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1.
Neurochem Res ; 34(8): 1401-4, 2009 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19214748

ABSTRACT

Several lines of evidence suggest that neuroimmune mechanisms may be involved in the neurodegenerative process of Parkinson's disease (PD). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is increased in the nigrostriatal region and in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with PD. IL-6 serum level was evaluated in PD patients. The effects of levodopa treatment and disease severity on IL-6 were also studied. The IL-6 levels were similar between PD patients (treated and not treated) and controls. However, there was a negative correlation of IL-6 levels and the activities of daily living scale (P < 0.05), indicating that patients with more severe disease have higher levels of this cytokine. No correlation involving levodopa treatment and IL-6 serum level was found. The results suggest that only marginal effects of IL-6 occur on the peripheral immune system, and that the role of IL-6 and others neuroimmune factors needs to be well elucidated on PD.


Subject(s)
Interleukin-6/blood , Parkinson Disease/blood , Activities of Daily Living , Aged , Antiparkinson Agents/therapeutic use , Female , Humans , Levodopa/therapeutic use , Male , Middle Aged , Parkinson Disease/drug therapy
2.
Clin Neuropharmacol ; 30(1): 39-42, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17272968

ABSTRACT

There is a lack of evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety of the recently released Chinese botulinum toxin serotype A (Prosigne) for the treatment of focal dystonias and hemifacial spasm. Determining a more precise role of Prosigne in the treatment of such conditions is of paramount importance, because botulinum toxin type A treatments have a huge economic implication in health services, especially in developing countries. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Prosigne in the treatment of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in comparison to Botox. We performed a double-blind, randomized, crossover study enrolling 26 patients. There were no significant differences between Prosigne and Botox regarding subjective global improvement, response onset, efficacy duration, and incidence and severity of adverse events. Our results suggest that Prosigne and Botox are comparable with respect to efficacy and safety for the short-term treatment of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.


Subject(s)
Blepharospasm/drug therapy , Botulinum Toxins, Type A/pharmacology , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology , Hemifacial Spasm/drug therapy , Cross-Over Studies , Double-Blind Method , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Treatment Outcome
3.
Braz J Psychiatry ; 28(3): 209-11, 2006 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17063221

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor disabilities and increasing dependence on others for daily life activities with consequent impact on patients' and caregivers' quality of life. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed in which quality of life was assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire in 21 patients with Parkinson's disease and their respective caregivers. RESULTS: Significant differences between patients and caregivers were found in physical (p < 0.001) and psychological (p = 0.002) domains. In the Parkinson's disease group there was a significant inverse correlation between the psychological domain and duration of disease (p = 0.01), as well as between social domain and severity of disease (p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between physical domain scores and number of people living in the same house (p = 0.02). The only significant finding in the group of caregivers was an inverse correlation between the social domain and the patients' age (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Duration, severity of the disease and the number of people living in the same house were the most important predictors of quality of life of Parkinson's disease patients. The age of the patients was the only significant predictor found in the caregivers' quality of life. In order to complement our findings, further short-form questionnaires should be validated for Brazilian samples of Parkinson's disease.


Subject(s)
Activities of Daily Living/psychology , Caregivers/psychology , Parkinson Disease/psychology , Quality of Life , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brazil , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and Questionnaires
4.
Braz. J. Psychiatry (São Paulo, 1999, Impr.) ; 28(3): 209-211, set. 2006. tab
Article in English, Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-437892

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor disabilities and increasing dependence on others for daily life activities with consequent impact on patients' and caregivers' quality of life. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed in which quality of life was assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire in 21 patients with Parkinson's disease and their respective caregivers. RESULTS: Significant differences between patients and caregivers were found in physical (p < 0.001) and psychological (p = 0.002) domains. In the Parkinson's disease group there was a significant inverse correlation between the psychological domain and duration of disease (p = 0.01), as well as between social domain and severity of disease (p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between physical domain scores and number of people living in the same house (p = 0.02). The only significant finding in the group of caregivers was an inverse correlation between the social domain and the patients´ age (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Duration, severity of the disease and the number of people living in the same house were the most important predictors of quality of life of Parkinson's disease patients. The age of the patients was the only significant predictor found in the caregivers' quality of life. In order to complement our findings, further short-form questionnaires should be validated for Brazilian samples of Parkinson's disease.


OBJETIVO: A doença de Parkinson é uma enfermidade neurodegenerativa comum caracterizada por disfunção motora e níveis crescentes de dependência para atividades da vida diária, com conseqüente impacto sobre a qualidade de vida dos pacientes e seus cuidadores. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo transversal avaliando qualidade de vida por meio do questionário WHOQOL-BREF em 21 pacientes com doença de Parkinson e seus respectivos cuidadores. RESULTADOS: Diferenças significativas entre pacientes e cuidadores foram encontradas nos domínios físico (p < 0,001) e psicológico (p = 0,002) do questionário WHOQOL-BREF. No grupo dos pacientes, houve uma significativa correlação inversa entre o domínio psicológico e duração da doença (p = 0,01), assim como entre domínio social e gravidade da doença (p = 0,001). Houve uma correlação positiva entre domínio físico e número de pessoas vivendo na mesma casa (p = 0,02). O único achado significativo no grupo dos cuidadores foi uma correlação inversa entre o domínio social e a idade do paciente (p = 0,04). CONCLUSÃO: Duração, gravidade e número de pessoas vivendo na mesma casa foram os fatores preditores mais importantes sobre a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com doença de Parkinson. A idade dos pacientes foi o único fator preditor encontrado sobre a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores. Outros questionários de aplicação curta devem ser validados para amostras brasileiras de pacientes com doença de Parkinson no sentido de complementar nossos achados.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Activities of Daily Living/psychology , Caregivers/psychology , Parkinson Disease/psychology , Quality of Life , Brazil , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Reproducibility of Results
5.
Parkinsonism Relat Disord ; 11(1): 39-43, 2005 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15619461

ABSTRACT

We evaluated S100B protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) serum levels in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and their correlation with the severity of disease. The levels of S100B (P=0.16) and NSE (P=0.39) between PD and controls were similar. However, S100B levels correlated positively with the Hoehn and Yahr scale (r=0.368; P=0.02) and negatively with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale (r=-0.431; P=0.006). Therefore, S100B and NSE may not have a diagnostic role in PD, but S100B may have a potential role as a marker of disease progression. The study of S100B may also contribute to elucidate the controversial role of glial cells in PD.


Subject(s)
Parkinson Disease/blood , Phosphopyruvate Hydratase/blood , S100 Proteins/blood , Aged , Aging/metabolism , Biomarkers , Female , Humans , Immunochemistry , Luminescent Measurements , Male , Middle Aged , Nerve Growth Factors , Neuroglia/physiology , Neurons/physiology , Parkinson Disease/physiopathology , Retrospective Studies , S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit , Sex Characteristics
7.
Arq Neuropsiquiatr ; 62(1): 154-7, 2004 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15122452

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Myopathy due to idiopathic hypoparathyroidism is very unusual. We report on a 30 years-old man referred with complaints of sporadic muscle pain and mild global weakness for 10 years. His physical examination showed normal strength in distal muscle and slightly weakness in the pelvic and scapular girdles with no atrophy. Deep muscle reflexes were slightly hypoactive. Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs were absent. He had bilateral cataract and complex partial seizures. His laboratory tests showed decreased ionised and total calcium and parathyroid hormone and increased muscle enzymes. EMG and muscle biopsy was compatible with metabolic myopathy. After treatment with calcium and vitamin D supplementation he showed clinical, neurophysiological and laboratorial improvement. IN CONCLUSION: patients with muscle symptoms, even when non-specific and with normal neurological examination, should have serum calcium checked, as myopathy due to idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, even being rare, is treatable and easy to diagnose.


Subject(s)
Hypocalcemia/etiology , Hypoparathyroidism/complications , Muscular Diseases/etiology , Adult , Calcium/therapeutic use , Electromyography , Humans , Hypocalcemia/drug therapy , Male , Muscular Diseases/drug therapy , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Vitamin D/therapeutic use
8.
Arq. neuropsiquiatr ; 62(1): 154-157, mar. 2004.
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-357845

ABSTRACT

Miopatia secundária a hipoparatireidismo idiopático é enfermidade raramente descrita. Relatamos o caso de homem de 30 anos que procurou atendimento médico com queixas de dores musculares e discreta fraqueza há cerca de 10 anos. Ao exame físico apresentava leve diminuição de força na musculatura pélvica e escapular, sem atrofia, ou fraqueza distal. Os reflexos miotáticos fásicos eram hipoativos e não havia sinais de Trousseau ou Chevostek. Havia história de catarata bilateral e crises parciais complexas. Os exames laboratoriais demonstraram hipocalcemia, com diminuição do paratormônio, hiperfosfatemia e enzimas musculares elevadas. A EMG e a biópsia de músculo foram compatíveis com miopatia metabólica. Após reposição de cálcio e vitamina D houve melhora clínica e neurofisiológica. Em conclusão: em pacientes com sintomas musculares, mesmo não específicos para miopatia ou com exame neurológico normal, deve-se dosar cálcio sérico, já que miopatia associada a hipoparatireoidismo é uma doença facilmente diagnosticada e tratável.


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Hypocalcemia , Hypoparathyroidism , Muscular Diseases , Calcium , Electromyography , Hypocalcemia , Muscular Diseases , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Vitamin D
9.
Arq Neuropsiquiatr ; 60(3-B): 730-3, 2002 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12364939

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: A 36 year-old black female, complaining of headache of one month's duration presented with nausea, vomiting, somnolence, short memory problems, loss of weight, and no fever history. Smoker, intravenous drugs abuser, promiscuous lifestyle. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: left homonimous hemianopsia, left hemiparesis, no papilledema, diffuse hyperreflexia, slowness of movements. Brain CT scan: tumor-like lesion in the splenium of the corpus calosum, measuring 3.5 x 1.4 cm, with heterogeneous enhancing pattern, suggesting a primary CNS tumor. Due to the possibility of CNS infection, a lumbar puncture disclosed an opening pressure of 380 mmH(2)0; 11 white cells (lymphocytes); glucose 18 mg/dl (serum glucose 73 mg/dl); proteins 139 mg/dl; presence of Trypanosoma parasites. Serum Elisa-HIV tests turned out to be positive. Treatment with benznidazole dramatically improved clinical and radiographic picture, but the patient died 6 weeks later because of respiratory failure. T. cruzi infection of the CNS is a rare disease, but we have an increasing number of cases in HIV immunocompromised patients. Diagnosis by direct observation of CSF is uncommon, and most of the cases are diagnosed by pathological examination. It is a highly lethal disease, even when properly diagnosed and treated. This article intends to include cerebral trypanosomiasis in the differential diagnosis of intracranial space-occupying lesions, especially in immunocompromised patients from endemic regions.


Subject(s)
AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections/diagnosis , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/complications , Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections/diagnosis , Trypanosoma cruzi/isolation & purification , Trypanosomiasis/diagnosis , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/parasitology , Adult , Animals , Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections/cerebrospinal fluid , Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections/parasitology , Fatal Outcome , Female , Humans , Nitroimidazoles/therapeutic use , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Trypanocidal Agents/therapeutic use , Trypanosomiasis/cerebrospinal fluid , Trypanosomiasis/drug therapy
10.
Arq. neuropsiquiatr ; 60(3B): 730-733, Sept. 2002. ilus, tab
Article in English | LILACS | ID: lil-325485

ABSTRACT

A 36 year-old black female, complaining of headache of one month's duration presented with nausea, vomiting, somnolence, short memory problems, loss of weight, and no fever history. Smoker, intravenous drugs abuser, promiscuous lifestyle. Physical examination: left homonimous hemianopsia, left hemiparesis, no papilledema, diffuse hyperreflexia, slowness of movements. Brain CT scan: tumor-like lesion in the splenium of the corpus calosum, measuring 3.5 x 1.4 cm, with heterogeneous enhancing pattern, sugesting a primary CNS tumor. Due to the possibility of CNS infection, a lumbar puncture disclosed an opening pressure of 380 mmH(2)0; 11 white cells (lymphocytes); glucose 18 mg/dl (serum glucose 73 mg/dl); proteins 139 mg/dl; presence of Trypanosoma parasites. Serum Elisa-HIV tests turned out to be positive. Treatment with benznidazole dramatically improved clinical and radiographic picture, but the patient died 6 weeks later because of respiratory failure. T. cruzi infection of the CNS is a rare disease, but we have an increasing number of cases in HIV immunecompromised patients. Diagnosis by direct observation of CSF is uncommon, and most of the cases are diagnosed by pathological examination. It is a highly lethal disease, even when properly diagnosed and treated. This article intends to include cerebral trypanosomiasis in the differential diagnosis of intracranial space-occupying lesions, especially in immunecompromised patients from endemic regions


Subject(s)
Humans , Animals , Female , Adult , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/diagnosis , Brain Diseases , Trypanosoma cruzi , Trypanosomiasis , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/parasitology , Brain Diseases , Fatal Outcome , Nitroimidazoles , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Trypanocidal Agents , Trypanosomiasis
11.
Acta méd. (Porto Alegre) ; 20(1): 255-79, 1999. tab, graf
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-247232

ABSTRACT

A epilepsia é uma condição neurológica crônica de incidência e prevalência elevadas. O correto manejo terapêutico é um dos maiores desafios da prática médica. Os autores fazem uma revisão dos conceitos, classificação, etiologia e diagnóstico da epilepsia com uma abordagem mais ampla do tratament: quando iniciá-lo, que droga antiepiléptica usar, como tratar e quando parar


Subject(s)
Humans , Epilepsy/drug therapy , Central Nervous System/drug effects , Seizures/drug therapy
12.
Rev. med. PUCRS ; 8(2): 74-80, abr.-jun. 1998. tab, graf
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-221681

ABSTRACT

Com o objetivo de traçar o perfil do médico residente da PUCRS no ano de 1997, foi feito estudo transveralcom a populaçäo dos residentes do Hospital Säo Lucas, mediante questionário préviamente elaborado. A análise dos dados foi feita utilizando o programa EpiInfo 6.03. As variáveis categóricas foram analisadas através da distribuiçäo de frequência e as numéricas, através de medidas de tendência central e de dispersäo...


Subject(s)
Humans , Adult , Internship and Residency , Education, Medical, Continuing
13.
Article in Portuguese | LILACS | ID: lil-238339

ABSTRACT

Determinar a taxa de prescrição de trombolíticos, aspirina, beta-bloqueadorese inibidores de enzima conversora da angiotensina na fase aguda do infarto, no caso dos três últimos fármacos citados, na profilaxia secundária do infarto agudo do miocárdio...


Subject(s)
Humans , Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy , Cardiovascular Agents/adverse effects , Cardiovascular Agents , Myocardial Infarction/prevention & control , Retrospective Studies
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