scholarly journals Development of novel clinical examination scales for the measurement of disease severity in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

2022 ◽  
pp. jnnp-2021-327722
Author(s):  
Akin Nihat ◽  
Tze How Mok ◽  
Hans Odd ◽  
Andrew Geoffrey Bourne Thompson ◽  
Diana Caine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Statistical Approach ◽  
Motor Dysfunction ◽  
Longitudinal Change ◽  
Clinical Change ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Jakob Disease ◽  
Function Language

ObjectiveTo use a robust statistical methodology to develop and validate clinical rating scales quantifying longitudinal motor and cognitive dysfunction in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) at the bedside.MethodsRasch analysis was used to iteratively construct interval scales measuring composite cognitive and motor dysfunction from pooled bedside neurocognitive examinations collected as part of the prospective National Prion Monitoring Cohort study, October 2008–December 2016.A longitudinal clinical examination dataset constructed from 528 patients with sCJD, comprising 1030 Motor Scale and 757 Cognitive Scale scores over 130 patient-years of study, was used to demonstrate scale utility.ResultsThe Rasch-derived Motor Scale consists of 8 items, including assessments reliant on pyramidal, extrapyramidal and cerebellar systems. The Cognitive Scale comprises 6 items, and includes measures of executive function, language, visual perception and memory. Both scales are unidimensional, perform independently of age or gender and have excellent inter-rater reliability. They can be completed in minutes at the bedside, as part of a normal neurocognitive examination. A composite Examination Scale can be derived by averaging both scores. Several scale uses, in measuring longitudinal change, prognosis and phenotypic heterogeneity are illustrated.ConclusionsThese two novel sCJD Motor and Cognitive Scales and the composite Examination Scale should prove useful to objectively measure phenotypic and clinical change in future clinical trials and for patient stratification. This statistical approach can help to overcome obstacles to assessing clinical change in rapidly progressive, multisystem conditions with limited longitudinal follow-up.

scholarly journals Development of novel clinical examination scales for the measurement of disease severity in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akin Nihat ◽  
Tze How Mok ◽  
Hans Odd ◽  
Andrew Thompson ◽  
Diana Caine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Severity ◽  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Phenotypic Heterogeneity ◽  
Motor Dysfunction ◽  
Longitudinal Change ◽  
Progressive Dementia ◽  
Clinical Change ◽  
Jakob Disease

AbstractObjectiveSporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) causes rapidly-progressive dementia and complex abnormalities of motor systems with striking phenotypic heterogeneity, but no tools are available for the clinician to determine disease severity from bedside cognitive and neurological assessments. We used a robust statistical methodology and routinely-collected examination data to develop and validate short clinical rating scales quantifying longitudinal motor and cognitive dysfunction in sCJD.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective analysis of clinical examination data from the prospective National Prion Monitoring Cohort study, October 2008 – December 2016. Rasch analysis was used to iteratively construct interval scales measuring composite cognitive and motor dysfunction from pooled bedside neurological and cognitive examination tests.A longitudinal clinical examination dataset was constructed from a total of 528 patients with sCJD, comprising 1030 Motor Scale and 757 Cognitive Scale scores, over 130 patient-years of study, and used to demonstrate scale utility.ResultsThe Rasch-derived Motor Scale consists of 8 items, including examination items reliant on pyramidal, extrapyramidal and cerebellar systems. The Cognitive Scale comprises 6 items, and includes measures of executive function, language, visual perception and memory. Both scales are unidimensional, perform consistently regardless of age or gender and have excellent inter-rater reliability. Each scale can be completed in a few minutes at the bedside, as part of a normal neurocognitive examination. Several uses of the scales, in measuring longitudinal change, prognosis, and phenotypic heterogeneity are illustrated.InterpretationThese two novel scales measuring motor and cognitive dysfunction in sCJD should prove useful to objectively measure phenotypic and clinical change in future clinical trials and for patient stratification. This statistical approach can help to overcome obstacles to assessing clinical change in rapidly-progressive, multisystem conditions with limited longitudinal follow-up.

Psychopathology 8½ Years Post Parasuicide

Crisis ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Curran ◽  
Michael Fitzgerald ◽  
Vincent T Greene
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scales ◽  
Psychiatric Morbidity ◽  
Parental Bonding ◽  
Social Maladjustment ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

There are few long-term follow-up studies of parasuicides incorporating face-to-face interviews. To date no study has evaluated the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity at long-term follow-up of parasuicides using diagnostic rating scales, nor has any study examined parental bonding issues in this population. We attempted a prospective follow-up of 85 parasuicide cases an average of 8½ years later. Psychiatric morbidity, social functioning, and recollections of the parenting style of their parents were assessed using the Clinical Interview Schedule, the Social Maladjustment Scale, and the Parental Bonding Instrument, respectively. Thirty-nine persons in total were interviewed, 19 of whom were well and 20 of whom had psychiatric morbidity. Five had died during the follow-up period, 3 by suicide. Migration, refusals, and untraceability were common. Parasuicide was associated with parental overprotection during childhood. Long-term outcome is poor, especially among those who engaged in repeated parasuicides.

Cathartic Effect of Suicide Attempts Not Limited to Depression

Crisis ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Sarfati ◽  
Blandine Bouchaud ◽  
Marie-Christine Hardy-Baylé
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
World Health ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Short Term

Summary: The cathartic effect of suicide is traditionally defined as the existence of a rapid, significant, and spontaneous decrease in the depressive symptoms of suicide attempters after the act. This study was designed to investigate short-term variations, following a suicide attempt by self-poisoning, of a number of other variables identified as suicidal risk factors: hopelessness, impulsivity, personality traits, and quality of life. Patients hospitalized less than 24 hours after a deliberate (moderate) overdose were presented with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression and Impulsivity Rating Scales, Hopelessness scale, MMPI and World Health Organization's Quality of Life questionnaire (abbreviated versions). They were also asked to complete the same scales and questionnaires 8 days after discharge. The study involved 39 patients, the average interval between initial and follow-up assessment being 13.5 days. All the scores improved significantly, with the exception of quality of life and three out of the eight personality traits. This finding emphasizes the fact that improvement is not limited to depressive symptoms and enables us to identify the relative importance of each studied variable as a risk factor for attempted suicide. The limitations of the study are discussed as well as in particular the nongeneralizability of the sample and setting.

PERCUTANEOUS EPIDURAL NEUROPLASTY (PEN) USING COMBINATION OF HYALURONIDASE AND HYPERTONIC SALINE (NaCl 3%) IN TREATING FAILED BACK SURGERY SYNDROME

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Wawan Mulyawan ◽  
Yudi Yuwono Wiwoho ◽  
Syaiful Ichwan
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Hypertonic Saline ◽  
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ◽  
Favourable Outcome ◽  
Lumbar Spine Surgery ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Failed Back Surgery ◽  
Scale Scores

Background: Following surgical treatments for low back pain, lower extremity pain or neurologic symptoms would last or recur, this is defined as failed sack surgery syndrome (FBSS). FBSS usually occurs in 5-40% of these surgical patients. The most common cause is an epidural scar adhesion. Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty is the non-mechanical treatment for this condition. Previously, the use of hyaluronidase and hypertonic saline separately is commonly used for epidurolysis but the combination of hyaluronidase and hypertonic saline 3% has not been explored.Objective: To investigate the two-year outcomes of percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a combination of hyaluronidase and hypertonic saline 3% in patients with FBSS.Methods: Twelve patients who experience low back pain, with or without radiculopathy, who have underwent lumbar spine surgery previously were assigned to the study. Parameters, such as the visual analogue scale scores for the back (VAS-B) and legs (VAS-L), and the Oswestry disability index (ODI), were recorded and compared between pretreatment, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 1 year and 2 years follow-up.Results: For all 12 patients, the postoperative VAS-B, VAS-L, and ODI were significantly different from the preoperative values in all follow-up periods: 1 month, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years.Conclusion: Based off this study group, percutaneous epidural neuroplasty using a combination of hyaluronidase and hypertonic saline 3% has a favourable outcome in the 2 years follow-up

Decrease in Secondary Neck Vessels in Multiple Sclerosis: A 5-year Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Angiography Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dejan Jakimovski ◽  
Matthew Topolski ◽  
Kana Kimura ◽  
Virja Pandya ◽  
Bianca Weinstock-Guttman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Angiography ◽  
Longitudinal Change ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
False Discovery ◽  
The Common ◽  
Neck Vessels

Background: Studies have previously shown greater arterial and venous extracranial vascular changes in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) when compared to healthy controls (HCs). Objectives: To determine the change in the number and size of secondary neck vessels in PwMS and HCs over a 5-year follow-up period. Methods: Both at baseline and follow-up, 83 PwMS and 25 HCs underwent magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) imaging and analysis. The number and cross-sectional area (CSA) of all secondary neck vessels (excluding the common/internal carotid, vertebral artery, and internal jugular vein) measured at levels from C2-T1 were determined by semi-automated edge detection/ contouring software. The longitudinal change in the number and CSA of the secondary neck vessels from the PwMS and HCs were analyzed by non-parametric Wilcoxon repeated measure. Benjamini-Hochberg procedure adjusted for false discovery rate (FDR). Results: For over 5 years, PwMS demonstrated a consistent longitudinal decrease in both the number of secondary neck vessels (Z-change between -3.3 and -5.4, q=0.001) and their CSA (Zchange between -2.9 and -5.2, q=0.004). On the contrary, the HCs did not demonstrate a significant longitudinal change in secondary neck vessels over the follow-up period. Due to the longitudinal decrease, the PwMS showed a lower number of secondary neck vessels when compared to HCs measured at follow-up (p<0.029, except for C4 with trending p=0.071). The PwMS changes were also corroborated within each MS phenotype. Conclusion: PwMS demonstrate a significant mid-term decrease in the number and the size of the secondary neck vessels. The clinical relevance of these findings and the effect on intracranial blood flow are currently unknown.

Finding Talent Among Elementary English Learners: A Validity Study of the HOPE Teacher Rating Scale

2021 ◽  
pp. 001698622098594
Author(s):  
Nielsen Pereira
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
English Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Teacher Rating ◽  
Esl Teachers ◽  
Invariance Testing ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
The One

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of the HOPE Scale for identifying gifted English language learners (ELs) and how classroom and English as a second language (ESL) teacher HOPE Scale scores differ. Seventy teachers completed the HOPE Scale on 1,467 students in grades K-5 and four ESL teachers completed the scale on 131 ELs. Measurement invariance tests indicated that the HOPE Scale yields noninvariant latent means across EL and English proficient (EP) samples. However, confirmatory factor analysis results support the use of the scale with ELs or EP students separately. Results also indicate that the rating patterns of classroom and ESL teachers were different and that the HOPE Scale does not yield valid data when used by ESL teachers. Caution is recommended when using the HOPE Scale and other teacher rating scales to compare ELs to EP students. The importance of invariance testing before using an instrument with a population that is different from the one(s) for which the instrument was developed is discussed.

Open Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With Bone Grafting and Particulated Juvenile Cartilage Allografting

2021 ◽  
pp. 193864002110097
Author(s):  
Suhas P. Dasari ◽  
Thomas M. Langer ◽  
Derek Parshall ◽  
Brian Law
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Symptomatic Improvement ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Osteochondral Lesions ◽  
Outcome Scores ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Open Treatment ◽  
Bone Autograft

Background: Large cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are challenging pathological conditions to treat, but particulated juvenile cartilage allografts (PJCAs) supplemented with bone grafts are a promising therapeutic option. The purpose of this project was to further elucidate the role of PJCA with concomitant bone autografts for treating large cystic OLTs with extensive subchondral bone involvement (greater than 150 mm2 in area and/or deeper than 5 mm). Methods: We identified 6 patients with a mean OLT area of 307.2 ± 252.4 mm2 and a mean lesion depth of 10.85 ± 6.10 mm who underwent DeNovo PJCA with bone autografting between 2013 and 2017. Postoperative outcomes were assessed with radiographs, Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS), and visual pain scale scores. Results: At final follow-up (27.0 ± 12.59 weeks), all patients had symptomatic improvement and incorporation of the graft on radiographs. At an average of 62 ± 20.88 months postoperatively, no patients required a revision surgery. All patients contacted by phone in 2018 and 2020 reported they would do the procedure again in retrospect and reported an improvement in their symptoms relative to their preoperative state, especially with pain and in the FAOS activities of daily living subsection (91.93 ± 9.04 in 2018, 74.63 ± 26.86 in 2020). Conclusion: PJCA with concomitant bone autograft is a viable treatment option for patients with large cystic OLTs. Levels of Evidence: Level IV

scholarly journals Triaging and adaptations of surveillance of cancer services in the COVID pandemic

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Shirley Lewis ◽  
Lavanya Gurram ◽  
Umesh Velu ◽  
Krishna Sharan
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Cancer Services ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries

Abstract Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has significantly challenged the access to cancer care and follow-up for a patient with cancer. Methods: Based on published literature and our experiences, it is reasonable to presume that clinical examination and follow-up visits have been significantly curtailed worldwide in order to adhere to the new norms during the pandemic. Although telephonic and telemedicine consultations may help bridge a few gaps, completely dispensing with in-person consultation has its challenges, especially in low middle-income countries. Telephonic consultations could facilitate triaging of ambulatory cancer patients and allocation of face-to-face consultations for high priority patients. Conclusions: We propose a telephonic consultation-based triaging approach for ambulatory cancer patients in order to identify those needing in-hospital consultations.

How Does Green Dot Bystander Training in High School and Beyond Impact Attitudes Toward Violence and Sexism in a Prospective Cohort?

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110063
Author(s):  
Ann L. Coker ◽  
Heather M. Bush ◽  
Zhengyan Huang ◽  
Candace J. Brancato ◽  
Emily R. Clear ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Ambivalent Sexism ◽  
Cluster Rct ◽  
Attitudes Toward Violence ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Cluster Randomized ◽  
Over Time

Bystander interventions are recognized as “promising” programming to reduce sexual violence. Gaps in current evaluations include limited follow-up post-training (beyond 24 months) and knowledge of additional bystander training during follow-up. In this prospective cohort study, nested in a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), three cohorts of high school (HS) seniors were recruited (Fall 2013-2015) and followed through Spring 2018 ( n = 1,831). Training was based on their school cluster RCT assignment and receipt of additional Green Dot (GD) training after HS. Training was hypothesized to be associated with lower scores indicating less acceptance of violence or sexism. Sixty percent reported GD training after HS (68.7% of 986 in intervention and 50% of 845 in control conditions). No significant differences ( p < .05) were observed by GD training for four of the five violence acceptance or sexism attitudinal measures at recruitment or final surveys. For “ambivalent sexism” alone was there a significant reduction in scale scores over time in the intervention versus control condition. Additional GD training after the RCT significantly reduced neither violence acceptance nor sexism scores over time. GD training does not appear to have a consistent longer-term impact on reducing violence acceptance and sexism.

scholarly journals Stereotactic radiosurgery at a low marginal dose for the treatment of pediatric arteriovenous malformations: obliteration, complications, and functional outcomes

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew B. Potts ◽  
Sunil A. Sheth ◽  
Jonathan Louie ◽  
Matthew D. Smyth ◽  
Penny K. Sneed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stereotactic Radiosurgery ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Target Volume ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Time Of Presentation

Object Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an established treatment modality for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in children, but the optimal treatment parameters and associated treatment-related complications are not fully understood. The authors present their single-institution experience of using SRS, at a relatively low marginal dose, to treat AVMs in children for nearly 20 years; they report angiographic outcomes, posttreatment hemorrhage rates, adverse treatment-related events, and functional outcomes. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective review of 2 cohorts of children (18 years of age or younger) with AVMs treated from 1991 to 1998 and from 2000 to 2010. Results A total of 80 patients with follow-up data after SRS were identified. Mean age at SRS was 12.7 years, and 56% of patients had hemorrhage at the time of presentation. Median target volume was 3.1 cm3 (range 0.09–62.3 cm3), and median prescription marginal dose used was 17.5 Gy (range 12–20 Gy). Angiograms acquired 3 years after treatment were available for 47% of patients; AVM obliteration was achieved in 52% of patients who received a dose of 18–20 Gy and in 16% who received less than 18 Gy. At 5 years after SRS, the cumulative incidence of hemorrhage was 25% (95% CI 16%–37%). No permanent neurological deficits occurred in patients who did not experience posttreatment hemorrhage. Overall, good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale Scores 0–2) were observed for 78% of patients; for 66% of patients, functional status improved or remained the same as before treatment. Conclusions A low marginal dose minimizes SRS-related neurological deficits but leads to low rates of obliteration and high rates of hemorrhage. To maximize AVM obliteration and minimize posttreatment hemorrhage, the authors recommend a prescription marginal dose of 18 Gy or more. In addition, SRS-related symptoms such as headache and seizures should be considered when discussing risks and benefits of SRS for treating AVMs in children.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document