Behavioral and cognitive improvements in children with ADHD have been consistently reported after neurofeedback-treatment. However, neurofeedback has not been commonly accepted as a treatment for ADHD. This study addresses previous methodological shortcomings while comparing a neurofeedback-training of Theta-Beta frequencies and training of slow cortical potentials (SCPs). The study aimed at answering (a) whether patients were able to demonstrate learning of cortical self-regulation, (b) if treatment leads to an improvement in cognition and behavior and (c) if the two experimental groups differ in cognitive and behavioral outcome variables. SCP participants were trained to produce positive and negative SCP-shifts while the Theta/Beta participants were trained to suppress Theta (4-8 Hz) while increasing Beta (12-20 Hz). Participants were blind to group assignment. Assessment included potentially confounding variables. Each group was comprised of 19 children with ADHD (aged 8-13 years). The treatment procedure consisted of three phases of 10 sessions each. Both groups were able to intentionally regulate cortical activity and improved in attention and IQ. Parents and teachers reported significant behavioral and cognitive improvements. Clinical effects for both groups remained stable six months after treatment. Groups did not differ in behavioural or cognitive outcome.
According to the guidelines of the efficacy of treatments, the evidence of the efficacy of slow cortical potential feedback found in this study reaches level 2: "possibly efficacious." In the absence of a control group, no causal relationship between observed improvements and the ability to regulate brain activity can be made. However, it could be shown for the first time that good performance in self-regulation predicts clinical outcome. "Good performance" was defined as the ability to produce negative potential shifts in trials without feedback, because it is known that the ability to self-regulate without feedback is impaired in children and adults with attention problems. Additional research should focus on the control of unspecific effects, medication, and subtypes to confirm the assumption that slow cortical potential feedback is a viable treatment option for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Regulation of slow cortical potentials may involve similar neurobiological pathways as medical treatment. It is suggested that regulation of frontocentral negative slow cortical potentials affects the cholinergic-dopaminergic balance and allows children to adapt to task requirements more flexibly.
A consistent number of patients with SVT and/or cirrhosis are currently treated with DOACs, which seem to be effective and safe. These data provide a basis for performing randomized clinical trials of DOACs vs. low molecular weight heparin or vitamin K antagonists.
Summary
Background
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has been increasingly used in patients with portal vein thrombosis to obtain patency, but evidenced‐based decisions are challenging.
Aim
To evaluate published data on efficacy and safety of endovascular therapy in portal vein thrombosis.
Methods
Systematic search of PubMed, ISI, Scopus, and Embase for studies (in English, until October 2017) reporting feasibility, safety, 12‐month portal vein recanalisation, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt patency, and survival in patients with benign portal vein thrombosis undergoing endovascular treatment. An independent extraction of articles using predefined data fields and quality indicators was used; pooled analyses based on random‐effects models; heterogeneity assessment by Cochran's Q, I2 statistic, subgroup analyses, and meta‐regression.
Results
Thirteen studies including 399 patients (92% cirrhosis; portal vein thrombosis: complete 46%, chronic 87%, cavernous transformation 17%, superior mesenteric vein involvement 55%) were included. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was technically feasible in 95% (95% CI: 89%‐98%) with heterogeneity (I2 = 57%, P < 0.001) explained by cavernous transformation. Major complications occurred in 10% (95% CI: 6.0%‐18.0%; I2 = 52%, P = 0.55). Additional catheter‐directed thrombolysis was associated with more complications compared to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt alone or plus thrombectomy (17.6% vs 3.3%). Twelve‐month portal vein recanalisation was 79% (95% CI: 67%‐88%; I2 = 78%, P < 0.01). Shunt patency at 12 months was 84% (95% CI: 76%‐90%; I2 = 62%, P < 0.01). Overall 12‐month survival rate was 89%, with no heterogeneity.
Conclusions
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for portal vein thrombosis recanalisation was highly feasible, effective, and safe. Cavernous transformation was the main determinant of technical failure. Additional catheter‐directed thrombolysis was associated with higher risk of severe complications.
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