Predictors of Suicidal Ideation in People with Epilepsy Living in Korea

Background and Purpose

The risk of suicide or suicide attempts is reported higher in people with epilepsy (PWE) than in the general population. Although epileptic, psychiatric, and psychosocial factors are known risk factors for suicide or suicide attempt, no studies have evaluated the predictors of the severity of suicidal ideation-which is a warning sign for suicide attempts-in PWE. Therefore, we measured the severity of suicidal ideation and its risk factors.

Methods

Consecutive PWE who were medicated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and attended epilepsy clinic were included in the study. The subjects completed self-reported questionnaires, which included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and Scale for Suicide Ideation-Beck (SSI-Beck). We compared the patients'' demographic and clinical variables, and BDI, BAI, and SCL-90-R scores with their SSI-Beck score, and used our findings to determine the predictors for suicidal ideation.

Results

In total, 257 PWE were enrolled in the study. SSI-Beck scores correlated strongly with several seizure-related variables, duration of education, IQ, BDI and BAI scores, and nine domains of the SCL-90-R questionnaire. However, the strongest predictor for suicidal ideation was BDI score (β=0.41, p<0.001), followed by several SCL-90-R domains, such as obsessive-compulsive (β=-0.39, p<0.001), depression (β=0.38, p<0.001), hostility (β=0.22, p=0.002), paranoid ideation (β=0.17, p=0.01), and IQ (β=-0.10, p=0.017). These variables explained 59% of the variance in the SSI-Beck score. The seizure-related variables that influenced the BDI score were seizure frequency, duration of education, MRI abnormality, and number of AEDs. However, these variables explained only 18% of the variance in the BDI score.

Conclusions

Major risk factors for suicidal ideation in PWE were depressive and psychiatric symptoms rather than seizure-related variables. Therefore, clinicians should focus on screening for depression and other psychiatric problems and treat them appropriately in order to reduce suicidal behavior in PWE. Since seizure-related variables also exhibited a minor role in determining depressive symptoms, stronger seizure-related risk factors for depression should be sought, such as seizure severity or psychosocial factors, to minimize suicidal behavior.     

Quality of life among epileptic patients in Qassim Region,KSA

Objectives:To explore the influence of epilepsy on quality of life (QoL) among people with epilepsy in Saudi Arabia, and its association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristic aspects in the Qassim region.Methods:A cross-sectional multi-centered study done in the Qassim region from June 2018 to May 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to 216 participants who attended the neurology clinic. We used a validated Arabic version of the QoL in Epilepsy (QOLIE-31) to measure the QoL.Results:The mean of the overall QOLIE-31 score was 64.23 ± 17.8. we found that employment status had a significant influence on the overall score (p<0.001) and all other QOL domains (rho ranged from -.136 for energy fatigue to -.193 for social function) Patients with focal seizures were significantly higher in emotional wellbeing (rho=-.159), seizure worry (rho=-.226), cognitive function (rho=-.166) and overall score (p=0.010) than patients with the generalized type. Monotherapy patients have higher scores in total (p<0.001) and all subscales except seizure worry and emotional wellbeing than those on polytherapy.Conclusion:Employment status, type of seizure, and AED number are the most important factors affecting Saudi patient’s QoL.

Many studies in multiple countries have tested quality of life (QoL) in epilepsy, and have highlighted areas of common concern. It has been shown that among Arabian people, epileptic patients are generally more susceptible to having higher levels of anxiety and depression.1 In Kenya, researchers have compared QoL between persons with epilepsy (PWE) and healthy people who have the same environment, social relationship, and living circumstances. These authors found that low education level, unemployment rate, unskilled employment, and low income were higher in PWE compared to their non-epileptic accompanying people.2 Despite the high prevalence rate in Saudi Arabia (6.54 per 1000),3 there has been limited research about the impact of QoL in epileptic patients. To better identify the factors that influence Saudi epilepsy patients, here we explore the influence of epilepsy on QoL among Saudi epileptic patients.     

Suicidality and Its Risk Factors in Korean People with Epilepsy: A MEPSY Study

Background and Purpose

People with epilepsy (PWE) are more likely to experience suicidality, with suicidal ideation and attempts, than people without epilepsy (PWoE). The aims of the present study were to determine 1) the characteristics of suicidality in Korean PWE, 2) whether PWE with suicidality receive psychiatric intervention, and 3) the risk factors for suicidality.

Methods

Patients who consecutively visited epilepsy clinics at secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals were recruited (n=684), along with age- and sex-matched PWoE (n=229). The presence of current major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and/or suicidality was established using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus Version 5.0.0. The Korean version of the Liverpool Adverse Events Profile (K-LAEP) was applied to detect adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Results

Suicidality was present in 208 (30.4%) of the 684 PWE. The rate of suicidality was 4.6 times higher among PWE than PWoE, and 108 (15.7%) PWE had suicidal ideation and had attempted suicide. Among those who had attempted suicide, 40.7% had made at least two attempts. The most common method of suicide attempt was drug overdose (34.9%). Unfortunately, of the 208 PWE with suicidality, 136 (65.4%) did not receive psychiatric intervention. The risk factors for suicidality were MDD [odds ratio (OR)=6.448, 95% confidence interval (CI)=3.739-11.120, p<0.001], GAD (OR=3.561, 95% CI=1.966-6.452, p<0.001), item scores of 3 or 4 on the K-LAEP (OR=2.688, 95% CI=1.647-4.387, p<0.001), and a history of febrile convulsion (OR= 2.188, 95% CI=1.318-3.632, p=0.002).

Conclusions

Suicidality is more prevalent in PWE than in PWoE. Clinicians should monitor psychiatric disorders and the adverse effects of AEDs in PWE in an attempt to reduce the incidence of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts in this patient population.     

Physical activity,stigma, and quality of life in patients with epilepsy

Indication of physical activity (PA) for people with epilepsy (PWE) is debatable. This study investigated whether the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) score is related to the clinical aspects of epilepsy, QOLIE-31, and the Stigma Scale of Epilepsy (SSE) score of 67 PWE at a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05).About one-third (32.8%) of the PWE were sedentary/irregularly active. Lower QOLIE-31 scores and higher SSE scores were found in PWE who did not practice PA for fear of seizures and in sedentary/irregularly active PWE. Twenty-three percent of the PWE stopped practicing PA for fear of seizures. The predictive factors in the logistic regression equation for not practicing physical activity for fear of seizures were the presence of depressive disorder (p = 0.049) and temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE-HS) (p = 0.024).Most PWE are sedentary and do not practice PA for fear of seizures. Physical activity is negatively influenced by clinical aspects of epilepsy. Less PA is associated with depressive disorder, worse quality of life, and higher perception of stigma.     

Correlation of the Beta-Trace Protein and Inflammatory Cytokines with Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Chronic Subdural Hematomas : A Prospective Study

Objective

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) detects various patterns, which can be attributed to many factors. The purpose of this study was to measure the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and highly specific protein [beta-trace protein (βTP)] for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in CSDHs, and correlate the levels of these markers with the MRI findings.

Methods

Thirty one patients, treated surgically for CSDH, were divided on the basis of MRI findings into hyperintense and non-hyperintense groups. The concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and βTP in the subdural fluid and serum were measured. The βTP was considered to indicate an admixture of CSF to the subdural fluid if βTP in the subdural fluid (βTP_SF)/βTP in the serum (βTP_SER)>2.

Results

The mean concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 of the hyperintense group (n=17) of T1-WI MRI were 3975.1±1040.8 pg/mL and 6873.2±6365.4 pg/mL, whereas them of the non-hyperintense group (n=14) were 2173.5±1042.1 pg/mL and 2851.2±6267.5 pg/mL (p<0.001 and p=0.004). The mean concentrations of βTP_SF and the ratio of βTP_SF/βTP_SER of the hyperintense group (n=13) of T2-WI MRI were 7.3±2.9 mg/L and 12.6±5.4, whereas them of the non-hyperintense group (n=18) were 4.3±2.3 mg/L and 7.5±3.9 (p=0.011 and p=0.011).

Conclusion

The hyperintense group on T1-WI MRI of CSDHs exhibited higher concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 than non-hyperintense group. And, the hyperintese group on T2-WI MRI exhibited higher concentrations of βTP_SF and the ratio of βTP_SF/βTP_SER than non-hyperintense group. These findings appear to be associated with rebleeding and CSF admixture in the CSDHs.     

Predictors of quality of life and their interrelations in Korean people with epilepsy: A MEPSY study

PurposePeople with epilepsy (PWE) are more likely to have impaired quality of life (QOL) than the general population. We studied predictors of QOL and their interrelations in Korean PWE.MethodsSubjects who consecutively visited outpatient clinics in four tertiary hospitals and one secondary care hospital were enrolled. These subjects completed the Korean version of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (K-NDDI-E), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-10 (QOLIE-10), and the Korean version of Liverpool Adverse Event Profile (K-LAEP). We evaluated the predictors of QOL by multiple regression analyses and verified the interrelations between the variables using a structural equation model.ResultsA total of 702 PWE were eligible for the study. The strongest predictor of the overall QOLIE-10 score was the K-LAEP score (β = −0.375, p < 0.001), followed by the K-NDDI-E score (β = −0.316, p < 0.001), seizure control (β = −0.152, p < 0.001), household income (β = −0.375, p < 0.001), and GAD-7 score (β = −0.119, p = 0.005). These variables explained 68.7% of the variance in the overall QOLIE-31 score. Depression and seizure control had a bidirectional relationship and exerted direct effects on QOL. These factors also exerted indirect effects on QOL by provoking adverse effects of AEDs. Anxiety did not have a direct effect on QOL; it had only indirect effect through the adverse effects of AEDs.ConclusionDepression, anxiety, seizure control, and adverse effects of AEDs have complex interrelations that determine the QOL of PWE.     

Effects of seizure severity and seizure freedom on the health-related quality of life of an African population of people with epilepsy

PurposeThis study aimed at determining the effects of seizure severity and seizure freedom on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of people with epilepsy (PWE) in the presence of perceived stigma in a sub-Saharan African culture.MethodsHealth-related quality of life was assessed using QOLIE-31 in 93 consecutive adults (56 males and 37 females) with epilepsy. They were stratified into seizure-free, low–moderate seizure severity, and high seizure severity groups based on the seizure type and the number of seizures in the previous 6 months. Other illness variables and sociodemographic variables were also obtained. A 3-item perceived stigma scale was administered. A modified QOLIE-31 (excluding the epilepsy-specific items) was given to 102 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.ResultsThere was moderate negative correlation between seizure severity and mean total HRQOL score as well as scores on the Seizure Worry (p = .000), Overall Quality of Life (p = .000), and Social Function (p = .001) subscales of QOLIE-31. Overall, the healthy control subjects had a higher mean HRQOL score compared with the PWE put together (71.0 + 11.1 vs 64.2 ± 13.6, p = .001). However, there was no difference in the mean HRQOL score between the seizure-free individuals and the healthy controls (p = .270). Seizure severity was associated with HRQOL independent of perceived stigma on a multiple regression analysis.ConclusionThis study provides evidence that seizure severity relates to health-related quality of life in an inverse, graded manner and independent of perceived stigma. Seizure-free people with epilepsy can have quality of life comparable with healthy individuals.     

Complementarity between 18F-FDG PET/CT and Ultrasonography or Angiography in Carotid Plaque Characterization

Background and Purpose

To estimate clinical roles of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) versus angiography and ultrasonography in carotid plaque characterization.

Methods

We characterized two groups of patients with recently (<1 month) symptomatic (n=14; age=71.8±8.6 years, mean±SD) or chronic (n=13, age=68.9±9.0 years) carotid stenosis using a battery of imaging tests: diffusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR or transfemoral angiography, duplex ultrasonography (DUS), and carotid FDG-PET/computed tomography.

Results

The degree of angiographic stenosis was greater in patients with recently symptomatic carotid plaques (67.5±21.5%) than in patients with chronic carotid plaques (32.4±26.8%, p=0.001). Despite the significant difference in the degree of stenosis, lesional maximum standardized uptake values (maxSUVs) on the carotid FDG-PET did not differ between the recently symptomatic (1.56±0.53) and chronic (1.56±0.34, p=0.65) stenosis groups. However, lesional-to-contralesional maxSUV ratios were higher in the recently symptomatic stenosis group (113±17%) than in the chronic stenosis group (98±10%, p=0.017). The grayscale median value of the lesional DUS echodensities was lower in the recently symptomatic stenosis group (28.2±10.0, n=9) than in the chronic stenosis group (53.9±14.0, n=8; p=0.001). Overall, there were no significant correlations between angiographic stenosis, DUS echodensity, and FDG-PET maxSUV. Case/subgroup analyses suggested complementarity between imaging modalities.

Conclusions

There were both correspondences and discrepancies between the carotid FDG-PET images and DUS or angiography data. Further studies are required to determine whether FDG-PET could improve the clinical management of carotid stenosis.     

Evaluation of Temperament and Character Features as Risk Factors for Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome

Background and Purpose

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep-related movement disorder that is frequently associated with psychological disturbances. Personality traits are of considerable importance with respect to coping with chronic illness and disease vulnerability. This study assessed the temperament and character traits of RLS patients using an approach that involves the psychobiological model of personality.

Methods

The personality features of 65 newly diagnosed and untreated RLS patients with no neurological or psychiatric diseases and 109 healthy controls were determined using the Temperament and Character Inventory and compared using covariance analyses. The International RLS Study Group Severity Scale was used to assess the severity of the RLS symptoms, and the Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms.

Results

RLS patients scored significantly higher than healthy controls on the temperament dimension of harm avoidance (HA, p=0.02) and significantly lower on self-directedness (SD, p=0.001). No significant difference was observed in terms of the temperament dimension of novelty seeking (p=0.435). HA scores were significantly correlated with the BDI score but not with the RLS severity or duration.

Conclusions

High HA and low SD scores are the main characterizing personality features of RLS patients. These personality dimensions may be among the factors predisposing patients to development of the depressive symptoms that are frequently associated with RLS.     

Effect of 20 mg/day Atorvastatin: Recurrent Stroke Survey in Chinese Ischemic Stroke Patients with Prior Intracranial Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose

Treatment with atorvastatin (80 mg) in stroke secondary prevention for patients with prior intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has been associated with a higher frequency of ICH. The aim of this study was to determine whether 20 mg/day atorvastatin is linked to stroke recurrence in Chinese ischemic stroke patients with prior ICH.

Methods

A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving 354 cases from 395 Chinese in-patients who had ischemic stroke with prior ICH history in Beijing Chaoyang hospital from May 1, 2005 to October 31, 2010. Survivors were followed by telephone interviews for 12-60 months. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier plot analysis were used to evaluate the effect of 20 mg/day atorvastatin on cerebral infarction and ICH recurrence.

Results

The overall rate of stroke recurrence was lower in the 20 mg/day atorvastatin group (χ²=6.687, p=0.022) than in the control group. The incidence of cerebral hemorrhage was increased by 20 mg/day atorvastatin for ischemic stroke cases with a history of ICH compared to those not receiving the drug, but the difference was not significant [hazard ratio (HR)=1.097, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.800-1.243, p=0.980]. The incidence of ischemic stroke recurrence was significantly reduced in subjects receiving atorvastatin (HR=0.723, 95% CI=0.578-0.862, p=0.028), and the mean duration of all stroke recurrences was significantly prolonged, compared with those not exposed to the drug (χ²=5.351, p=0.021). The mean duration of ICH recurrence appeared to have shortened with atorvastatin, but the difference was not significant (χ²=0.680, p=0.480), and the mean duration of cerebral infarction recurrence was significantly prolonged (χ²=8.312, p=0.004).

Conclusions

Medication with 20 mg/day atorvastatin may be beneficial in reducing ischemic stroke recurrence in ischemic stroke patients with a history of ICH and is not associated with an increased risk of ICH recurrence.     

Prognostic Role of Serum Levels of Uric Acid in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Background and Purpose

It has been suggested that oxidative stress is one of the pathomechanisms underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and thus antioxidants such as uric acid (UA) that could reduce oxidative stress might be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of this disease. The objective of this study was to prospectively investigate serum UA levels in Korean ALS patients and to relate them to disease progression.

Methods

ALS patients and healthy controls who were individually well-matched for sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) underwent blood testing for serum UA levels, and analyzed whether UA levels were correlated with the disease status of the patients, as defined by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R).

Results

The study included 136 ALS patients and 136 matched controls. The UA level was lower in the ALS patients (4.50±1.17 mg/dL, mean±SD) than in the controls (5.51±1.22 mg/dL; p<0.001). Among the ALS patients, the level of UA acid was inversely correlated with the rate of disease progression (decrease in ALSFRS-R score). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that a better survival rate was more strongly correlated with top-tertile levels of serum UA than with bottom-tertile levels (log-rank test: p=0.035).

Conclusions

ALS patients had lower serum UA levels than did healthy individuals. UA levels in ALS were negatively correlated with the rate of disease progression and positively associated with survival, suggesting that UA levels contribute to the progression of ALS. UA levels could be considered a biomarker of disease progression in the early phase in ALS patients.     

Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Blocker Adalimumab in Experimental Spinal Cord Injury

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) have proven effects in pathogenesis of neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI). Current study is designed to evaluate the effects of an anti-TNF-α agent, adalimumab, on spinal cord clip compression injury in rats.

Methods

Thirty two male adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups (sham, trauma, infliximab, and adalimumab groups) and SCI was introduced using an aneurysm clip. Animals in treatment groups received 5 mg/kg subcutaneous adalimumab and infliximab right after the trauma. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were studied in traumatized spinal cord tissues 72 hours after the injury as a marker of lipid peroxidation.

Results

Animals that received anti-TNF-α agents are found to have significantly decreased MDA levels. MDA levels were significantly different between the trauma and infliximab groups (p<0.01) and trauma and adalimumab groups (p=0.022). There was no significant difference in neurological evaluation of the rats using Tarlov scale.

Conclusion

These results suggest that, like infliximab, adalimumab has favorable effects on lipid peroxidation induced by spinal cord trauma in rats.     

Difference of Sagittal Spinopelvic Alignments between Degenerative Spondylolisthesis and Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences of spinopelvic parameters between degenerative spondylolisthesis (DSPL) and isthmic spondylolisthesis (ISPL) patients.

Methods

Thirty-four patients with DSPL and 19 patients with ISPL were included in this study. Spinopelvic parameters were evaluated on whole spine X-rays in a standing position. The following spinopelvic parameters were measured : pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope, pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar lordosis (LL), and sagittal vertical axis from C7 plumb line (SVA). The population of patients was compared with a control population of 30 normal and asymptomatic adults.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in LL (p=0.004) and SVA (p=0.005) between the DSPL and ISPL group. The LL of DSPL (42±13°) was significantly lower than that of the control group (48±11°; p=0.029), but that of ISPL (55±6°) was significantly greater than a control group (p=0.004). The SVA of DSPL (55±49 mm) was greater than that of a control group (<40 mm), but that of ISPL (21±22 mm) was within 40 mm as that of a control group. The PT of DSPL (24±7°) and ISPL (21±7°) was significantly greater than that of a control group (11±6°; p=0.000).

Conclusion

Both symptomatic DSPL and ISPL patients had a greater PI than that of the asymptomatic control group. In conclusion, DSPL populations are likely to have global sagittal imbalance (high SVA) compared with ISPL populations because of the difference of lumbar lordosis between two groups.     

Early Vertebroplasty versus Delayed Vertebroplasty for Acute Osteoporotic Compression Fracture : Are the Results of the Two Surgical Strategies the Same?

Objective

In Korea, early vertebroplasty (EVP) or delayed vertebroplasty (DVP, which is performed at least 2 weeks after diagnosis) were performed for the treatment of acute osteoporotic compression fracture (OCF) of the spine. The present study compared the outcomes of two surgical strategies for the treatment of single-level acute OCF in the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L2).

Methods

From 2004 to 2010, 23 patients were allocated to the EVP group (EVPG) and 27 patients to the DVP group (DVPG). Overall mean age was 68.3±7.9 and minimum follow-up period was 1.0 year. Retrospective study of clinical and radiological results was conducted.

Results

No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the two groups. As expected, mean duration from onset to vertebroplasty and mean duration of hospital stay were significantly longer in the DVPG (17.1±2.1 and 17.5±4.2) than in the EVPG (3.8±3.3 and 10.8±5.1, p=0.001). Final clinical outcome including visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index, and Odom''s criteria did not differ between the two groups. However, immediate improvement of the VAS after vertebroplasty was greater in the EVPG (5.1±1.3) than in the DVPG (4.0±1.0, p=0.002). The proportion of cement leakage was lower in the EVPG (30.4%) than in the DVPG (59.3%, p=0.039). In addition, semiquantitative grade of cement interdigitation was significantly more favorable in the EVPG than in the DVPG (p=0.003). Final vertebral body collapse and segmental kyphosis did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that EVP achieves a better immediate surgical effect with more favorable cost-effectiveness.     

Low-Density-Lipoprotein Particle Size Predicts a Poor Outcome in Patients with Atherothrombotic Stroke

Background and Purpose

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size is considered to be one of the more important cardiovascular risk factors, and small LDL particles are known to have atherogenic potential. The aim of this study was to determine whether LDL particle size is associated with stroke severity and functional outcome in patients with atherothrombotic stroke.

Methods

Between January 2009 and May 2011, 248 patients with first-episode cerebral infarction who were admitted to our hospital within 7 days after symptom onset were prospectively enrolled. LDL particle size was measured using the nondenaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis assay. Stroke severity was assessed by applying the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission. Functional outcome was investigated at 3 months after the index stroke using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and poor functional outcome was defined as an mRS score of ≥3.

Results

The LDL particle size in the 248 patients was 25.9±0.9 nm (mean±SD). LDL particle size was inversely correlated with the degree of cerebral artery stenosis (p=0.010). Multinomial multivariate logistic analysis revealed that after adjustment for age, sex, and variables with p<0.1 in univariate analysis, LDL particle size was independently and inversely associated with stroke severity (NIHSS score ≥5; reference, NIHSS score 0-2; odds ratio=0.38, p=0.028) and poor functional outcome (odds ratio=0.44, p=0.038).

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that small LDL particles are independently correlated with stroke outcomes. LDL particle size is thus a potential biomarker for the prognosis of atherothrombotic stroke.     

Contribution of Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation for the Diagnosis of HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis

Background and Purpose

Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is a low-cost and safe examination for testing the vestibulospinal pathway. Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a slowly progressive disease that affects the vestibulospinal tract early in its course. This study compared the electromyographic (EMG) responses triggered by GVS of asymptomatic HTLV-1-infected subjects and subjects with HAM/TSP.

Methods

Bipolar galvanic stimuli (400 ms and 2 mA) were applied to the mastoid processes of 39 subjects (n=120 stimulations per subject, with 60 from each lower limb). Both the short latency (SL) and medium latency (ML) components of the EMG response were recorded from the soleus muscles of 13 healthy, HTLV-1-negative adults (56±5 years, mean±SD), and 26 individuals infected with HTLV-1, of whom 13 were asymptomatic (56±8 years) and 13 had HAM/TSP (60±6 years).

Results

The SL and ML EMG components were 55±4 and 112±10 ms, respectively, in the group of healthy subjects, 61±6 and 112±10 ms and in the HTLV-1-asymptomatic group, and 67±8 and 130±3 ms in the HAM/TSP group (p=0.001). The SL component was delayed in 4/13 (31%) of the examinations in the HTLV-1-asymptomatic group, while the ML component was normal in all of them. In the HAM/TSP group, the most common alteration was the absence of waves.

Conclusions

A pattern of abnormal vestibular-evoked EMG responses was found in HTLV-1-neurological disease, ranging from delayed latency among asymptomatic carriers to the absence of a response in HAM/TSP. GVS may contribute to the early diagnosis and monitoring of nontraumatic myelopathies.     

Effect of Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation on Clinical Improvements in the Patients of Chronic Intractable Shoulder Pain

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) neuromodulation of suprascpaular nerve (SSN) in patients with chronic shoulder pain due to adhesive capsulitis and/or rotator cuff tear.

Methods

The study included 11 patients suffering from chronic shoulder pain for at least 6 months who were diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis (n=4), rotator cuff tear (n=5), or adhesive capsulitis+rotator cuff tear (n=2) using shoulder magnetic resonance imaging or extremity ultrasonography. After a favorable response to a diagnostic suprascapular nerve block twice a week (pain improvement >50%), PRF neuromodulation was performed. Shoulder pain and quality of life were assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) before the diagnostic block and every month after PRF neuromodulation over a 9-month period.

Results

The mean VAS score of 11 patients before PRF was 6.4±1.49, and the scores at 6-month and 9 month follow-up were 1.0±0.73 and 1.5±1.23, respectively. A significant pain reduction (p<0.001) was observed. The mean OSS score of 11 patients before PRF was 22.7±8.1, and the scores at 6-month and 9 month follow-up were 41.5±6.65 and 41.0±6.67, respectively. A significant OSS improvement (p<0.001) was observed.

Conclusion

PRF neuromodulation of the suprascapular nerve is an effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain, and the effect was sustained over a relatively long period in patients with medically intractable shoulder pain.     

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Pilot Study of Safety and Feasibility

Background and Purpose

It has been shown that erythropoietin is neuroprotective in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of repetitive high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) therapy in ALS patients.

Methods

Two consecutive studies were conducted. We first recruited 26 subjects for an initial single-arm safety study. After a lead-in period of 3 months to assess the disease progression, rhEPO was infused intravenously (35,000 IU) once per month for 3 months, and the subjects were followed for an additional 3 months. The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) was used for clinical assessment. After confirming the safety of rhEPO, 60 subjects were recruited for the second controlled study (rhEPO and control groups), which involved a total of 6 infusions at a rate of 1/month.

Results

There were no serious adverse events in the first study. The mean rate of decline in the ALSFRS-R score was lower during the treatment period than during the lead-in period (mean±SD: 2.6±1.8 and 3.7±2.6, respectively; p=0.02). However, the rate of decline during the subsequent 3 months returned to that observed in the lead-in period. In the second study, the mean rate of decline in ALSFRS-R score was significantly lower in the rhEPO group than in the control group (during months 0-3, 1.8±1.7 vs. 3.1±2.3, p=0.03; during months 4-6, 2.1±2.2 vs. 3.5±2.3, p=0.02).

Conclusions

Intravenous high-dose rhEPO is both safe and feasible for the treatment of ALS. Further investigation using different intervals and doses should be considered.     

Validation of the Korean-Version of the Nonmotor Symptoms Scale for Parkinson's Disease

Background and Purpose

Non-motor symptoms are common in Parkinson''s disease (PD), and are the primary cause of disability in many PD patients. Our aim in this study was to translate the origin non-motor symptoms scale for PD (NMSS), which was written in English, into Korean (K-NMSS), and to evaluate its reliability and validity for use with Korean-speaking patients with PD.

Methods

In total, 102 patients with PD from 9 movement disorders sections of university teaching hospitals in Korea were enrolled in this study. They were assessed using the K-NMSS, the Unified Parkinson''s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the Korean version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), the Korean version of the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (K-MADS), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Parkinson''s Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ39). Test-retest reliability was assessed over a time interval of 10-14 days in all but one patient.

Results

The K-NMSS was administered to 102 patients with PD. The internal consistency and reliability of this tool was 0.742 (mean Cronbach''s α-coefficient). The test-retest correlation reliability was 0.941 (Guttman split-half coefficient). There was a moderate correlation between the total K-NMSS score and the scores for UPDRS part I [Spearman''s rank correlation coefficient, (rS)=0.521, p<0.001] and UPDRS part II (rS=0.464, p=0.001), but there was only a weak correlation between the total K-NMSS score and the UPDRS part III score (rS=0.288, p=0.003). The total K-NMSS score was significantly correlated with the K-MADS (rS=0.594, p<0.001), K-MMSE (rS=-0.291, p=0.003), and ESS (rS=0.348, p<0.001). The total K-NMSS score was also significantly and positively correlated with the PDQ39 score (rS=0.814, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The K-NMSS exhibited good reliability and validity for the assessment of non-motor symptoms in Korean PD patients.