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Verduzco-Gutierrez M, Raghavan P, Pruente J, Moon D, List CM, Hornyak JE, Gul F, Deshpande S, Biffl S, Al Lawati Z, Alfaro A. AAPM&R consensus guidance on spasticity assessment and management. PM R 2024; 16:864-887. [PMID: 38770827 DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.13211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) conducted a comprehensive review in 2021 to identify opportunities for enhancing the care of adult and pediatric patients with spasticity. A technical expert panel (TEP) was convened to develop consensus-based practice recommendations aimed at addressing gaps in spasticity care. OBJECTIVE To develop consensus-based practice recommendations to identify and address gaps in spasticity care. METHODS The Spasticity TEP engaged in a 16-month virtual meeting process, focusing on formulating search terms, refining research questions, and conducting a structured evidence review. Evidence quality was assessed by the AAPM&R Evidence, Quality and Performance Committee (EQPC), and a modified Delphi process was employed to achieve consensus on recommendation statements and evidence grading. The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) guided the rating of individual studies and the strength of recommendations. RESULTS The TEP approved five recommendations for spasticity management and five best practices for assessment and management, with one recommendation unable to be graded due to evidence limitations. Best practices were defined as widely accepted components of care, while recommendations required structured evidence reviews and grading. The consensus guidance statement represents current best practices and evidence-based treatment options, intended for use by PM&R physicians caring for patients with spasticity. CONCLUSION This consensus guidance provides clinicians with practical recommendations for spasticity assessment and management based on the best available evidence and expert opinion. Clinical judgment should be exercised, and recommendations tailored to individual patient needs, preferences, and risk profiles. The accompanying table summarizes the best practice recommendations for spasticity assessment and management, reflecting principles with little controversy in care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Preeti Raghavan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessica Pruente
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel Moon
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Joseph Edward Hornyak
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fatma Gul
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Supreet Deshpande
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Gillette Children's Hospital, St.Paul, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Susan Biffl
- Division Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UCSD Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Zainab Al Lawati
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Abraham Alfaro
- Rehabilitation Medicine, AtlantiCare Health Services, Inc., Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
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Halbmayer LM, Kofler M, Hitzenberger G, Matzak H, Fava E, Genelin E, Werkmann M, Saltuari L, Versace V, Dobesberger J, Pucks-Faes E. On the recovery of disorders of consciousness under intrathecal baclofen administration for severe spasticity-An observational study. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2566. [PMID: 35398998 PMCID: PMC9120732 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occasionally, patients show dramatic recovery from disorders of consciousness (DOC) under intrathecal baclofen (ITB), an established treatment option for severe supraspinal spasticity. Anecdotal explanations for ITB-related recovery of cognition include modulation of afferent impulses at the spinal level, thereby reducing spasticity-related proprioceptive information overload within cortico-thalamo-cortical connections. OBJECTIVE In this retrospective patient chart analysis, we assessed whether a reduction in spasticity would be associated with an increase in Coma Recovery Scale revised (CRS-R) scores in a larger sample of patients than previously published. METHODS From a hospital-based ITB treatment register, we extracted data from 26 patients with DOC and severe supraspinal spasticity who improved by >2 points on the Coma Recovery Scale revised (CRS-R) within 6 months after ITB treatment initiation. We assessed Modified Ashworth scale (MAS) scores and CRS-R scores on admission (PRE) and 3 and 6 months after initiation of ITB treatment (3M, 6M). We performed correlation analysis of the scores and their respective changes (PRE to 3M, 3M to 6M). We also correlated the time from acute event until ITB initiation to CRS-R scores at 3M and 6M. RESULTS ITB led to significant improvement in spasticity based on MAS scores, which did not correlate to the improvements seen in CRS-R total and subscale scores. Daily ITB dose did neither correlate to MAS scores nor to CRS-total scores in the whole patient group, but after 3 months, ITB dose correlated to some CRS-R subscale scores in some patient subgroups. Time until ITB treatment did not correlate to CRS-R scores later on. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm that ITB may exert beneficial effects in selected DOC patients with respect to improved cognitive functions, which, however, do not correlate to its antispastic effect. The lack of correlation between time to ITB and CRS-R outcome, but significant CRS-R improvements following pump implantation, renders spontaneous remissions unlikely and leaves room for alternative pharmacological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Kofler
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, Zirl, Austria
| | | | | | - Elena Fava
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, Zirl, Austria
| | | | - Mario Werkmann
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, Zirl, Austria
| | - Leopold Saltuari
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno, Italy.,Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Viviana Versace
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno, Italy
| | - Judith Dobesberger
- Rehabilitation Center Großgmain, Pensionsversicherungsanstalt, Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Tu JSY, Reeve J, Deane AM, Plummer MP. Pharmacological Management of Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity: A Scoping Review. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:2221-2237. [PMID: 33823679 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) occurs in ∼10% of patients following acute severe brain injury. While PSH is associated with worse outcomes, there are no clinical practice guidelines to inform treatment. We aimed to systematically review the literature on the pharmacological management of PSH. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched from inception to August 2020. Eligible studies met the following criteria: 1) randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials (case control or controlled cohort), observational studies, case series, and case reports; 2) study population of adult and pediatric patients; 3) exposure to an acute neurological insult complicated by PSH (or historic synonym); 4) description of pharmacological treatment of PSH. Our search retrieved 2729 citations with 83 articles assessed for inclusion. After full text extraction, 56 manuscripts inclusive of 459 patients met eligibility criteria. We identified 31 case reports, 15 case series (152 patients), seven retrospective case control or cohort studies (212 patients), and three prospective observational studies (52 patients). Traumatic brain injury was the most common precipitating insult (407 patients), followed by hypoxic encephalopathy (72 patients) and intracranial hemorrhage (10 patients). There were 48 drugs from 22 classes prescribed for the management of PSH. The most frequently prescribed agents were benzodiazepines, β-blockers, opioids, α-2 agonists, and baclofen. However, route and dose of drug and subsequent outcome were inconsistently reported, such that no summary was possible. While a wide variety of drugs have been reported to treat PSH, there is a lack of even moderate-quality evidence to inform clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jake Reeve
- Department of Intensive Care, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Adam M Deane
- Department of Intensive Care, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Center for Integrated Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark P Plummer
- Department of Intensive Care, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Center for Integrated Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Abdelhakiem AK, Torres-Reveron A, Padilla JM. Effectiveness of Pharmacological Agents and Validation of Diagnostic Scales for the Management of Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity in Hispanics. Front Neurol 2020; 11:603011. [PMID: 33329362 PMCID: PMC7717932 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.603011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification and treatment of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) still present a significant challenge. We assessed the efficacy of pharmacological agents in treating PSH symptoms and the validity of the diagnostic scales in a cohort of Hispanic patients. A retrospective chart review of cases from a single hospital was conducted in 464 records. Exclusion criteria included underlying conditions such as severe infection. Only nine patients remained in the cohort after examining their clinical records, corresponding to the following diagnoses: traumatic brain injury, subdural hemorrhage, anoxic or ischemic encephalopathy, pneumocephalus, and cerebral palsy. Using the PSH likelihood scale, six of the nine patients were identified with a score of 17 or higher, corresponding to a "probable" PSH, and three patients obtained a score between 8 and 16, corresponding to a "possible" PSH diagnosis. The top three classes of medications used were beta-blockers, antipyretics, and opioids. Benzodiazepines and neuromodulators were also frequently used in patients with trauma, but not in the ones with non-traumatic injuries. Interestingly, 75% of the patients have prescribed levothyroxine as a home medication after the PSH presentation. Medication administration did not follow a specific pattern, suggesting high variability in the management of PSH within our setting, requiring further research. Our results suggest that the pituitary axis might be involved in the progression of PSH. Establishing a specific medical code (e.g., ICD-10) describing PSH as a single entity is essential for appropriate identification and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa K Abdelhakiem
- DHR Health Pharmacy Residency Program, Edinburg, TX, United States.,Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Kingsville, TX, United States
| | | | - Juan M Padilla
- DHR Health Institute for Research and Development, Edinburg, TX, United States.,DHR Health Neuroscience Institute, Edinburg, TX, United States
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Singh J, Lanzarini E, Santosh P. Organic features of autonomic dysregulation in paediatric brain injury - Clinical and research implications for the management of patients with Rett syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:809-827. [PMID: 32861739 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The understanding of this autonomic dysregulation remains incomplete and treatment recommendations are lacking. By searching literature regarding childhood brain injury, we wanted to see whether understanding autonomic dysregulation following childhood brain injury as a prototype can help us better understand the autonomic dysregulation in RTT. Thirty-one (31) articles were identified and following thematic analysis the three main themes that emerged were (A) Recognition of Autonomic Dysregulation, (B) Possible Mechanisms & Assessment of Autonomic Dysregulation and (C) Treatment of Autonomic Dysregulation. We conclude that in patients with RTT (I) anatomically, thalamic and hypothalamic function should be explored, (II) sensory issues and medication induced side effects that can worsen autonomic function should be considered, and (III) diaphoresis and dystonia ought to be better managed. Our synthesis of data from autonomic dysregulation in paediatric brain injury has led to increased knowledge and a better understanding of its underpinnings, leading to the development of application protocols in children with RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Evamaria Lanzarini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Infermi Hospital, Rimini, Italy
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Centre for Personalised Medicine in Rett Syndrome, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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Wankhede V, Buchser E. A Case of Pocket Fill Causing Baclofen Withdrawal. Neuromodulation 2019; 22:843-844. [DOI: 10.1111/ner.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity and Clinical Considerations for Patients With Acquired Brain Injuries. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 98:65-72. [DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000000990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Pucks-Faes E, Hitzenberger G, Matzak H, Verrienti G, Schauer R, Saltuari L. Intrathecal baclofen in paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity: Impact on oral treatment. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e01124. [PMID: 30264872 PMCID: PMC6236240 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is a commonly used treatment in severe spasticity. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of ITB on reduction or withdrawal of oral drugs in patients with paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) after severe traumatic brain injury. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 20 patients with PSH due to severe traumatic brain injury who were treated with ITB in a primary care and referral center of neurology. Rates of and time until complete withdrawal or possible reduction in oral baclofen and oral propranolol after ITB treatment were calculated. Moreover, vegetative parameters (heart rate and blood pressure) as well as hypertonic attacks were assessed. RESULTS The median time of complete oral baclofen disposal was 5 ± 3.7 (CI 95% [2.9-7.1], range 0-14) days after ITB pump implantation in 20 of 20 patients, and the median time of complete oral propranolol disposal was 24 ± 62.97 (CI 95% [-7.87-55.87], range 5-191) in 15 of 20 patients. With ITB treatment, PSH improved promptly in all patients with alleviation of heart rate and blood pressure as well as reduction in attacks with motor phenomena. ITB treatment was safe and without complications. CONCLUSIONS ITB might facilitate cutting back or dispensing with other conventional oral drugs, such as oral baclofen and oral propranolol. Our study provides further evidence that ITB treatment should be considered in patients with otherwise medically refractory PSH in severe traumatic brain injury. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Robert Schauer
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, Zirl, Austria
| | - Leopold Saltuari
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, Zirl, Austria.,Research Unit for Neurorehabilitation, South Tyrol, Bolzano, Italy
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Injury of the Hypothalamus in Patients With Hypoxic–Ischemic Brain Injury. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 97:160-163. [DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000000813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Feng Y, Zheng X, Fang Z. Treatment Progress of Paroxysmal Sympathetic Hyperactivity after Acquired Brain Injury. Pediatr Neurosurg 2015; 50:301-9. [PMID: 26352612 DOI: 10.1159/000439282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) is a common complication of various acquired brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, anoxic brain injury, intracerebral hemorrhage, and others. It is manifested by tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, diaphoresis, and dystonic posturing. The development of PSH can prolong hospitalization and lead to secondary brain injury and even death. Despite the awareness of the serious clinical impact, there is no consensus on diagnostic criteria. Thus, misdiagnosis and delayed recognition is very common. Most of the current treatment programs come from case reports and small case series; there are very few large-scale randomized controlled trials. Generally accepted medications are opioids, β-blockers and gabapentin (usually used in combination). However, the efficacy of these drugs has not been systematically assessed. The purpose of this review is to determine the treatment strategies and drugs commonly used for PSH at the overall level.
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Borrini L, Bensmail D, Thiebaut JB, Hugeron C, Rech C, Jourdan C. Occurrence of adverse events in long-term intrathecal baclofen infusion: a 1-year follow-up study of 158 adults. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2014; 95:1032-8. [PMID: 24407102 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2013.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the frequency and types of adverse events (AEs) related to intrathecal baclofen (ITB) therapy in adults, and associated risk factors. DESIGN A prospective, observational cohort study of adults followed up from January 1 to December 31, 2010. SETTING A neurologic rehabilitation department in a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS All consecutive adult subjects (N=158) receiving ITB via a pump, either implanted or followed up during the study period. INTERVENTION Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency and type of AEs. RESULTS In 2010, 158 subjects were followed up for ITB therapy, of whom 128 were implanted before 2010 (nonsurgical subjects), and 30 underwent implantation in 2010 (surgical subjects). Of these 30 subjects, 20 were "newly implanted" and 10 were "replacements." The most frequent pathologic disorders were spinal cord injury (42%) and multiple sclerosis (28%). Twenty-eight subjects (18%) experienced a total of 38 AEs. The rate of AEs was .023 per month of ITB treatment. AEs were related to the surgical procedure in 53% of cases, to the device in 29% (predominantly catheter dysfunctions), and to adverse effects of baclofen in 18%. AEs related to the surgical incision (scar complications and collections) were more frequent in replacement than newly implanted subjects (P=.009). No significant association between occurrence of an AE and subject characteristics (age, gait capacity, spinal vs cerebral spasticity, duration of ITB therapy follow-up) was found. Nearly half of the AEs were serious, extending admission time by a mean of 16 days. No AE induced long-term morbidity or death. CONCLUSIONS The AE rate was relatively low in this cohort. This has to be balanced against the clinical, functional, and quality-of-life improvements, which are expected from ITB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léo Borrini
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Percy Military Hospital, Clamart, France.
| | - Djamel Bensmail
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France; Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines University, Versailles, France
| | | | - Caroline Hugeron
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France
| | - Célia Rech
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France
| | - Claire Jourdan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France; Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines University, Versailles, France
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