Rinsho Shinkeigaku (Clinical Neurology)

Original Article

National Questionnaire Survey on the Actual Use and Content Evaluation of the human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) -associated Myelopathy (HAM) Practice Guidelines 2019

Naoki Takao, M.D., Ph.D.1), Tomoo Sato, M.D., Ph.D.1)2), Junji Yamauchi, M.D., Ph.D.1)2), Naoko Yagishita2), Erika Horibe2) and Yoshihisa Yamano, M.D., Ph.D.1)2)

1) Department of Neurology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine
2) Department of Rare Diseases Research, Institute of Medical Science, St. Marianna University School of Medicine

It is not enough to just create medical practice guidelines; they are also required to be implemented into practice. Therefore, we surveyed specialists to determine the extent of the dissemination of the “HAM Practice Guidelines 2019,” to quantify gaps, identify challenges, and understand needs in daily practice. The survey also revealed that the 25% of the specialists were unaware of the tests required for confirming human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) infection. Additionally, they had insufficient knowledge of the HTLV-1 infection. About 90.7% of the specialists agreed with the policy of determining treatment intensity based on disease activity. However, the implementation rate of cerebrospinal fluid marker measurement, which is useful for this assessment, was as low as 27%. Hence, it is important to use the findings of this study to further promote awareness about this issue.
Full Text of this Article in Japanese PDF (1965K)

(CLINICA NEUROL, 63: 433|440, 2023)
key words: human T-cell leukemia virus type I, HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, Clinical Practice Guideline 2019, evidence practice gap, quality of life

(Received: 27-Mar-23)