Using a new tool to evaluate the functional capacity of patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/Tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP)

Autores

  • Isabelle Rocha-Santos Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
  • Ney Boa-Sorte Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
  • Maria Fernanda Rios Grassi
  • Cloud Couto de Sá
  • Thessika Hialla Araújo Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública
  • Bernardo Galvão Castro Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0644-6471

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17267/2317-3386bjmhh.v5i4.1694

Palavras-chave:

HTLV-1, HAM/TSP, functional capacity, activities of daily living

Resumo

HAM/TSP patients experience impaired functional capacity.  The use of categorical scales to accurately describe motor ability in these patients has been questioned.

Aim: To evaluate the functional capacity of HAM/TSP patients by using the individual tests comprising the GDLAM protocol.

Methods: Cross sectional study carried out in the CHTLV, Salvador, Brazil.  Functional capacity was evaluated using the tests of the GDLAM protocol (timed 10-minute walk, getting up from a sitting position, rising from a prone position, getting up from a chair, and moving around the house). Functional classifications were made by comparing patient performance to that of uninfected control individuals.

Results: Twenty-four HAM/TSP and 25 healthy individuals were enrolled. Only 75% HAM/TSP patients completed the GDLAM protocol. Six patients failed to perform the RPP test. Timed measurements were significantly higher in the HAM/TSP patients in comparison to uninfected controls.

Conclusion: The use of alternative methods, such as the individual tests comprising the GDLAM protocol, may more accurately assess motor function in HAM/TSP patients.

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Publicado

2017-12-20

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