Intermittent spike-wave dynamics in a heterogeneous, spatially extended neural mass model

Generalised epileptic seizures are frequently accompanied by sudden, reversible transitions from low amplitude, irregular background activity to high amplitude, regular spike-wave discharges (SWD) in the EEG. The underlying mechanisms responsible for SWD generation and for the apparently spontaneous transitions to SWD and back again are still not fully understood. Specifically, the role of spatial cortico-cortical interactions in ictogenesis is not well studied. We present a macroscopic, neural mass model of a cortical column which includes two distinct time scales of inhibition. This model can produce both an oscillatory background and a pathological SWD rhythm. We demonstrate that coupling two of these cortical columns can lead to a bistability between out-of-phase, low amplitude background dynamics and in-phase, high amplitude SWD activity. Stimuli can cause state-dependent transitions from background into SWD. In an extended local area of cortex, spatial heterogeneities in a model parameter can lead to spontaneous reversible transitions from a desynchronised background to synchronous SWD due to intermittency. The deterministic model is therefore capable of producing absence seizure-like events without any time dependent adjustment of model parameters. The emergence of such mechanisms due to spatial coupling demonstrates the importance of spatial interactions in modelling ictal dynamics, and in the study of ictogenesis.

Continuous versus intermittent stochastic resonance whole body vibration and its effect on pelvic floor muscle activity

To determine the optimal stochastic whole body vibration (SR-WBV) load modality regarding pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity in order to complete the SR-WBV training methodology for future PFM training with SR-WBV.

Intravascular ultrasound-guided creation of re-entry sites to improve intermittent claudication in patients with aortic dissection

PURPOSE: To report percutaneous fenestration of aortic dissection flaps to relieve distal ischemia using a novel intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided fenestration device. CASE REPORTS: Two men (47 and 62 years of age) with aortic dissection and intermittent claudication had percutaneous ultrasound-guided fenestration performed under local anesthesia. Using an ipsilateral transfemoral approach, the intimal flap was punctured under real-time IVUS guidance using a needle-catheter combination through which a guidewire was placed across the dissection flap into the false lumen. The fenestration was achieved using balloon catheters of increasing diameter introduced over the guidewire. Stenting of the re-entry was performed in 1 patient to equalize pressure across the dissection membrane in both lumens. The procedures were performed successfully and without complications. In both patients, ankle-brachial indexes improved from 0.76 to 1.07 and from 0.8 to 1.1, respectively. Both patients were without claudication at the 3- and 6-month follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous intravascular ultrasound-guided fenestration and stenting at the level of the iliac artery in aortic dissection patients with claudication is a technically feasible and safe procedure and relieves symptoms.

Treating intermittent claudication with Tibetan medicine Padma 28: does it work?

Herbal drugs are being increasingly used in medical practice, often without appropriate scrutiny of their safety and efficacy. The medicinal product Padma 28 is a fixed combination with Tibetan origin, used in Europe since the 1960s for the symptomatic treatment of circulatory disorders, including those of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). We have conducted an analysis of all available data on this herbal drug from published literature as well as from original data we obtained from contacting the authors of published papers, reports and the manufacturer. A total of 19 trials have reported on 2084 patients to date, 444 of whom were in six controlled clinical studies on PAOD. A meta-analysis of five trials showed Padma 28 to increase walking distance by >100m in 18.2% of the patients with verum, versus 2.1% with placebo (P<0.001; odds ratio: 10 [95% CI 3.03, 33.33]; RR: 0.12; number needed to treat=6.2). The safety profile appears to be favourable. Available evidence shows that Padma 28 provides significant relief from PAOD-related symptoms (i.e. walking distance), probably of the same order of magnitude as other employed medications. However, larger confirmatory RCTs are desirable.

[Effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on thrombosis prophylaxis: a systematic literature review]

Despite changes in patient demographics and short-ened length of hospital stay deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remains a major health care problem which may lead to a variety of other high risk complications. Current treatment guidelines focus on preventive measures. Beside drug therapy, physical measures executed by nursing professionals exist, the outcomes of which are discussed controversially. Based on 25 studies that were found in MEDLINE and the Cochrane library, this systematic literature review identifies the effectiveness of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on thrombosis prophylaxis. In almost all medical settings IPC contributes to a significant reduction of the incidence of DVT. At the same time, IPC has minimal negative side effects and is also cost effective. Correct application of IPC and patient compliance are essential to achieve its effectiveness. An increased awareness within the healthcare team in identifying the risk for and implementing measures against DVT is needed. Guidelines need to be developed in order to improve the effectiveness of thrombosis prophylaxis with the implementation of IPC.

Integrity of venoarteriolar reflex determines level of microvascular skin flow enhancement with intermittent pneumatic compression

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) augments skin blood flow through transient suspension of local vasoregulation, the veno-arteriolar response (VAR), in healthy controls and in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: Nineteen healthy limbs and twenty-two limbs with PAD were examined. To assess VAR, skin blood flow (SBF) was measured using laser Doppler fluxmetry in the horizontal and sitting positions and was defined as percentage change with postural alteration [(horizontal SBF--sitting SBF)/horizontal SBF x 100]. On IPC application to the foot, the calf, or both, SBF was measured with laser Doppler fluxmetry, the probe being attached to the pulp of the big toe. RESULTS: Baseline VAR was higher in the controls 63.8 +/- 6.4% than in patients with PAD (31.7 +/- 13.4%, P = .0162). In both groups SBF was significantly higher with IPC than at rest (P < .0001). A higher percentage increase with IPC was demonstrated in the controls (242 +/- 85% to 788 +/- 318%) than in subjects with PAD, for each one of the three different IPC modes investigated (98 +/- 33% to 275 +/- 72%) with IPC was demonstrated. The SBF enhancement with IPC correlated with VAR for all three compression modes (r = 0.58, P = .002 for calf compression, r = 0.65, P < .0001 for foot compression alone, and r = 0.64, P = .0002 for combined foot and calf compression). CONCLUSION: The integrity of the veno-arteriolar response correlates with the level of skin blood flow augmentation generated with intermittent pneumatic compression, indicating that this may be associated with a transient suspension of the autoregulatory vasoconstriction both in healthy controls and in patients with PAD.

Long-term effects of supervised exercise training on walking capacity and quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication

Supervised exercise training has been shown to improve walking capacity in several studies of patients with intermittent claudication. However, data on long-term outcome are quite limited. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate long-term effects of supervised exercise training on walking capacity and quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication. Patients and methods: Sixty-seven consecutive patients with intermittent claudication who completed a supervised 12-week exercise training program were asked for follow up evaluation 39 +/- 20 months after program completion. Pain-free walking distance (PWD) and maximum walking distances (MWD) were assessed by treadmill test and several questionnaires. Results: Forty (60%) patients agreed to participate, 22 (33%) refused participation, and 5 (7%) died during follow-up. PWD and MWD significantly improved at completion of 12-weeks supervised exercise training as compared to baseline (PWD 114 +/- 100 vs. 235 +/- 248, p = 0.002; MWD 297 +/- 273 vs. 474 +/- 359, p = 0.001). Improvement of PWD and MWD could be maintained at follow up (197 +/- 254, p = 0.014; 390 +/- 324, p = 0.035, respectively) with non-smokers showing significantly better sustained PWD and MWD improvement as compared to baseline. Overall, walking capacity correlated with functional status of quality of life. Conclusions: Major findings of this investigation were that improvement in walking capacity is sustained after completion of supervised exercise training program with best results in patients who quitted or never smoked. Improved walking capacity is associated with increased functional status of quality of life.

How to avoid clean intermittent catheterization in men with ileal bladder substitution

PURPOSE: In male patients with ileal bladder substitute we ascertained the likelihood of spontaneous voiding failure, the corrective procedures required and the eventual outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following cystectomy and ileal bladder substitution for urothelial cancer between April 1985 and September 2002 male patients were identified and analyzed from the prospective departmental database. Four patients underwent ileum conduit conversion following urethral recurrence or pouch necrosis and were excluded from study. Funnel-shaped outlets were avoided during bladder substitute surgery after the first 4 patients with this configuration experienced voiding failure and required corrective procedures. Only patients with a minimum 5-year followup were assessed for voiding failure, corrective procedures and final outcomes. RESULTS: Of 354 patients with a median age of 65 years (range 36 to 84) treated with bladder substitute 180 (51%) were alive at 5 years. All 180 of these patients spontaneously voided within 3 months of surgery. During this 5-year observation period 22 (12%) patients experienced voiding problems requiring de-obstructive procedures. Following intervention 177 (98%) patients were spontaneously voiding by 5 years. Of 237 patients 77 (32%) were alive at 10 years. Of these 77 patients followed for another 5 years 10 (13%) had similar voiding problems requiring de-obstructive procedures. Subsequently 74 (96%) were voiding spontaneously by 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Patients often fail to void spontaneously after ileal bladder substitution. However, if a funnel-shaped outlet is avoided and de-obstructive surgery is appropriately implemented, excellent long-term results are seen with spontaneous voiding and clean intermittent catheterization can be avoided.

Clean intermittent self-catheterization after botulinum neurotoxin type A injections: short-term effect on quality of life

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hypothesis that the need for clean intermittent self-catheterization after botulinum neurotoxin type A injections is outweighed by the efficacy of this treatment, so that clean intermittent self-catheterization is not a burden for patients with refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity. METHODS: Women undergoing intradetrusor injections of 200 units botulinum neurotoxin type A for refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity were evaluated prospectively. Clean intermittent self-catheterization was discussed with all patients and its possible need after botulinum neurotoxin type A treatment. As indicator of quality of life, lower urinary tract symptom distress and effect on daily activities were assessed using the validated Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) before and 4 weeks after receiving botulinum neurotoxin type A injections. RESULTS: Mean age of the 65 women was 51 years, and all voided spontaneously before botulinum neurotoxin type A injections. After botulinum neurotoxin type A treatment, 28 (43%) required clean intermittent self-catheterization. Mean UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores reduced from 61 to 33 (P<.001) and 62 to 30 (P<.001) in women performing clean intermittent self-catheterization and from 60 to 28 (P<.001) and 64 to 25 (P<.001) in those who did not, respectively. Comparison of quality of life in women performing clean intermittent self-catheterization and in those who did not revealed no significant differences before and after botulinum neurotoxin type A treatment. CONCLUSION: Clean intermittent self-catheterization after botulinum neurotoxin type A intradetrusor injections did not impair quality of life in appropriately informed and selected women in the short term. All patients should be informed of the potential need for clean intermittent self-catheterization after botulinum neurotoxin type A injections, and a willingness to do so should be a prerequisite for this still unlicensed off-label treatment.

Clean intermittent self-catheterization: a burden for the patient?

AIM: To assess patients' perception of clean intermittent self-catheterization (CISC) for voiding dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 101 patients performing CISC because of voiding dysfunction were invited to participate in this questionnaire survey. The response rate was 91% (92/101). RESULTS: The mean time over which CISC was performed was 5 years (standard deviation (SD) +/- 6.3) and the mean frequency of CISC per day was three times (SD +/- 2). Almost 80% (72/92) of the patients perceived CISC as easy or very easy and CISC did not interfere at all or interfered a little bit with work or other regular daily activities in more than 80% (76/92). Almost 90% (80/92) reported no or minimal pain while performing CISC. This did not interfere at all or interfered a little bit with work or other regular daily activities in almost 90% (80/92). Quality of life improved considerably due to CISC in more than 60% (56/92) and 12% (11/92) complained of a deterioration. In multivariable analysis, severe pain performing CISC (odds ratio 20.9, 95% confidence interval 1.7-259.9, P = 0.018) was the only factor that predicted poor quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients considered CISC to be an easy and painless procedure which did not interfere with daily activities. Consequently, quality of life improved in more than 60% of the patients. Therefore, CISC does not appear to be a burden for the patient and, from a patient's perspective, can be recommended.

Treatment of acute renal failure in the intensive care unit: lower costs by intermittent dialysis than continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration

Intermittent and continuous renal replacement therapies (RRTs) are available for the treatment of acute renal failure (ARF) in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although at present there are no adequately powered survival studies, available data suggest that both methods are equal with respect to patient outcome. Therefore, cost comparison between techniques is important for selecting the modality. Expenditures were prospectively assessed as a secondary end point during a controlled, randomized trial comparing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) with continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). The outcome of the primary end points of this trial, that is, ICU and in-hospital mortality, has been previously published. One hundred twenty-five patients from a Swiss university hospital ICU were randomized either to CVVHDF or IHD. Out of these, 42 (CVVHDF) and 34 (IHD) were available for cost analysis. Patients' characteristics, delivered dialysis dose, duration of stay in the ICU or hospital, mortality rates, and recovery of renal function were not different between the two groups. Detailed 24-h time and material consumption protocols were available for 369 (CVVHDF) and 195 (IHD) treatment days. The mean daily duration of CVVHDF was 19.5 +/- 3.2 h/day, resulting in total expenditures of Euro 436 +/- 21 (21% for human resources and 79% for technical devices). For IHD (mean 3.0 +/- 0.4 h/treatment), the costs were lower (Euro 268 +/- 26), with a larger proportion for human resources (45%). Nursing time spent for CVVHDF was 113 +/- 50 min, and 198 +/- 63 min per IHD treatment. Total costs for RRT in ICU patients with ARF were lower when treated with IHD than with CVVHDF, and have to be taken into account for the selection of the method of RRT in ARF on the ICU.