A-136 The Transfer of Cognitive Training to Real-World Functioning: Results of our First Six Pilot Subjects at Six-Month Follow-Up

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1187-1188
Author(s):  
Jason A Blake ◽  
Brandon Mitchell ◽  
Staci McKay ◽  
Gitendra Uswatte ◽  
Edward Taub

Abstract Objective Currently, the majority of cognitive training research measures treatment efficacy using in-laboratory measures, with minimal focus on real-world treatment changes. This case series demonstrates the feasibility of transferring cognitive improvements from the laboratory into the everyday life setting. Method This case series includes 6 chronic post-stroke participants; mild to moderate cognitive impairment. The intervention combines cognitive training with behavioral techniques, known as the Transfer Package (TP). The TP involves components that target functionality on IADLs in the real-world. Performance on cognitively-based IADLs in the real world are measured pre-treatment, post, and 6-month follow-up. Measures of real-world ability are the: Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Cognitive Task Activity Log (CTAL) and Inventory of Improved and New Abilities (INCA). In-laboratory measures included the D-KEFS and Timed IADL assessments. Results The real-world outcome measures used in this study were the COPM and two measures developed for this study, the CTAL and INCA. The mean change from pre to post on the COPM Performance Scale was 2.18 (SD = 1.33) and the mean change on the COPM Satisfaction Scale was 2.70 (SD = 1.27). The mean change on the CTAL was 1.96 (SD = 0.93). On the INCA, the mean number of improved real-world cognitive activities was 11.8 (SD = 4.9) and the mean number of new cognitive activities was 7.6 (SD = 3.9). Follow-up reported near-perfect retention on CTAL and continued improvement on the INCA. There were minimal changes on in-laboratory measures. Conclusions This case series provides a framework for achieving the transfer of cognitive training treatment effects in the real-world life situation by overcoming behavioral barriers to functioning.

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000484
Author(s):  
Muna Ahmed ◽  
Christine Putri ◽  
Hibba Quhill ◽  
Fahd Quhill

ObjectiveTo assess the real-world effectiveness and safety of single injection of a fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) implant in previously treated patients with recurrent diabetic macular oedema (DMO) over a 36-month follow-up period.Methods and AnalysisThis is a retrospective study conducted at a single ophthalmology department at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK. Data were collected using electronic medical records to identify all patients treated with a FAc implant for DMO between March 2014 and November 2014, followed with a 36-month clinic follow-up. Outcomes measured included mean change in best-recorded visual acuity (BRVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) over the period of 36 months, treatment burden pre-implant and post-implant, and functional and anatomical responder rates.ResultsTwenty-six eyes (n=22 patients) were treated with single intravitreal FAc implant followed with 36 months of follow-up. At 24 and 36 months, 86.4% and 75.0% of patients maintained or gained vision post-FAc implant in routine clinical practice. The mean BRVA increased from 41.8 to 54.6 letters at month 24 and 45.8 letters at month 36, with 50.0% and 33.3% of patients achieving a ≥15 letter improvement at months 24 and 36, respectively. The mean CMT reduced from 600.8 µm at baseline to 351.0 µm and 392.5 µm at months 24 and 36, respectively. Overall, a mean of one treatment every 13.33 months post-FAc implant (vs 3.24 months pre-FAc implant) was reported. Eleven eyes had an increased intraocular pressure of ≥10 mm Hg and 12 eyes had an increase to ≥25 mm Hg from baseline.ConclusionThese results further support the effectiveness and safety of FAc implant in previously treated patients with persistent or recurrent DMO in a real-world clinical practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2758
Author(s):  
Alper Bilgic ◽  
Laurent Kodjikian ◽  
Francesc March de Ribot ◽  
Vaishali Vasavada ◽  
Jesus H. Gonzalez-Cortes ◽  
...  

The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy and safety of intravitreal brolucizumab therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the real-world setting. The REBA study (real-world experience with brolucizumab in wet AMD) was a retrospective, observational, multicentric study that included 78 consecutive patients (105 eyes), with neovascular AMD, who received brolucizumab therapy. Both treatment-naive and switch-therapy patients were included. Switch therapy was based either on fluid recurrence, fluid recalcitrance, or inability to extend beyond q4/q6. All relevant data were collected. The primary outcome measure was change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over time. Secondary outcome measures included determination of change in central subfield thickness (CST) and complications. The mean baseline BCVA was 49.4 ± 5.4 letters and 40 ± 3.2 letters, and corresponding mean BCVA gain was +11.9 ± 3.9 letters (p = 0.011) and +10.4 ± 4.8 letters (p = 0.014) in the treatment-naive and switch-therapy groups, respectively. The change in CST was significantly decreased in the treatment-naive (p = 0.021) and the switch-therapy (p = 0.013) groups. The mean follow-up was 10.4 months in both groups. One patient in the switch-therapy group developed vascular occlusion and another a macular hole after the fifth brolucizumab injection. Both patients recovered uneventfully. In conclusion, patients showed a very good anatomical and functional response to brolucizumab therapy in the real world, regardless of prior treatment status, until the end of the follow-up period. Two significant untoward events were noted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 549-557
Author(s):  
Malia McAvoy ◽  
Heather J. McCrea ◽  
Vamsidhar Chavakula ◽  
Hoon Choi ◽  
Wenya Linda Bi ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEFew studies describe long-term functional outcomes of pediatric patients who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy (LMD) because of the rarity of pediatric disc herniation and the short follow-up periods. The authors analyzed risk factors, clinical presentation, complications, and functional outcomes of a single-institution series of LMD patients over a 19-year period.METHODSA retrospective case series was conducted of pediatric LMD patients at a large pediatric academic hospital from 1998 to 2017. The authors examined premorbid risk factors, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, type and duration of conservative management, indications for surgical intervention, complications, and postoperative outcomes.RESULTSOver the 19-year study period, 199 patients underwent LMD at the authors’ institution. The mean age at presentation was 16.0 years (range 12–18 years), and 55.8% were female. Of these patients, 70.9% participated in competitive sports, and among those who did not play sports, 65.0% had a body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2. Prior to surgery, conservative management had failed in 98.0% of the patients. Only 3 patients (1.5%) presented with cauda equina syndrome requiring emergent microdiscectomy. Complications included 4 cases of postoperative CSF leak (2.0%), 1 case of a noted intraoperative CSF leak, and 3 cases of wound infection (1.5%). At the first postoperative follow-up appointment, minimal or no pain was reported by 93.3% of patients. The mean time to return to sports was 9.8 weeks. During a mean follow-up duration of 8.2 years, 72.9% of patients did not present again after routine postoperative appointments. The total risk of reoperation was a rate of 7.5% (3.5% of patients underwent reoperation for the same level; 4.5% underwent adjacent-level decompression, and one patient [0.5%] ultimately underwent a fusion).CONCLUSIONSMicrodiscectomy is a safe and effective treatment for long-term relief of pain and return to daily activities among pediatric patients with symptomatic lumbar disc disease in whom conservative management has failed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Lau ◽  
Z Arshad ◽  
A Aslam ◽  
A Thahir ◽  
M Krkovic

Abstract Introduction Osteomyelitis refers to an inflammatory process affecting bone and bone marrow. This study reviews chronic femoral osteomyelitis treatment and outcomes, including economic impact. Method We retrospectively collected data from a consecutive series of 14 chronic femoral osteomyelitis patients treated between January 2013 and January 2020. Data collected include patient demographics, comorbidities, pathogens, complications, treatment protocol and costs. Functional outcome was assessed using EuroQOL five-dimensional interview administration questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L™) and EuroQOL Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS™). Results Of these, 92.9% had one or more osteomyelitis risk factor, including smoking and diabetes. Samples from 78.6% grew at least one pathogen. Only 42.9% achieved remission after initial treatment, but 85.7% were in remission at final follow-up, with no signs of recurrence throughout the follow-up period (mean: 21.4 months). The average treatment cost was £39,249.50 with a net mean loss of £19,080.10 when funding was considered. The mean-derived EQ-5D score was 0.360 and the mean EQ-VAS score was 61.7, lower than their values for United Kingdom’s general population, p = 0.0018 and p = 0.013 respectively. Conclusions Chronic femoral osteomyelitis treatment is difficult, resulting in significant economic burden. With previous studies showing cheaper osteomyelitis treatment at specialist centres, our net financial loss incurred suggests the need for management at specialised centres.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 232596712199455
Author(s):  
Nicola Maffulli ◽  
Francesco Oliva ◽  
Gayle D. Maffulli ◽  
Filippo Migliorini

Background: Tendon injuries are commonly seen in sports medicine practice. Many elite players involved in high-impact activities develop patellar tendinopathy (PT) symptoms. Of them, a small percentage will develop refractory PT and need to undergo surgery. In some of these patients, surgery does not resolve these symptoms. Purpose: To report the clinical results in a cohort of athletes who underwent further surgery after failure of primary surgery for PT. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 22 athletes who had undergone revision surgery for failed surgical management of PT were enrolled in the present study. Symptom severity was assessed through the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Scale for Patellar Tendinopathy (VISA-P) upon admission and at the final follow-up. Time to return to training, time to return to competition, and complications were also recorded. Results: The mean age of the athletes was 25.4 years, and the mean symptom duration from the index intervention was 15.3 months. At a mean follow-up of 30.0 ± 4.9 months, the VISA-P score improved 27.8 points ( P < .0001). The patients returned to training within a mean of 9.2 months. Fifteen patients (68.2%) returned to competition within a mean of 11.6 months. Of these 15 patients, a further 2 had decreased their performance, and 2 more had abandoned sports participation by the final follow-up. The overall rate of complications was 18.2%. One patient (4.5%) had a further revision procedure. Conclusion: Revision surgery was feasible and effective in patients in whom PT symptoms persisted after previous surgery for PT, achieving a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement of the VISA-P score as well as an acceptable rate of return to sport at a follow-up of 30 months.


2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110237
Author(s):  
Ilkay Kilic Muftuoglu ◽  
Ecem Onder Tokuc ◽  
V Levent Karabas

Purpose: To report outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) stuffing technique in patients with optic disc pit associated maculopathy (ODP-M). Methods: Data including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), foveal center point thickness (FCP), and maximum height of fluid (max_fluid) (intraretinal or subretinal) were collected from the medical records of the patients. Results: Six eyes of six patients with a mean age of 28.0 ± 17.68 years (range: 9–53 year) underwent PPV + ILM plug surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 25.62 ± 26.11 months (range: 11.80–78.00 month) duration. The mean BCVA increased from 1.25 ± 1.04 logMAR (20/355, Snellen equivalent) to 0.86 ± 1.09 logMAR (20/144, Snellen equivalent) at last follow-up ( p = 0.043). Compared to baseline, CMT, FCP, and max_fluid significantly decreased at all visits after the surgery ( p < 0.05 for all visits). At last follow-up, 66.6% of the eyes (four eyes) showed complete resolution of fluid at a mean of 5.25 ± 4.99 months (range: 1–12 months) after the surgery. Conclusion: PPV with ILM plug seemed to be an effective surgical technique in ODP-M. Studies with longer follow-up and higher number of patients are needed to confirm our results.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e040819
Author(s):  
Pontus Rygh ◽  
Ina Asklund ◽  
Eva Samuelsson

ObjectivesThe efficacy of app-based treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has been demonstrated in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). In this study, we investigate the user characteristics and the effectiveness of the same app when freely available, and compare these results with the RCT.DesignProspective cohort study.ParticipantsDuring a 17-month period, 24 602 non-pregnant, non-postpartum women older than 18 years downloaded the app and responded anonymously to a questionnaire. Of these, 2672 (11%) responded to the 3-month follow-up.InterventionThree months’ use of the app Tät, containing information, a pelvic floor muscle training programme and lifestyle advice.Main outcome measuresChange in symptom severity (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF)) and subjective improvement (Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I)).ResultsOf the respondents, 88% lived in Sweden and 75% (18 384/24 602) were incontinent with a mean age of 45.5 (SD 14.1) years. The UI types, based on symptoms, were SUI (53%), urgency UI (12%), mixed UI (31%) and undefined (4%). The mean ICIQ-UI SF score was 8.2 (SD 4.0) at baseline. The mean ICIQ-UI SF score reduction at follow-up was 1.31 (95% CI: 1.19 to 1.44) with a larger reduction in those with more severe incontinence at baseline (severe/very severe 3.23 (95% CI: 2.85 to 3.61), moderate 1.41 (95% CI: 1.24 to 1.59) and slight 0.24 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.42). When the results were weighted to match the distribution of severity in the RCT, the ICIQ-UI SF score reduction was 2.2 compared with 3.9 in the RCT. Regarding PGI-I, 65% experienced improvement compared with 92% in the RCT.ConclusionsThe app Tät was effective for self-management of UI even in the real world. Although the reduction in incontinence symptoms was less than in the RCT, two-thirds of the users improved. App-based treatment reaches many women without requiring resources from ordinary healthcare services.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 232596712098688
Author(s):  
Su Cheol Kim ◽  
Jong Ho Jung ◽  
Sang Min Lee ◽  
Jae Chul Yoo

Background: There is no consensus on the ideal treatment for partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions without tendon damage. Purpose: To introduce a novel “retensioning technique” for arthroscopic PASTA repair and to assess the clinical and radiologic outcomes of this technique. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 24 patients whose PASTA lesion was treated using the retensioning technique between January 2011 and December 2015. The mean ± SD patient age was 57.6 ± 7.0 years (range, 43-71 years), and the mean follow-up period was 57.6 ± 23.4 months (range, 24.0-93.7 months). Sutures were placed at the edge of the PASTA lesion, tensioned, and fixed to lateral-row anchors. After surgery, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and functional scores (visual analog scale [VAS] for pain, VAS for function, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, Constant score, Simple Shoulder Test, and Korean Shoulder Score) were evaluated at regular outpatient visits; at 6 months postoperatively, repair integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: At 12 months postoperatively, all ROM variables were improved compared with preoperative values, and shoulder abduction was improved significantly (136.00° vs 107.08°; P = .009). At final follow-up (>24 months), the VAS pain, VAS function, and ASES scores improved, from 6.39, 4.26, and 40.09 to 1.00, 8.26, and 85.96, respectively (all P < .001). At 6 months postoperatively, 21 of the 24 patients (87.5%) underwent follow-up MRI; the postoperative repair integrity was Sugaya type 1 or 2 for all of these patients, and 13 patients showed complete improvement of the lesion compared with preoperatively. Conclusion: The retensioning technique showed improved ROM and pain and functional scores as well as good tendon healing on MRI scans at 6-month follow-up in the majority of patients. Thus, the retensioning technique appears to be reliable procedure for the PASTA lesion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712098187
Author(s):  
Justus Gille ◽  
Ellen Reiss ◽  
Moritz Freitag ◽  
Jan Schagemann ◽  
Matthias Steinwachs ◽  
...  

Background: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a well-established treatment for full-thickness cartilage defects. Purpose: To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of AMIC for the treatment of chondral lesions of the knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A multisite prospective registry recorded demographic data and outcomes for patients who underwent repair of chondral defects. In total, 131 patients were included in the study. Lysholm, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain were used for outcome analysis. Across all patients, the mean ± SD age of patients was 36.6 ± 11.7 years. The mean body weight was 80.0 ± 16.8 kg, mean height was 176.3 ± 7.9 cm, and mean defect size was 3.3 ± 1.8 cm2. Defects were classified as Outerbridge grade III or IV. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare outcomes across all time points. Results: The median follow-up time for the patients in this cohort was 4.56 ± 2.92 years. Significant improvement ( P < .001) in all scores was observed at 1 to 2 years after AMIC, and improved values were noted up to 7 years postoperatively. Among all patients, the mean preoperative Lysholm score was 46.9 ± 19.6. At the 1-year follow-up, a significantly higher mean Lysholm score was noted, with maintenance of the favorable outcomes at 7-year follow-up. The KOOS also showed a significant improvement of postoperative values compared with preoperative data. The mean VAS had significantly decreased during the 7-year follow-up. Age, sex, and defect size did not have a significant effect on the outcomes. Conclusion: AMIC is an effective method of treating chondral defects of the knee and leads to reliably favorable results up to 7 years postoperatively.


2021 ◽  
Vol 163 (4) ◽  
pp. 1191-1198
Author(s):  
Andreas K. Demetriades ◽  
Marco Mancuso-Marcello ◽  
Asfand Baig Mirza ◽  
Joseph Frantzias ◽  
David A. Bell ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Isolated acute bilateral foot drop due to degenerative spine disease is an extremely rare neurosurgical presentation, whilst the literature is rich with accounts of chronic bilateral foot drop occurring as a sequela of systemic illnesses. We present, to our knowledge, the largest case series of acute bilateral foot drop, with trauma and relevant systemic illness excluded. Methods Data from three different centres had been collected at the time of historic treatment, and records were subsequently reviewed retrospectively, documenting the clinical presentation, radiological level of compression, timing of surgery, and degree of neurological recovery. Results Seven patients are presented. The mean age at presentation was 52.1 years (range 41–66). All patients but one were male. All had a painful radiculopathic presentation. Relevant discopathy was observed from L2/3 to L5/S1, the commonest level being L3/4. Five were treated within 24 h of presentation, and two within 48 h. Three had concomitant cauda equina syndrome; of these, the first two made a full motor recovery, one by 6 weeks follow-up and the second on the same-day post-op evaluation. Overall, five out of seven cases had full resolution of their ankle dorsiflexion pareses. One patient with 1/5 power has not improved. Another with 1/5 weakness improved to normal on the one side and to 3/5 on the other. Conclusion When bilateral foot drop occurs acutely, we encourage the consideration of degenerative spinal disease. Relevant discopathy was observed from L2/3 to L5/S1; aberrant innervation may be at play. Cauda equina syndrome is not necessarily associated with acute bilateral foot drop. The prognosis seems to be pretty good with respect to recovery of the foot drop, especially if partial at presentation and if treated within 48 h.


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