Impact of temozolomide chemotherapy on seizure frequency in patients with low-grade gliomas

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (6) ◽  
pp. 1617-1621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Sherman ◽  
Krisztina Moldovan ◽  
H. Kwang Yeoh ◽  
Robert M. Starke ◽  
Nader Pouratian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiepileptic Drug ◽  
Antiepileptic Drugs ◽  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Low Grade Gliomas ◽  
Significant Difference

Object Seizures occur in approximately 80% of patients with low-grade gliomas (LGGs). The majority of patients are treated with anticonvulsant monotherapy; however, many patients require multidrug therapy, or their seizures are refractory to antiepileptic drugs altogether. The oral alkylating agent temozolomide has emerged as a potential initial treatment option for LGG. A few reports suggest an association between temozolomide and reduced seizure frequency in patients with intractable epilepsy. Methods Using their clinical database, the authors identified adult patients whose LGGs were treated using temozolomide as the initial antineoplastic therapy at the University of Virginia Health System. As a control group, the authors assessed patients whose LGGs were under observation. All patients had seizure disorders that were treated with anticonvulsants. Seizure frequency in patients with intractable epilepsy was analyzed before and after treatment with temozolomide. Age at diagnosis, sex, antiepileptic drugs, pathological subtype, surgical treatment, and follow-up until progression were also assessed. Interval seizure frequency was meticulously analyzed at each neurooncology clinic visit. A meaningful difference in seizures was defined as a reduction in seizure frequency of greater than 50% per month. Results Thirty-nine patients were identified in the temozolomide cohort and 30 patients in the control cohort. The median age at diagnosis was 46 years for the former cohort and 41.5 years for the latter. The median length of follow-up was 39 months for the temozolomide group and 37 months for the control group. There was a significant difference in reduced seizure frequency between patients receiving temozolomide (59%) and those who did not receive temozolomide (13%, p < 0.001). Seven patients (18%) in the temozolomide group displayed this improvement independent of antiepileptic drug adjustment compared with no patient in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusions The authors' data suggest that a subset of patients with LGGs experience improvement in seizure frequency during treatment with temozolomide independent of antiepileptic drug adjustment. This decrease in seizure frequency appears independent of the natural history of seizures in patients whose tumors are under observation. Consequently, seizures in patients with LGGs may be better controlled with the combination of AEDs and temozolomide.

Low-grade gliomas associated with intractable epilepsy: seizure outcome utilizing electrocorticography during tumor resection

1993 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitchel S. Berger ◽  
Saadi Ghatan ◽  
Michael M. Haglund ◽  
Jill Dobbins ◽  
George A. Ojemann
Keyword(s):  
Antiepileptic Drugs ◽  
Seizure Control ◽  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Complete Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Grade Gliomas ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Seizure Foci

✓ Adults and children with low-grade gliomas often present with medically refractory epilepsy. Currently, controversy exists regarding the need for intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG) to identify and, separately, resect seizure foci versus tumor removal alone to yield maximum seizure control in this patient population. Forty-five patients with low-grade gliomas and intractable epilepsy were retrospectively analyzed with respect to preoperative seizure frequency and duration, number of antiepileptic drugs, intraoperative ECoG data (single versus multiple foci), histology of resected seizure foci, and postoperative control of seizures with or without antiepileptic drugs. Multiple versus single seizure foci were more likely to be associated with a longer preoperative duration of epilepsy. Of the 45 patients studied, 24 were no longer taking antiepileptic drugs and were seizure-free (mean follow-up interval 54 months). Seventeen patients, who all had complete control of their seizures, remained on antiepileptic drugs at lower doses (mean follow-up interval 44 months); seven of these patients were seizure-free postoperatively, yet the referring physician was reluctant to taper the antiepileptic drugs. Four patients continued to have seizures while receiving antiepileptic drugs, although at a reduced frequency and severity. In this series 41% of the adults versus 85% of the children were seizure-free while no longer receiving antiepileptic drugs, with mean postoperative follow-up periods of 50 and 56 months, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.016). Therefore, based on this experience and in comparison with numerous retrospective studies involving similar patients, ECoG is advocated, especially in children and in any patient with a long-standing seizure disorder, to maximize seizure control while minimizing or abolishing the need for postoperative antiepileptic drugs.

scholarly journals Gross-total resection of temporal low grade gliomas is a critically important factor in achieving seizure-freedom

2015 ◽  
Vol 73 (11) ◽  
pp. 924-928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Crociati Meguins ◽  
Rodrigo Antônio Rocha da Cruz Adry ◽  
Sebastião Carlos da Silva Júnior ◽  
Carlos Umberto Pereira ◽  
Jean Gonçalves de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intractable Epilepsy ◽  
Gross Total Resection ◽  
Seizure Outcome ◽  
Seizure Freedom ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Total Resection ◽  
Low Grade Gliomas ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
One Year

Objective To present a surgical series of patients with low grade temporal gliomas causing intractable epilepsy, focusing on long-term seizure outcome.Method A retrospective study was conducted with patients with temporal low-grade gliomas (LGG).Results Sixty five patients with were operated in our institution. Males were more affected than females and the mean age at surgery was 32.3 ± 8.4 (9-68 years). The mean age at seizure onset was 25.7 ± 9.2 (11-66 years). Seizure outcome was classified according with Engel classification. After one year of follow up, forty two patients (64.6%) were Engel I; seventeen (26.2%) Engel II; four (6.2%) Engel III and two (3.1%) Engel IV. Statistically significant difference in seizure outcome was obtained when comparing the extension of resection. Engel I was observed in 39 patients (69.6%) with total resection and in only 3 (33.3%) patients with partial resection.Conclusion Gross-total resection of temporal LGGs is a critically important factor in achieving seizure-freedom.

scholarly journals The effect of  clinical pharmacist-led educational tool on adherence to antiepileptic drugs in pediatrics: an interventional study        

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suha Jarad ◽  
Amal Akour ◽  
Wael Khreisat ◽  
Afrah El-Shammari
Keyword(s):  
Antiepileptic Drugs ◽  
Clinical Pharmacist ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Educational Tool ◽  
Interventional Study ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy

Background: Rate of non-adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children is about 33%. Engaging clinical pharmacists in the management of patients has proved to increase adherence to medications which will improve the outcomes of treatment. Objectives: To investigate the effect of a clinical pharmacist-led educational tool on the adherence to AEDs in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Secondary outcomes include effectiveness and safety of AEDs, satisfaction with information about AEDs provided to the caregivers, and patients quality of life (QoL). Methods: This was an interventional study where pediatric patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=41) or the control (n=40) group. A 30-minute clinical pharmacist-led educational interview to the parent/caregiver was provided to the intervention group as add-on to standard medical care received by the control group. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after eight-week follow-up. Results: The intervention group had an increase in mean adherence score from 6 ± 1.09 at baseline to 7.6 ± 0.9 at follow up (P-value < 0.001), while the control group had no significant change (P-value > 0.05), the difference between the two groups at follow-up was significant (P-value <0.0001). No significant difference was observed between groups at follow up with regard to effectiveness (P- value > 0.05), and safety (P-value=0.08). While higher satisfaction with information (P-value <0.0001), and higher QoL (P-value <0.05) was observed in the intervention group. There was a significant positive correlation between satisfaction and adherence (r=0.682, P-value < 0.0001), adherence and QoL (r=0.323, P-value < 0.01), satisfaction and QoL (r=0.298, P-value < 0.05). While, satisfaction and safety, safety and QoL correlated significantly and negatively (r=-0.263, P-value < 0.05 and r=-0.782, P-value < 0.0001, respectively) Conclusion: Clinical pharmacist-led educational tool had a positive outcome on pediatric patients with epilepsy with regard to adherence, effectiveness, safety, satisfaction with information about AEDs, and QoL.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Text Messaging as an Incentive to Maintain Physical Activity after Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6645
Author(s):  
Giulia Foccardi ◽  
Marco Vecchiato ◽  
Daniel Neunhaeuserer ◽  
Michele Mezzaro ◽  
Giulia Quinto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽  
Exercise Testing ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stand Test ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Significant Difference

Although the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is proven, the need to improve patients’ adherence has emerged. There are only a few studies that have investigated the effect of sending text messages after a CR period to stimulate subjects’ ongoing engagement in regular physical activity (PA). A randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted after CR, sending a daily PA text message reminder to an intervention group (IG), which was compared with a usual care control group (CG) during three months of follow-up. Thirty-two subjects were assessed pre- and post-study intervention with GPAQ, submaximal iso-watt exercise testing, a 30 s sit-to-stand test, a bilateral arm curl test, and a final survey on a seven-point Likert scale. A statistically significant difference in the increase of moderate PA time (Δ 244.7 (95% CI 189.1, 300.4) minutes, p < 0.001) and in the reduction of sedentary behavior time (Δ −77.5 (95% CI 104.9, −50.1) minutes, p = 0.004) was shown when the IG was compared with the CG. This was associated with an improvement in heart rate, blood pressure, and patients’ Borg rating on the category ratio scale 10 (CR10) in iso-watt exercise testing (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, only the IG did not show a worsening of the strength parameters in the follow-up leading to a change of the 30 s sit-to-stand test with a difference of +2.2 (95% CI 1.23, 3.17) repetitions compared to CG (p = 0.03). The telemedical intervention has been appreciated by the IG, whose willingness to continue with regular PA emerged to be superior compared to the CG. Text messages are an effective and inexpensive adjuvant after phase 2 CR that improves adherence to regular PA. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in a larger patient population and in the long term.

scholarly journals The Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Cystine Stones: A Single-Center Experience for 13 Years

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1336
Author(s):  
Toshifumi Takahashi ◽  
Shinya Somiya ◽  
Katsuhiro Ito ◽  
Toru Kanno ◽  
Yoshihito Higashi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Cystine Stones

Introduction: Cystine stone development is relatively uncommon among patients with urolithiasis, and most studies have reported only on small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. We evaluated clinical courses and treatment outcomes of patients with cystine stones with long-term follow-up at our center. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 22 patients diagnosed with cystine stones between January 1989 and May 2019. Results: The median follow-up was 160 (range 6–340) months, and the median patient age at diagnosis was 46 (range 12–82) years. All patients underwent surgical interventions at the first visit (4 extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, 5 ureteroscopy, and 13 percutaneous nephrolithotripsy). The median number of stone events and surgical interventions per year was 0.45 (range 0–2.6) and 0.19 (range 0–1.3) after initial surgical intervention. The median time to stone events and surgical intervention was 2 years and 3.25 years, respectively. There was a significant difference in time to stone events and second surgical intervention when patients were divided at 50 years of age at diagnosis (p = 0.02, 0.04, respectively). Conclusions: Only age at a diagnosis under 50 was significantly associated with recurrent stone events and intervention. Adequate follow-up and treatment are needed to manage patients with cystine stones safely.

scholarly journals Impact of failed ab-interno trabeculectomy (trabectome) on subsequent XEN45 gel stent implantation in pseudophakic eyes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Kiessling ◽  
C. Rennings ◽  
M. Hild ◽  
A. Lappas ◽  
T. S. Dietlein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stent Implantation ◽  
Open Angle Glaucoma ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Repeat Surgery ◽  
Medication Score ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ab Interno Trabeculectomy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ab Interno

Abstract Purpose To determine the impact of failed ab-interno trabeculectomy on the postoperative outcome of subsequent XEN45 gel stent (Allergan, CA, USA) implantation in pseudophakic eyes. Methods In this retrospective single-center study, we included 60 pseudophakic eyes from 60 participants who underwent XEN45 gel stent implantation. Thirty eyes each underwent primary stent implantation (control group) or had previously undergone a failed ab-interno trabeculectomy (trabectome group). The groups were matched at a 1:1 ratio based on the following criteria: preoperative and maximum Intraocular pressure (IOP), preoperative medication score, cup/disk-ratio, follow-up time, best-corrected visual acuity at baseline, age, and the proportion of patients classified as primary open angle glaucoma or exfoliation glaucoma. We defined a successful surgery by the following three scores: an IOP reduction > 20% and IOP at the longest follow-up < 21 mmHg (Score A) or < 18 mmHg (Score B) or IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 40% (Score C). One open conjunctival revision was allowed in all scores, and a repeat surgery was considered a failure. Results Following an average follow-up period of 22 ± 12 months, we observed a mean IOP reduction of 38%, from 23.5 ± 5.2–14.5 ± 5.0 mmHg. Comparative analyses between the groups did not reveal a significant difference in the postoperative IOP, postoperative medication score, side effects, revision rate, repeat surgery rate, or success rate. Conclusions Trabectome is a viable first-line procedure for medically uncontrolled glaucoma before filtering ab-interno microstent surgery is considered.

scholarly journals LINC-42. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OVERVIEW OF CHILDHOOD CNS TUMORS IN THE NEUROSURGICAL UNIT IN YEREVAN, ARMENIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii386-iii386
Author(s):  
Nune Karapetyan ◽  
Samvel Danielyan ◽  
Gevorg Tamamyan ◽  
Armen Tananyan ◽  
Liana Safaryan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Center ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cns Tumors ◽  
Malignant Neoplasms ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Embryonal Tumors ◽  
Low Grade Gliomas ◽  
Neurosurgical Treatment

Abstract BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the second most common malignant neoplasms among children worldwide. The current paper aims to analyze the situation in pediatric neuro-oncology in Armenia from the neurosurgical perspective. METHODS We have collected data of pediatric patients with CNS tumors treated in the Neurosurgery department of “Surb Astvasamayr” Medical Center from 01.01.2010 till 01.12.2019. Incidence by gender, age at diagnosis, and histopathology results were calculated. Survival rates were calculated based on the follow-up results performed until 30.12.2019. RESULTS Hospital-based data showed that during the previous 10 years 47 patients with CNS tumors received neurosurgical treatment in the unit, among them 66% were females. 38.3%, 31.9% and 29.8% of diagnosed patients were aged 0–4, 5–9, and 10–18 respectively. In 41 cases, the disease was not disseminated at diagnosis. The most common observed malignancies were low-grade gliomas (21.3%) and embryonal tumors (19.1%), followed by high-grade gliomas (14.9%) and ependymal tumors (8.5%). Follow-up information only for 33 patients is available. From them, 14 are dead and 19 alive. Survival rates in most common groups were 62.5%, 80%, 50%, and 50% respectively. The median follow-up time was 18 months (range 1–113 months). CONCLUSION Similar to the data reported in the literature, low-grade gliomas, and embryonal tumors are the most frequent pediatric CNS tumors in Armenia. On the other hand, the pediatric CNS tumor survival rates are lower compared to those reported in developed countries.

Capsular closure versus unrepaired interportal capsulotomy after hip arthroscopy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement, results of a patient-blinded randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 112070002110057
Author(s):  
Niels H Bech ◽  
Inger N Sierevelt ◽  
Sheryl de Waard ◽  
Boudijn S H Joling ◽  
Gino M M J Kerkhoffs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Femoroacetabular Impingement ◽  
Hip Arthroscopy ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background: Hip capsular management after hip arthroscopy remains a topic of debate. Most available current literature is of poor quality and are retrospective or cohort studies. As of today, no clear consensus exists on capsular management after hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of routine capsular closure versus unrepaired capsulotomy after interportal capsulotomy measured with NRS pain and the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Materials and methods: All eligible patients with femoroacetabular impingement who opt for hip arthroscopy ( n = 116) were randomly assigned to one of both treatment groups and were operated by a single surgeon. Postoperative pain was measured with the NRS score weekly the first 12 weeks after surgery. The HAGOS questionnaire was measured at 12 and 52 weeks postoperatively. Results: Baseline characteristics and operation details were comparable between treatment groups. Regarding the NRS pain no significant difference was found between groups at any point the first 12 weeks after surgery ( p = 0.67). Both groups significantly improved after surgery ( p < 0.001). After 3 months follow-up there were no differences between groups for the HAGOS questionnaire except for the domain sport ( p = 0.02) in favour of the control group. After 12 months follow-up there were no differences between both treatment groups on all HAGOS domains ( p  > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this randomised controlled trial show highest possible evidence that there is no reason for routinely capsular closure after interportal capsulotomy at the end of hip arthroscopy. Trial Registration: This trial was registered at the CCMO Dutch Trial Register: NL55669.048.15.

scholarly journals Treatment of thoracolumbar trauma by short-segment percutaneous transpedicular screw instrumentation: prospective comparative study with a minimum 2-year follow-up

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Vanek ◽  
Ondrej Bradac ◽  
Renata Konopkova ◽  
Patricia de Lacy ◽  
Jiri Lacman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Loss ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Cobb Angle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Working Ability ◽  
Short Segment ◽  
Transpedicular Screw ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Screw Group

Object The main aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes after stabilization by a percutaneous transpedicular system and stabilization from the standard open approach for thoracolumbar spine injury. Methods Thirty-seven consecutive patients were enrolled in the study over a period of 16 months. Patients were included in the study if they experienced 1 thoracolumbar fracture (A3.1–A3.3, according to the AO/Magerl classification), had an absence of neurological deficits, had no other significant injuries, and were willing to participate. Eighteen patients were treated by short-segment, minimally invasive, percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation. The control group was composed of 19 patients who were stabilized using a short-segment transpedicular construct, which was performed through a standard midline incision. The pain profile was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS), and overall satisfaction by a simple 4-stage scale relating to performance of daily activities. Working ability and return to original occupation were also monitored. Radiographic follow-up was defined by the vertebral body index (VBI), vertebral body angle (VBA), and bisegmental Cobb angle. The accuracy of screw placement was examined using CT. Results The mean surgical duration in the percutaneous screw group was 53 ± 10 minutes, compared with 60 ± 9 minutes in the control group (p = 0.032). The percutaneous screw group had a significantly lower perioperative blood loss of 56 ± 17 ml, compared with 331 ± 149 ml in the control group (p < 0.001). Scores on the VAS in patients in the percutaneous screw group during the first 7 postoperative days were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups in VBI, VBA, and Cobb angle values during follow-up. There was no significant difference in screw placement accuracy between the groups and no patients required surgical revision. There was no significant difference between groups in overall satisfaction at the 2-year follow-up (p = 0.402). Working ability was insignificantly better in the percutaneous screw group; previous working position was achieved in 17 patients in this group and in 12 cases in the control group (p = 0.088). Conclusions This study confirms that the percutaneous transpedicular screw technique represents a viable option in the treatment of preselected thoracolumbar fractures. A significant reduction in blood loss, postoperative pain, and surgical time were the main advantages associated with this minimally invasive technique. Clinical, functional, and radiological results were at least the same as those achieved using the open technique after a 2-year follow-up. The short-term benefits of the percutaneous transpedicular screw technique are apparent, and long-term results have to be studied in other well-designed studies evaluating the theoretical benefit of the percutaneous technique and assessing whether the results of the latter are as durable as the ones achieved by open surgery.

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