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Biomedical subjects

John R Gates

Publications and source records attributed to John R Gates.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Improved quality of life in patients with partial seizures after conversion to oxcarbazepine monotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Quality of life (QOL) was assessed in patients who switched to oxcarbazepine monotherapy because of the lack of efficacy or poor tolerability of their current antiepileptic drug (AED). METHOD: This open-label, single-arm study consisted of patients aged 12 >or= years with partial onset seizures. Oxcarbazepine (8-10mg/kg/day for children, 600 mg/day for adults) was titrated up over 4 weeks while the existing AED was tapered off. QOL was evaluated at baseline and end of study (Week 16) using the validated-in-epilepsy QOLIE-31 questionnaire. RESULTS: For all patients who completed the QOLIE-31 at baseline and completion, a statistically significant improvement was noted for both the composite and multi-item subscale QOL scores (P<0.05 vs baseline). Statistically significant mean percentage improvements of >or=10% from baseline (range=10.8-50.1%) were also noted. Significant improvements were seen in health-related QOL for patients who experienced seizure freedom or >or=50% reductions in seizure frequency with oxcarbazepine monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with partial seizures who switched to oxcarbazepine monotherapy showed statistically significant, clinically relevant improvements in QOL.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Right hemisphere language mapping in patients with bilateral language.

PURPOSE: The configuration of language cortex in the dominant left hemisphere has been well described in the literature. However, language representation in the right hemisphere, particularly in patients with some degree of bilateral language, remains unclear. Herein, we report six patients who underwent electrocortical stimulation (ECS) for language mapping following implantation of a right subdural electrode array (SEA). METHODS: The medical records of six bilateral language patients with right SEA implantation at the Minnesota Epilepsy Group between January 1996 and July 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Language lateralization was based on the results of the intracarotid amobarbital procedure performed preoperatively. Anatomical localization of the SEA for each patient was verified using colored photographs of the cortical surface before and after SEA placement and by review of MRI scans taken with the SEA in place. Frontal and temporal language areas were identified by errors in any language modality including automatic speech, reading, naming, repetition, and comprehension during ECS. RESULTS: Language maps revealed the presence of frontal and/or temporal language areas analogous to the classic essential language areas of the dominant left hemisphere in four of six patients. One patient had a widespread distribution of single-language-error sites over the right temporal lobe. One patient had a silent language map. CONCLUSION: Our results identified the presence of language cortex in the right hemisphere in five of six patients classified with bilateral language based on intracarotid amobarbital procedure. These areas are assumed to be accessory language zones in relation to the left hemisphere. Further exploratory studies are needed to evaluate their clinical significance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Naming ability after tailored left temporal resection with extraoperative language mapping: increased risk of decline with later epilepsy onset age.

Standard temporal resection in the left hemisphere carries the risk of postoperative naming ability decline, especially with later epilepsy onset age/absence of hippocampal sclerosis. Language mapping has been performed routinely at some centers to minimize postoperative primary language impairment, but its effect on changes in naming performance has not been explored. This study examined naming outcome in 24 patients with nonlesional epilepsy who had left temporal resection after extraoperative language mapping. The mean decline in Boston Naming Test (BNT) score was 7.8, and 13 (54%) patients had a BNT decline greater than the Reliable Change Index. Simple correlations found significant relationships between BNT score decline and: later onset age, higher preoperative BNT score, and resection of isolated language sites. A multiple regression analysis showed that onset age was the best predictor of BNT decline. Although naming ability in patients with early onset age is stable with language mapping, there is still a risk of decline for those with later onset age.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Antiepileptic drugs and reduced bone mineral density.

There is a growing interest in recognizing the association between antiepileptic drugs and reduced bone mineral density. Although the literature regarding this association has been available for more than three decades, the management of this complication remains unclear. We review the relevant literature regarding antiepileptic drugs and reduction in bone mineral density with the aim of developing some guidelines for practical management of this problem. This review focuses on the mechanism of antiepileptic drug-induced bone loss, its recognition, and its management.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2003

Causes and management of hyponatremia.

OBJECTIVE: To review clinical information on the incidence and causes of hyponatremia (defined as a serum sodium level <130 mEq/L), the most common electrolyte abnormality seen in general hospital patients, and to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of hyponatremia in relation to these factors. DATA SOURCES: Primary sources and review articles were identified via MEDLINE (1981-July 2003) for entries on hyponatremia. We limited the search to specific topics including incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical disorders and medications associated with hypotonic hyponatremia. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All of the articles identified were evaluated, and relevant and representative information was included in this review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Hyponatremia can result from several disease states, injury, surgery, physical exercise, or the administration of certain drugs (e.g., antidepressants, antiepileptics) and is associated with advanced age. Drug-induced hyponatremia is often asymptomatic and usually resolves following water restriction and monitoring of medication. Symptoms of hyponatremia are primarily neurologic; the principal danger of hyponatremia relates to effects on central nervous system function due to changes in brain size. CONCLUSIONS: Although hyponatremia can be a serious condition, appropriate measures for the management of at-risk and affected patients will lead to full recovery in most cases.

Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions↗
PubMed2002

Treatment outcome in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis.

The long-term prognosis of pharmacological therapy in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is generally considered poor. On the contrary, successful surgical therapy is frequently reported. We performed a retrospective case record survey of patients with MTS in a comprehensive epilepsy center between 1993 and 1999 in order to develop treatment strategies. The time period allowed access to high-resolution qualitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a minimum of 1-year outcome assessment. Eighty-three patients with intractable partial epilepsy with MRI and electroencephalograph (EEG) abnormalities and seizure semiology consistent with temporal lobe epilepsy were identified. Thirty-six patients were treated pharmacologically and surgically and 47 patients received only pharmacotherapy. The number of patients who became seizure free was in total 37 (45%); in the surgical group 26 and in the non-surgical group 11. The proportions of seizure-free patients in each group were 72% (surgical) and 23% (non-surgical). Clinical factors such as age, gender, lesion side, previous medical history, duration of illness, seizure frequency and IQ did not correlate to prognosis. A good seizure outcome was associated with early age of seizure onset, low number of previously used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and surgical treatment. There is a better long-term outcome in patients with MTS receiving surgical therapy in comparison with medical therapy.

Adult↗