Journal of Neurology Research, ISSN 1923-2845 print, 1923-2853 online, Open Access
Article copyright, the authors; Journal compilation copyright, J Neurol Res and Elmer Press Inc
Journal website http://www.neurores.org

Original Article

Volume 2, Number 4, August 2012, pages 152-158

Appropriateness of Treatments for Patients With Degenerative Ataxias: Recommendations by a Panel of Experts

Tables

Table 1. An Example of a Page From the Matrix
 
Chapter 1Appropriateness of treatment
Ataxia FriedreichIdebenonePhysostigmine5-HTPAmantadineL-Carnitine
5-HTTP: 5-hydroxytryptophan.
A. Gait ataxia absent andunderstandable speech123456789123456789123456789123456789123456789
B. Gait ataxia present
  1. Understandable speech123456789123456789123456789123456789123456789
  2. No understandable speech123456789123456789123456789123456789123456789
C. Impossible gait
  1. Understandable speech123456789123456789123456789123456789123456789
  2. No understandable speech123456789123456789123456789123456789123456789
D. Gait ataxia present
  1. Understandable speech
    a. Asymptomatic cardiomyopathy present
      Respiratory failure absent123456789123456789123456789123456789123456789
      Respiratory failure present123456789123456789123456789123456789123456789
    b. Symptomatic cardiomyopathy present
      Respiratory failure absent123456789123456789123456789123456789123456789
      Respiratory failure present123456789123456789123456789123456789123456789

 

Table 2. Appropriateness Classification
 
Agreement levelPanel median
1 – 34 - 67 - 9
AgreementInappropriateUncertainAppropriate
IndeterminateInappropriateUncertainAppropriate
DisagreementUncertainUncertainUncertain

 

Table 3. Final Variables Involved in the Scenarios Rated for Degenerative Ataxia Patients
 
Chapter 1: Patients with FA*Chapter 2: Patient with EA†Chapter 3: Other Ataxias‡
FA: Friedreich ataxia; EA: Episodic ataxia. * No. of scenarios: 21, No. of indications: 105; † No. of scenarios: 24, No. of indications: 24; ‡ No. of scenarios: 5, No. of indications: 25.
Level of gait ataxiaType of EA
  Ataxia absent  EA1
  Ataxia present  EA2
  Impossible gait (wheelchair)Stage of EALevel of gait ataxia
Level of speech ataxia  Critic  Ataxia absent
  Understandable speech  Intercritic  Ataxia present
  No understandable speech Systemic comorbiditiesComorbidities  Impossible gait (wheelchair)
  Asymptomatic cardiomyopathy  DyskinesiasLevel of speech ataxia
  Symptomatic cardiomyopathy  Neuromuscular hyperexcitability  Understandable speech
  Respiratory failure  Epilepsy  No understandable speech
  Dizziness
  Generalized weakness
  Migraine

 

Table 4. Changes in Experts’ Responses Between Two Rounds (P = 0.0026)
 
2nd RoundTotal 1st Round
InappropriateUncertainAppropriate
Percentages in parentheses are calculated in relation of each row, except the total that is calculated in relation to the total number of scenario-treatment associations rated.
1st RoundInappropriate62 (100%)0062 (38.0%)
Uncertain30 (45.5%)36 (54.5%)066 (43.7%)
Appropriate0026 (100%)26 (18.3%)
Total 2nd Round92 (56.3%)36 (25.4%)26 (18.3%)154