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Tracheomalacia is characterized by weakness of the tracheal walls and supporting cartilage. It results in dynamic compression of the airway, where the cross-sectional area of the trachea is reduced by expiratory compression. Acquired tracheomalacia results from complications associated with the use of endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes. In this report, we present three cases of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) successfully treated for tracheomalacia, including one case where the patient underwent surgery for combined tracheoesophageal fistula. We discuss the appropriate management strategies for tracheomalacia in patients with ALS. Through these case reports, we note the results of ALS patients who will have tracheostomy, and who are therefore at risk of sustaining a long term high cuff pressure, this study provides an evaluation for tracheomalacia and therapeutic management which should be considered for improving patient care outcomes.
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To analyze the amount of weight-bearing during tilt table increments, with a review of neutral and unilateral knee flexion postures.
There were 17 healthy participants enrolled in this study. The subjects were tilted from 10° to 90°, and their body weight was measured at each 10° increment. In the first test, both plantar pressures, with the subjects in neutral posture, were recorded. During the second and third tests, the angle of inclination was thus recorded and increased, with the subjects in unilateral knee flexion posture; flexion was maintained at 25° by attaching a cylindrical support to the tilt table at the level of the popliteal fossa.
The study was divided into two types of postures: neutral and unilateral knee flexion. The percentage of body weight (%BW) between each leg during neutral posture was noted as not being statistically significant. The %BW of one side during tilt table inclination was significantly different between the two postures at 10° to 80° (p<0.05). The weight during unilateral knee flexion posture was lower as analyzed, regardless of tilt table inclination compared with that in neutral posture. We note that fifty percent of the ratio of %BW was noted at 33.12° and 38.76° in neutral and flexion postures, respectively.
The unilateral knee flexion could induce the effect of decreased body weight compared with non-flexion side. The results of this study will help in setting a safe and quantitative percentage of weight-bearing on the lower extremity during tilt training.
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To investigate the current status of pharmacotherapy prescribed by physiatrists in Korea for cognitive-behavioral disorder.
A cross-sectional study was performed by mailing questionnaires to 289 physiatrists working at teaching hospitals. Items on the questionnaire evaluated prescribing patterns of 16 drugs related to cognitive-behavioral therapy, the status of combination pharmacotherapy, and tools for assessing target symptoms.
Fifty physiatrists (17.3%) including 24 (48%) specializing in neurorehabilitation completed the questionnaires. The most common target symptom was attention deficit (29.5%). Donepezil and methylphenidate (96.0%) were the most frequently prescribed drugs for cognitive-behavioral improvement. Mostly, a combination of two drugs was prescribed (38.0%), and the most common combination therapy included donepezil plus methylphenidate (19.1%). Pharmacotherapy for cognitive-behavioral disorder after brain injury was typically initiated within 2 months (69.5%). A follow-up assessment was usually performed at 1 month after treatment initiation (31.0%). The most common reason for treatment discontinuation was improvement of target symptoms (37.8%). The duration of pharmacotherapy was 3–12 months (57.7%), 1–2 years (17.9%), or 1–2 months (13.6%).
According to the survey, combination pharmacotherapy is preferred to monotherapy for the treatment of cognitive-behavioral disorder in patients with brain injury. Physiatrists expressed diverse views on the definition of target symptoms, prescribing patterns, and the status of drug combination therapy. Guidelines are needed for cognitive-behavioral pharmacotherapy. Further research should investigate drug costs and aim to reduce polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions.
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