Verbal learning and memory outcome in selective amygdalohippocampectomy versus temporal lobe resection in patients with hippocampal sclerosis.

Purpose: With the advent of new very selective techniques like thermal laser ablation to treat drug-resistant focal epilepsy, the controversy of resection size in relation to seizure outcome versus cognitive deficits has gained new relevance. The purpose of this study was to test the influence of the selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) versus nonselective temporal lobe resection (TLR) on seizure outcome and cognition in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and histopathological verified hippocampal sclerosis (HS).

Methods: We identified 108 adults (>16years) with HS, operated between 1995 and 2009 in Denmark.

Pharmacodynamics of remifentanil. Induced intracranial spike activity in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

Patients with medically refractory epilepsy may benefit from resective epilepsy surgery. However even the best centers experience surgical failures. It is therefore important to find techniques that may aid in neurosurgical planning of epileptic focus resection.

Danish experience with paediatric epilepsy surgery.

Introduction: Epilepsy surgery is increasingly used to treat children with medically intractable epilepsy. This study investigates the aetiology and seizure outcome in Danish children operated between 1996 and 2010.

Methods: Retrospectively collected data on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnoses, surgical procedures and seizure outcomes classified according to the Engel Classification were used.

A randomized double-blind crossover trial comparing subthalamic and pallidal deep brain stimulation for dystonia.

Object: The authors' aim was to compare the subthalamic nucleus (STN) with the globus pallidus internus (GPi) as a stimulation target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) for medically refractory dystonia.

Methods: In a prospective double-blind crossover study, electrodes were bilaterally implanted in the STN and GPi of 12 patients with focal, multifocal, or generalized dystonia. Each patient was randomly selected to undergo initial bilateral stimulation of either the STN or the GPi for 6 months, followed by bilateral stimulation of the other nucleus for another 6 months.

Correct measurement of height is important when assessing lung function values.

Introduction: Measurement of stature is a prerequisite for determination of the normal lung function since reference equations are based on stature (standing height). We investigated the optimal method for measuring stature and for testing the current practice.

Material And Methods: We measured the stature of 87 subjects using a digital-counter stadiometer and a wall-mounted bench rule.

Excitatory amino acid transporters EAAT-1 and EAAT-2 in temporal lobe and hippocampus in intractable temporal lobe epilepsy.

Intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is an invalidating disease and many patients are resistant to medical treatment. Increased glutamate concentration has been found in epileptogenic foci and may induce local over-excitation and cytotoxicity; one of the proposed mechanisms involves reduced extra-cellular clearance of glutamate by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT-1 to EAAT-5). EAAT-1 and EAAT-2 are mainly expressed on astroglial cells for the reuptake of glutamate from the extra-cellular space.

High glycogen levels in the hippocampus of patients with epilepsy.

During intense cerebral activation approximately half of the glucose plus lactate taken up by the human brain is not oxidized and could replenish glycogen deposits, but the human brain glycogen concentration is unknown. In patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, undergoing curative surgery, brain biopsies were obtained from pathologic hippocampus (n=19) and from apparently 'normal' cortical grey and white matter. We determined the in vivo brain glycogen level and the activity of glycogen phosphorylase and synthase.

[Sentinel surveillance of risk of severe reactions associated with specific immunotherapy. A method for quality assurance of procedures with rare, but serious adverse effects].

Introduction: Whether procedures are "out of control" or "in control" is a central concept in quality assurance. It is essential to stay "in control" concerning treatment. Often this is simple, when risk is known and can be discussed before treatment has been agreed upon.

[Epilepsy surgery of Danish children 1996-2002].

Introduction: Epilepsy surgery is done in order to obtain seizure freedom or to reduce the number of epileptic seizures in selected patients not responding to medical treatment. Few Danish children have had this treatment, most probably because of some restrictions imposed by The Danish National Health Board. We present the results of the first 22 Danish children who have had epilepsy surgery.

[Increasing prevalence of specific IgE against aeroallergens in an adult Danish population--two cross-sectional studies in 1990 and 1998].

Background: There is evidence that the prevalence of respiratory allergy has increased in children in many countries. However, this evidence is largely based on questionnaire data, and little is known about similar trends in adults. We investigated whether the prevalence of specific IgE to aeroallergens had increased in an adult general population over an 8-year period.

[Length of stay in medical departments. Similarities and differences in Denmark].

Introduction: The relation between the length of stay after admission to a medical ward, the available resources, and the quality of the results is not well established. There is no documentation that allocation of resources results in improved quality. In Denmark we have recently focused on the quality of cancer treatment and have allocated resources without any evidence that it will improve survival, whereas less attention has been paid to less prestigious diseases.