Alteración cognitiva en la distrofia miotónica tipo 1 (enfermedad de Steinert) / Cognitive impairment in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (Steinert's disease)

Tradicionalmente se ha reconocido que los enfermos con distrofia miotónica tipo 1 (DM-1), o enfermedad de Steinert, presentan una conducta muy característica, dejando aparte aquellos casos en que existe patología mental o un retraso del neurodesarrollo. Se describe el sustrato neurológico de dicha conducta. El objetivo de este texto es doble. Por una parte, se pretende que los clínicos, ante un paciente con DM-1, consideren siempre los aspectos cognitivos de la enfermedad. Por otra, se busca desmontar ideas preconcebidas sobre el peculiar comportamiento de estos pacientes (AU)

raditionally, it has been recognized that patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD-1) – also known as Steinert disease –, they show a specific behaviour, not including those who suffer from mental or neurodevelopmental diseases. The neurological substrate of this behaviour is described. The aim of this text has two purposes. The first intention is that clinical staff, when faced with a patient with MD-1, always consider the cognitive aspects of the disease. On the other hand, it is intended to combat preconceived ideas about the particular behaviour of these patients (AU)

[Cognitive impairment in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (Steinert's disease)]. / Alteración cognitiva en la distrofia miotónica tipo 1 (enfermedad de Steinert).

Traditionally, it has been recognized that patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD-1) - also known as Steinert disease -, they show a specific behaviour, not including those who suffer from mental or neurodevelopmental diseases. The neurological substrate of this behaviour is described. The aim of this text has two purposes. The first intention is that clinical staff, when faced with a patient with MD-1, always consider the cognitive aspects of the disease. On the other hand, it is intended to combat preconceived ideas about the particular behaviour of these patients.

Slowly progressive behavioral frontotemporal dementia with C9orf72 mutation. Case report and review of the literature.

We present a 86-year-old woman without relevant medical history and two brothers who died by dementia, who started at 55 years with depression and personality changes with ongoing worsening (>30 years) and functional decline. Screening dementia blood test and brain magnetic resonance imaging did not show results that pointed to a secondary cause. The patient met the diagnostic criteria for possible behavioral frontotemporal dementia with a slow progression (bvFTD-SP), suggesting a benign variant. A genetic study confirmed a C9ORF72 hexanucleotide expansion, making this the sixth case mentioned in the literature. We review and discuss the other cases described previously.

TARDBP mutation associated with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, case report and review of the literature.

Semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) is a clinical syndrome included in the frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum. Unlike other forms of FTD, it is sporadic in the majority of cases and not commonly associated with motor neuron disease (MND). We describe a case of svPPA associated with MND in the same family, due to a mutation of the transactive response DNA binding protein (TARDBP) gene, and review the literature.

Análisis del síndrome de Sturge-Weber: estudio retrospectivo de múltiples variables asociadas / Analysis of Sturge-Weber syndrome: A retrospective study of multiple associated variables

Introducción: El síndrome de Sturge-Weber es un trastorno vascular congénito caracterizado por una malformación facial capilar (mancha en vino de Oporto) asociada a malformaciones venosas y capilares en el cerebro y en el ojo. También pueden observarse alteraciones en otras localizaciones y síntomas neurológicos. Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas, así como los diferentes tratamientos realizados en una cohorte de pacientes diagnosticados de síndrome de Sturge-Weber en un hospital terciario. Material y métodos: Estudio comparativo, retrospectivo y transversal, mediante la revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes diagnosticados de síndrome de Sturge-Weber entre los años 1998 y 2013. Resultados: Se incluyeron 13 pacientes (54% varones, 46% mujeres) diagnosticados de síndrome de Sturge-Weber. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 15 meses. Presencia de angiomatosis leptomeníngea en el 100% de los casos: hemisferio derecho (46%), hemisferio izquierdo (38%), afectación bilateral (15%). Presencia de angioma facial (61%): derecho (23%), izquierdo (38%) y bilateral (7%). Otras alteraciones cutáneas: 23% de los casos (2 de ellos la afectación en el hemicuerpo del lado en el que se encontraba también la angiomatosis facial y leptomeníngea y en el otro caso la afectación cutánea fue en forma de cutis marmorata generalizada). Encontramos afectación ocular en el 77% de los pacientes, siendo las más frecuentes: glaucoma (46%), estrabismo (23%) y angiomatosis coroidea (23%). Presencia de epilepsia 100% de los casos, siendo las crisis parciales (simples o complejas) las más frecuentes (62%). El control de las crisis epilépticas fue muy variable, ya que el 31% han necesitado probar más de 3 fármacos, 15% 3 fármacos, 31% 2 fármacos y 23% tuvieron buen control con monoterapia. Uno de los pacientes requirió cirugía de la epilepsia (hemisferectomía izquierda), quedando libre de crisis hasta la fecha. En electroencefalogramas lo más frecuente fue: puntas, puntas ondas o polipuntas-ondas en los lóbulos afectados por angiomatosis leptomeníngea (46%). Otros síntomas neurológicos: hemiparesia (39%), cefaleas recurrentes (39%), episodios stroke-like (23%), retraso psicomotor (46%), retraso mental (46%). Presencia calcificaciones leptomeníngeas en la resonancia magnética (85%). Aumento de las calcificaciones en el 70%. Pacientes tratados con ácido acetilsalicílico: 54%. Conclusiones: Son múltiples las manifestaciones clínicas del síndrome de Sturge-Weber, siendo de vital importancia conocerlas todas para poder realizar un correcto diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de las mismas, mejorando así la calidad de vida de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction: Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital vascular disorder characterised by facial capillary malformation (port-wine stain) associated with venous and capillary malformations in the brain and eye. Neurological symptoms and alterations in other locations may also be observed. Objectives: This study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and different treatments in a cohort of patients diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome in a tertiary hospital. Material and methods: This comparative, retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome between 1998 and 2013. Results: The study included 13 patients (54% male, 46% female) diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome. The mean age at diagnosis was 15 months. Leptomeningeal angiomatosis was present in 100% of cases: right hemisphere (46%), left hemisphere (38%), and bilateral (15%). Facial angioma was present in 61% of the cases: right (23%), left (38%) and bilateral (7%). Other skin disorders were found in 23% of the cases, including 2 with hemilateral involvement on the side where facial and leptomeningeal angiomatosis was present and one case of generalised cutis marmorata. Ocular disease was found in 77% of patients; the most common conditions were glaucoma (46%), strabismus (23%) and choroidal angioma (23%). Epilepsy was present in 100% of the cases, with partial seizures (simple or complex) being the most frequent (62%). Seizure control was highly variable; 31% of the patients had needed to try more than 3 drugs, 15% 3 drugs, and 31% 2 drugs, while 23% experienced good seizure control with monotherapy. One patient required surgery for epilepsy (left hemispherectomy) and has been seizure-free since then. The most frequent observations in electroencephalograms were spikes, polyspikes, and wave spikes in the lobes affected by leptomeningeal angiomatosis (46%). Other neurological symptoms were hemiparesis (39%), recurrent headaches (39%), stroke-like episodes (23%), psychomotor retardation (46%), and mental retardation (46%). Leptomeningeal calcifications could be seen in 85% of patient MRIs, as well as increased calcification in 70%; 54% of the patients had been treated with aspirin. Conclusions: There are multiple clinical manifestations of Sturge-Weber syndrome. Being familiar with all of them is vitally important for diagnosing and for monitoring and treating the condition correctly, which will improve the quality of life of these patients (AU)

Cognition in non-demented Parkinson's disease vs essential tremor: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET) have a higher risk of cognitive impairment than age-matched controls. Only a few small studies (11-18 subjects per group) have directly compared the cognitive profile of these conditions. Our aim was to compare the cognitive profile of patients with these two conditions to each other and to healthy individuals in a population-based study of non-demented participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This investigation was part of the NEDICES study, a survey of the elderly in which 2438 dementia-free participants underwent a short neuropsychological battery. We used nonparametric techniques to evaluate whether there are differences and/or a gradient of impairment across the groups (PD, ET, and controls). Also, we performed a head-to-head comparison of ET and PD, adjusting for age and education. RESULTS: Patients with PD (N=46) and ET (N=180) had poorer cognition than controls (N=2212). An impaired gradient of performance was evident. PD scored lower than ET, and then each of these lower than controls, in memory (P<.05) and verbal fluency (P<.001) tasks. When we compared PD and ET, the former had lower scores in verbal fluency (P<.05), whereas the later had a poorer cognitive processing speed (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: This large population-based study demonstrates that both conditions influence cognitive performance, that a continuum exists from normal controls to ET to PD (most severe), and that although deficits are in many of the same cognitive domains, the affected cognitive domains do not overlap completely.

Analysis of Sturge-Weber syndrome: A retrospective study of multiple associated variables. / Análisis del síndrome de Sturge-Weber: estudio retrospectivo de múltiples variables asociadas.

INTRODUCTION: Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital vascular disorder characterised by facial capillary malformation (port-wine stain) associated with venous and capillary malformations in the brain and eye. Neurological symptoms and alterations in other locations may also be observed. OBJECTIVES: This study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and different treatments in a cohort of patients diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome in a tertiary hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This comparative, retrospective and cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome between 1998 and 2013. RESULTS: The study included 13 patients (54% male, 46% female) diagnosed with Sturge-Weber syndrome. The mean age at diagnosis was 15 months. Leptomeningeal angiomatosis was present in 100% of cases: right hemisphere (46%), left hemisphere (38%), and bilateral (15%). Facial angioma was present in 61% of the cases: right (23%), left (38%) and bilateral (7%). Other skin disorders were found in 23% of the cases, including 2 with hemilateral involvement on the side where facial and leptomeningeal angiomatosis was present and one case of generalised cutis marmorata. Ocular disease was found in 77% of patients; the most common conditions were glaucoma (46%), strabismus (23%) and choroidal angioma (23%). Epilepsy was present in 100% of the cases, with partial seizures (simple or complex) being the most frequent (62%). Seizure control was highly variable; 31% of the patients had needed to try more than 3 drugs, 15% 3 drugs, and 31% 2 drugs, while 23% experienced good seizure control with monotherapy. One patient required surgery for epilepsy (left hemispherectomy) and has been seizure-free since then. The most frequent observations in electroencephalograms were spikes, polyspikes, and wave spikes in the lobes affected by leptomeningeal angiomatosis (46%). Other neurological symptoms were hemiparesis (39%), recurrent headaches (39%), stroke-like episodes (23%), psychomotor retardation (46%), and mental retardation (46%). Leptomeningeal calcifications could be seen in 85% of patient MRIs, as well as increased calcification in 70%; 54% of the patients had been treated with aspirin. CONCLUSIONS: There are multiple clinical manifestations of Sturge-Weber syndrome. Being familiar with all of them is vitally important for diagnosing and for monitoring and treating the condition correctly, which will improve the quality of life of these patients.

¿Qué pacientes necesitan Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos? / Which patients need pediatric palliative cares?

Los cuidados paliativos pediátricos se han ido desarrollando como especialidad en los últimos años, sin embargo aún queda mucha labor por desempeñar. El objetivo va a ser prestar una atención integral del niño, de su familia y de los profesionales que lo atienden; atendiendo los problemas y necesidades de estas personas, respetando todos sus vínculos y valores. La Asociación de Niños con Situación que Amenaza la Vida o Situación de Terminalidad y sus Familias (ACT), ha elaborado una guía en la que identifica a aquellos pacientes que son candidatos de recibir tratamiento paliativo. Esto no significa que la totalidad de los pacientes necesiten a lo largo de toda la evolución de su enfermedad unos servicios específicos, por ello se proponen y se diferencian varios niveles de atención. Aumentar la formación en este área de la medicina hará que todos los profesionales sean capaces de ofrecer un adecuado enfoque paliativo. La identificación del 'punto de inflexión' a lo largo de la trayectoria de la enfermedad será fundamental a la hora de adaptar las necesidades y tratamientos de los pacientes

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Prevalencia de trastornos del sueño en pacientes con neurofibromatosis tipo 1 / Prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1

Introducción: La neurofibromatosis tipo 1 (NF1) asocia frecuentemente alteraciones neurológicas no relacionadas con neurofibromas, entre las que se encuentran los trastornos del sueño. Objetivos: Revisión de la prevalencia de trastornos de sueño en pacientes con NF1 y compararla con los datos descritos en la literatura, así como analizar la relación con el trastorno cognitivo y el trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (TDAH) en estos pacientes. Material y métodos: Estudio comparativo, retrospectivo, mediante la revisión de los datos recogidos entre enero de 2010 y enero de 2012 de pacientes diagnosticados de NF1 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Resultados: Se incluyeron 95 pacientes con NF1 pediátricos que respondieron correctamente a la Escala de alteraciones del sueño en la infancia de Bruni, encontrando una prevalencia de trastorno global del sueño del 6,3%, inferior al de la población pediátrica general. Aquellos pacientes con NF1 y TDAH presentaron mayor prevalencia de trastorno de inicio-mantenimiento del sueño (18 vs 6,3%), de transición sueño-vigilia (12,5 vs 6,3%) y somnolencia diurna (12,5 vs 7,9%) sin alcanzar significación estadística, sí encontrándose diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la subescala de hiperhidrosis nocturna (21,9 vs 6,3%; p < 0,05). Los pacientes con NF1 y cociente intelectual < 85 presentaron mayor prevalencia de somnolencia diurna (20 vs 6,7%) y mayor hiperhidrosis nocturna (11 vs 0%). Conclusiones: En nuestra cohorte de pacientes con NF1 no hemos encontrado aumento de la prevalencia de trastornos de sueño con respecto a la población pediátrica general, aunque algunos de estos trastornos son más frecuentes en caso de alteraciones cognitivas o TDAH

Introduction: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is frequently associated with neurological disorders unrelated to neurofibromas, including sleep disorders. Objectives: This article reviews the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with NF1, compares rates to data reported in the literature, and analyses the relationship between cognitive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in these patients. Material and methods: Comparative retrospective study reviewing data collected between January 2010 and January 2012 from patients diagnosed with NF1 in a tertiary hospital. Results: We included 95 paediatric patients with NF1 who completed the Bruni Sleep Disturbance Scale in Children. The overall prevalence of sleep disorders was 6.3%, which was lower than in the general paediatric population. Patients with NF1 and ADHD had a higher prevalence of sleep onset and maintenance disorders (18% vs 6.3%), sleep-wake transition disorders (12.5% vs 6.3%), and daytime sleepiness (12.5% vs 7.9%); differences were not statistically significant. A statistically significant difference was found in the subdomain of nocturnal hyperhidrosis (21.9% vs 6.3%, P < 0.05). Patients with NF1 and IQ < 85 showed higher prevalence rates of daytime sleepiness (20% vs 6.7%) and of sleep hyperhidrosis (11% vs 0%). Conclusions: The prevalence of sleep disorders in our cohort of patients with NF1 was no higher than in the general paediatric population, although some of these disorders are more common in cases with cognitive disorders or ADHD

Prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

INTRODUCTION: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is frequently associated with neurological disorders unrelated to neurofibromas, including sleep disorders. OBJECTIVES: This article reviews the prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with NF1, compares rates to data reported in the literature, and analyses the relationship between cognitive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparative retrospective study reviewing data collected between January 2010 and January 2012 from patients diagnosed with NF1 in a tertiary hospital. RESULTS: We included 95 paediatric patients with NF1 who completed the Bruni Sleep Disturbance Scale in Children. The overall prevalence of sleep disorders was 6.3%, which was lower than in the general paediatric population. Patients with NF1 and ADHD had a higher prevalence of sleep onset and maintenance disorders (18% vs 6.3%), sleep-wake transition disorders (12.5% vs 6.3%), and daytime sleepiness (12.5% vs 7.9%); differences were not statistically significant. A statistically significant difference was found in the subdomain of nocturnal hyperhidrosis (21.9% vs 6.3%, P < 0.05). Patients with NF1 and IQ<85 showed higher prevalence rates of daytime sleepiness (20% vs 6.7%) and of sleep hyperhidrosis (11% vs 0%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sleep disorders in our cohort of patients with NF1 was no higher than in the general paediatric population, although some of these disorders are more common in cases with cognitive disorders or ADHD.

Manifestaciones neurológicas de la invaginación intestinal / Neurological symptoms in children with intussusception

INTRODUCCIÓN: La invaginación intestinal es una enfermedad obstructiva potencialmente grave que se produce cuando un segmento del intestino se introduce en el interior de otro segmento intestinal distal vecino. La tríada clásica de vómitos, dolor abdominal y hematoquecia aparece en menos de un 25% de los casos. Existen formas de presentación atípica, con clínica sistémica y/o neurológica predominante. La alteración brusca de la consciencia puede ser el único signo clínico en lactantes. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la frecuencia y la naturaleza de las manifestaciones neurológicas de la invaginación intestinal y describir las características específicas de este subgrupo de pacientes. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de 351 niños diagnosticados de invaginación intestinal entre los años 2000 y 2012. En todos los pacientes analizamos: datos epidemiológicos generales, sintomatología digestiva y neurológica, duración del cuadro clínico y eficacia del tratamiento. RESULTADOS: En 15 de los 351 pacientes totales (4,27%) se recogieron distintos síntomas y signos neurológicos, destacando la letargia (66,66%), seguida por los episodios paroxísticos, hipotonía global, debilidad aguda y fluctuación del nivel de consciencia. Un 60% de estos pacientes tenían solo clínica neurológica y un 73,3% de ellos necesitaron cirugía. CONCLUSIONES: Se debe considerar la invaginación intestinal en el diagnóstico diferencial de los lactantes y niños pequeños que acuden al Servicio de Urgencias con cuadros de letargia, hipotonía, debilidad aguda, alteración brusca del nivel de conciencia y/o episodios paroxísticos, aunque no exista ninguno de los signos clásicos de presentación de la enfermedad. Un diagnóstico precoz en estos casos puede evitar el desarrollo de complicaciones vasculares intestinales irreversibles

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception is a potentially severe obstructive disease that occurs when amore proximal portion of bowel invaginates into a more distal part of the bowel. Patients with intussusception often present with a wide range of non-specific systemic symptoms, with less than one quarter presenting with the classic triad of vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. An acute change in level of consciousness could be the only clinical symptom of this disorder. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the frequency and nature of the neurological symptoms in children with intussusception, and to describe the characteristics of the patients presenting in this atypical way. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 351 children presenting with intussusception from 2000 to 2012. General epidemiological data, abdominal and neurological signs and symptoms, duration of symptoms and effectiveness of treatment, were analysed in all patients. RESULTS: Of the 351 patients studied, 15 (4.27%) had one or more neurological symptoms recorded at presentation, with lethargy being the most frequent (66.66%), followed by hypotonia, generalized weakness, paroxysmal events, and fluctuating consciousness. Sixty per cent of these fifteen patients showed isolated neurological symptomatology, and eleven of them (73.3%) needed a laparotomy to reduce the intussusception. CONCLUSIONS: Intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis in infants and young children presenting as a pediatric emergency with lethargy, hypotonia, generalized weakness, paroxysmal events and/or sudden changes in consciousness, even in the absence of the classical symptoms of intussusception. An early recognition of intussusception may improve the global prognosis and avoid ischaemic intestinal sequelae

[Neurological symptoms in children with intussusception]. / Manifestaciones neurológicas de la invaginación intestinal.

INTRODUCTION: Intussusception is a potentially severe obstructive disease that occurs when a more proximal portion of bowel invaginates into a more distal part of the bowel. Patients with intussusception often present with a wide range of non-specific systemic symptoms, with less than one quarter presenting with the classic triad of vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools. An acute change in level of consciousness could be the only clinical symptom of this disorder. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the frequency and nature of the neurological symptoms in children with intussusception, and to describe the characteristics of the patients presenting in this atypical way. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 351 children presenting with intussusception from 2000 to 2012. General epidemiological data, abdominal and neurological signs and symptoms, duration of symptoms and effectiveness of treatment, were analysed in all patients. RESULTS: Of the 351 patients studied, 15 (4.27%) had one or more neurological symptoms recorded at presentation, with lethargy being the most frequent (66.66%), followed by hypotonia, generalized weakness, paroxysmal events, and fluctuating consciousness. Sixty per cent of these fifteen patients showed isolated neurological symptomatology, and eleven of them (73.3%) needed a laparotomy to reduce the intussusception. CONCLUSIONS: Intussusception should be considered in the differential diagnosis in infants and young children presenting as a pediatric emergency with lethargy, hypotonia, generalized weakness, paroxysmal events and/or sudden changes in consciousness, even in the absence of the classical symptoms of intussusception. An early recognition of intussusception may improve the global prognosis and avoid ischaemic intestinal sequelae.

Utilidad de los test breves en el cribado de demencia / Usefulness of short tests in dementia screening

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[Usefulness of short tests in dementia screening]. / Utilidad de los test breves en el cribado de demencia.

INTRODUCTION: As life expectancy increases, and the prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia continues to grow, the number of patients with cognitive complaints seen in primary care or specialized out-patient clinics has increased in the last few years. The assessment of these patients requires time, and a step-by-step organization to optimize medical resources. DEVELOPMENT: This review presents the most important dementia screening tools with Spanish validation. We focus on those that are brief (less than ten minutes) and easy to use in primary care settings. Two groups of tests can be distinguished: brief cognitive tests and functional activities scales. The first can be considered a part of the mental status examination, and the second an organized history taking. Informant questionnaires and the possibility of self-administered cognitive tests are briefly reviewed. CONCLUSION: There are no ideal screening tests. The election of the most appropriate will depend on the physicians time and knowledge of each test. It is advisable to be familiar with a reduced number of tests, and be aware of their strengths and limitations. Finally, we suggest personal recommendations for the most useful tests in each clinical setting.