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Biomedical subjects

F Mulas

Publications and source records attributed to F Mulas.

62 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

[Magnetoencephalography in cognitive disorders involving frontal lobes].

INTRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: Frontal lobe, more specifically prefrontal cortex, is one of the brain regions that undergoes more protracted ongoing development. The wider the developmental window of one brain structure, the more vulnerable the functions related to it. Hence, executive functions, which are mediated by prefrontal networks, seems to be specially vulnerable during childhood. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders. Functional neuroimaging techniques have shown a dysfunction in a fronto-striatal network in this disorder, that is likely subserving deficits in executive processes, such as in response inhibition. DISCUSSION: This review focuses on contributions of neuroimaging techniques, with high spatial (SPECT, PET and fMRI), temporal (ERP) and spatio-temporal (MEG) resolution, to the neurofunctionality of ADHD.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy].

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently one of the morbid clinical pictures in childhood and adolescence that is most frequently diagnosed in the Neuropaediatric clinic. DEVELOPMENT: ADHD is sometimes associated to other important neurological problems, such as behavioural disorders, tics or headaches, and may occasionally be related to epilepsy, although in this particular case the epileptic syndromes often involve disorders affecting behaviour and attention. Due to the frequent association of these disorders (epilepsy and ADHD) it is wise to perform an electroencephalographic study in patients who visit because of symptoms of disattention. Likewise, the neuropsychological assessment of epileptic children must not be neglected. We analyse the therapeutic options regarding the use of stimulants when both disorders coexist and we endorse the association of antiepileptic and psychostimulant drugs when necessary.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Best practice guidelines for the early detection of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (I)].

INTRODUCTION: The interest in early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) lies in the accumulated evidence of the fact that an early customized intervention for children with an ASD and their families leads to an improvement of the child's prognosis in most cases. OBJECTIVE: To establish criteria and procedures for early identification of children at risk of ASD and to facilitate full diagnostic assessment and prompt referral leading to adequate support. Early detection of ASD is extremely important, since early specific individualized treatment for the child and his or her family leads to long-term improvement in many children' prognosis. DEVELOPMENT: Firstly, a critical appraisal of the situation of early detection of ASD in Spain is made after reviewing the scarce bibliography available on current screening and diagnostic practices in the country. Data generated by questionnaires received from 646 Spanish families is also taken into account. Secondly, the Study Group of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III recommends the screening and early diagnosis process to be followed, describing the necessary steps, the public services involved and the available screening and diagnostic tools. CONCLUSIONS: The Study Group draws the main conclusions regarding the situation of ASD early detection in Spain, and makes a consensus proposal for the detection procedures, including routine developmental surveillance and identification of children at risk for ASD by using sensitive and specific assessment tools.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Best practice guidelines for the diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders].

INTRODUCTION: The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic process requires expertise both in the knowledge of autism as in teamwork strategies with different professionals, often working in different clinic services, and with parents. AIM: To recommend a consensus diagnostic procedure for ASD, that has been designed by the Study Group of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. DEVELOPMENT: The reports emphasize the need to obtain a complete clinical history, covering personal, family and psychosocial antecedents; detailing the basic areas affected in ASD--social interaction, communication and restricted patterns of behaviour, activities and interests. Diagnostic tests to be used as a routine in all cases are described and analysed--including both psychoeducational and biomedical tests. Also, tests indicated in cases with suspected identifiable physical disorders are covered, as well as those medical tests to be used for research purposes only. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic procedure requires the implementation of a coordinated interdisciplinary assessment strategy, that needs to ensure the participation of professionals from very different fields in active collaboration with the family. Their role culminates in the preparation and delivery of a personalized report. Every diagnostic procedure needs to be accompanied by an action plan that includes immediate support to the person with ASD, as well as information to the family on resources and community initiatives in their living area.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Best practice guidelines for research in autistic spectrum disorders].

INTRODUCTION: Achieving a better knowledge of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders known as autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), poses a major scientific challenge. These disorders are some of the earliest and most severe psychopathological disorders in infancy; they include an heterogeneous group of conditions; its prevalence rate seems to be continually increasing and they generate a significant social impact. AIMS AND DEVELOPMENT: Nowadays, there is a current international agreement on the general requirements to be fulfilled by research projects and the priority areas to be considered when developing ASD high quality research. In Spain, although there are some established research groups with broad experience and expertise in these disorders, public funding opportunities and research development are still scarce. For this reason, the Study Group of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III has generated by consensus some Good Practice Guidelines for Research in ASD. CONCLUSIONS: After comparing priorities and recommendations from international reference documents with the results obtained after having carried out an exhaustive bibliographic revision of articles published in autism in the last 30 years by Spanish authors, methodological and ethical recommendations are established. Finally, structural deficiencies to be corrected and emerging research initiatives to be supported are identified.

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Good practice guidelines for the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders].

INTRODUCTION: Due to the inexistence of an aetiology-based intervention for autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) families and professionals are exposed to diverse and sometimes conflictive recommendations when they have to decide the most adequate alternative for treatment. AIM: To elaborate treatment guidelines agreed by consensus at the ASD Study Group of the (National) Institute of Health Carlos III. DEVELOPMENT: Information about treatment of ASD was searched and gathered through available evidence based medical (EBM) databases. The data generated was complemented with practice parameters published elsewhere, reports from prestigious international institutions, focus oriented searches in PubMed and, finally, the opinion and experience of a multidisciplinary Study Group with extensive experience in treating ASD in Spain. Most popular treatment methods were reviewed as well as the common elements to be considered in successful support programs. CONCLUSION: No simple treatment algorithm can be produced at this time, and the level of available evidence based recommendations are in the weaker degrees of EBM classifications. Nevertheless, there is widespread agreement to stress that education, with special incidence in the development of communication and social competence, with the addition of community support are the main means of treatment. They can be complemented, depending on individual needs, with medication, behavioural approaches and cognitive-behavioural therapy for associated psychological problems in persons with higher cognitive level. Support to families and community empowerment are essential elements for the quality of life of persons with ASD.

Autistic Disorder↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[A retrospective study of infant headache].

Headache either as an isolated syndrome or as part of a symptomatic grouping is a frequent reason for medical consultation or hospitalization during childhood and adolescence. We review 94 clinical histories of patients between three and thirteen years of age. Headache was the reason for being hospitalized in all cases. Our aim was to assess its incidence rate, epidemiology, clinical characteristics and etiology in addition to evaluating as to whether complementary examinations carried out during hospitalization were worthwhile. Among the most significant results were the following: age (73 patients were over seven years old, 77.6%), time elapsed for symptomatology to evolve (exactly or less than one week in 45% of cases); family history of migraine in 55 cases (58.5%). The most frequent accompanying symptoms were vomiting (38.2%), nausea (22.3%) and abdominal pain (19.1%). Physical exam was normal in 63 cases (67%) while sixteen patients (17%) had neurological focal signs and/or signs of endocranial hypertension (ECHT). Electroencephalography was performed on 94.6% of the patients and proved pathological in 22 cases (25%). Brain computerized tomography (CT) scan was carried out on 92.5% of the patients with space occupying lesions in 3.2% of the cases. The most frequent final diagnosis (52% of patients) was one of migraine. We did not find any patients with intracranial expansionary processes not showing signs of ECHT and/or neurological focalization, for which reason we doubt the profitability of the almost routine practice of carrying out brain CT scan on patients when severe headache is the sole symptom and where there are no specific findings during physical examination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗