Publicaciones: enero 2025

Burden of incidental cerebral aneurysms on lifestyle and quality of life: a survey of patients in expectant management (the SPICE Study)

Rodríguez-Pardo J, García-Castro J, Gómez-Escalonilla C et al. J Neurointerv Surg. 2025 Jan 27:jnis-2024-022459. doi: 10.1136/jnis-2024-022459. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39567189,

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39567189/

Abstract:

Background The increasing availability of neuroimaging tests has led to a rise in the identification of incidental unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Their management is under debate, with no consensus on their follow-up strategy, which can cause anxiety in patients. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of diagnosis and imaging follow-up on daily activities and quality of life.

Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with UIAs undergoing watchful waiting. Exclusion criteria were history of stroke, renal polycystic disease, symptomatic aneurysms, intervention or scheduled for intervention. The patients completed an anonymous 36-question survey about their habits and perceived quality of life after diagnosis through a validated questionnaire (PROMIS).

Results We obtained 73 responses from 183 patients identified in eight hospitals (40%), 68 of which were included in the study (50 women (74%), median (IQR) age 62 (55–70) years). Forty-nine patients (72%) underwent at least one imaging follow-up per year. Forty-two patients (63%) found follow-up tests reassuring and 12 (18%) experienced concern about the results. Nineteen patients (28%) reported adopting a healthier lifestyle since diagnosis, while 13 (19%) acknowledged a negative impact on their daily activities. Forty-six (68%) admitted avoiding or conditioning at least one activity or situation from a list. PROMIS scores were similar to those of the general reference population. Overall, 77% rated their quality of life as ‘good’ or better.

Conclusions The diagnosis of UIAs seems to influence the activities of the majority of patients. However, follow-up yielded more benefit in the form of healthier lifestyles than harm to daily activities, without detriment to their perceived quality of life.

Funding: Language editing has been funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III RICORS-ICTUS Network (RD RD21/0006/0012) endorsed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

Digital tool as speech and language therapy for patients with post-stroke aphasia

Ruiz Ares G, Martin Alonso M, Rigual R et al. Digit Health. 2025 Jan 29;11:20552076251314551. doi: 10.1177/20552076251314551. PMID: 39882017.

Abstract:

Introduction: New technologies could play a role in post-stroke aphasia (PSA). Our aims were to develop a digital tool; to evaluate its acceptance and usability by patients and caregivers; and to demonstrate its effectiveness in improving language skills in patients with PSA, applying it from the acute phase. Methods: The study consisted of two phases: development of a digital tool; and an interventional before-and-after study. During the first week of admission, the digital tool, VerbalizAPP®, was installed for use with the help of family/caregivers. PSA was evaluated by a summarised version of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (sBDAE) with 0–64 points. After 3 months of using VerbalizAPP®, the sBDAE and scales to assess user satisfaction were applied. Results: Forty patients (29 men, mean age 68.3 years) were included. Aphasia description: Broca’s 12 (15.0%), Wernicke’s13 (32.5%), mixed/global 15 (37.5%) cases. Patients began using VerbalizAPP® 4.8 days (range 2–7) after stroke onset. A significant improvement in sBDAE scores was found after 3 months of VerbalizAPP® use: 35.1 (SD 17.6) versus 51.1 (SD 14.4) points; p <.001. Academic level was the only baseline parameter related to outcomes. Comfort of use scored 8.8, and complexity 2.2 points. Expectations were exceeded in 61.1%, and impression of improvement in 83.3% of cases. No adverse effects were reported, and all participants would recommend VerbalizAPP® to other patients. Conclusions: Our results show the effectiveness of VerbalizAPP® for the treatment of PSA. However, larger prospective validation studies should be conducted to recommend its widespread use.

Funding: The authors disclosed receipt of financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article from the RICORS network under grant RD21/0006/0012, Spanish Ministry of Health-Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) and the Next Generation EU funds (Recovery and Resilience Plan).