Paroxysmal attacks in multiple sclerosis

2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 402-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Tüzün ◽  
G Akman-Demir ◽  
M Eraksoy

Paroxysmal attacks are short, frequent and stereotyped symptoms that can be observed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We evaluated retrospectively the clinical and neuroradiological findings of patients, who developed any paroxysmal attacks during the course of their disease. EDSS scores, MS clinical types and disease durations of 59 patients with paroxysmal attacks (Group 1) were compared to 586 consecutive patients without paroxysmal attacks recorded in our MS database (Group 2). Anatomical and clinical correlation was attempted in 31 of the patients who had MRI examinations performed within 6 months of the paroxysmal attacks. EDSS scores of patients in Group 1 at the time of the paroxysmal attacks were significantly lower than the scores at their last clinic visit, whereas there were no significant differences for other parameters. Our results demonstrate that paroxysmal attacks occur early in the course of the disease, when there is little or no neurologic disability and associated tissue damage.

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 1229-1238 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Kümpfel ◽  
L-A Gerdes ◽  
T Wacker ◽  
A Blaschek ◽  
J Havla ◽  
...  

Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an inherited autoinflammatory disease caused by mutations in the MEFV gene and characterized by recurrent febrile polyserositis. A possible association of FMF and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been suggested in cohorts from Turkey and Israel. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MEFV mutations in subjects with MS and in controls in Germany. Methods: One-hundred and fifty seven MS patients with at least one symptom or without symptoms suggestive of FMF from our outpatient clinic were investigated for mutations in exons 2, 3, and 10 of the MEFV gene (group 1). 260 independent MS patients (group 2) and 400 unrelated Caucasian controls (group 3) were screened selectively for the low-penetrance pyrin mutations E148Q and K695R Results: In group 1, 19 MS patients (12.1%) tested positive for a mutation in the MEFV gene, mainly the E148Q ( n=7) substitution. Fifteen of the 19 mutation-positive individuals reported at least one symptom suggestive of FMF. In three cases, we could identify additional family members with MS. In these pedigrees, the E148Q exchange co-segregated with MS ( p=0.026). Frequencies of the pyrin E148Q and K695R mutations were not statistically different between MS group 2 and controls but they occurred with a surprisingly high frequency in the German population. Conclusion: The MEFV gene appears to be another immunologically relevant gene locus which contributes to MS susceptibility. In particular, the pyrin E148Q mutation, which co-segregated with disease in three MS families, is a promising candidate risk factor for MS that should be further explored in larger studies.


Author(s):  
Tetiana Pohuliaieva

For the fi rst time in Ukraine, was explored the eff ect of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period on the further course of multiple sclerosis (MS) in sporadic and family forms of women giving birth at the preclinical stage (group 1) and against the background of the disease (group 2). Through the use of questioning method and clinical and neurological examination the following phenomena were studied. Namely, premonitory history; features of the course of the disease; the duration between labor and development of the onset of the illness in women of the 1st group and between the onset and labor in women of the 2nd group; obstetric and gynecological history; the eff ect of pregnancy and childbirth on the further course of MS. A total of 82 women were examined, 51 of them were giving birth at preclinical stage (group 1) and 31 — against the background of MS (group 2). In the 1st group with remitting course (RC), 26 women had a sporadic form and 5 — a family form; with progressive course (PC) — in 14 — sporadic and in 6 — family form. In the 2nd group with RC, 23 women had sporadic and 1 family form; with PC — 6 had sporadic and 1 family. Research has shown, the disease of majority of women from the first group has been developed after childbirth. Women from the second group with RC were giving birth most often after 5—10 years of the disease onset; with PC — after more than 10 years. According to the obstetric and gynecological history, differences were obtained during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period between two groups of women with different types of course. An assessment of the effects of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period of women from the 2nd group made it possible to identify criteria for various options for the further course of MS (such as improvement, stabilization, improvement through worsening, worsening), which are closely interrelated with the types of course of the disease. To sum up, an integrated analysis of the above mentioned outcome shows a positive eff ect of pregnancy and childbirth in the vast majority of women with RC and a high incidence of decline of women with PC. Key words: multiple sclerosis, types of course, sporadic and familial form, pregnancy and childbirth, obstetric and gynecological history, complications during pregnancy and childbirth


2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 440-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain Marignier ◽  
Jérôme De Sèze ◽  
Sandra Vukusic ◽  
Françoise Durand-Dubief ◽  
Hélène Zéphir ◽  
...  

Background A serum autoantibody biomarker, NMO-IgG has been recently described in patients with Devic's neuromyelitis optica (DNMO) and so called `high-risk' patients for this disease. Our objectives were to replicate the test and to assess its usefulness. Methods Indirect immunofluorescence with a substrate of adult rat cerebellum and midbrain was used to identify the distinctive NMO-IgG staining pattern. We tested masked sera from 26 patients with DNMO (group 1), 21 patients with idiopathic acute transverse myelitis (ATM) (group 2), 21 patients with bilateral and/or recurrent idiopathic optic neuritis (group 3), 52 patients with classical multiple sclerosis (MS) (group 4), 36 patients with HTLV-1 infection (group 5) and 7 patients with miscellaneous disorders (group 6). Results We identified a vascular staining pattern typical of NMO-IgG. This particular staining was observed in 14/26 samples in group 1, 7/21 in group 2 (positive only in longitudinally extensive acute transverse myelitis: 7/13), 4/21 in group 3 (with bilateral loss of vision in all seropositive cases), 5/52 in group 4 (none of them suggestive of DNMO), 0/36 in group 5 and 0/7 in group 6. Sensitivity of the test was 54% considering detection of DNMO (group 1), and specificity was respectively 94% and 90% when considering groups 4, 5 and 6 altogether or group 4 of MS patients only. Conclusion Detection of NMO-IgG is contributory to the distinction of DNMO and `DNMO high-risk' syndromes from MS. This test may allow earlier diagnosis and help therapeutic decisions. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 440—445. http://msj.sagepub.com


2010 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 1135-1141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew H. Samore ◽  
Claude Tonnerre ◽  
Elizabeth Lyon Hannah ◽  
Gregory J. Stoddard ◽  
Robert J. Borotkanics ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTStudies about the relationship between antibiotic consumption and carriage of antibiotic-resistantEscherichia coliin individual patients have yielded conflicting results. The goal of this study was to identify individual- and household-level factors associated with carriage of ampicillin (AMP)-resistantE. coliduring consumption of a course of oral antibiotics. We enrolled outpatients and their families in a prospective household study of AMP-resistant or AMP-susceptibleE. colicarriage. Two kinds of index patients were identified. Group 1 consisted of outpatients who were being initiated on a new antibiotic course at the time of a clinic visit, and group 2 consisted of outpatients not starting antibiotics. Each participant was asked to submit three stool swab samples (at baseline, week 1, and week 4) and to complete a questionnaire. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on each phenotypically distinctE. colicolony. The study included 149 group 1 households (total, 570 participants) and 38 group 2 households (total, 131 participants). AMP-resistantE. coliwas recovered from 29% of stool samples. Observed associations with antibiotic exposure varied by drug class. Penicillins, which were the most frequently prescribed drug class, were associated with a modest increase in AMP-resistantE. colicarriage and a modest decrease in AMP-susceptibleE. colicarriage. Neither change by itself was statistically significant. Macrolides were associated with reduced carriage of both AMP-resistantE. coliand AMP-susceptibleE. coli(P< 0.05). Both AMP-resistant and AMP-susceptibleE. colidemonstrated household clustering (P< 0.001). In summary, the overall effect of antibiotics on individual risk of carriage of AMP-resistantE. coliwas small. However, even a modest alteration of the competitive balance between AMP-resistant and AMP-susceptibleE. colimay promote population spread of resistantE. coli. Examining changes in both resistant and susceptible organisms in antibiotic-treated individuals and their close contacts improves understanding of antibiotic selection pressure.


2019 ◽  
Vol 236 (04) ◽  
pp. 425-428
Author(s):  
Mohamed Sherif ◽  
Ciara Bergin ◽  
François-Xavier Borruat

Abstract Background Optic neuritis (ON) is a frequent manifestation of demyelinating attack in multiple sclerosis (MS). Initial visual loss can vary from minimal to complete. Visual improvement occurs in about 95% of patients, some of them recovering to normal [visual acuity (VA), color vision, visual field (VF)]. We analyzed retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) thickness in MS patients who recovered their normal vision after ON to determine whether a relative preservation of RGCL existed in these patients. Materials and Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all patients with MS and ON examined by one of us (F. X. B.) between 2013 and 2018. Inclusion criteria were strictly unilateral ON, full recovery of vision, computerized visual field, and OCT examinations. Full recovery of vision was defined as VA ≥ 10/10, Ishihara ≥ 11/13, and VF mean defect (MD) ≤ 2.6 dB. Evaluation of RGCL was obtained with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The normal fellow eye of all patients served as the control group. Relative thinning of RGCL, expressed as percentage, was calculated by comparing results from the affected eye to the fellow eye of the same patient. Results Twenty-one patients (21 affected eyes – Group 1, 21 normal fellow eyes – Group 2) satisfying the inclusion criteria were retrieved from our database. All patients exhibited the relapsing-remitting form of MS. There were 16 women and 5 men. Mean age was 39.3 years old. There were no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 for either VA (p = 0.3934) or Ishihara (p = 0.140), but a significant difference was found for VF MD (p = 0.0405). A markedly significant difference for RGCL thickness (p = 0.0001) was found, without any correlation with the degree of visual recovery. A subgroup of patients (n = 14) was examined at the time of initial visual loss. We correlated their results of visual function to the final RGCL thickness, and a correlation was found between either the initial VA loss or the initial VF loss and the final loss of RGCL (R2 = 0.4075 and R2 = 0.00739, respectively). Conclusions In our study, all patients with ON lost a significant amount of RGCL despite a full recovery of vision, as defined by our criteria. The percentage of RGCL loss varied from 5 – 27% and could not be correlated with any final visual indices. However, a correlation was found with the degree of initial visual loss. Despite sometimes marked RGCL loss after ON, patients with MS can recover normal visual function, according to standard clinical tests.


Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 5329-5329
Author(s):  
Beau Snoad ◽  
Samantha Hudzik ◽  
Douglas W Sborov ◽  
Nita Williams ◽  
Desiree Jones ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Hypogonadism, i.e. low total testosterone, is present in approximately a quarter of men older than 70 years (Harman SM et al, J. Clin Endo & Met, 2001, PMID 11158037 and Wu FCW et al, J Clin Endo & M et, 2008, PMID 18270261). Myeloma patients are known to suffer from fatigue and decreased functional performance, mood disturbances, and anemia; similar trends have been found in people with hypogonadism. Cytogenetically high risk myeloma characterized by the amplification of 1q21 is associated with increased serum levels of soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6r) (Stephens OW, Blood, 2012, PMID 22072558). We hypothesized that total testosterone levels will be associated with overall survival from the time of diagnosis, presence of 1q21 amplification by CD138-selected FISH, anemia, and anti-depressant use. Methods: The Buckeye Myeloma Registry (OSU 10115) opened in 2011 to enroll any patient with a plasma cell dyscrasia. Serum total testosterone was measured at the time of the initial clinic visit to the myeloma group at Ohio State. Less than 325 ng/dL was defined as the hypogonadal range, and testosterone was divided into <100 (group 1), 100-240 (group 2), 240-325 (group 3), and greater than 325 ng/dL (group 4), although normal testosterone decreases with age. Female patient testosterone levels were also analyzed and divided into <10 (group 1), 10-60 ng/dL (group 2), and >60 ng/dL (group 3). A retrospective chart review was initiated to review all myeloma patients with a serum testosterone drawn at the time of their initial clinic visit to OSU. Results: Among 418 male MM patients, median age was 65 y.o. (range 24-95), 86% were Caucasian and 14% African-American, and the distribution of ISS stage was 32% stage 1, 22% stage 2, and 19% stage 3 with 28% missing staging data. Cytogenetic data was missing from 28% of patients. Out of 418 male MM patients, 29 (7%) had serum testosterone <100, 202 (48%) with testosterone 100-240, 79 (19%) with testosterone 241-325, and 108 (26%) > 325 ng/dL. Out of 172 female MM patients, 44 (26%) had an undetectable serum testosterone, 120 (70%) with testosterone 10-60, and 8 (5%) with testosterone > 60. Among male MM patients, log-rank [Mantel-Cox] analysis of overall survival with serum testosterone including all 4 groups demonstrated no significant differences (p=0.917) with only 80 events. Among 275 male MM patients with cytogenetic information available, there was no correlation between presence of 1q21 trisomies or tetrasomies and overall survival (r=0.0714, p=0.238). There was a strong and expected correlation between testosterone and BMI (r=0.14, p=0.00468). Among 161 total female MM patients, log-rank analysis with serum testosterone including all 3 groups also demonstrated no differences (p=0.416) with only 29 events in total. Among 101 females with cytogenetic information, there was also no correlation with 1q21 amplification (r=0.0895, p=0.373). Conclusion: The majority of male MM patients (74%) have secondary hypogonadism and approximately half have total testosterone levels <240 ng/dL. Cox proportional hazards analyses of survival adjusted for significant univariate covariates will be presented at the meeting. Correlations with anemia and medication use (specifically opiates and anti-depressants) will also be presented at the meeting. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2008 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio Semeraro Jordy ◽  
Charles Peter Tilbery ◽  
Mirella Martins Fazzito

BACKGROUND: Since 1997, immunological modulators have been used for treatment of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) in the Multiple Sclerosis Attendance and Treatment Center (CATEM) with significant alterations in this disease natural history. AIM: To add data on the experience of CATEM for the treatment of RRMS patients that had immunomodulators. METHOD: RRMS patients that received continuously immunomodulator drugs were evaluated on adherence, migration, withdrawal and progression rates. The patients were divided in three groups by the period of immunomodulators intake. RESULTS: There were registered in Group 1 withdrawal in 98 patients (25%) and adherence in 292 cases (74%); Group 2 interruption of therapy in 140 patients, 92 (31%) due to progression for PSMS, 14 (5%) for pregnancy, withdrawal in 34 (11%), adherence in 88%; Group 3 progression in 41 (26%), pregnancy in 3 (2%) withdrawal in 42 (27%) and adherence in 72%. The migration rate was about one third (31.57%) and the principal cause was therapeutic failure; the mean migrating time was 0.5-2.5 years in group 3. CONCLUSION: Immunomodulatory treatment for RRMS patients may have significant levels of failure and side effects; the adherence was compatible with the international literature.


2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 636-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Patricia Leuschen ◽  
Mary Filipi ◽  
Kathleen Healey

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients initiating IFN b-1a, Avonex, therapy (Group 1, n-30) or experiencing side effects after 6 months on therapy (Group 2, n-30) were randomized for 5 weeks open label adjunct therapy to naproxen (Aleve®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®)or ibuprofen (Advil®). Our hypothesis was that non-prescription pain medications are effective in decreasing or alleviating the side effects associated with IFN b-1a therapy. Contrary to the hypothesis, most patients in both groups continued to report side effects on all pain medications. After 5 weeks, headache, fever, chills and injection site pain were low in5-50% of patients. Moderate to significant fatigue, muscle or joint pain continued in most patients. As a quality of life measure, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (mFIS) improved for Group 1 on naproxen or ibuprofen with greatest improvement in physical subset (P-0.002 for naproxen and PB-0.01 for ibuprofen). Total mFIS for Group 1 on acetaminophen improved (P-0.04) due to improved cognitive subset rather than physical subset. Group 2, with side effects initially, reported less significant fatigue (severity 5-10) but more moderate fatigue (severity 2-4) at study end for all three medications. All medications improved cognitive subset (P=0.05). Physical mFIS subset did not improve for Group 2 on acetaminophen, but did with naproxen (P=0.05) or ibuprofen (P=0.03). Naproxen and ibuprofen were more effective than acetaminophen in minimizing physical side effects of IFN b-1a. None of the three pain medications tested were as effective as hypothesized for minimizing fatigue or muscle and joint pain.


MedAlliance ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-42

ntroduction. Coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Interleu- kin-6 receptor inhibitors, including tocilizumab, are used for the anti-inflammatory therapy of COVID-19. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical, lab and radia- tion characteristics of surviving and deceased patients with severe COVID-19 and pneumonia caused by SARS- CoV-2 who received tocilizumab and identify features that were associated with various outcomes. Methods. The medical records of 31 hospitalized COVID-19 pa- tients were stu died. All patients received a single dose of tocilizumab 400 mg. Two groups were created. Group 1 included 17 patients who were discharged with improve- ment, Group 2–14 fatal cases. The methods of parametric and nonparametric statistics were used for processing. Results. The condition of patients from Group 2 more often than in Group 1 was assessed as severe already at admission, p=0.022. Only 4 patients from Group 1 and all patients from Group 2 were allocated to the intensive care unit; the mechanical ventilation was used exclusively in group 2, p <0.001. The groups differed in terms of the SpO2 le vel, p=0.023, and the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) at admission, p=0.047, as well as in the vo- lume of lung tissue damage, p=0.027. Tocilizumab was admi nistered to all patients within a comparable period from the onset of the disease. There was an increase in the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in peripheral blood (NLR) by the day of its administration in Group 2, p=0.026. The NLR le vel increased even more significantly within 5–7 days after administration, p=0.045 (p=0.007 compared to baseline). The NLR value in Group 2 changed insigni- ficantly. The blood ferritin level in patients from Group 1 by the day of tocilizumab administration was lower than in Group 2, p=0.014, and decreased after the treatment, p=0.01, in contrast to Group 2. The decrease in the CRP concentration after the appointment of tocilizumab in Group 1 was also significant, p=0.001. Conclusions. The deceased COVID-19 patients who received tocilizu- mab were characterized, compared with the survivors, by the initially more severe course of the disease, more pronounced hypoxemia, as well as the volume of lung tissue damage and laboratory abnormalities, inclu ding the le vels of NLR, CRP and ferritin. Monitoring of these in- dicators appears to be necessary to assess the course of COVID-19 and make a decision on the anti-inflammatory therapy with tocilizumab.


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Ali K. Bidan ◽  
Nisreen A. Hamzah

<p>Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination. Currently, the cause of MS is unknown. An early and accurate diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is very important, since it allows early treatment initiation, which reduces the activity of the disease. The present study aimed to focus a light on the contribution of interlukin-35 (IL-35) and its relation to some hormones such as testosterone, progesterone, and prolactin (PRL) in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Twenty two enrollers (samples) attended from Teaching hospital of Baghdad were divided into two groups. Ten enrollers were described as healthy subject as control group as group 1 (G1) in range ages (20-30) years. Twelve male patients as group 2 (2) have been relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) matched in age with group 1 (G1).</p>


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