Validez y fiabilidad del cuestionario DASH en mujeres con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama / Validity and reliability of DASH questionnaire in women who suffer from lymphedema as a side effect of a breast cancer treatment

Introducción: El cuestionario DASH está diseñado para la valoración funcional del miembro superior en enfermedad musculoesquelética. El objetivo de este trabajo es verificar las principales propiedades instrumentales (validez y fiabilidad) del cuestionario para su aplicación en mujeres españolas con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama. Métodos: Cohorte prospectiva de 65 mujeres con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama, en las que se estudió la fiabilidad de la puntuación del DASH mediante la consistencia interna (coeficiente alfa de Cronbach) y test-retest en un intervalo de 15 días (coeficiente de correlación intraclase), y la validez mediante la correlación con las puntuaciones del SF-36v2 y de la FACT-B+4 (r o τ b de Kendall). Resultados: La consistencia interna y fiabilidad test-retest fueron alfa de Cronbach 0,969 y coeficiente de correlación intraclase 0,861, respectivamente. Existía correlación entre las puntuaciones del DASH y las del SF-36v2, sobre todo con los dominios de función física, dolor corporal y rol físico (r de 0,800, 0,738 y 0,682, respectivamente; p<0,001), y menos con el rol emocional y social. Se correlacionaba con la puntuación FACT-B+4 (r=0,836; p<0,001) y la subescala miembro superior (r=0,816; p<0,001) y no existe correlación con la subescala social/familiar (r=0,193; p=0,216). Conclusión: El cuestionario DASH es una herramienta fiable y válida para ser utilizada en la valoración funcional de miembro superior de mujeres españolas con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama.(AU)

Introduction: DASH questionnaire was designed to assess upper limb function in musculoskeletal pathologies. The aim of this manuscript is to study the reliability and validity of this questionnaire, to determine if is adequate to use in women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment. Methods: Prospective study in 65 women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment was done, in which the reliability of DASH score with internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test–retest reproducibility 15 days’ interval (interclass correlation coefficient) and validity by correlation with SF-36v2 and FACT-B+4 (r or Kendall's τ b) scores was investigated. Results: The internal consistency and the test–retest were Cronbach's alpha 0.969 and interclass correlation coefficient 0.861, respectively. There was correlation between the DASH score with the SF-36v2 score, mainly in the areas of physical function, body pain and physical role (r 0.800, 0.738, and 0.682, respectively; p<0.001), and lowest with the emotional and social wellbeing. The DASH score had correlation with FACT-B+4 (0.836; p<0.001) and the subscales the upper limb score (r=0.816; p<0.001), and there was no correlation with the social/familiar subscale (r=0.193; p=0.216). Conclusion: The DASH questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to assess upper limb functionality in Spanish women with breast cancer related lymphedema.(AU)

[Validity and reliability of DASH questionnaire in women who suffer from lymphedema as a side effect of a breast cancer treatment]. / Validez y fiabilidad del cuestionario DASH en mujeres con linfedema secundario a tratamiento de cáncer de mama.

INTRODUCTION: DASH questionnaire was designed to assess upper limb function in musculoskeletal pathologies. The aim of this manuscript is to study the reliability and validity of this questionnaire, to determine if is adequate to use in women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment. METHODS: Prospective study in 65 women with lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment was done, in which the reliability of DASH score with internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reproducibility 15 days' interval (interclass correlation coefficient) and validity by correlation with SF-36v2 and FACT-B+4 (r or Kendall's τ b) scores was investigated. RESULTS: The internal consistency and the test-retest were Cronbach's alpha 0.969 and interclass correlation coefficient 0.861, respectively. There was correlation between the DASH score with the SF-36v2 score, mainly in the areas of physical function, body pain and physical role (r 0.800, 0.738, and 0.682, respectively; p<0.001), and lowest with the emotional and social wellbeing. The DASH score had correlation with FACT-B+4 (0.836; p<0.001) and the subscales the upper limb score (r=0.816; p<0.001), and there was no correlation with the social/familiar subscale (r=0.193; p=0.216). CONCLUSION: The DASH questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool to assess upper limb functionality in Spanish women with breast cancer related lymphedema.

Síndrome axillary web tras cirugía de cáncer de mama. Variante rara con nódulos subcutáneos / Axillary web syndrome following breast cancer surgery. Rare variant with subcutaneous nodules

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 49 años, tratada e intervenida por cáncer de mama, quien, a las 3semanas de presentar síndrome de axillary web (SAW), desarrolló nódulos subcutáneos, blandos e indoloros a lo largo de su recorrido y cerca de la flexura del codo. Las pruebas complementarias (ecografía Doppler y de partes blandas) descartaron etiología dérmica/subcutánea o neoplásica, y se evidenció trombosis venosa cefálica y cubital. Se pautó tratamiento con anticoagulante y a las 3-4 semanas el SAW mejoró y los nódulos desaparecieron. Con la clínica, evolución y las pruebas complementarias realizadas, junto con la evidencia científica publicada, se diagnosticó de SAW con nódulos subcutáneos. El SAW es una complicación posquirúrgica precoz del cáncer de mama conocida entre los profesionales y cuyo diagnóstico es clínico. La asociación del SAW con nódulos subcutáneos es una de las variantes poco frecuente, en las que es preciso ampliar el estudio. Se cree que los nódulos, al igual que el SAW, son debidos a procesos trombóticos linfovenosos (AU)

We describe the case of a 49-year-old woman who, after surgical treatment of breast cancer, developed axillary web syndrome (AWS) followed, 3 weeks later, by the appearance of soft and painless subcutaneous nodules along the cords and close to the flexure of the elbow. After tests (soft tissue and Doppler ultrasound), a dermal/subcutaneous or neoplastic cause was ruled out, although a cephalic and ulnar venous thrombosis was revealed. Anticoagulant medication was prescribed, with disappearance of the nodules 3-4 weeks later and improvement of AWS. The symptoms, clinical course, diagnostic tests, as well as the published evidence, helped to establish a diagnosis of AWS with subcutaneous nodules. AWS is an early complication after axillary surgery, which is well known among breast cancer professionals and whose diagnosis is based on clinical presentation. Its association with subcutaneous nodules is one of its rare variants and requires compulsory complementary studies to exclude other causes. Like AWS, nodules are believed to be due to lymphatic vessel thrombosis (AU)

[Axillary web syndrome following breast cancer surgery. Rare variant with subcutaneous nodules]. / Síndrome axillary web tras cirugía de cáncer de mama. Variante rara con nódulos subcutáneos.

We describe the case of a 49-year-old woman who, after surgical treatment of breast cancer, developed axillary web syndrome (AWS) followed, 3 weeks later, by the appearance of soft and painless subcutaneous nodules along the cords and close to the flexure of the elbow. After tests (soft tissue and Doppler ultrasound), a dermal/subcutaneous or neoplastic cause was ruled out, although a cephalic and ulnar venous thrombosis was revealed. Anticoagulant medication was prescribed, with disappearance of the nodules 3-4 weeks later and improvement of AWS. The symptoms, clinical course, diagnostic tests, as well as the published evidence, helped to establish a diagnosis of AWS with subcutaneous nodules. AWS is an early complication after axillary surgery, which is well known among breast cancer professionals and whose diagnosis is based on clinical presentation. Its association with subcutaneous nodules is one of its rare variants and requires compulsory complementary studies to exclude other causes. Like AWS, nodules are believed to be due to lymphatic vessel thrombosis.

Síndrome axillary web idiopático / Idiopathic axillary web syndrome

Se presenta el caso clínico de una mujer de 67 años, que desarrolló un cordón subcutáneo en la axila hasta la cara interna del brazo, acompañado de dolor axilar de características neuropáticas, sin antecedente quirúrgico ni infeccioso. Se le instruyó en ejercicios domiciliarios, y la evolución fue favorable con mejoría progresiva y espontánea. A los 4 meses persistía un pequeño cordón visible con la abducción y leve disestesia axilar, de menor intensidad que al inicio. Se diagnosticó de síndrome axillary web (SAW) idiopático, por exclusión. Es ampliamente conocido este síndrome tras cirugía ganglionar axilar en el tratamiento del cáncer mama, siendo aún desconocida la etiopatogenia. Son excepcionales los casos publicados sobre el SAW sin antecedente quirúrgico, y los pocos documentados tienen como antecedente un proceso infeccioso o esfuerzo físico intenso. No se ha encontrado descrito en la literatura ningún caso de SAW de etiología idiopática, pudiendo ser este el primer caso. La localización anatómica, presentación y evolución clínica del SAW no quirúrgico es extrapolable al posquirúrgico

We report the case of a 67-year-old woman who developed a cord of subcutaneous tissue extending from the axilla into the medial arm, accompanied by axillary neuropathic pain, with no history of surgery or infection. The patient was instructed in home exercises, and the condition progressively improved. Four months later, a small cord was visible on abduction with mild axillary dysesthesia, which was less severe than at onset. Diagnosis of exclusion was idiopathic axillary web syndrome (AWS). This syndrome is widely recognized after surgical axillary lymph node removal to treat breast cancer, but the etiopathogenesis is still unknown. Published reports of AWS with no history of surgery are rare, but a few reports have described this entity after infection or intense exercise. There are currently no previous reports of idiopathic AWS. The anatomical and clinical presentation, and clinical course of AWS without prior surgery, are similar to those of postoperative AWS

[Idiopathic axillary web syndrome]. / Síndrome axillary web idiopático.

We report the case of a 67-year-old woman who developed a cord of subcutaneous tissue extending from the axilla into the medial arm, accompanied by axillary neuropathic pain, with no history of surgery or infection. The patient was instructed in home exercises, and the condition progressively improved. Four months later, a small cord was visible on abduction with mild axillary dysesthesia, which was less severe than at onset. Diagnosis of exclusion was idiopathic axillary web syndrome (AWS). This syndrome is widely recognized after surgical axillary lymph node removal to treat breast cancer, but the etiopathogenesis is still unknown. Published reports of AWS with no history of surgery are rare, but a few reports have described this entity after infection or intense exercise. There are currently no previous reports of idiopathic AWS. The anatomical and clinical presentation, and clinical course of AWS without prior surgery, are similar to those of postoperative AWS.

[Subcutaneous botulinum toxin in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain]. / Toxina botulínica subcutánea en el tratamiento del dolor neuropático periférico.

Neuropathic pain impairs quality of life in affected individuals and poses a challenge to clinicians due to the complexity of its treatment and frequent therapeutic failures. We present 4clinical cases of chronic neuropathic pain (LANSS ≥ 19), refractory to conservative treatment (meralgia paraesthetica, post-surgical pain and 2surgical scars). Subcutaneous botulinum toxin type A was infiltrated periodically over the painful area. All patients experienced subjective improvement in pain and improvement measured by the visual analogic scale. Pain relief started at 5-21 days and continued up to 1.5-3 months, and up to 9 months in one patient. Pain that reappeared was of lower intensity in 3patients and was reduced in area in 2patients.

Toxina botulínica subcutánea en el tratamiento del dolor neuropático periférico / Subcutaneous botulinum toxin in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain

El dolor neuropático supone una merma de la calidad de vida de los sujetos que lo experimentan y un reto para el médico por la complejidad de su abordaje y los frecuentes fracasos terapéuticos. Se presentan 4 casos clínicos con dolor neuropático periférico crónico (LANSS ≥ 19) y refractarios a tratamientos conservadores (meralgia parestésica, neuropatía posquirúrgica y 2 cicatrices quirúrgicas). Se les infiltró periódicamente toxina botulínica tipo A subcutánea sobre el área dolorosa. Se obtuvo mejoría en todos los casos, tanto subjetiva como medida con la escala visual analógica. La disminución del dolor comenzó a los 5-21 días y se mantuvo durante 1,5-3 meses y, en un caso, hasta 9 meses. En 3 de los casos el dolor que reapareció era de menor intensidad y en 2 de ellos de menor área

Neuropathic pain impairs quality of life in affected individuals and poses a challenge to clinicians due to the complexity of its treatment and frequent therapeutic failures. We present 4 clinical cases of chronic neuropathic pain (LANSS ≥ 19), refractory to conservative treatment (meralgia paraesthetica, post-surgical pain and 2 surgical scars). Subcutaneous botulinum toxin type A was infiltrated periodically over the painful area. All patients experienced subjective improvement in pain and improvement measured by the visual analogic scale. Pain relief started at 5-21 days and continued up to 1.5-3 months, and up to 9 months in one patient. Pain that reappeared was of lower intensity in 3patients and was reduced in area in 2 patients

Mejoría de la calidad de vida en mujeres con incontinencia tras el tratamiento rehabilitador. ¿Existe relación entre el ICIQ-SF y el pad test? / improvement of quality of life in females suffering from urinary incontinence with rehabilitation treatment. The relationship between ICIQ-SF and pad-test?

Introducción. Los objetivos de este trabajo son: 1) Conocer las características en las pacientes con incontinencia urinaria (IU) derivadas a una Unidad de Suelo Pélvico; 2) Analizar si existe relación entre los datos objetivos y subjetivos de IU medidos con el pad test y el cuestionario International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) respectivamente, y 3) Valorar si existe mejoría en la calidad de vida con el tratamiento rehabilitador. Material y métodos. Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de junio de 2008 a diciembre de 2010, recogiendo diferentes variables (demográficas, tipo de IU, antecedentes quirúrgicos y obstétricos, índice de masa corporal, objetividad de la IU (pad test), tipo de tratamiento rehabilitador pautado y calidad de vida (cuestionario ICIQ-SF) valorada en la primera consulta y al alta de tratamiento. Resultados. Se obtiene una muestra de 145 mujeres con una edad media de 51 años, de las cuales el 51% presentan IU de esfuerzo y 38,6% de IU mixta. El 86,2% tienen antecedentes de dos o más partos. El 70,3% presentan sobrepeso u obesidad. Las pacientes con mayores pérdidas de orina según el pad test, obtienen mayor puntuación en el ICIQ-SF. La puntuación global del ICIQ mejoraba tras tratamiento rehabilitador. Conclusiones. El perfil de paciente es el de una mujer de 50 años con sobrepeso, que ha tenido dos o más partos y presenta una IU de esfuerzo. Existe una relación positiva entre los datos objetivos de IU (pad test) y los subjetivos (ICIQ-SF). La calidad de vida de las pacientes mejora con el tratamiento rehabilitador (AU)

Introduction. Objectives are: 1) To determine the characteristics of women suffering from UI who have been referred to the Pelvic Floor Unit; 2) Analysis of whether a relationship exists between objective UI results measured with the pad test and subjective UI results measured with International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) test; and 3) To assess whether there is an improvement in quality of life with rehab treatment. Materials and methods. A retrospective study was conducted between june 2008 and december 2010, collecting the following variables: demography, type of UI, previous surgical and obstetrics history, body fat percentage, objectivity of the UI, type of treatment arranged and quality of life before and after treatment. Results. A total of 145 female patients, with a mean age 51 years, of whom 51% had UI due to stress, 38.6% with a mixed UI. The large majority (86.2%) had given birth on 2 or more occasions. Obesity or overweight was observed in 70.3%. Patients with more loss of urine had a higher score on ICIQ-SF, according to the pad test. The overall ICIQ-SF score improved after rehab treatment. Conclusion. The profile is an overweight 50-year-old woman, who has given birth on 2 or more occasions, presenting with a stress UI. There is a positive relationship between the objective results of UI (pad test) and the subjective results (ICIQ-SF). The patient quality of life improved after rehab treatment (AU)