Autonomic dysfunction in multiple sclerosis is related to disease activity and progression of disability

2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 327-334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Flachenecker ◽  
Karlheinz Reiners ◽  
Miriam Krauser ◽  
Annalaska Wolf ◽  
Klaus V Toyka
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Autonomic Dysfunction ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sympathetic Dysfunction ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Parasympathetic Dysfunction ◽  
Active Change

Background: Autonomic dysfunction is frequently observed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) but the evolution over time and the relationship to clinical characteristics are not yet established. Objectives: We investigated the correlation of disease activity and progression of disability with composite scores of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and serum levels of catecholamines in a cross-sectional study of patients with clinically active and clinically stable MS. In a longitudinal study of clinically active MS patients, we performed cardiovascular reflex tests for up to 2 years. Methods: Twenty-six patients with clinically active relapsing-remitting MS, age 33.0+7.3 years, and nine patients with clinically stable MS, age 41.3+10.9 were studied. Twenty-four healthy volunteers served as controls. Standard autonomic tests were repeated at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months in 18 of the 26 active patients participating in a placebo-controlled trial with interferon-b-1a. Parasympathetic dysfunction was assessed by heart rate response to the Valsalva manoeuvre, deep breathing and active change of posture, while sympathetic dysfunction was analysed by blood pressure response to active change of posture and to sustained handgrip, and by measuring levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine in serum obtained in the supine position. Results: In the cross-sectional study, the number of patients with at least one abnormal sympathetic test was higher in the `active' patient group (39%) than in healthy controls (8%, P50.02) or `stable' patients (0%, P50.04), while no difference was seen in the parasympathetic score. Median catecholamine levels were significantly lower in `active' MS patients than in those with stable disease (norepinephrine, 204 ng/l (interquartile range 158-310 ng/l) vs 363 ng/l (269-507 ng/l), P50.02 and epinephrine, 23 ng/l (16-28 ng/l) vs 32 ng/l (24-107 ng/l), P50.04). In the subgroup of patients studied longitudinally, parasympathetic but not sympathetic dysfunction increased slightly during the follow-up period, with a significant correlation to the increase in clinical disability (r=0.7, P50.002). No difference was seen for any of the autonomic scores between patients treated with interferon-b (n=12) and those receiving placebo (n=6). During acute exacerbations, only parasympathetic dysfunction tended to increase in parallel with a deterioration in the EDSS. Conclusions: Parasympathetic dysfunction was closely related to the progression of disability in patients with MS. In contrast, sympathetic dysfunction was associated to the clinical activity of MS. This is in line with previous observations suggesting that the autonomic nervous system may be intimately linked with the disordered immune regulation in MS.

scholarly journals Nutritional status of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients attending Kasr Alainy MS unit: an exploratory cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeinab E. Afifi ◽  
Rania I. Shehata ◽  
Asmaa F. El Sayed ◽  
El Sayed M. Hammad ◽  
Marwa R. Salem
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Measurement ◽  
Impact Scale

Abstract Background Nutrition was claimed to be a factor in MS causation, course, complications, and management. Several studies were conducted to assess the nutritional status of MS patients; however, few studies were conducted to assess this problem in Egypt. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to assess the nutritional status of a sample of MS patients. Methods The researchers conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study among 76 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients attending Kasr Alainy Multiple Sclerosis Unit (KAMSU) from October 2018 to January 2019 to assess the nutritional status of a sample of MS patients. Data were collected using a structured interview questionnaire including an inquiry about the socioeconomic status, and nutritional status using anthropometric measurements, patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA), semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires (SQFFQ), and hemoglobin level measurement. Assessment of fatigue was done using the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale 5-items version. Results The mean age of the study participants was 30 ± 6 years. The disease duration ranged from 2 to 264 months. Malnutrition was prevalent among 67.1% (27.6 % overweight, 36.8% obese, and 2.6% underweight). Half of the investigated patients were anemic. According to the PG-SGA, more than half of the studied patients (53.9%) were classified as moderately or suspected malnourished. The unhealthy dietary habits such as taking only a few meals, junk food intake and skipping breakfast were observed in considerable proportions of the group. The SQFFQ revealed overconsumption of energy and fat, and less than acceptable consumption of dietary fibers by most of the studied patients. Conclusions Overweight, obesity, anemia, and unhealthy dietary habits were prevalent among the RRMS patients attending the KAMSU. Nutrition care service is extremely needed for this group of patients.

scholarly journals The pattern of thyroiditis in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nearmeen M. Rashad ◽  
Marwa G. Amer ◽  
Waleed M. Reda Ashour ◽  
Hassan M. Hassanin
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Interferon Beta ◽  
Demyelinating Disease ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cmv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Disease Modifying Drugs

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with varied clinical features. Disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) of MS associated with different types of thyroiditis. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in MS and to investigate the association between DMDs and the risk of thyroiditis in MS. A cross-sectional study included 100 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in relapse, and the diagnosed was according to revised McDonald’s criteria 2010. Results Our results revealed that the prevalence of thyroiditis was 40%; autoimmune (34%) and infective (6%) among patients with RRMS in relapse and cerebellar symptoms were significantly higher in patients with thyroiditis compared to patients without thyroiditis. Regarding the association between DMDs and thyroiditis, the prevalence of patients treated with interferon-beta-1b was higher in MS patients with thyroiditis compared to MS patients without thyroiditis. However, the prevalence of patients treated with interferon-beta-1a was lower in MS patients with thyroiditis compared to MS patients without thyroiditis. In addition, we found CMV infection was more common in patients treated by interferon beta-1b and candida infection was common in patients treated by fingolimod. Conclusions Thyroiditis is commonly observed in patients with RRMS in relapse and higher prevalence of patients treated with interferon-beta-1b which is commonly associated with thyroiditis and CMV infection; however, candida thyroid infection was common in MS patients treated by fingolimod.

scholarly journals AB0499 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT IN TUNISIAN PATIENTS WITH SPONDYLOARTHRITIS: THE IPAQ EVALUATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1277.1-1277
Author(s):  
F. Majdoub ◽  
M. Sellami ◽  
S. Miladi ◽  
A. Fazaa ◽  
L. Souabni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Tnf Inhibitor ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tunisian Patients ◽  
Different Levels

Background:The occurrence of Spondyloarthritis (SpA) often conditions patients’ quality of life and hinders their well-being. Physical activity (PA) is associated with various health-related benefits among adults with chronic inflammatory rheumatism but may be insufficiently performed.Objectives:This study aimed to assess PA in patients with SpA and explore its associated factors.Methods:This is a single-center cross-sectional study, involving patients with SpA, visiting our outpatient hospital over eight weeks. Patients responded to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short form (IPAQ-S).Results:Sixty patients were included (39 M/21 F) with an average age of 45.8 years [25-78]. The mean duration of SpA was 13.2 years [1-25]. About 80% of patients were from an urban setting. Sixty-three percent of patients had a professional activity, while 13.3% were retired. Twenty-nine patients (48.3%) had axial and peripheral form, 18 patients (30%) had SpA with enteropathic arthritis, 8 (13.3%) with psoriatic arthritis, 3 patients (5%) had axial spondyloarthritis, and only 2 patients (3.3%) with SAPHO-Syndrom. About 23% of patients had hip arthritis and only 5% had uveitis. Fifty-eight patients were on TNF-inhibitor (21/58 Adalimumab, 15/58 Infliximab, 14/58 Etanercept, 8/58 Golimumab). The average BASDAI was 2.7/10. The average ASDASCRP was 2.1/10. The average BASFI was 3.3/10. IPAQ results were distributed as follows: 78.3% of patients were in the « low physical activity » category, 21.7% were in the « moderate physical activity » while none of the patients were in the « high physical activity ». Patients without employment had lower levels of physical activity (29.7%) but no association was observed between those two items (p=0.082). Disease activity objectified with BASDAI was related to low physical activity (p=0.045) whereas no association was observed with ASDASCRP (p=0.870) or BASFI (p=0.056). Otherwise, TNF-inhibitor treatment was not related to different levels of PA (p=0.09).Conclusion:Tunisian patients with SpA don’t perform enough physical activity. Except for high disease activity, the different levels of PA did not appear to be explained by other disease-related variables. Thereby, physical activity should be encouraged in SpA.References:[1]Fabre, S., Molto, A., Dadoun, S. et al. Physical activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: a cross-sectional study of 203 patients. Rheumatol Int 36, 1711–1718 (2016).Disclosure of Interests:None declared.

Central neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis is associated with impaired innocuous thermal pathways and neuronal hyperexcitability

Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Rivel ◽  
Anat Achiron ◽  
Mark Dolev ◽  
Yael Stern ◽  
Gaby Zeilig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Sensory Testing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Central Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Thermal Grill Illusion

Abstract Objective About a third of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) suffer from chronic and excruciating central neuropathic pain (CNP). The mechanism underlying CNP in MS is not clear, since previous studies are scarce and their results are inconsistent. Our aim was to determine whether CNP in MS is associated with impairment of the spinothalamic-thalamocortical pathways (STTCs) and/or increased excitability of the pain system. Design Cross sectional study Setting General hospital Subjects 47 MS patients with CNP, 42 MS patients without CNP, and 32 healthy controls. Methods Sensory testing included the measurement of temperature, pain, and touch thresholds and the thermal grill illusion (TGI) for evaluating STTCs function, and hyperpathia and allodynia as indicators of hyperexcitability. CNP was characterized using interviews and questionnaires. Results The CNP group had higher cold and warm thresholds (p < 0.01), as well as higher TGI perception thresholds (p < 0.05), especially in painful body regions compared to controls, whereas touch and pain thresholds values were normal. The CNP group also had a significantly greater prevalence of hyperpathia and allodynia. Regression analysis revealed that whereas presence of CNP was associated with a higher cold threshold, CNP intensity, and the number of painful body regions were associated with allodynia and hyperpathia, respectively. Conclusions CNP in MS is characterized by a specific impairment of STTC function; the innocuous thermal pathways, and by pain hyperexcitability. Whereas CNP presence is associated with STTC impairment, its severity and extent are associated with pain hyperexcitability. Interventions that reduce excitability level may therefore mitigate CNP severity.

scholarly journals POS1274 THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF RHEUMATOLOGISTS VERSUS OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGISTS OF CERVICOGENIC DIZZINESS

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 921.2-922
Author(s):  
M. Yasmine ◽  
K. Maatallah ◽  
H. Ferjani ◽  
W. Triki ◽  
D. Ben Nsib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Treatment Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Standard Assessment ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Cervicogenic Dizziness ◽  
No Gold Standard

Background:The treatment of patients presenting with cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) may be challenging. Indeed, there is no consensual treatment approach for CGD, nor is there no gold-standard assessment for diagnosis.Objectives:Our study aimed to assess the management of CGD by rheumatologists versus otorhinolaryngologists.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study including Tunisian doctors dealing with CGD. Rheumatologists (RTO) and otorhinolaryngologists (ORL) were invited to answer a questionnaire via google form about CGD daily management. Outcomes of interest were treatment modalities.Results:The study included 30 RTO and 32 ORL. Most of the doctors (RTO, vs ORL) were females (88.3%, vs 56.3%), aged between 35 and 45 (43.3%, vs 62.5%), and worked at a private practice (33.3%, vs 59.4%). The number of patients diagnosed with CGD by RTO was as follows: 1-2 per year (33.3%), 1-2 per month (18.8%), 1-2 per week (20%), less than one patient a year (10%) and none in 3.3% of cases. The number of patients diagnosed with CGD by ORL was as follows: 1-2 per year (50%), 1-2 per month (33.3%), 1-2 per week (6.2%), less than one patient a year (15.7%) and none (9.4%). Most patients presenting with CGD were females in both groups (93.1%, vs 82.8% respectively) with a mean age between 36 and 65 (79.3%, vs 82.1%). Most of the respondents declared treating patients with CGD (93.1%, vs 79.1%). Regarding treatment modalities, physical therapy was the most prescribed in both specialties (81.5% and 48.3%, respectively). Only RTO (18.5%) prescribed manual therapy. Concerning medical treatment, anti-inflammatory were the most prescribed drugs in both groups (92.6, and 34.5%, respectively). Sixty-seven percent of RTO prescribed anti-vertigo medication. Interestingly, it was the least prescribed drug by ORL (6.9%). Only RTO (59.3%) prescribed Muscle relaxants.Conclusion:Despite the disparities in the management of CGD, physical therapy remains the first prescribed treatment by Tunisian doctors. Further studies are needed to establish a consensus to treat CGD.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals The status of integrated care on the chronic abuse of alcohol response - A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Moreira de Sousa ◽  
L Lopes ◽  
P Costa ◽  
G Martins-Coelho ◽  
R Capucho
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Alcohol Abuse ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Treatment Team ◽  
Health Administration ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Index Value

Abstract Background In 2017, the risk-weighted prevalence of alcohol consumption was the health indicator with a more negative impact on the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation Sustainable Development Goals Health Index Value in Portugal. According to data from 2012-14, the Alto Tâmega and Barroso (ATB) had the highest value of Years of potential life lost (YPLL) in North Portugal - 4570,1/10.000 people. Liver chronic disease was the specific cause of death that contributed to the value of YPLL - 465,4/10.000 people. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the Northern Health Administration and the General Directorate for Intervention on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies. We compared the number of patients with chronic alcohol consumption (CAC) in 2018, the leading causes of death between 2012-14, the main morbidity causes according to data from primary healthcare (PHC) physicians in 2018 and the number of patients in specialized treatment team (STT) for alcohol abuse treatment in 2018 in ATB. Results In 2018, 2643 patients of ATB had a diagnosis of CAC; only 178 were followed by an STT. Although CAC had a massive influence on YPLL, this was only the 11º cause of morbidity in ATB according to the data from PHC. The number of women with CAC was stable between 2012 (n = 284) and 2018 (n = 291). In the same period, there was an increase of 52,86% of CAC on men (n = 1523 to n = 2348). Even though 18,4% of YPLL due to chronic liver disease happen in women, only 11,2%of the patients with CAC in the PHC are women. Conclusions There is a need for the improvement of CAC diagnosis in PHC, and the improvement of referral of patients to STT and hospital care. Besides, to reach the SDG3, there is the need to work intensely on SDG 17 (partnership for the goals). The Public Health Unit of ATB is organizing Operation PROMETEU to improve communication, institutional collaboration, and monitoring of the existing health activities that are tackling CAC. Key messages The need to integrate data from different healthcare sources for a better analysis on health problems. The urgent need to tackle the alcohol abuse problem in ATB.

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