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Biomedical subjects

Javier Gavilan

Publications and source records attributed to Javier Gavilan.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

DNA methylation of multiple genes in vestibular schwannoma: Relationship with clinical and radiological findings.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to examine the DNA methylation profile of several genes in a series of vestibular schwannomas, and to analyze its relationship with clinical and radiological features. BACKGROUND: Aberrant methylation of promoter regions is a major mechanism for silencing of tumor suppressor genes in several tumors. There is limited information about methylation status in vestibular schwannoma, with no clinical or radiological implications described to date. METHODS: The methylation status of 16 tumor-related genes including RASSF1A, RAR-B, VHL, PTEN, HMLH1, RB1, TP16, CASP8, ER, TIMP3, MGMT, DAPK, TP73, GSTP1, TP14, and THBS1 was examined in a series of 22 vestibular schwannomas.The bisulfite modification of genomic DNA was performed. Clinical and radiological features were compared with the methylation results. RESULTS: Methylation values from 9% to 27% were found in 12 of 16 genes tested, including RASSF1A, VHL, PTEN, TP16, CASP8, TIMP3, MGMT, DAPK, THBS1, HMLH1, TP73, and GSTP1. A significant association was found between CASP8 and RASSF1A methylation. Methylation of CASP8 was associated with the patient's age and the tumor size. Methylation of TP73 was associated with hearing loss. RASSF1A methylation was inversely correlated with the clinical growth index. CONCLUSION: Aberrant methylation of tumor-related genes may play a role in the development of vestibular schwannomas. Our results may provide useful clues to the development of prognostic assays for these tumors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Impact of facial dysfunction on quality of life after vestibular schwannoma surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the impact of facial dysfunction on quality of life in patients who underwent surgery for vestibular schwannoma. Other factors with a possible impact on quality of life were also assessed. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 95 patients who underwent removal of a unilateral vestibular schwannoma. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory, an open-ended questionnaire, and a pain scale were sent to each patient. The questions were answered by 70 respondents (74%). After a minimum 1-year follow-up, the overall House-Brackmann postoperative facial function was grade I-II in 61% of patients, grade III-IV in 36%, and grade V-VI in 3%. RESULTS: The open-ended questionnaire showed that 33% of patients stated a complaint related to facial dysfunction; it was the main complaint for 13% of patients. No significant difference was found in terms of Glasgow Benefit Inventory scores between patients with and without facial dysfunction, nor between those with different House-Brackmann grades. The most frequent complaint after surgery was hearing loss (46%). Postoperative pain was significantly associated with a worse postoperative quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: An overestimation of the effect of facial paralysis after vestibular schwannoma resection may exist on the surgeon's part. Detailed information about the possibility of hearing loss, vestibular problems, and pain must be given to all patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Hearing preservation with the retrosigmoid approach for vestibular schwannoma: myth or reality?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to present our experience with the retrosigmoid approach for vestibular schwannoma resection, emphasizing our hearing results, discussing selection and reporting results criteria.Study design and setting The notes of 65 consecutive cases of vestibular schwannoma undergoing the retrosigmoid approach were reviewed. Hearing data were reported according to the recommendations of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). In addition, the terms normal, serviceable, useful, and measurable hearing were considered. RESULTS: Tumor size ranged from 8 to 50 mm (mean, 24.1 mm). Of the 29 patients with preoperative serviceable hearing (AAO-HNS classes A and B), 5 patients (17%) had postoperative serviceable hearing, and 6 patients (20%) had postoperative useful hearing (AAO-HNS classes A, B, and C). CONCLUSION: The retrosigmoid approach is a reliable surgical procedure for most vestibular schwannoma tumors. However, hearing preservation results show wide differences depending on selection and reporting results criteria. Hearing preservation, although possible, may not be the main reason to choose this approach.

Adult↗