[Normal pressure hydrocephalus: prognostic value of height in patients treated with an identical shunt system].

Introduction: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a clinical entity frequently managed by means of a cerebrospinal fluid shunt. Hydrodynamic hypotheses consider hydrostatic pressure (as well as height) a very important variable for shunt system function. However, we did not find empirical studies supporting the influence of height on clinical response in the literature.

Patterns of care and outcome for patients with glioblastoma diagnosed during 2008-2010 in Spain.

Background: To assess management patterns and outcome in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treated during 2008-2010 in Spain.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical, therapeutic, and survival data collected through filled questionnaires from patients with histologically confirmed GBM diagnosed in 19 Spanish hospitals.

Results: We identified 834 patients (23% aged >70 years).

[Infectious nature of leprosy, by Juan de Azúa].

In this article by Juan de Azua, published in the second issue of Actas Dermosifiliográficas in 1909, the author reports his experience in 139 patients, most of them from Hospital San Juan de Dios, Madrid,Spain, and states he is sure that leprosy is a contagious disease. He discusses the factors related to contagion,which occurs in a closed and family environment, emphasizing socioeconomic factors such as hygiene and promiscuity. He considers direct contact to be important, though also recognizing indirect contact through drinks and food; he totally rejects a hereditary mechanism.

Factors contributing to the decline of leprosy in Spain in the second half of the twentieth century.

Background: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that is considered to be declining, though it still remains prevalent in many parts of the world. A study was made to explore the health and socioeconomic factors that most influenced the trend of the disease in a typical Mediterranean country.

Materials And Methods: An ecological study was conducted, investigating possible social, economic and health factors related to the evolution of leprosy incidence.