Gait characteristics and effects of the cerebrospinal fluid tap test in probable idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

Author(s):  
Liu Chunyan ◽  
Hua Rongrong ◽  
Wei Youping ◽  
Li Hongliang ◽  
Yang Qiong ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Rydja ◽  
Andreas Eleftheriou ◽  
Fredrik Lundin

Abstract Background The cerebrospinal fluid tap test (CSF TT) is used for selecting shunt surgery candidates among patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the CSF TT, by using the Hellström iNPH scale for shunted iNPH patients with a standardized method. Methods One hundred and sixteen shunt-operated iNPH patients were retrospectively included in this study. The gait and balance domains in the iNPH scale were used as outcome measures for the CSF TT and the total iNPH scale score as the postoperative outcome. A positive response to CSF TT was defined as a change of ≥ 5 points in the gait domain and ≥ 16 points in the balance domain. Differences between CSF TT responders and non-responders, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, and correlations between changes from baseline to post CSF TT and from baseline to the postoperative follow-up, were calculated. Results In the CSF TT there were 63.8% responders in the gait domain and correspondingly 44.3% in the balance domain. CSF TT responders had a significantly better postoperative outcome in the total scale score (gait P ≤ 0.001, balance P ≤ 0.012) and gait CSF TT responders improved more in gait (P ≤ 0.001) and balance CSF TT responders in balance (P ≤ 0.001). No differences between CSF TT gait or balance responders could be found in neuropsychological or urinary continence assessments postoperatively. The sensitivity and specificity of the CSF TT and the outcome of the total iNPH scale score postoperatively were 68.1% and 52.0% for gait and 47.8% and 68.0% for balance, respectively. Conclusions The CSF TT, with the Hellström iNPH scale as the outcome measure, has clear limitations in predicting postoperative results. The gait domain may be used to predict outcomes for gait, but the balance domain is too insensitive.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongrong Hua ◽  
Chunyan Liu ◽  
Xing Liu ◽  
Jinwu Zhu ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) needs to be determined. This prospective study aimed to reveal the correlation between CSF biomarkers and clinical symptoms of iNPH, and its predictive value for tap test responsiveness.Methods: Thirty-nine suspected iNPH patients were recruited, contributed qualified CSF, and accepted a tap test and unified pre- and post-test evaluation of neurological function. Results: The analysis of biomarkers from their CSF showed a decrease of tau and its phosphorylated form, especially in the tap test (+) group. In addition, the responsiveness of the tap test was also related to the number of combined symptoms (p<0.01). A correlation was also found between the end pressure or pressure difference of CSF and tap test responsiveness (p<0.05). The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that P (tap test responsiveness) = 1/1 + e ^ - (-5.505+55.314 * ratio of p/T-tau - 1.586 * numbers of combined symptoms). The combined indicators (-5.505+0.553* percentage of p/T-tau - 1.586 * numbers of combined symptoms) gave the highest sensitivity and specificity, which were 94.12% and 72.73%, respectively.Conclusions: It may be accessed in judgment of tap test responsiveness, which is beneficial for the feasibility of clinical application.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongrong Hua ◽  
Chunyan Liu ◽  
Xing Liu ◽  
Jinwu Zhu ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
...  

Background: The value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for assessing idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) must be determined. This prospective study aimed to reveal the correlation between CSF biomarkers and clinical symptoms of iNPH and the predictive value of these biomarkers for tap test responsiveness.Methods: Thirty-nine patients with suspected iNPH were recruited, contributed qualified CSF, and underwent a tap test and unified pre- and post-test evaluations of the neurological function.Results: The analysis of biomarkers from the patients’ CSF showed decreased levels of tau and its phosphorylated form, especially in the tap test (+) group. The responsiveness of the tap test was also related to the number of combined symptoms (p &lt; 0.01), and a correlation was found between the end pressure or pressure difference in CSF and tap test responsiveness (p &lt; 0.05). The results of the binary logistic regression analysis showed that P (tap test responsiveness) = 1/1 + e∧ − (−5.505 + 55.314 * ratio of p/T-tau − 1.586 * numbers of combined symptoms). The combined indicators (−5.505 + 0.553 * percentage of p/T-tau − 1.586 * numbers of combined symptoms) resulted in the highest sensitivity and specificity of 94.12% and 72.73%, respectively.Conclusions: CSF biomarkers may be assessed to judge tap test responsiveness, which is beneficial for the feasibility of a clinical application.


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