third year, 28 (18.4%) in the second year, and 28 (18.4%) in the first year. A total of 139 respondents (90.8%) reported changes in hospital activity, and 126 (82.8%) considered the situation to have had a negative impact on their training, with 99 (64.7%) having lost non-recoverable rotations. Sixty-six percent of respondents (n=101) expressed a desire to extend their residency period. Conclusions: The pandemic has had an extremely severe impact on all areas of the health system, with trainee physicians being one of the most affected groups. Among neurology residents, the crisis has caused significant shortcomings in their training and clinical activities, through the suspension of specific rotations. A high percentage of respondents wished to extend the residency period.

Will neurological care change over the next 5 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Key informant consensus survey. / ¿Va a cambiar la neurología tras la pandemia de COVID-19 en los próximos 5 años? Estudio de enfoque mediante informadores clave.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic will give rise to long-term changes in neurological care, which are not easily predictable. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A key informant survey was used to enquire about the changes expected in the specialty over the next 5 years. The survey was completed by heads of neurology departments with broad knowledge of the situation, having been active during the pandemic. RESULTS: Despite a low level of consensus between participants, there was strong (85%) and moderate consensus (70%) about certain subjects, mainly the increase in precautions to be taken, the use of telemedicine and teleconsultations, the reduction of care provided in in-person consultations to avoid the presence of large numbers of people in waiting rooms, the development of remote training solutions, and the changes in monitoring visits during clinical trials. There was consensus that there would be no changes to the indication of complementary testing or neurological examination. CONCLUSION: The key informant survey identified the foreseeable changes in neurological care after the pandemic.

[«Apuntes en Neurologia¼ (Notes in Neurology): a synthesis of the evidence on common paroxysmal neurological disorders and on neurodegenerative disorders]. / «Apuntes en Neurologia¼: una sintesis de la evidencia en trastornos neurologicos comunes paroxisticos y en trastornos neurodegenerativos.

«Apuntes en Neurologia¼ is an initiative in which prominent national and international leaders, with broad academic recognition, came together to synthesise the most outstanding clinical aspects within their area of interest and to discuss the latest developments in a more accessible language. Understanding the factors that affect the onset and progression of any neurological disease through a review is important to be able to develop strategies to reduce the burden of these diseases. Moreover, knowledge of the clinical aspects is essential to solve the problems of daily clinical practice. The data collected here reflect the weight of evidence and some of them anticipate a promising future in the treatment of these diseases. This first edition focuses on common paroxysmal neurological disorders such as migraine, epilepsy and sleep disorders, as well as neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and cognitive impairment. These are clearly different pathologies, although some of them such as migraine and epilepsy, may share clinical symptoms. Sleep disorders, however, are important manifestations of neurodegenerative diseases that are sometimes clinically apparent long before the onset of other neurological symptoms. After recalling pathophysiology and diagnosis, the current review focuses on bringing together the main advances in five of the major neurological diseases.

TITLE: «Apuntes en Neurologia¼: una sintesis de la evidencia en trastornos neurologicos comunes paroxisticos y en trastornos neurodegenerativos.«Apuntes en Neurologia¼ es una iniciativa en la cual lideres de primera linea nacional e internacional, con amplio reconocimiento academico, se reunieron para sintetizar los aspectos clinicos mas destacables dentro de su area de interes y acercar las novedades en una lengua mas proxima. Entender los factores que afectan al inicio y progresion de cualquier enfermedad neurologica a traves de una revision es importante para el desarrollo de estrategias en pro de reducir la carga de estas enfermedades, y conocer los aspectos clinicos es esencial para poder resolver los problemas de la practica clinica diaria. Los datos aqui recogidos reflejan el peso de la evidencia y algunos de ellos anticipan un futuro prometedor en el tratamiento de estas enfermedades. Esta primera edicion se centra en trastornos neurologicos comunes paroxisticos como la migraña, la epilepsia y las alteraciones del sueño, y en trastornos neurodegenerativos como la enfermedad de Parkinson y el deterioro cognitivo. Se trata de patologias claramente diferentes, si bien algunas de ellas, como la migraña y la epilepsia, pueden compartir sintomatologia clinica. Los trastornos del sueño, por su parte, son manifestaciones importantes de enfermedades neurodegenerativas que, en ocasiones, son clinicamente evidentes mucho antes del inicio de otros sintomas neurologicos. Tras recordar la fisiopatologia y el diagnostico, la revision actual se centra en acercar los principales avances en cinco de las principales enfermedades neurologicas.

[Triptans in clinical practice: effectiveness, tolerance and patient's satisfaction with medication (TRIPRACLI study)]. / Los triptanes en la practica clinica: eficacia, tolerancia y satisfaccion del paciente con los farmacos (estudio TRIPRACLI).

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: This study was aimed determining the effectiveness, tolerance and satisfaction of patients with migraine as regards different triptans, according to the characteristics of their attacks. At the same time it sought to establish a predictive model that can be used to recommend one or another, depending on those characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective observation-based study conducted in headache units in a number of different centres. Patients included in the study were those with migraine who used the same triptan to treat their attacks. Data concerning preference, effectiveness, speed and tolerance were analysed. RESULTS: The analysis included 160 patients (88 females), with a mean age of 42.92 years. The most commonly used triptans were eletriptan, almotriptan and rizatriptan. Both patients and doctors reported a high degree of satisfaction (88% and 65%) with the triptan that was used. In the surveys on preference, patients preferred their current triptan to the previous one (83%) or to non-specific drugs. The overall score on a visual analogue scale was above 7 for all the triptans, without any differences from one to another. On analysing the use of a particular triptan depending on the characteristics of the attacks, no statistically significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: In this selected group of patients, triptans are a treatment that patients claim to be very satisfied with. Although there are no overall differences in the scores among different triptans, the fact that certain triptans are used more by patients after previous experiences with others suggests that they are more effective. We did not find any parameter that predicts the use of a particular triptan.

[Preventive treatment of chronic migraine with zonisamide: a study in patients who are refractory or intolerant to topiramate]. / Tratamiento preventivo de la migraña crónica con zonisamida: un estudio en pacientes refractarios o intolerantes a topiramato.

INTRODUCTION: About half of the patients with chronic migraine do not respond or do not tolerate the different migraine preventatives. AIM: To analyse the efficacy and tolerability of zonisamide in the treatment of migraine in patients who had not responded or tolerated topiramate, the current drug of choice for the treatment of this condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Those patients with no response or intolerance to topiramate received zonisamide. This drug was increased 25 mg per week up to a maximum of 200 mg/day. The efficacy of this drug was evaluated in terms of 'response' (reduction in attack frequency below 50%) at the third month of treatment. RESULTS: Our series comprises a total of 34 patients, most of them middle-aged women. All met chronic migraine criteria. Zonisamide showed efficacy (response) in 19 patients (56%), response being excellent in 6 (18%). Nine patients (26%) did not show response, whereas 6 (18%) did not tolerate the drug. CONCLUSIONS: The results, obtained in patients refractory to other preventatives and particularly to topiramate, suggest that zonisamide can be useful in the prevention of chronic migraine. Of course, controlled clinical trials are necessary to confirm these preliminary results.

Tratamiento preventivo de la migraña crónica con zonisamida: un estudio en pacientes refractarios o intolerantes a topiramato / Preventive treatment of chronic migraine with zonisamide: A study in patients who are refractory or intolerant to topiramate

Introducción. Alrededor de la mitad de los pacientes con migraña crónica no responden o no toleran las opcionesde tratamiento preventivo de que se dispone. Objetivo. Analizar la eficacia y tolerabilidad de la zonisamida en el tratamiento preventivo de la migraña en pacientes que no habían respondido o tolerado topiramato, el actual fármaco de elección en estaentidad. Pacientes y métodos. Aquellos pacientes con ausencia de respuesta o intolerancia a topiramato recibieron zonisamida. El fármaco se incrementó a razón de 25 mg/semana hasta un máximo de 200 mg/día. La eficacia del fármaco se evaluó en términos de ‘respuesta’ (reducción de la frecuencia de las crisis en al menos 50%) al tercer mes de tratamiento. Resultados. Nuestra serie comprende 34 pacientes, mayoritariamente mujeres de edad media. Todas cumplían criterios de migraña crónica. La zonisamida mostró eficacia (respuesta) en 19 pacientes (56%); la respuesta fue excelente en 6 (18%). Un total de 9 pacientes (26%) no consiguieron respuesta, mientras que 6 (18%) no toleraron el fármaco. Conclusiones. Los resultados, obtenidos en pacientes refractarios a otros tratamiento preventivos y en particular a topiramato, sugieren que la zonisamidapuede ser útil en la prevención de la migraña crónica. Obviamente se precisan ensayos clínicos controlados que confirmen estos resultados, que han de considerarse preliminares

Introduction. About half of the patients with chronic migraine do not respond or do not tolerate the different migraine preventatives. Aim. To analyse the efficacy and tolerability of zonisamide in the treatment of migraine in patients who had not responded or tolerated topiramate, the current drug of choice for the treatment of this condition. Patients and methods. Those patients with no response or intolerance to topiramate received zonisamide. This drug was increased 25 mg per week up to a maximum of 200 mg/day. The efficacy of this drug was evaluated in terms of ‘response’ (reduction in attack frequency below50%) at the third month of treatment. Results. Our series comprises a total of 34 patients, most of them middle-aged women. All met chronic migraine criteria. Zonisamide showed efficacy (response) in 19 patients (56%), response being excellent in 6(18%). Nine patients (26%) did not show response, whereas 6 (18%) did not tolerate the drug. Conclusions. The results, obtained in patients refractory to other preventatives and particularly to topiramate, suggest that zonisamide can be useful inthe prevention of chronic migraine. Of course, controlled clinical trials are necessary to confirm these preliminary results

[Silent microhemorrhages in patients with symptomatic cerebrovascular disease]. / Microsangrados silentes en pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular sintomática.

INTRODUCTION: T2*-weighted gradient echo MRI sequences (T2*-MRI) have made it possible to detect cerebral microhemorrhages (MH) that have been considered as subclinical but whose clinical significance is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To establish the frequency of MH in a sample of consecutive symptomatic cerebrovascular disease (SCD) patients, analyzing its associations with different vascular risk factors (VRF) and its clinical significance. METHODS: A total of 198 patients with SCD were consecutively examined using T2*-MRI. Preferential location of MH and associations between MH presence and MH number with VRF, previous antithrombotic treatment and SCD subtypes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 52.5% of our patients had MH. The highest frequency of MH was found in hemorrhagic strokes (72.2%), Transitory ischemic attack (TIA) (42.9%) being the group with the lowest frequency. According to the bivariate analysis, the factors associated with the presence of MH were elderly age (72.4+/-10.5 vs 67.7+/-12.7; p 0.004), hypertension (65.4 vs 51.1%; p 0.041), diabetes (35.6 vs 22.3 %; p 0.041) and being under antithrombotic treatment (45.2 vs 28.7 %; p 0.017). According to the multivariate analysis, elderly age (p 0.019; OR: 1.03 [1.01- 1.06]), hypertension (p 0.032; OR: 1.97 [1.06-3.65]), use of antithrombotic treatment (p 0.038; OR: 1.95 [1.04-3.65]) and having a hemorrhagic stroke (p 0.028; OR: 3.63 [1.15- 11.46]) were predictors of MH presence. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of MH is frequent among patients with SCD, this being especially elevated in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Cerebral MHs are classically associated with VRF classically related with small vessel disease and previously taking antithrombotic treatment.

Síndrome del seno carotídeo secundario a infiltración tumoral del espacio carotídeo cervical / Carotid sinus syndrome secondary to invasion of the cervical carotid space due to tumoral infiltration

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[Subacute uveomeningoencephalitis as the presenting symptom of acute infection by the human immunodeficiency virus]. / Uveomeningoencefalitis subaguda como forma de presentación de la infección aguda por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.

INTRODUCTION: The uveo-meningitic syndrome, or the combination of chronic or recurrent meningitis and acute uveitis, has a specific differential diagnosis. This syndrome can be the clinical debut of systemic disorders, vasculophathies, connective tissue disorders and inmuno-mediated diseases. In patients with AIDS, the syndrome often appears in relation with an opportunist concomitant infection of the central nervous system (CNS). CASE REPORT: We present one case of subacute uveo-meningitic syndrome as symptomatic presentation of a early infection of HIV. The patient was a man, 37 years-old. He was inmunocompetent and did not know his seropositivity for HIV type 1. We relate the results of the neurologic examination and complementary tests. Only serologic test for HIV type 1 and detection of IgG anti-HIV in cerebrospinal fluid were positives. CONCLUSIONS: In patients HIV-positive the ocular infection, usually a posterior uveitis, appears together with systemic disorders or central nervous infections. In other hand, the cause of meningitic infection depends on grade of immunocompromise. Aseptic meningitis, for early stages of the disease, is usually no symptomatic. After, opportunist infections or neoplasic infiltration of CNS can be cause of meningoencephalitis. In this patient, the early infection of HIV causes an subacute uveomeningoencephalitis. Early infection of HIV increases the possibilities of aetiological diagnosis of uveomeningitic syndrome.

[Management costs of chest and CNS-related adverse events associated with the treatment of acute migraine attacks with oral triptans]. / Costes del manejo clínico de los efectos adversos torácicos y del sistema nervioso central asociados al tratamiento de las crisis agudas de migraña con triptanes orales.

INTRODUCTION: Although adverse events of triptans are usually not important from a clinical point of view, they can worry patients and lead them to consume healthcare resources. METHODS: A decision analytic model was used to represent the behavior and management of patients who suffered adverse events after taking a triptan. Using data about the incidence of adverse events, the behavior and management of patients, and the unit cost of the healthcare resource consumed, the costs of treating adverse events were calculated, as was the iatrogenic cost factor of the triptans available in Spain. RESULTS: 10 % to 20 % of patients who suffer a chest or CNS-related adverse advent related to triptan use seek medical attention. The management cost of a chest-related event was estimated to be euros 66,43, euros 33,09, or euros 137,01, depending on whether the patient consulted a neurologist, a primary care physician, or a hospital emergency department. For CNS-related events the management cost was estimated to be euros 52,88, euros 16,89 or euros 102,17, respectively. Excluding the placebo effect, the resulting iatrogenic cost factor varied between 1 for almotriptan 12,5 mg and 1,21 for zolmitriptan 2,5 mg. In absolute values, the average cost per patient (above placebo) varied between 0 euros for almotriptan 12,5 mg and euros 1,17 for eletriptan 80 mg. CONCLUSIONS: The management of adverse events can add substantial costs to a treatment with triptans. These costs vary considerably between triptans due to differences in the incidence of adverse events. Lowest costs were found for almotriptan 12,5 mg.

[Posttraumatic headache. Pathophysiology, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects]. / La cefalea postraumática. Fisiopatología, aspectos clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos.

Posttraumatic headache (PTHA) is, usually, one of several symptoms of the posttraumatic syndrome and therefore may be accompanied by somatic, psychological or cognitive disturbances. The aetiology of these symptoms in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury or whiplash injury has been a subject of some controversy with explanations ranging from neural damage to malingering. PTHA can resemble a tension-type headache, migrainous or cervicogenic headaches. Post-whiplash headache habitually is a pain radiating from the neck to the forehead, with moderate intensity and benign, but prolonged course. The pathogenesis of PTHA is still not well-known but might share some common headache pathways with primary headaches. In this chapter, we review recent investigations in the pathophysiology of PTHA, review recognised risk factors for a poor outcome and give some recommendations of management. We also discuss the new diagnostic criteria of IHS Classification, 2004, for PTHA and Headache attributed to whiplash.

Eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento endovascular de aneurismas cerebrales: experiencia en nuestro medio / Efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms: experience in our setting

Introducción. El objetivo del trabajo es conocer la eficacia y seguridad de la terapia endovascular en nuestro propio medio. Pacientes y métodos. a) registro prospectivo de pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática (HSA) o aneurisma incidental (diciembre de 1999-diciembre de 2002), y b) evaluación neurológica, angiográfica y evolutiva de los pacientes intervenidos endovascularmente. Resultados. Se registraron 79 pacientes: 75 con HSA y 4 con aneurisma incidental. Se pudo realizar arteriografía en 74 (93,6 por ciento), detectándose 58 aneurismas en 52 pacientes, 15 en arteria comunicante anterior (25 por ciento) y 14 en comunicante posterior (24 por ciento). Se embolizaron con GDC (Guglielmi Detachable Coiling) 52 aneurismas (89,6 por ciento), obteniéndose una oclusión completa en 48 (82,7 por ciento) y parcial en 4. La técnica fracasó en 6. Las complicaciones precoces postembolización (< 24 h) fueron: recidiva de la hemorragia (n = 1), vasoespasmos e isquemia (n = 4), emigración del coil (n = 1). Las complicaciones tardías (primer mes): resangrado (n = 1), vasoespasmos e isquemia (n = 2). La morbilidad global ha sido del 11,5 por ciento; la mortalidad, del 5,7 por ciento. El seguimiento de los pacientes intervenidos varía entre 6 y 42 meses: 40 conservan buen estado funcional (Rankin I-II) y 9 sufren incapacidad moderada-severa (Rankin III-V). Se ha realizado una arteriografía de control al año, objetivándose un único caso de repermeabilización. Discusión. En nuestra experiencia la terapia endovascular del aneurisma es una alternativa útil al tratamiento quirúrgico, con unas cifras de supervivencia y morbilidad similares (AU)