Hidrocefalia crónica del adulto: valor pronóstico de la estatura en pacientes manejados con un mismo sistema derivativo valvular / Normal pressure hydrocephalus: prognostic value of height in patients treated with an identical shunt system

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hidrocefalia crónica del adulto (HCA) se maneja habitualmente mediante derivación de líquido cefalorraquídeo. La presión hidrostática (variable que depende de la estatura) se considera clave en el funcionamiento del sistema derivativo; no obstante, no disponemos de demostración empírica en la literatura. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la influencia de la estatura como elemento modificador de la presión hidrostática en un sistema derivativo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Presentamos una serie prospectiva de 61 pacientes con criterios diagnósticos de HCA idiopática. En todos los casos fue utilizado un mismo sistema derivativo ventriculoperitoneal (presión apertura valvular: 100 mmH2O). Se registraron variables antropométricas, clínicas, radiológicas, presión intracraneal, test de infusión, respuesta a la derivación y complicaciones posquirúrgicas. RESULTADOS: El 78,7% de los pacientes de la serie presentaron una respuesta clínica favorable tras la derivación. El grupo de pacientes con respuesta positiva presentaba una estatura significativamente mayor (p = 0,005) que el grupo sin respuesta (mediana 165 cm versus 152 cm). También se apreció una correlación significativa entre estatura y disminución del tamaño ventricular. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra serie, la presión de apertura valvular permanece constante (100 mmHg), y con ello podemos centrarnos en el efecto de la presión hidrostática (estatura) en el sistema derivativo. Hemos obtenido un valor pronóstico positivo para los pacientes más altos, probablemente porque la presión de apertura valvular utilizada es la más adecuada para ellos. Los actuales sistemas derivativos con dispositivo gravitacional también recomiendan contemplar la estatura al configurar el sistema. Nuestro trabajo aporta evidencia empírica a este razonamiento

INTRODUCTION: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a clinical entity frequently managed by means of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt. Hydrodynamic hypotheses consider hydrostatic pressure (as well as height) a very important variable for shunt system function. However, we did not find empirical studies supporting the influence of height on clinical response in the literature. Our objective was to study the prognostic value of height, as a variable related to hydrostatic pressure, when an identical shunt system is used. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective series of 61 idiopathic NPH cases was analyzed. All cases were shunted by means of a ventricle-peritoneal system with a 100 mmH2O opening pressure valve. Anthropometric, clinical, radiological and pressure variables were registered, as well as delay for treatment, improvement and complications. RESULTS: 78.7% of cases improved after shunting. This group of patients was significantly taller (P = .005) than the group without response (median value 165 cm versus 152 cm). There was also a significant correlation between height and ventricular size decrease after the shunt. CONCLUSIONS: In our series opening valve pressure was a constant (100 mmHg) and we could consequently focus on the effect of hydrostatic pressure (height). Moreover, we found a positive predictive value for taller patients, probably because we had selected an opening pressure especially suitable for them. Current gravitational valve shunt systems also recommend considering patient height when customising the system. Our study empirically supports this idea

[Normal pressure hydrocephalus: prognostic value of height in patients treated with an identical shunt system]. / Hidrocefalia crónica del adulto: valor pronóstico de la estatura en pacientes manejados con un mismo sistema derivativo valvular.

INTRODUCTION: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a clinical entity frequently managed by means of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt. Hydrodynamic hypotheses consider hydrostatic pressure (as well as height) a very important variable for shunt system function. However, we did not find empirical studies supporting the influence of height on clinical response in the literature. Our objective was to study the prognostic value of height, as a variable related to hydrostatic pressure, when an identical shunt system is used. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective series of 61 idiopathic NPH cases was analyzed. All cases were shunted by means of a ventricle-peritoneal system with a 100mmH2O opening pressure valve. Anthropometric, clinical, radiological and pressure variables were registered, as well as delay for treatment, improvement and complications. RESULTS: 78.7% of cases improved after shunting. This group of patients was significantly taller (P=.005) than the group without response (median value 165cm versus 152cm). There was also a significant correlation between height and ventricular size decrease after the shunt. CONCLUSIONS: In our series opening valve pressure was a constant (100mmHg) and we could consequently focus on the effect of hydrostatic pressure (height). Moreover, we found a positive predictive value for taller patients, probably because we had selected an opening pressure especially suitable for them. Current gravitational valve shunt systems also recommend considering patient height when customising the system. Our study empirically supports this idea.

Patterns of care and outcome for patients with glioblastoma diagnosed during 2008-2010 in Spain.

BACKGROUND: To assess management patterns and outcome in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treated during 2008-2010 in Spain. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical, therapeutic, and survival data collected through filled questionnaires from patients with histologically confirmed GBM diagnosed in 19 Spanish hospitals. RESULTS: We identified 834 patients (23% aged >70 years). Surgical resection was achieved in 66% of patients, although the extent of surgery was confirmed by postoperative MRI in only 41%. There were major postoperative complications in 14% of patients, and age was the only independent predictor (Odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.01-1.05; P = .006). After surgery, 57% received radiotherapy (RT) with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide, 21% received other regimens, and 22% were not further treated. In patients treated with surgical resection, RT, and chemotherapy (n = 396), initiation of RT ≤42 days was associated with longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.8; 95% CI, 0.64-0.99; P = .042) but not with overall survival (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.62-1.00; P = .055). Only 32% of patients older than 70 years received RT with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. The median survival in this group was 10.8 months (95% CI, 6.8-14.9 months), compared with 17.0 months (95% CI, 15.5-18.4 months; P = .034) among younger patients with GBM treated with the same regimen. CONCLUSIONS: In a community setting, 57% of all patients with GBM and only 32% of older patients received RT with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. In patients with surgical resection who were eligible for chemoradiation, initiation of RT ≤42 days was associated with better progression-free survival.