1. Predictors of favorable response to implanted of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Author
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Juan F. Villalonga, Ricardo F. Allegri, Mauricio F. Farez, Ismael Calandri, Frida Herrmann, Lucas Alessandro, Martin Fausti, and Mario Emiliano Ricciardi
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,business.industry ,Retrospective cohort study ,macromolecular substances ,Gait ,Surgery ,FAVORABLE RESPONSE ,(Idiopathic) normal pressure hydrocephalus ,Medicine ,In patient ,Neurosurgery ,business ,Prospective cohort study ,Shunt (electrical) - Abstract
Introduction: The indication of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is discussed in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), due to the heterogeneity of the response to treatment and the risks involved in neurosurgery. Objective: To search for clinical factors and complementary studies in order to determine predictors of a favorable response to the VPS placement in patients with iNPH. Methodology: A retrospective study of patients with probable iNPH (according to international guidelines) treated with VPS assisted in a neurological clinic from January 2014 to January 2017 was conducted. A univariate statisticalanalysis of the variables considered as possible prognostic factors was performed. Results: 58 patients were included. Women presented 3.68 times more chances of improvement after the VPS (p=0.019). Good response to the gait test was associated with better response to the VPS (p=0.024). Conclusions: Female sex and good response to the gait test could be considered as predictors of a favorable response to the VPS placement in patients with iNPH. A prospective study is necessary to achieve a homogeneous diagnostic evaluation and a more extensive longitudinal follow-up to evaluate the clinical evolution in this group of patients.
- Published
- 2020