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J Garibi

Publications and source records attributed to J Garibi.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

A prospective study of a series of 356 patients with supratentorial spontaneous intracerebral haematomas treated in a Neurosurgical Department.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhages (SSIH) carry high morbidity and mortality rates. At present, the proper role of surgery is not clear and data from the International STICH trial have not clarified this challenging question. On the other hand, few prospective studies have measured long term survival regardless of the treatment and clinical condition of the patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected data from all SSIH patients (n = 356) admitted at a tertiary reference hospital over a 40-month time period regardless of their clinical condition and treatment received. Among data investigated were preclinical neurological state, GCS on admission, history of systemic hypertension and treatment (surgical or conservative). Clinical factors influencing mortality at 1-year follow-up were analysed statistically by univariable and multivariable methods. FINDINGS: We found that patients in the eighth decade were the most frequent. Hypertension was present in 47% of patients. Based on the prehospitalisation modified Rankin Scale, 305 (86%) patients were independent for activities of daily living (ADL). At 12-months follow-up, 91 (46% of alive patients) remained independent for ADL. The surgical rate was 22%. Although it was not a randomised study, we did not find a significantly different mortality rate according to whether the patient was treated surgically or conservatively. Overall, the mortality rate was 44% (157 patients) with a 79% of deaths taking place in the first 30 days after admission. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the high mortality rate of SSIH, especially so in the first month after admission. Among the subgroup of patients clinically independent before the haemorrhagic stroke, only 29.8% remained independent one year after the event. We did not find any statistically significant difference in mortality according to treatment modality received (surgical vs conservative) although treatment assignment was not randomised. Among other clinical factors, pre-ictal functional status, age, level of consciousness on admission and volume of haemorrhage strongly influence mortality as determined at the 1-year follow-up.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Intraabdominal complications in the lumbar disc surgery].

INTRODUCTION: : Removal of a lumbar disc herniation is, at present, the most frequent surgical procedure, related to the spine in Neurosurgical Departments. It carries a very low rates of complications and a short postoperative hospital stay. However, in spite of their rarity, serious adverse intraoperative complications may occur, so we must be aware of its existence in order to make an early diagnosis and treatment to prevent a fatal outcome. It is important to ensure that the patient understand the possible complications and obtaining written consent to avoid later medico-legal problems. CLINICAL CASES: We report two cases with typical lumbociatic pain secondary to lumbar disc herniation operated at our Department, that resulted in intraoperative complications, due to perforation of intraabdominal structures. Initially, the patients underwent planned flavectomy, followed by simple disc removal. However, symptoms of abdominal pain and systemic hypotension in each case, began some hours later. Early diagnosis was achieved using abdominal-pelvic CT scan, showing an intestinal perforation in one patient and a tear of both iliac artery and vein in the other. In both, an urgent laparotomy was performed by colleagues from the Department of General and Vascular Surgery, with surgical repair. The final outcome was good and both are asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Surgical removal of the lumbar disc herniation is a very effective procedure, but is not free from certain severe though rare complications. Intestinal perforation and vascular tears are two possible complications to suspect if abdominal pain or systemic arterial to suspect if abdominal pain or systemic arterial urgent surgical repair of such complications. It is of vital importance that the patient knows the existence of such complications and so obtain a written consent.

Abdomen↗

Improvement in quality of life in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease following bilateral deep-brain stimulation in subthalamic nucleus.

In this article we investigate the changes observed in the scales that quantify the quality of life (PDQ-39) in patients that have already completed 1 and 2 years of bilateral subthalamic stimulation (DBS-STN). Fourteen patients were evaluated 1 year after DBS-STN; the evaluation was repeated on 11 of them, 2 years after surgery. All of them suffered from Parkinson's disease with a 14.3 (+/-5.7) years history of motor complications. Patients were selected according to CAPSIT criteria. All of them were implanted bilateral electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus. The parameters applied were UPDRS II, UPDRS III, PDQ-39, and the scale of quality of life for caregivers (SQLC). Scorings in motor scales (UPDRS III) improved 45% in relation to the first year, and 48% in relation to the second year (P < 0.001). Patient's quality of life (PDQ-39 summary index) improvement was 62% 2 years after surgery (P < 0.001), and caregivers' quality of life improvement was 68% (P = 0.002) by the same time. DBS-STN is a therapy that efficiently improves the quality of life of selected patients with Parkinson's disease. This improvement is still present 2 years after surgery and has a positive impact on caregivers quality of life.

Aged↗

[Neuropsychological changes and bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease].

INTRODUCTION: To investigate neuropsychiatric changes in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients after 12 months of bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS-STN). SUBJECTS: Nine out of 23 patients with PD subjected to DBS-STN were included. The mean follow-up of this cohort was 12 months, mean disease duration 14.2 5.5 years and mean UPDRS motor score in < > 43.2 13.7. METHODS: Patients were selected on the basis of CAPSIT criteria. They underwent bilateral implant of stimulators in STN under stereotactic conditions. Quality of life scale (PDQ 39), depression scale (Brev-Cet), frontal function test (Stroop, Wisconsin, verbal fluency) and memory evaluation (Barcelona test) were monitored at baseline in < > medication and after 12 months in < > medication/< > stimulation. RESULTS: The patients' motor scores improved on an average of 40.2 % (p = 0.0002) in < > medication situation and 58 % in quality of life scores. We observed a benefit in depression scores (52 %, p = 0.003). Immediate verbal memory improved as well, 25 % (p = 0.04) in recall memory and 14 % (p = 0.02) in recognition memory. No changes were observed in visual memory, verbal fluency and/or global cognitive tests. CONCLUSION: DBS-STN in PD patients seems to be an effective tool for improving their quality of life, due to its benefits on motor function, verbal memory and mood. Bilateral DBS-STN did not affect either verbal fluency or executive functions in our patients. Neuropsychological assessment is a good tool for selection and study of the operated patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗

[Bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep-brain stimulation (STN-DBS) in Parkinson's disease: initial experience in Cruces Hospital].

INTRODUCTION: Clinical outcomes of Parkinson's disease patients treated for 12 months with STN-DBS were analyzed. PATIENTS ADN METHODS: Twelve patients were selected using the CAPSIT protocol criteria and placement of electrodes in the appropriate target was performed according to results of fusion image techniques and intraoperative microrecording. RESULTS: A reduction in motor UPDRS (44 %) and activities of daily living (58 %) scores during < > phases were observed. < > time with dyskinesias was reduced (86 %), while severe dyskinesias disappeared. Levodopa dosage was also lowered (44 %). Patients and caregivers showed a clear-cut benefit on quality of life (58 % and 61 % respectively). No cognitive deterioration was observed and morbidity was in the same range as that published by other teams. CONCLUSION: Bilateral STN-DBS is an effective symptomatic therapy for complicated Parkinsońs disease patients. It improves the quality of life of patients and their caregivers and allows a reduction of levodopa dosage.

Aged↗

Prognostic factors in a series of 185 consecutive spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral haematomas.

We report a retrospective observational study of 185 cases with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage, in which, by univariate and multivariate analysis, the main clinical and CT findings influencing patient outcome were studied. Forty (22%) patients died and 77 (41%) remained in a very disabled state. Using logistic regression analysis we found that the volume of the haematoma, its deep location, surgical treatment and the preictal status in relation to activities of daily living (ADL) were independent factors for patient outcome measured with the Modified Rankin Scale. Similarly, GCS at presentation, preictal status in relation to ADL and age were directly correlated with mortality at 6 months follow-up. We also observed that age, GCS at admission and the volume of the haematoma, were the main factors influencing the neurosurgeon's decision regarding surgical treatment.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Giant pituitary adenomas: clinical characteristics and surgical results.

Although most pituitary neoplasms are benign, some grow rapidly, spreading to extrasellar tissues. Definition of these 'giant' pituitary adenomas (PAs) is not clear. In order to clarify this question, we studied all pituitary macroadenomas operated in our hospital during the last 20 years, differentiating those with diameter > or = 3 cm (n = 43) and attempting to identify their typical features and prognosis. The reason for consultation was local in 58.3% of giant PAs, hormonal in 22.9% and tumour recurrence in 16.7%. Surgery was performed via a trans-sphenoidal approach in 92.5% of cases and succeeded in completely removing the tumour in only 27% of cases. In conclusion, we found that giant PAs are not a special type but the extreme case in the gradient of invasiveness of tumours of adenohypophyseal origin. They are characterized by a higher frequency of neuro-ophthalmological symptoms and hormonal deficits, and poorer response to surgical treatment.

Adenoma↗

[Lumbar root compression secondary to juxtafacet cysts: review of 10 cases].

OBJECT: We report a series of 10 patients with 11 juxtafacet cysts of the lumbar spine treated in our center from 1994 to 2000. METHODS: The clinical histories, radiographic images, surgical protocols and pathological records of the 10 patients diagnosed of lumbar juxtafacet cyst have been analyzed. RESULTS: Six patients were women and four were men. The average age of presentation was 54 years. The most frequent clinical presentation was radicular pain, and motor or sensitive deficits were not very common. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance are essential in establishing the diagnosis. The cysts were located at L4-L5 in eight patients, at L2-L3 in one patient, and at L3-L4 in other patient. Eight patients were treated by means of decompressive laminectomy and excision of the cyst, and the remaining two underwent conservative treatment. Degenerative phenomena adjacent to the juxtafacet cysts are easy to evidence. All the patients were improved of their radicular pain. CONCLUSIONS: Analysing our series, we conclude that the juxtafacet cysts appear more frequently at L4-L5 level in people of advanced age, and produce commonly low back pain and radiculopathy. Although they can be treated initially in a conservative way, in the presence of a progressive sciatic syndrome, surgical management is preferable.

Adult↗

[Pituitary abscess].

A pituitary abscess case clinically evolving as an adenoma is presented. The diagnosis was established at the time the surgical procedure was performed. Previous studies and postoperative investigation proved the absence of features accounting for side infection. Moreover, anatomopathological studies also dismissed the existence of any type of tumoral traces. However, due to a lack of experience, the pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging was interpreted as pertaining to pituitary adenoma on the basis of its greater frequency.

Abscess↗

Autoregulation of cerebral blood flow during controlled hypotension in baboons.

The effect of graded, progressive hypotension on the autoregulation of cerebral blood flow was studied in anaesthetised baboons. Progressive hypotension was produced over a period of four to five hours, either by graded haemorrhage or by the administration of increasing concentrations of hypotensive drugs. During haemorrhagic hypotension autoregulation was maintained until the mean arterial pressure had decreased to 65% of its baseline value, below which cerebral blood flow was pressure passive. In those animals subjected to drug-induced hypotension, autoregulation persisted to lower levels of mean arterial pressure (35-40% of baseline). It is postulated that under conditions of haemorrhagic hypotension, constriction of the extraparenchymal cerebral vessels in response to sympathetic stimulation decreases the possible range of autoregulation in the anaesthetised baboon.

Animals↗

Effects of increased arterial pressure on blood flow in the damaged brain.

The effect of induced arterial hypertension on cerebral blood flow and intracranial pressure was measured before and after the production of a standard cryogenic brain lesion in 10 anaesthetized, ventilated baboons. Before injury the animals were divided into a group with intact autoregulation, having more than 20% increase in cerebrovascular resistance during arterial hypertension, and a group with impaired autoregulation, in which the change in cerebrovascular resistance was much less. The cryogenic injury produced a rapid rise in intracranial pressure and a reduction of cerebral blood flow in the affected hemisphere. Despite this, there was an increase in cerebrovascular resistance during arterial hypertension in all animals after brain injury, accompanied by a further significant rise in intracranial pressure. It is suggested that this response is unlikely to represent normal physiological autoregulation and caution should be exercised in interpreting it as such in the course of studies of cerebral blood flow in patients with acute brain damage.

Animals↗

[Our experience with the programmable Codman-Medos valve: review of 125 shunts].

INTRODUCTION: Programmable valves are a possible solution in cases of excessive or insufficient draining. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with these shunts and clarify concepts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have implanted 125 Codman-Medos programmable devices in 118 patients. The most frequent indication was secondary hydrocephalus, particularly due to obstruction by a tumour, and primary hydrocephalus. They were also used in cases of benign intracranial hypertension, CSF fistulas and arachnoid cysts. Most valves were inserted frontally, under antibiotic prophylaxis. RESULTS: Excluding patients with a follow-up of less than three months, the average follow-up was 14.63 +/- 9.07 months, with clinical improvement in 80%. There was 0% mortality in relation to surgery. The initial average pressure was 121.84 +/- 24.74 mmH2O and after 52 reprogrammings done in 36 (30%) of the patients, the final average pressure was 124.96 +/- 30.58 mmH2O. Reprogramming was done for the management of symptoms and to avoid subdural hygromas. We have observed no clinical signs of unprogramming. There were 29 complications which were treated by reprogramming in 7 cases and surgically in the remainder. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend frontal insertion, with a long peritoneal catheter, mainly in patients with hydrocephalus secondary to stenosis of the aqueduct of Sylvius, benign intracranial hypertension, after head injury and Arnold-Chiari malformation. The initial pressure is difficult to determine but tends to be average or high. Reprogramming is particularly useful in the treatment of subdural hygromas. We have observed no clinical signs of unprogramming. Complications tend to be due to surgical technique rather than the particular shunt used.

Adolescent↗