History of depressive and/or anxiety disorders as a predictor of treatment response: A post hoc analysis of a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of paroxetine controlled release in patients with fibromyalgia

Background

Despite of a high comorbidity of depressive and/or anxiety disorders with fibromyalgia, information on the clinical implications of this comorbidity is limited but antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat fibromyalgia in clinical practice. We investigated whether a history of depressive and/or anxiety disorders was associated with response to paroxetine controlled release (CR) in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Methods

One hundred sixteen (116) fibromyalgia subjects were randomized to receive paroxetine CR or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was treatment response defined as ≥ 25% reduction in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score. In multivariate logistic regression, we determined if a history of depression and/or anxiety disorders was an independent predictor of response to paroxetine CR.

Results

In logistic regression, the history of depression and/or anxiety did not predict treatment response as measured by ≥ 25% reduction in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) score (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = .29–1.49, Wald = 0.97, p = 0.32), while the drug status (paroxetine CR) was significantly associated with treatment response (OR = 2.57, CI = 1.2–5.61, Wald = 5.5, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients with fibromyalgia had a history of anxiety and or depressive disorders. However response to treatment of fibromyalgia symptoms with paroxetine CR was not associated with a history of depressive and/or anxiety disorders. Our findings need to be confirmed in more adequately-powered and well-designed subsequent studies.     

Gene polymorphisms and risk of adult early-onset ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis

Introduction

Genetic studies restricted to young adult ischemic stroke patients may help in excluding the potentially confounding variables encountered with advanced age; thus, allowing a more precise risk evaluation derived from the inherited mutations alone. Through meta-analysis, this study was conducted to determine the genetic risk contributed by each susceptibility gene polymorphism, particularly in adult early-onset ischemic stroke patients.

Materials and Methods

Electronic databases were searched for all the case-control studies relating to any candidate genes for ischemic stroke. The range of age was 18-50 years for cases. Fixed or random effects model was used depending on the heterogeneity between studies.

Results

Twenty-six studies were finally included in this meta-analysis; these studies focused on 7 candidate genes. A significant but modest association was identified for 2 polymorphisms, namely, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.14-1.80) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε2-4 (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.71-3.73). Although the pooled analysis for platelet glycoprotein Ia (GPIa) C807T showed a positive association (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.10-2.05), the Egger's test indicated the existence of publication bias (t = 5.27, P > |t| = 0.034).

Conclusions

Genetic abnormalities specific to homocysteine and lipid metabolism increase the risk for ischemic stroke at an early age. These data may offer important implications for future genetic association studies for stroke.     

Association of genetic polymorphisms in the type II deiodinase gene with bipolar disorder in a subset of Chinese population

Objective

Genetic factors play a critical role in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BPAD). Previous studies suggested an association between thyroid dysfunction and BPAD. We hypothesize that genetic variations in the type II deiodinase (DIO2) gene that possibly alter the bioactivity of thyroid hormones are associated with BPAD.

Method

A case–control association study was conducted in a subset of Chinese Han population. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), open reading frame a (ORFa)-Gly3Asp (rs12885300) and Thr92Ala (rs225014) with potential functions on the activity of DIO2, were selected. The frequencies of allele, genotype and haplotype of the two SNPs were compared between the BPAD patients and the control group.

Results

Statistical significance between the BPAD patients and the control group was observed for the allele (χ² = 7.746, P = 0.005, df = 1) and genotype frequencies (χ² = 8.158, P = 0.017, df = 2) at the locus of ORFa-Gly3Asp, and for the allele (χ² = 15.838, P = 7.00e−005, df = 1) and genotype frequencies (χ² = 17.236, P = 0.0002, df = 2) at Thr92Ala. Distribution of allele 3Gly and 92Ala were significantly higher in the BPAD patients, with odds ratios of 1.489 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.124–1.973] and 1.616 [95% CI = 1.275–2.048], respectively. Individuals with two copies of the variant 3Gly or 92Ala were at greater risk of BPAD than individuals with one copy (dose–response manner). Haplotypes ORFa-3Asp-92Ala and ORFa-3Gly-92Ala indicated higher susceptibility for BPAD with odds ratios of 3.759 (95% CI = 2.013–7.020) and 1.292 (95% CI = 1.017–1.642), respectively, while ORFa-3Asp-92Thr probably played a protective role with an odds ratio of 0.395 (95% CI = 0.284–0.549).

Conclusion

Data generated from this study supported our hypothesis that genetic variations of the DIO2 gene were associated with BPAD and suggested further consideration on the possible involvement of these functionally active variants in the pathophysiology of BPAD.     

Anti-aquaporin-4 antibody in Chinese patients with central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating disorders

Objective

To determine seroprevalence of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody in Chinese patients with central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory demyelinating disorders.

Methods

AQP4 antibody was detected by anti-AQP4 antibody assay. We measured seroprevalence in 200 patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO, n = 44), multiple sclerosis (MS, n = 46), transverse myelitis (TM, n = 44), optic neuritis (ON, n = 13), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM, n = 2), and other neurological diseases (OND, n = 51).

Results

AQP4 antibody seropositivity was 88.6% in patients with NMO, 4.3% in patients with MS, 30.8% in patients with ON and 51.7% in patients with LETM (longitudinally extensive TM). No patients with acute partial TM, ADEM, OND were positive for AQP4 antibody. Sensitivity of the test was 88.6% (95% CI 80–95) in patients with NMO. Specificity is 97.9% (95% CI 95.1–100) in 46 MS patients, with 51 OND patients as the control group. If the patients with recurrent ON, LETM were considered high risk for NMO (n = 37) and the remaining patients (n = 119) were considered controls, the sensitivity of this assay would be 48.6% (95% CI 33.4–64.1) and the specificity 97.5% (95% CI 94.7–100).

Conclusion

This study confirms that AQP4 antibody is a sensitive and specific biomarker for discrimination between NMO and other CNS autoimmune diseases.     

Clinical outcome of posterior fixation of the C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle by polyaxial screw and rod

Objective

Because of atlantoaxial complex has a unique and complicated anatomy and instability of this complex is very dangerous. We investigated the clinical results of posterior C1–C2 fixation with a polyaxial screw–rod system.

Methods

Between July 2001 and December 2007, the authors treated 17 patients suffering from atlantoaxial deformity and instability. Atlantoaxial fusion was employed in 9 patients with upper cervical fracture and dislocation, in 6 patients with atlantoaxial subluxation, in 1 patient with pure transverse ligament injury, and in 1 patient with basilar invagination. The mean age at the time of surgery was 40.4 years (range, 15–68 years).

Results

Operative times ranged from 165 to 420 min (average 306 min), and the postoperative mean VAS score was 2.4. The mean follow-up period was 26 months. Solid fusion was achieved in 15 patients at the last follow up; no injury of the vertebral artery or spinal cord and no operative mortality occurred in these cases.

Conclusions

We suggest that posterior atlantoaxial fixation using the polyaxial screw–rod system is an effective and relatively safe technique. The navigation guidance system employed during the surgical procedure was helpful methods. Future studies of the feasibility of navigation system-guided surgical procedures will be required.     

Efficacy of temozolomide as adjuvant chemotherapy after postsurgical radiotherapy alone for glioblastomas

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy for newly diagnosed GBM patients who were treated with surgery followed by radiotherapy alone.

Material and methods

Between January 2003 and April 2005, 59 consecutive GBM patients underwent radiation therapy after surgical resection and subsequently received TMZ chemotherapy. For the comparative analysis, we selected 60 clinically matched GBM patients who underwent radiotherapy followed by nitrosourea-based chemotherapy (NUBC), at the same institution between June 1995 and April 2005. The study cohort was divided into two groups, those with adjuvant TMZ treatment and with NUBC.

Results

59 patients with adjuvant TMZ treatment were assigned to the treatment group and 60 patients with NUBC to the control group. The median overall survival for the treatment group was 18.2 months (95% CI, 11.7–24.7 months), compared with the survival of 14.5 months (95% CI, 11.2–17.7 months) for the control group (p = 0.019). The progression-free survival for the treatment group was 5.6 months (95% CI, 4.4–6.7 months), while the control group showed progression-free survival of 3.3 months (95% CT, 3.2–6.0 months) (p = 0.030). Uni- and multivariate analysis revealed that extent of surgical resection, age ≥55 years and postoperative KPS were significantly associated with survival.

Conclusion

Adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy provided a clinically relevant benefit of survival, as compared with NUBC. Thus, we suggest that adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy may be effective even for patients who did not receive concomitant chemoradiotherapy for GBM.     

Effect of concentration and mode of intrathecal baclofen administration on soleus H-reflex in patients with muscle hypertonia

Objectives

Assess spinal reflex excitability after increasing intrathecal baclofen (ITB) flow by manipulation of drug concentration and mode of administration.

Methods

The effect of concentration was assessed by comparing changes in H-reflex (H/M ratio) 1–6 h after a 50 μg ITB bolus at 50 μg/ml concentration administered manually via lumbar puncture (LP, duration 1–2 min, n = 27) to a 50 μg bolus at 500 μg/ml concentration programmed through the pump and delivered via intrathecal catheter (IC, duration 10 min) above simple continuous dose (25–100 μg/day, n = 16). The effect of mode of administration was assessed by comparing peak changes in H/M ratio after 50 μg IC bolus above simple continuous dose (complex continuous mode, n = 27) to simple continuous mode only (n = 22) at equivalent daily doses (75–150 μg/day).

Results

H/M decrease was faster and overall greater after LP than IC bolus (mean 1-h 77% vs. 63%, p = 0.012; 1–6 h 91% vs. 82%, p < 0.001, respectively). H/M ratio also decreased significantly more with complex (91%) than simple continuous mode of administration (78%, p = 0.025).

Conclusions

Lower ITB concentration and complex continuous mode of administration lead to greater decrease in H/M ratio.

Significance

Decreased spinal reflex excitability after adjustment of drug and pump parameters to increase ITB flow may result in better clinical response.     

Clinical safety and primary efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal cell transplantation in subacute spinal cord injured patients

Background

In recent years, some studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of stem cells from different sources on patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study was carried out to evaluate the feasibility and therapeutic potential of autologous bone marrow cell (BMC) transplantation in 11 complete spinal cord injured patients at thoracic level.

Methods and materials

This nonrandomized clinical trial compared the results of autologous BMC transplantation into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via lumbar puncture (LP) in 11 patients having complete SCI, with 20 patients as control group who received conventional treatment without BMC transplantation. The patients underwent preoperative and follow-up neurological assessments using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale. Then, the participants were followed for 12–33 months.

Results

Eleven patients with the mean age of 33.2 ± 8.9 years and 20 patients with the mean age of 33.5 ± 7.2 years were enrolled in the study and in the control group, respectively. None of the patients in the study and control group experienced any adverse reaction and complications, neither after routine treatment nor after cell transplantation. Five patients out of 11 (45.5%) in the study group and three patients in the control group (15%) showed marked recovery, but the result was statistically borderline (P = 0.095).

Conclusion

We conclude that transplantation of autologous BMC via LP is a feasible and safe technique, but at the moment, no clear answer can be given regarding the clinical potential, despite a potential tendency to treat SCI patients, observed through statistics.     

Postsurgical infection after myelomeningocele repair: a multivariate analysis of 60 consecutive cases

Objective

We investigate the demographic, clinical and surgical variables associated with wound and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infections in a well-defined group of patients submitted to neurosurgical myelomeningocele repair.

Methods

We analyzed the data of sixty consecutive patients with a myelomeningocele diagnosis submitted to neurosurgical repair between January 2002 and December 2005. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified clinical, demographic and neurosurgical variables that were independently associated with the occurrence of wound and VP shunt infections.

Results

Seven patients (11.7%) developed wound infections after myelomeningocele repair and two (3.3%) presented with sepsis unrelated to the neurosurgical procedures. Forty-six patients (76.7%) received a VP shunt and nine of them (19.6%) had VP shunt infection. There was a non-significant trend (p = 0.09) for a higher association between thoracic than lumbar or sacral topography and the occurrence of any type of infection. Among patients who underwent VP shunt placement, there was a non-significant trend for a higher association between VP shunt infection and thoracic topography compared to lumbar or sacral regions (adjusted OR 4.3; CI 95% 0.7–24.7; p = 0.10). Evans’ index scores higher than 70 were ten times more associated with VP shunt infection (adjusted OR 10.5; CI 95% 1.6–67.4; p = 0.01) than lower scores.

Conclusion

The thoracic topography of myelomeningocele has a trend for a higher association with infection in general and VP shunt infection. Evans’ index scores higher than 70 were independently associated with VP shunt infection.     

Surgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in a low-volume hospital--outcome and review of literature

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcome of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in a low-volume hospital and compare the results with the recent literature.

Methods

A retrospective review of all consecutive craniotomies for UIA from July 1999 through June 2009 was performed. Morbidity was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥ 3 and evaluated six weeks after surgery. Cognitive function was evaluated at rehabilitation-to-home discharge. A PubMed database search (2001–2011) seeking retrospective, single-center studies reporting on surgical outcome of UIAs was performed.

Results

There were 47 procedures performed in 42 patients to treat 50 UIAs (mean of 5 annual craniotomies). The mean age was 54.7 ± 12.1 years and mean aneurysm size was 7.6 ± 4.0 mm. Favorable outcome (mRS 0–2) at six weeks after surgery was achieved in 45 of 47 procedures (95.7%). Aneurysm size ≥ 12 mm was statistically significant related to adverse outcome defined as mRS change ≥ 1 (71% vs. 29%; p = 0.018). Five patients (10.6%) with favorable neurological outcome (mRS 2) presented with cognitive impairment at rehabilitation-to-home discharge. There was no significant difference in overall morbidity and mortality comparing low- and high-volume hospitals (4.0% vs. 4.8%; p = 0.85).

Conclusions

Low-volume hospitals may achieve good results for surgical treatment of UIAs. The results indicate that defining numeric operative volume thresholds is not feasible to guide centralization of aneurysm treatment.     

Mismatch negativity and low frequency oscillations in schizophrenia families

Objective

Theta-alpha range oscillations have been associated with MMN in healthy controls. Our previous studies showed that theta-alpha activities are highly heritable in schizophrenia patients’ families. We aimed to test the hypothesis that theta-alpha activities may contribute to MMN in schizophrenia patients and their family members.

Methods

We compared MMN and single trial oscillations during MMN in 95 patients, 75 first-degree relatives, 87 controls, and 34 community subjects with schizophrenia spectrum personality (SSP) traits.

Results

We found that (1) MMN was reduced in patients (p < 0.001) and SSP subjects (p = 0.047) but not in relatives (p = 0.42); (2) there were augmented 1–20 Hz oscillations in patients (p = 0.02 to <0.001) during standard and deviant stimuli; (3) theta-alpha (5–12 Hz) oscillations had the strongest correlation to MMN in controls and relatives (ΔR² = 21.4–23.9%, all p < 0.001), while delta (<5 Hz) showed the strongest correlation to MMN in schizophrenia and SSP trait subjects; and, (4) MMN (h² = 0.56, p = 0.002) and theta-alpha (h² = 0.55, p = 0.004) were heritable traits.

Conclusions

Low frequency oscillations have a robust relationship with MMN and the relationship appears altered by schizophrenia; and schizophrenia patients showed augmented low frequency activities during the MMN paradigm.

Significance

The results encourage investigation of low frequency oscillations to elucidate the neurophysiological pathology underlying MMN abnormalities in schizophrenia.     

Non-conventional risk factors were associated with infarct patterns in ischemic stroke

Objective

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) infarct patterns can play a useful role in the management of ischemic stroke patients, particularly in identifying index stroke mechanisms. Novel vascular risk factors like high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the metabolic syndrome have recently been shown to be of prognostic importance following ischemic stroke. We aimed to determine the relationship between these novel factors and infarct patterns noted on DWI.

Methods

A total of 886 patients with acute cerebral infarcts within the MCA territory were prospectively studied. Using the DWI data the patients were divided into four groups: cortical, small (<1 cm) superficial, border-zone, and deep infarcts patterns. The independent associations of various infarct DWI patterns vs. hs-CRP and presence of the metabolic syndrome were evaluated after adjusting for the confounders.

Results

hs-CRP was highest among patients with cortical infarcts, while the metabolic syndrome was most frequent in patients with border-zone infarcts. Compared to the lowest quartile of hs-CRP level, those in the highest quartile were more likely to have the cortical pattern (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.92–6.56; P < 0.001), and less likely to have the deep infarct pattern (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29–0.81; P = 0.006) in logistic regression analyses. There was an independent association between presence of the metabolic syndrome and the border-zone pattern (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.12–2.73; P = 0.013).

Conclusions

hs-CRP levels and metabolic derangements are independently associated with infarct pattern in acute ischemic stroke, and may be the potential targets for lessening the clinical impact of certain infarct patterns.     

Antiepileptic drug-induced skin reactions: a retrospective study and analysis in 3793 Chinese patients with epilepsy

Objective

To evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of AED-related skin reactions, along with factors influencing these reactions, in a sample of 3793 Chinese epileptic patients.

Materials and methods

Between February 1999 and April 2010, consecutive patients with epilepsy were studied retrospectively. A detailed survey of each patient's medical records concerning all treatment with AEDs was performed.

Results

A total of 3793 (2323 male) Chinese epileptic patients taking at least one AED were investigated. Overall, 137/3793 (3.61%) patients experienced a skin reaction following one out of 11 different of AEDs marketed in China. In this study, we found skin reactions from carbamazepine (CBZ) in 3.80% of exposures, from lamotrigine (LTG) in 11.11%, and from oxcarbazepine (OXC) in 8.92%. Skin reactions developed significantly more often in females than in males (4.97% vs. 2.76%), and a logistic regression analysis confirmed female gender as a factor linked to AED-related rashes (OR = 1.84, p < 0.001). LTG-induced rashes were more frequent in girls under age 13 than in women over the age of 13 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The incidence of skin reactions was somewhat higher for LTG, CBZ, and OXC, whereas valproic acid, levetiracetam, and topiramate were rarely associated with skin reactions. Caution should be exercised when prescribing certain AEDs, particularly CBZ, LTG, and OXC. Females have a higher risk for skin reactions compared to males, though further investigation is needed to discern the underlying mechanisms.     

Is mechanical ventilation associated with intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants?

Background

The impact of mechanical ventilation on the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is unknown, simply because the vast majority of these infants have been routinely intubated and mechanically ventilated. There is a growing interest in the use of early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (ENCPAP) and avoiding mechanical ventilation.

Objectives

To examine the role of mechanical ventilation since delivery room in determining severe IVH in VLBW infants in two neonatal units that follow the same strategy of respiratory management using ENCPAP.

Methods

We collected data on delivery room intubation and mechanical ventilation during the first 3 days of life in VLBW infants. Logistic regression model was constructed to test the relationship between early mechanical ventilation and the diagnosis of severe IVH after controlling for significant confounding variables, such as BW, gender, duration of mechanical ventilation, and partial pressure of CO₂ (PCO₂).

Results

Of the studied 340 VLBW, 35 infants had severe IVH; most of them received mechanical ventilation that started either in the delivery room (n = 12) or during the first (n = 10) and second (n = 3) days of life. Severe IVH was independently associated with lower BW, mechanical ventilation in the delivery room, and the cumulative duration of mechanical ventilation during the first 3 days. The adjusted odds ratio for severe IVH in infants intubated in delivery room was (OR = 2.7, CI: 1.1–6.6, P = 0.03). Severe IVH was not associated with gender, prenatal steroids, early sepsis, or patent ductus arteriosus.

Conclusions

Mechanical ventilation plays a role in predicting severe IVH. Both the time at which ventilation was initiated and the duration of ventilation are important determinants of severe IVH. Risk for severe IVH in infants who were never intubated in delivery room or during the first 3 days of life is miniscule.     

Effectiveness of home rehabilitation program for ischemic stroke upon disability and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial

Background

To develop and examine the effectiveness of individual 6-month home rehabilitation program in ischemic stroke patients upon disability and quality of life at 2 years.

Methods

This is a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 60 patients with recent ischemic stroke. They were randomly assigned to receive either home rehabilitation program once a month for 6 months with audiovisual materials (intervention group) or usual care (control group). We collected outcome data after discharge from the hospital until 2 years. The Barthel index (BI), the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and utility index (EQ-5D) were measured for function, disability and quality of life respectively.

Results

At 2 years, the BI was significantly improved in the intervention group more than the control group: 97.2 ± 2.8 vs. 76.4 ± 9.4, p < 0.001. The good outcome, defined as BI 95–100, or mRS 0 or 1. For BI, there were 29 patients (96.7%) in intervention group vs 12 patients (42.9%) in usual care group (95% CI, 42.0, 85.0, p = 0.03). For mRS, there were 28 patients (93.3%) in intervention group vs 9 patients (32.1%) in usual care group (95% CI, 38.2, 87.0, p = 0.02). Number needed to treat for good outcome in mRS was 2.0 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.3). The mean (SD) of utility index in intervention group and control group were 0.9 ± 0.02 and 0.7 ± 0.04 respectively (p = 0.03). There was no significant interaction in baseline characteristics and treatment outcome.

Conclusions

Early home rehabilitation program in the first 6 months period after ischemic stroke leads to more rapid improvement in function, reducing disability and increase quality of life than usual care.     

Factors affecting the diagnostic delay in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Background

Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a relentlessly progressive disorder, early diagnosis allows a prompt start with the specific drug riluzole and an accurate palliative care planning. ALS at onset may however mimic several disorders, some of them treatable (e.g., multifocal motor neuropathy) or epidemiologically more frequent (e.g., cervical myelopathy).

Objective

To study the delay from onset to diagnosis in a cohort of ALS patients and to the variables that may affect it.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of the diagnostic delays in a cohort of 260 patients affected by ALS (M/F = 1.32) followed at our tertiary referral ALS Center between 2000 and 2007.

Results

The median time from onset to diagnosis was 11 months (range: 6–21) for the whole ALS cohort, 10 months (range: 6–15) in bulbar-onset (n = 65) and 12 months (range: 7–23) in spinal-onset (n = 195) patients (p = 0.3). 31.1% of patients received other diagnoses before ALS and this led to a significant delay of the correct diagnosis in this group (other diagnoses before ALS, n = 81: median delay, 15 months [9.75–24.25] vs ALS, n = 179, median delay, 9 months [6–15.25], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The diagnostic delay in ALS is about one year, besides the growing number of tertiary centres and the spread of information about the disease through media and internet. Cognitive errors based on an incorrect use of heuristics might represent an important contributing factor. Furthermore, the length of the differential diagnosis from other disorders and delays in referral to the neurologist seems to be positively associated with the delay in diagnosis.     

Comparison of two methods for the detection of oligoclonal bands in a large number of clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis patients

Objective

A novel oligoclonal band (OB) assay which consists of isoelectric focusing (IEF) and IgG immunodetection by alkaline phosphatase-labeled anti IgG antibody was reported to be very sensitive. It also accurately predicted conversion to MS in patients with CIS. The aim of our study was to compare sensitivity of a novel and the standard procedure with peroxidase immunodetection in a large number of CIS and MS patients.

Methods

OB were determined in serum and CSF samples in 161 patients (104 females), 47 with CIS and 114 with MS with median age 38 years (range 19–68) using both methods.

Results

Eighty-three percent of patients had CSF OB with the standard and 89% with the novel method. Median number of OB was 5 (range 0–17) with the peroxidase and 8 (range 0–18) with the alkaline phosphatase method; p = 0.001. Twenty-one percent of patients had ≥10 OB with the standard and 37% with the novel method of the detection; p = 0.021. Subjective impression of band clarity showed that 20% of patients had sharper and stronger bands when the peroxidase and 65% when the alkaline phosphatase method was used; p < 0.0001.

Conclusion

The alkaline phosphatase method is more sensitive than the peroxidase method and at the same time cheaper, easy to perform and less time consuming.     

Bandpass filter settings differentially affect measurement of P50 sensory gating in children and adults

Objective

This study investigated the effect of four different bandpass filter settings on measures of the P50 component and the signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of averaged ERPs obtained from a sensory gating paradigm employing paired-click stimuli.

Methods

Participants were adults (n = 18) 20–55 years old and children (n = 25) 5–10 years old who were free of neurological disorders.

Results

Results show that the filter settings (0.23–75 Hz, 10–50 Hz, 10–75 Hz, and 10–200 Hz) differentially affected the P50 amplitude, noise power and SNR measures of the conditioning and test clicks, and P50 T/C ratios.

Conclusions

The 10–50 Hz filter setting may be optimal in studies that include only adults as these settings resulted in the smallest mean P50 T/C ratio, a reasonable standard deviation (SD) for the ratio, and the highest SNRs. The 10–200 Hz filter may be the best for studying young children as this setting had the smallest mean and SD of P50 T/C ratios for these participants.

Significance

In studies that include both adults and children investigators are advised to use the 10–200 Hz filter setting because the smaller variability of sensory gating in the child group helps ensure better homogeneity of variance measures between the groups.     

Management and outcome of primary spinal ependymomas: A single center experience from Taiwan

Background

Surgical treatment of spinal ependymomas requires careful consideration of the relative risks of neurological worsening from surgery. Our aim was to determine the risk factors of neurological deterioration after surgery for spinal ependymomas.

Material and methods

This 20-year study included 17 patients (seven men and 10 women; 44.65 ± 13.62 years) with histologically confirmed spinal ependymomas. The basic features were reviewed and the functional status was assessed by using the modified McCormick classification. We subdivided the patient population into two groups according to whether neurological deterioration occurred after primary tumor resection (N = 5) or not (N = 12), and compared their clinical characteristics.

Results

The average duration of presenting symptoms in the 17 patients was 23.53 ± 21.45 months. Three (17.6%) patients underwent subtotal or partial resection and 14 (82.4%) patients underwent gross total resection. The incidence of neurological deterioration after primary resection of spinal ependymomas was 29.4%. There were five (100%) and two (16.7%) male patients in the neurological-deterioration and no-deterioration groups, respectively (p = 0.003). The duration of presenting symptoms was 24 months or over in all the patients with neurological deterioration and five of the 12 patients with improved or stabilized function (p = 0.044).

Conclusion

The risk associated with surgical resection of spinal ependymomas should not be overlooked because of the significant incidence of neurological deterioration. The male gender and long-standing symptom (≥24 months) are risk factors of postoperative neurological worsening. Early diagnosis and surgery are therefore critical for successful treatment of spinal ependymomas.     

Visual outcome after fronto-temporo-orbito-zygomatic approach combined with early extradural and intradural optic nerve decompression in tuberculum and diaphragma sellae meningiomas

Object

The surgical challenge of the treatment of tuberculum (TSMs) and diaphragma sellae meningiomas (DSMs) is to preserve or improve the visual function. Extradural and intradural optic nerve decompression should reduce surgical trauma of the nerve achieving a good visual result.

Methods

We reported 37 consecutive TSMs and DSMs operated through fronto-temporo-orbito-zygomatic approach with extradural unroofing of the optical canal and early intradural incision of the dural sheath. Visual data were recorded measuring the visual impairment score (VIS), the visual acuity (VA), the visual field (VF) and the postoperative improvement.

Results

A good visual outcome (VIS improved or unchanged) was obtained in 97.2% of patients (35/36). The evaluation of 72 eyes showed a good outcome (VA and VF unchanged or improved) in 98.6% (71/72 eyes). The degree of preoperative VA and VF impairment was the only factor correlating with the postoperative improvement of VA (P < .001 and P = .018) and VF defect (P < .001). Worsening of visual function occurred in 1/37 patient (2.7%).

Conclusion

Using this surgical technique we achieved a high improvement rate of visual defects and a low frequency of worsening.