Prevalence and Factors Associated With Fatigue in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicentre Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], to identify the factors associated with fatigue and its severity, to assess the impact of fatigue on quality of life [QoL], and to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and sleep disorders. METHODS: This was a prospective multicentre study conducted at 22 Spanish centres. Consecutive patients followed at IBD Units were included. Fatigue was evaluated with the Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS] and the Fatigue Impact Scale [FIS]. Quality of life and sleep quality were assessed using the IBD Questionnaire-Short Form [IBDQ-9] and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], respectively. RESULTS: A total of 544 consecutive adult IBD patients were included [50% women, mean age 44 years, 61% Crohn's disease]. The prevalence of fatigue was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 37-45%). The variables associated with an increased risk of fatigue were: anxiety [OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.6-3.7], depression [OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.4-3.8], presence of extraintestinal manifestations [EIMs] [OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.6], and treatment with systemic steroids [OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.4-5.7]. The presence of EIMs [regression coefficient, RC = 8.2, 95% CI = 2.3-14.2], anxiety [RC = 25.8, 95% CI = 20.0-31.5], depression [RC = 30.6, 95% CI = 24.3-37.0], and sleep disturbances [RC = 15.0, 95% CI = 9.3-20.8] were associated with severity of fatigue. Patients with fatigue had a significantly decreased IBDQ-9 score [p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of fatigue in IBD patients is remarkably high and has a negative impact on QoL. Therapy with systemic steroids is associated with an increased risk of fatigue. The severity of fatigue is associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and the presence of EIMs. Fatigue was not associated with anaemia, disease activity or anti-TNF therapy.

Effect of Chondroitin Sulphate on Pro-Inflammatory Mediators and Disease Activity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the incidence rate of relapse in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing chondroitin sulphate (CS) treatment and its effect on the concentrations of several pro-inflammatory proteins. METHODS: Prospective, observational, 12-month follow-up study in patients with IBD in remission, starting CS (Condrosan®, Bioiberica S.A.) treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Crohn's Disease Activity Index and modified Truelove-Witts severity index were calculated for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) respectively. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), -C, fibroblast growth factor 2, hepatocyte growth factor, angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, transforming growth factor beta, tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-23, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular adhesion molecule-1, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and PGE2 were quantified by ELISA. OA joint pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients (19 UC and 18 Crohn's disease) were included. The mean values for OA joint pain decreased after 12 months from 5.9 ± 2.8 to 3.0 ± 2.3 (p < 0.05). Only 1 patient (with UC) flared during follow-up. The incidence rate of relapse was 3.4% per patient-year of follow-up. Mean serum VEGFA levels increased between baseline (492 pg/ml) and 12-month treatment (799 pg/ml; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of IBD relapse in patients under CS treatment was lower than that generally reported. This treatment might modulate VEGFA. CS decreases OA-related pain in patients with IBD.

Helicobacter pylori second-line rescue therapy with levofloxacin- and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy, after failure of standard triple or non-bismuth quadruple treatments.

BACKGROUND: The most commonly used second-line Helicobacter pylori eradication regimens are bismuth-containing quadruple therapy and levofloxacin-containing triple therapy, both offering suboptimal results. Combining bismuth and levofloxacin may enhance the efficacy of rescue eradication regimens. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a second-line quadruple regimen containing levofloxacin and bismuth in patients whose previous H. pylori eradication treatment failed. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter study including patients in whom a standard triple therapy (PPI-clarithromycin-amoxicillin) or a non-bismuth quadruple therapy (PPI-clarithromycin-amoxicillin-metronidazole, either sequential or concomitant) had failed. Esomeprazole (40 mg b.d.), amoxicillin (1 g b.d.), levofloxacin (500 mg o.d.) and bismuth (240 mg b.d.) was prescribed for 14 days. Eradication was confirmed by (13) C-urea breath test. Compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes. Incidence of adverse effects was evaluated by questionnaires. RESULTS: 200 patients were included consecutively (mean age 47 years, 67% women, 13% ulcer). Previous failed therapy included: standard clarithromycin triple therapy (131 patients), sequential (32) and concomitant (37). A total of 96% took all medications correctly. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were 91.1% (95%CI = 87-95%) and 90% (95%CI = 86-94%). Cure rates were similar regardless of previous (failed) treatment or country of origin. Adverse effects were reported in 46% of patients, most commonly nausea (17%) and diarrhoea (16%); 3% were intense but none was serious. CONCLUSIONS: Fourteen-day bismuth- and levofloxacin-containing quadruple therapy is an effective (≥90% cure rate), simple and safe second-line strategy in patients whose previous standard triple or non-bismuth quadruple (sequential or concomitant) therapies have failed.

[Characteristics of deep sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed by intensivists]. / Características de la sedación profunda en procesos endoscópicos gastrointestinales, realizada por médicos intensivistas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine tolerance, pain intensity, percentage of tests completed successfully and complications of deep sedation controlled by intensivists during gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. DESIGN: A one-year, prospective observational study was carried out. SETTING: Department of Intensive Care intervention in the Endoscopy Unit of Hospital Universitario del Tajo (Spain). PATIENTS: Subjects over 15 years of age subjected to endoscopic procedures under deep sedation. RESULTS: A total of 868 patients were sedated during the study period, with the conduction of 1010 endoscopic procedures. The degree of tolerance was considered adequate («Very good¼/«Good¼) in 96.9% of the patients (95%CI: 95.7-98.1%), with a median score of 0 on the pain visual analog scale. A total of 988 endoscopic procedures were successfully completed (97.8%; 95%CI: 96.9-98.8%): 675 colonoscopies (97.1%) and 305 endoscopies (99.7%). Complications were recorded in 106 patients (12.2%; 95%CI: 10.0-14.5%). The most frequent being desaturation (6.1%), rhythm disturbances (5.1%) and hypotension (2.4%). CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures under sedation controlled by intensivists are well tolerated and satisfactory for the patient, and are successfully completed in a very large percentage of cases. The procedures are associated with frequent minor complications that are resolved successfully.

Características de la sedación profunda en procesos endoscópicos gastrointestinales, realizada por médicos intensivistas / Characteristics of deep sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed by intensivists

OBJETIVO: Conocer la tolerancia, la intensidad del dolor, el porcentaje de pruebas completadas con éxito y las complicaciones de la sedación profunda, controlada por médicos intensivistas, para realizar procedimientos endoscópicos gastrointestinales. DISEÑO: Estudio observacional prospectivo durante un periodo de un año. Ámbito: Realizado por el Servicio de Medicina Intensiva en la Unidad de Endoscopias del Hospital Universitario del Tajo. PACIENTES: Mayores de 15 años a los que se realizó algún procedimiento endoscópico bajo sedación profunda. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio fueron sedados 868 pacientes. Se les realizaron 1.010 procedimientos endoscópicos. El grado de tolerancia se consideró adecuado («Muy Bueno»/«Bueno») en el 96,9% (IC 95%: 95,7-98,1%) de los pacientes, con una mediana de dolor de 0 en la escala visual analógica. Un total de 988 procedimientos endoscópicos (97,8%; IC 95%: 96,9-98,8%) fueron completados con éxito, 675 colonoscopias (97,1%) y 305 gastroscopias (99,7%). Presentaron complicaciones 106 pacientes (12,2%; IC 95%: 10,0-14,5%). Las más frecuentes fueron la desaturación (6,1%), las alteraciones del ritmo (5,1%) y la hipotensión (2,4%). CONCLUSIÓN: La realización de procesos endoscópicos gastrointestinales bajo sedación profunda controlada por médicos intensivistas es bien tolerada, satisfactoria para el paciente y con un excelente porcentaje de pruebas completadas. Esta intervención se acompaña de frecuentes complicaciones, siendo todas de orden menor y resueltas con éxito

OBJECTIVE: To determine tolerance, pain intensity, percentage of tests completed successfully and complications of deep sedation controlled by intensivists during gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. DESIGN: A one-year, prospective observational study was carried out. SETTING: Department of Intensive Care intervention in the Endoscopy Unit of Hospital Universitario del Tajo (Spain). PATIENTS: Subjects over 15 years of age subjected to endoscopic procedures under deep sedation. RESULTS: A total of 868 patients were sedated during the study period, with the conduction of 1010 endoscopic procedures. The degree of tolerance was considered adequate («Very good»/«Good») in 96.9% of the patients (95% CI: 95.7-98.1%), with a median score of 0 on the pain visual analog scale. A total of 988 endoscopic procedures were successfully completed (97.8%; 95% CI: 96.9-98.8%): 675 colonoscopies (97.1%) and 305 endoscopies (99.7%). Complications were recorded in 106 patients (12.2%; 95% CI: 10.0-14.5%). The most frequent being desaturation (6.1%), rhythm disturbances (5.1%) and hypotension (2.4%). CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures under sedation controlled by intensivists are well tolerated and satisfactory for the patient, and are successfully completed in a very large percentage of cases. The procedures are associated with frequent minor complications that are resolved successfully

Third-line rescue therapy with bismuth-containing quadruple regimen after failure of two treatments (with clarithromycin and levofloxacin) for H. pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin, and amoxicillin fails in >20 % of cases. A rescue therapy with PPI-amoxicillin-levofloxacin still fails in >20 % of patients. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a bismuth-containing quadruple regimen in patients with two consecutive eradication failures. METHODS: Prospective multicenter study of patients in whom 1st treatment with PPI-clarithromycin-amoxicillin and 2nd with PPI-amoxicillin-levofloxacin had failed. A 3rd eradication regimen with a 7- to 14-day PPI (standard dose b.i.d.), bismuth subcitrate (120 mg q.i.d. or 240 mg b.i.d.), tetracycline (from 250 mg t.i.d. to 500 mg q.i.d.) and metronidazole (from 250 mg t.i.d. to 500 mg q.i.d.). Eradication was confirmed by (13)C-urea-breath-test 4-8 weeks after therapy. Compliance was determined through questioning and recovery of empty medication envelopes. Adverse effects were evaluated by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Two hundred patients (mean age 50 years, 55 % females, 20 % peptic ulcer/80 % uninvestigated-functional dyspepsia) were initially included, and two were lost to follow-up. In all, 97 % of patients complied with the protocol. Per-protocol and intention-to-treat eradication rates were 67 % (95 % CI 60-74 %) and 65 % (58-72 %). Adverse effects were reported in 22 % of patients, the most common being nausea (12 %), abdominal pain (11 %), metallic taste (8.5 %), and diarrhea (8 %), none of them severe. CONCLUSION: A bismuth-containing quadruple regimen is an acceptable third-line strategy and a safe alternative after two previous H. pylori eradication failures with standard clarithromycin- and levofloxacin-containing triple therapies.

Health care costs of complex perianal fistula in Crohn's disease.

AIM: To evaluate the use of health care resources and the associated costs of complex perianal Crohn's disease (CD) from the National Health System perspective. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, observational study in which gastroenterologists from 11 hospitals in the Community of Madrid took part. Data was collected on the direct healthcare resources (pharmacological treatments, surgical procedures, laboratory/diagnostic tests, visits to specialists and emergency departments, and hospitalizations) consumed by 97 adult patients with complex perianal CD which was active at some point between January 1, 2005, and case history review. RESULTS: We recorded 527 treatments: 73.1% pharmacological (32.3% antibiotic, 20.5% immunomodulator, 20.3% biological) and 26.9% surgical. Mean annual global cost was €8,289/patient, 75.3% (€6,242) of which was accounted for by pharmacological treatments (€13.44 antibiotics; €1,136 immunomodulators; €5,093 biological agents), 12.4% (€1,027) by hospitalizations and surgery, 7.7% (€640) by medical visits, 4.2% (€350) by laboratory/diagnostic tests, and 0.4% (€30) by emergency department visits. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacological therapies, and in particular biological agents, are the main cost driver in complex perianal CD; costs due to surgery and hospitalizations are much lower.

[Alveolar recruitment maneuvers in respiratory distress syndrome]. / Maniobras de reclutamiento alveolar en el síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo.

In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, heterogeneity in filling of the lung parenchyma results in collapsed or distended lung areas. Protective ventilation strategies based on the use of low volumes have been shown to increase survival in this context. For opening the lung, and in addition to PEEP, recruitment maneuvers are used-this practice remaining the subject of debate. The present review offers an update on the alveolar recruitment techniques, considering the great variability that exists in the application of these maneuvers, and the different factors that influence the response to maneuvering.

Intensification of infliximab therapy in Crohn's disease: efficacy and safety.

INTRODUCTION: The response of Crohn's disease (CD) to infliximab is initially good, although a loss of efficacy is observed over time. Dose escalation has been recommended in such cases. AIMS: To study the response to an intensified infliximab regimen in patients with CD; and to evaluate the adverse effects associated with intensification of therapy and identify predictors of loss of response. METHODS: We performed a retrospective multicenter survey of all patients with CD who had been treated with at least the 3 induction doses of standard infliximab therapy, and for whom treatment had to be intensified due to loss of response. We analyzed the efficacy of the intensified regimen. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included. After the first intensification dose, 79% of patients had a clinical response (33.5% complete response, 45.5% partial response). In the long term, 83%, 69%, 47%, and 29% of patients who had an initial response to the intensification maintained the response at 6, 12, 18, and 36 months, respectively. The loss of efficacy after escalation was 43% per patient-year of follow-up. One patient had an infusion reaction after 36 doses. One patient developed a herpes zoster infection. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of patients whose dose of infliximab is increased due to loss of efficacy respond initially. However, nearly half lose the response after one year. The safety profile of an intensified infliximab regimen is good.

Evaluation of liver fibrosis by transient elastography (Fibroscan®) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with methotrexate: a multicentric trial.

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate is an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, long-term treatments have been associated with the development of liver fibrosis. FibroScan® is a noninvasive, safe, and effective technique to evaluate liver fibrosis. AIM: To evaluate the presence of significant liver fibrosis by transient elastography (FibroScan®) in IBD patients treated with methotrexate. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including IBD patients treated with methotrexate from different hospitals. Clinical and analytical data, duration of treatment, and cumulative dose of methotrexate were obtained. Liver stiffness was assessed by FibroScan®. The cutoff value for significant liver fibrosis (according to METAVIR) was F ≥ 2: 7.1 kPa. Results. In the study, 46 patients were included, 30 women (65%), with a mean age of 43 ± 10 years. 31 patients had Crohn's disease (67.4%), 13 ulcerative colitis (28.3%), and 2 indeterminate colitis (4.3%). The mean cumulative dose of methotrexate was 1242 ± 1349 mg, with a mean treatment duration of 21 ± 24 months. The mean value of liver stiffness was 4.7 ± 6.9 kPa. There were 35 patients (76.1%) with F01, 8 patients (17.4%) with F = 2, and 3 patients with F ≥ 3 (6.5%). There were no differences in liver stiffness depending on sex, age, type of IBD, or cumulative dose of methotrexate. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Development of advanced liver fibrosis in IBD patients treated with methotrexate is exceptional. (2) There were no differences in liver stiffness depending on the type of IBD or the cumulative dose of methotrexate. (3) FibroScan® may be potentially useful for evaluation and follow-up of liver fibrosis in methotrexate-treated patients.

Surgical repair and biological therapy for fecal incontinence in Crohn's disease involving both sphincter defects and complex fistulas.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Surgeons have traditionally tried to avoid any complex surgical procedures in Crohn's patients with complex perianal diseases because of the fear of complications, worsening the patient's condition and risking an eventual proctectomy. The introduction of biological therapy has changed the management of Crohn's disease. This study assesses the long-term success of addressing defects in anal sphincter and complex fistula when patients receive anti-TNF-α antibodies. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients were prospectively scheduled for induction therapy with 5mg/kg Infliximab at week 0, 2 and 6 and maintenance every 8 weeks associated with azathioprine. Elective surgery was performed conducting a simultaneous approach to the sphincter defect and fistula tracts. Outcomes were long-term continence, complications which were assessed by a Wexner's score along with a complementary questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using general linear model of repeated measures. RESULTS: Three patients had complications related to surgery: two abscesses and low intersphincteric fistula and one case of rectal stenosis causing fecal urgency. There was no suture dehiscence. Wexner's score improved at 12 months (10.0±2.4 vs. 18.0±2.6; p=0.003) and over time (48 month 9.5±2.8; p=0.001). These scores were significantly worse when patients had urgency before treatment (12.8±1.2 vs. 9.5±2.8; p=0.03) but not when the urgency appeared later. No patient remained incontinent to solid stools. Three patients had occasional incontinence to liquid stools associated to disease reactivation. CONCLUSION: Surgical repair and immunomodulator therapy with infliximab could be an option in incontinent patients with Crohn's disease involving both a sphincter defect and severe or refractory fistulas.

Gangliogliomas intracraneales. Revisión de una serie de 20 pacientes / Intracranial gangliogliomas. A review of a series of 20 patients

Introducción: El ganglioglioma es un tumor primario, de bajo grado, del sistema nervioso central constituido por una población celular mixta de elementos gliales y neuronales. Representan entre el 0,4 al 2% de todos los tumores intracraneales y afectan fundamentalmente a niños y adultos jóvenes. Métodos: Entre los años 1995 y 2008 hemos tratado en nuestro hospital 20 pacientes (12 adultos y 8 niños) con ganglioglioma intracraneal. Revisamos retrospectivamente el sexo, el síntoma de inicio y la edad, sintomatología y tiempo de evolución, exploración neurológica, localización del tumor, aspecto en la tomografía computarizada y resonancia magnética, el tratamiento quirúrgico y la evolución. Todos los pacientes fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente y la extensión de la resección fue evaluada de la hoja operatoria y del seguimiento neurorradiológico. Resultados: La media de edad de los pacientes fue de 26,4 años (rango 1-75) y el ratio mujer/varón fue de 1.5:1. Excepto en un caso, todos los pacientes debutaron con crisis epilépticas, con una duración media antes del diagnóstico de 7,4 años (rango 1-29). Diecisiete tumores estaban localizados en el lóbulo temporal (9 derechos y 8 izquierdos). Se realizó extirpación macroscópicamente completa en 17 pacientes y subtotal en los 3 restantes. Se presentaron 4 recidivas que fueron tratadas mediante reintervención, añadiéndose radioterapia en uno de los casos. El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 8,5 años (rango 22 meses-14 años), la supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los 5 años fue del 85% y la supervivencia global del 95%. Conclusiones: Las crisis epilépticas, que constituyen el síntoma más frecuente mejoran de forma significativa tras la extirpación quirúrgica. El tratamiento quirúrgico es la primera opción terapéutica en este tipo de tumores, y ante la presencia de resecciones subtotales o recidivas tumorales la mejor indicación de tratamiento es la reintervención. La radioterapia debe reservarse únicamente para las formas malignas (AU)

Introduction: A ganglioglioma is a type of primary central nervous system low grade tumour composed of mixed populations of glial and neuroepithelial elements. They accounts for 0.4 to 2% of all intracranial tumours and appear more commonly in children and young adults. Seizures, which are the most important symptom in these tumours, improve significantly after surgical excision. Methods: Between 1995 and 2008, 20 patients with (12 adults and 8 children) with intracranial ganglioglioma were treated at our hospital. Clinical information obtained by chart review included sex, age at onset of symptoms, clinical history, results of neurological examination, tumour location, CT and MRI appearance, surgical results and follow-up. All patients underwent tumour resection and the extent of surgery was determined from the surgical reports and postoperative imaging studies. Results: The median age of patients was 26.4 years (range, 1-75 years), and the female to male ratio was 1.5:1. Except in one case, all patients had seizures with a median duration before diagnosis of 7.4 years (range 1-29). Seventeen tumours were located in the temporal lobe (9 right and 8 left). Macroscopically complete excision was performed in 17 patients and subtotal in the remaining 3. There were 4 cases of recurrence treated by surgery and radiotherapy being added in one case. The mean follow up was 8.5 years (range 22 months-14 years) and disease free survival at 5 years was 85% and an overall survival of 95%. Conclusions: The seizures, which are the most frequent symptoms, significantly improved after surgical removal. Surgery is the first choice of therapy in these tumours, and in the presence of subtotal resection or tumour recurrence the best indication for treatment is repeat surgery. Radiotherapy should be reserved only for malignant forms (AU)

Thiopurine methyl-transferase activity and azathioprine metabolite concentrations do not predict clinical outcome in thiopurine-treated inflammatory bowel disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Low thiopurine-methyl-transferase (TPMT) activity and high 6-thioguanine-nucleotide (6TGN) concentrations have been linked to therapeutic success in inflammatory bowel disease patients treated with thiopurines; however, this has not been implemented in clinical practice. AIM: To identify a therapeutic threshold value for TPMT or 6TGN concentrations, and their capability to predict treatment safety and efficacy. METHODS: Prospective multicentre study including steroid-resistant/dependent patients starting thiopurines. The TPMT activity was determined at inclusion (>5 U/mL required). Azathioprine metabolites [6TGN, 6-methyl-mercaptopurine ribonucleotides (6MMP), and 6TGN/6MMP and 6TGN/TPMT ratios] were periodically monitored during steroid tapering and after withdrawal for 6 months or until a new flare occurred. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were analysed (62% clinical response). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) relating clinical response and metabolite levels at 2, 4 and 6 months after steroid withdrawal were less than 0.7. The AUCs relating final response and initial TPMT activity or metabolite concentrations at 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks after starting thiopurines were less than 0.7. No cut-off point with worthwhile sensitivity/specificity was found. Eight (7%) patients developed thiopurine-related toxicity that could not be linked to TPMT activity or 6TGN levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not support determination of TPMT activity or 6TGN concentrations to predict treatment outcome, and no useful serum metabolites threshold value to adjust the drug's dose was identified.

[Pituitary apoplexy. A review]. / Apoplejía pituitaria. Revisión del tema.

Pituitary apoplexy constitutes a syndrome that is characterized by the ischemic infarction or hemorrhage into a pituitary tumour. Clinically the patient develops sudden headache, meningismus, visual disturbances, even blindness, and occasionally decrease in level of consciousness. To diagnose it is basic to perform a cerebral MRI. Treatment consists in urgent sellar decompression by transsphenoidal surgery and substitute therapy with steroids.

Estimulación cerebral en el tratamiento del dolor neuropático / Intracraneal neuroestimulation in the treatment of the neuropatic pain

El dolor neuropático es aquel que tiene su origen en una lesión neurologica que afecta al sistema somato-sensorial. La estimulación cerebral para el tratamiento del dolor crónico puede realizarse en la corteza motora, los núcleos sensitivos del tálamo o la sustancia gris periaqueductal y paraventricular y la elección del centro dependerá sobre todo del tipo de dolor a tratar. La estimulación del cortex motor y la cerebral profunda han demostrado ser técnicas efectivas para el tratamiento tanto del dolor nociceptivo como del dolor neuropático. En la estimulación cortical se bloquean las proyecciones de la misma sobre los núcleos talámicos, modulando la transmision del dolor. En la estimulación directa del núcleo ventral posterior, se actúa directamente sobre el circuíto del dolor. Presentamos dos casos de pacientes afectadas de dolor neuropático tratadas, una con estimulación del cortex motor y la otra con estimulacón del nucleo ventrocaudal del tálamo (AU)

Intracranial neuroestimulation for pain relief is most frequently delivered by stimulating the motor cortex, the sensory thalamus, or the periaqueductal and paraventricular gray matter. The stimulation of these sites through motor cortex stimulation and deep brain stimulation has proven effective for treating the neuropathic and nociceptive pain. The motor cortex has extensive projections to some thalamic nuclei; indeed, converging evidence has suggested that modulation of motor cortex is critically involved with the pathophysiology of chronic pain. Deep brain stimulation of ventrocaudalis nucleous of the thalamus contralateral to the side of the most severe pain results in a blockade on the pain transmission. We present two patients with neurophatic pain treated one with motor cortex stimulation and the other with deep brain stimulation (AU)

Apoplejía pituitaria. Revisión del tema / Pituitary apoplexy. A review

La apoplejía pituitaria es un síndrome caracterizadopor una necrosis o hemorragia en el seno deun tumor hipofisario. Clínicamente cursa con cefalearepentina, signos de irritación meníngea, alteracionesen la agudeza visual, incluso ceguera y en ocasiones disminucióndel nivel de conciencia. Para el diagnósticoes fundamental la realización de pruebas radiológicas,siendo la de elección la resonancia magnética. El tratamientoconsiste en la descompresión quirúrgica sellartransesfenoidal urgente y terapia sustitutiva con altasdosis de corticoides (AU)

Pituitary apoplexy constitutes a syndrome that ischaracterized by the ischemic infarction or hemorrhageinto a pituitary tumour. Clinically the patient developssudden headache, meningismus, visual disturbances,even blindness, and occasionally decrease in level ofconsciousness. To diagnose it is basic to perform a cerebralMRI. Treatment consists in urgent sellar decompressionby transsphenoidal surgery and substitutetherapy with steroids (AU)

[Intracranial gangliogliomas. A review of a series of 20 patients]. / Gangliogliomas intracraneales. Revisión de una serie de 20 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: A ganglioglioma is a type of primary central nervous system low grade tumour composed of mixed populations of glial and neuroepithelial elements. They accounts for 0.4 to 2% of all intracranial tumours and appear more commonly in children and young adults. Seizures, which are the most important symptom in these tumours, improve significantly after surgical excision. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2008, 20 patients with (12 adults and 8 children) with intracranial ganglioglioma were treated at our hospital. Clinical information obtained by chart review included sex, age at onset of symptoms, clinical history, results of neurological examination, tumour location, CT and MRI appearance, surgical results and follow-up. All patients underwent tumour resection and the extent of surgery was determined from the surgical reports and postoperative imaging studies. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 26.4 years (range, 1-75 years), and the female to male ratio was 1.5:1. Except in one case, all patients had seizures with a median duration before diagnosis of 7.4 years (range 1-29). Seventeen tumours were located in the temporal lobe (9 right and 8 left). Macroscopically complete excision was performed in 17 patients and subtotal in the remaining 3. There were 4 cases of recurrence treated by surgery and radiotherapy being added in one case. The mean follow up was 8.5 years (range 22 months-14 years) and disease free survival at 5 years was 85% and an overall survival of 95%. CONCLUSIONS: The seizures, which are the most frequent symptoms, significantly improved after surgical removal. Surgery is the first choice of therapy in these tumours, and in the presence of subtotal resection or tumour recurrence the best indication for treatment is repeat surgery. Radiotherapy should be reserved only for malignant forms.

[Intracranial injury caused by captive bolt gun]. / Lesiones intracraneales originadas con pistola de bala cautiva.

Guns bullet or captive bolt is used as a weapon for stunning animals as a prelude to sacrifice. Placed in front of it induce an immediate loss of consciousness, thus achieving a "humanization" of process. It's use for suicide is rare, almost exclusively of people who have access to them because of their occupation, causing severe injuries to the brain. We analyse three cases presented in our service. One of them dies as a result of injuries.

Lesiones intracraneales originadas con pistola de bala cautiva / Intracranial injury caused by captive bolt gun

Las pistolas de bala cautiva o clavija perforadora son empleadas para aturdir al animal como paso previo al sacrificio. Colocadas en la frente del mismo inducen una inmediata perdida de consciencia, logrando así una “humanización” del proceso. Su uso con fines suicidas es raro, casi exclusivo de personas que tienen acceso a las mismas dada su ocupación laboral, causando graves lesiones a nivel cerebral. Analizamos tres casos que se presentaron en nuestro servicio. Uno de ellos fallece como consecuencia de las lesiones ocasionadas (AU)

Guns bullet or captive bolt is used as a weapon for stunning animals as a prelude to sacrifice. Placed in front of it induce an immediate loss of consciousness, thus achieving a "humanization" of process. It´s use for suicide is rare, almost exclusively of people who have access to them because of their occupation, causing severe injuries to the brain. We analyse three cases presented in our service. One of them dies as a result of injuries (AU)

[Filum terminale ependymomas. Analysis of a serie of 20 consecutive cases]. / Ependimomas del filum terminal. Análisis de 20 casos consecutivos.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the clinical, radiological and surgical outcome of a series of filum terminale ependymomas. Patients and methods. This retrospective study involved 20 patients with 21 ependymomas of the filum terminale encountered during a 21 year period (1988- 2008). All patients were diagnosed using MRI and surgically treated. RESULTS: the male: female ratio was 1:1.5, and the mean age at diagnosis was 44.8 years (range 15-64). First symptom included radicular pain (12 cases) and lumbar pain in the other 8 cases, with average symptom duration of 8.7 years (range 0-6-32). All patients underwent open biopsy, seventeen tumours received gross-total resection and 4 received subtotal resection. Histologically, 20 tumours were myxopapillary ependymomas (grade I) and 1 case a grade II ependymoma. The mean follow-up period was 8 years (range 1-18 years). CONCLUSIONS: filum terminale ependimomas are slow growing tumours of the cauda equina with a high incidence in young adults. The most common presentation is with low back pain long time evolution. Although ependymomas of the filum terminale are thought to be benign, local recurrence is not uncommon.