Long-term safety and effectiveness of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion.

Introduction: Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) infusion has demonstrated to improve motor fluctuations. The aim of this study is to assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of LCIG infusion in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with motor fluctuations and its effect in nonmotor symptoms.

Methods: Adverse events (AE) and their management, clinical motor, and nonmotor aspects were assessed up to 10 years.

Indications, reconstructive techniques, and results for total glossectomy.

Background: The best treatment for advanced tongue tumors remains controversial. Total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation is considered a feasible option, despite its morbidity.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 12 total glossectomies with laryngeal preservation was performed in order to assess the available reconstruction techniques and analyze survival and functional outcomes.

Experience in Bedside Placement, Clinical Validity, and Cost-Efficacy of a Self-Propelled Nasojejunal Feeding Tube.

Background: The procedures needed to insert nasojejunal tubes (NJTs) are often invasive or uncomfortable for the patient and require hospital resources. The objectives of this study were to describe our experience in inserting a self-propelling NJT with distal pigtail end and evaluate clinical validity and cost efficacy of this enteral nutrition (EN) approach compared with parenteral nutrition (PN).

Materials And Methods: Prospective study from July 2009 to December 2010, including hospitalized noncritical patients who required short-term jejunal EN.

Prospective study of catheter-related central vein thrombosis in home parenteral nutrition patients with benign disease using serial venous Doppler ultrasound.

Background & Aims: Catheter-related central vein thrombosis (CRVT) is a severe complication of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) that may be clinically manifest or subclinical. The aims of the study were to prospectively investigate the incidence of CRVT in patients on HPN with benign disease and determine the influence of different variables on this complication.

Methods: A prospective, multicentre, observational study in the Home Artificial Nutrition-Chronic Intestinal Failure ESPEN group was performed.

Impact of parenteral nutrition standardization on costs and quality in adult patients.

Background: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a costly therapy that can also be associated with serious complications. Therefore, efforts are focusing on reducing rate of complications, and costs related to PN.

Objective: The aim was to analyze the effect of the implementation of PN standardization on costs and quality criteria.