Tropical spastic paraparesis overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Tropical spastic paraparesis''' is an [[infection]] of the [[spinal cord]] by [[Human T-lymphotropic virus]] resulting in [[paraparesis]] or weakness of the legs. As the name suggests, it is most common in [[tropical]] regions, including the [[Caribbean]] and [[Africa]]. | '''Tropical spastic paraparesis''' is an [[infection]] of the [[spinal cord]] by [[Human T-lymphotropic virus]] resulting in [[paraparesis]] or weakness of the legs. As the name suggests, it is most common in [[tropical]] regions, including the [[Caribbean]] and [[Africa]]. | ||
==Medical Therapy== | ==Treatment== | ||
===Medical Therapy=== | |||
There is no established treatment program for HAM/TSP although some patients may be given [[steroids]]. Clinical studies using [[interferon|interferon alpha]] and [[plasmapheresis]] have not shown significant patient improvement. [[Spasticity]] may be treated with [[lioresal]] or [[tizanidine]]. Urinary dysfunction should be treated with self-catheterization or [[oxybutynin]]. | There is no established treatment program for HAM/TSP although some patients may be given [[steroids]]. Clinical studies using [[interferon|interferon alpha]] and [[plasmapheresis]] have not shown significant patient improvement. [[Spasticity]] may be treated with [[lioresal]] or [[tizanidine]]. Urinary dysfunction should be treated with self-catheterization or [[oxybutynin]]. | ||
==Primary Prevention== | ===Primary Prevention=== | ||
Blood transfusion products are screened for [[HTLV-1]] antibodies. | Blood transfusion products are screened for [[HTLV-1]] antibodies. | ||
Revision as of 18:54, 11 December 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Tropical spastic paraparesis is an infection of the spinal cord by Human T-lymphotropic virus resulting in paraparesis or weakness of the legs. As the name suggests, it is most common in tropical regions, including the Caribbean and Africa.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
There is no established treatment program for HAM/TSP although some patients may be given steroids. Clinical studies using interferon alpha and plasmapheresis have not shown significant patient improvement. Spasticity may be treated with lioresal or tizanidine. Urinary dysfunction should be treated with self-catheterization or oxybutynin.
Primary Prevention
Blood transfusion products are screened for HTLV-1 antibodies.