Association of a polymorphism in the ABCB1 gene with Parkinson's disease

The ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B, member 1 (ABCB1) gene encoding the protein P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) due to its role in regulating transport of endogenous molecules and exogenous toxins. In the present study, we analyzed the ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) 1236C/T (exon 12), 2677G/T/A (exon 21) and 3435C/T (exon 26) in 288 Swedish PD patients and 313 control subjects and found a significant association of SNP 1236C/T with disease (p = 0.0159; χ² = 8.28), whereas the distributions of wild-type and mutated alleles were similar for 2677G/T/A and 3435C/T in patients and controls. Haplotype analysis revealed significant association of the 1236C–2677G haplotype with PD (p = 0.026; χ² = 4.955) and a trend towards association with disease of the 1236C–2677G–3435C haplotype (p = 0.072; χ² = 3.229). Altered ABCB1 and/or P-pg expression was recently shown in PD patients, and impaired drug efflux across barriers such as the gastrointestinal and nasal mucosal linings or the blood–brain barrier, might result in accumulation of drugs and/or endogenous molecules in toxic amounts, possibly contributing to disease. ABCB1 polymorphisms thus constitute an example of how genetic predisposition and environmental influences may combine to increase risk of PD.     

Les conduites suicidaires dans le trouble bipolaire de type 1

ObjectivesBipolar disorder is one of the most common and severe psychiatric conditions. It is frequently complicated by suicidal behaviors, and patients with BD are among those at higher risk of suicide. The aims of our study were to evaluate the predictive factors of suicidal behaviors in patients with BD type 1, through the assessment of their socio-demographic, clinical and evolutionary characteristics as well as to study the implications of the childhood traumas and impulsivity as predictive factors for suicidal behaviors in these patients with bipolar disorder.MethodsOne hundred patients with bipolar disorder type 1were recruited in order to conduct a cross-sectional, analytical and comparative study. The recruitment involved a first group made up of 40 patients suffering from type 1 bipolar disorder with a history of suicidal acts. This group was compared with a second group made up of 60 patients with no history of attempted suicide. We used a pre-established collection sheet for collecting socio-demographic, clinical and therapeutic data. We also used the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire for the assessment of childhood adversities, the Barratt Impulsivity Scale in its eleventh version for the assessment of impulsivity levels and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale for the evaluation of overall functioning.ResultsThe suicidal behaviors in patients with bipolar disorder were significantly associated with: female gender (P < 0.001), professional instability (P = 0.002), family history of BD (P = 0.02), family history of other psychiatric disorders (P = 0.003), frequency of depressive episodes (P = 0.002), shorter remission (P = 0.025), more subsyndromal symptoms (P = 0.029), sexual abuse dimension (P = 0.009), and a high level of impulsivity (P < 0.001). The predictive factors for suicidal behaviors in multivariate analysis, after adjusting for the confounding variables were: childhood sexual abuse (P = 0.01; adjusted OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.44–14.2), a high level of impulsivity (P = 0.002; adjusted OR 6.6; 95% CI 2–20), a higher rate of depressive episodes (P = 0.003; adjusted OR 5; 95% CI 1.69–14.2) and more subyndromal symptoms (P = 0.007; adjusted OR 5.8; 95% CI 1.63–20).ConclusionsSuicide prevention is an important mental health subject. It would be imperative to include systematic screening for childhood adversities and adequate management of bipolar disorder and impulsivity.     

Association between MDR1 C3435T polymorphism and refractory epilepsy in the Chinese population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The association between the C3435T polymorphism in the MDR1 gene and refractory epilepsy remains controversial. The association appears to be influenced by ethnicity and region. We have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the link between the MDR1 C3435T polymorphism and refractory epilepsy in the Chinese population. We searched the Cochrane Library, MIDLINE, EMBASE, CBM disc, CNKI, VIP, and WANFANG databases for literature published through August 2013 for case–control studies that evaluated the association between the MDR1 C3435T polymorphism and refractory epilepsy. Twenty-one case–control studies involving 4269 patients (1863 cases in the group with drug-resistant epilepsy and 2406 in the group with drug-responsive epilepsy) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The analysis showed that there were significantly more cases with the MDR1 3435 CC genotype in the group with drug-resistant epilepsy than in the group with drug-responsive epilepsy [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–2.06, P = 0.01]. In a subanalysis of patients from the southern regions of China, the correlation was not significant [odds ratio (OR) = 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.89–1.64, P = 0.24]. The relationship established in a subset of the Chinese population between the MDR1 C3435T polymorphism and refractory epilepsy will guide epilepsy treatment and development of new AEDs.     

ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism and the risk of resistance to antiepileptic drugs in epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe C3435T, a major allelic variant of the ABCB1 gene, is proposed to play a crucial role in drug-resistance in epilepsy. The C/C genotype carriers reportedly are at higher risk of pharmacoresistance to AEDs, but only in some studies. The hypothesis of the C-variant associated risk and resistance to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has been hampered by conflicting results from inadequate power in case–control studies. To assess the role of C3435T polymorphism in drug-resistance in epilepsy, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.MethodsDatabases were obtained from the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, major American and European conference abstracts, and www.google.my for genetic association studies up to February 2010. All the case–control association studies evaluating the role of ABCB1 C3435T in pharmacoresistance to AEDs were identified. The new definition of treatment outcome from International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) was used for including studies for sub-analysis. To measure the strength of genetic association for the gene variant, the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using models of both fixed- and random-effects for comparisons of the alleles and genotypes with co-dominant (C/C vs. T/T, C/T vs. T/T), dominant (C/C + C/T vs. T/T), and recessive (C/C vs. C/T + T/T) models in overall and in ethnicity subgroups. The 19 studies were selected for the next sub-analysis based on the new definition of drug-responsiveness and drug-resistance from ILAE. The same analysis was also performed for treatment outcome and ethnicity subgroups.ResultsA total of 22 association studies including 3231 (47.8%) drug-resistant patients and 3524 (52.2%) drug-responsive patients or healthy controls (genotyped for C3435T) were pooled in this meta-analysis. The allelic association of ABCB1 C3435T with risk of drug-resistance was not significant under fixed-effects model, 1.06 (95% CI 0.98–1.14, p = 0.12) and random-effects model, 1.10 (0.93–1.30, p = 0.28) in overall and in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity. Similar results were also obtained for all genetic models in the stratified analyses by new definition of drug-resistance by ILAE and ethnicity subgroups. There was no publication bias.ConclusionWe failed to show an association between the ABCB1 C3435T polymorphism and the risk of drug-resistance suggesting a revision in contribution of this polymorphism in the multi-drug transporters hypothesis of pharmacoresistance to AEDs in epilepsy.     

Genetic factors associated with drug-resistance of epilepsy: Relevance of stratification by patient age and aetiology of epilepsy

Epilepsy drug-resistance may depend on the metabolism of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), transport to the epileptic focus and/or target sensitivity. Furthermore, drug response depends on multiple characteristics of the patient, the epilepsy, and the antiepileptic drugs used.We have investigated the association between polymorphisms related to antiepileptic drug metabolism (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and UGT), transport (ABCB1), and targets (SCN1A) both in a crude analysis and after adjusting by clinical factors associated with drug-resistance, and stratifying by patient age or aetiology of epilepsy.Caucasian outpatients (N = 289), children (N = 80) and adolescent-adults (N = 209), with idiopathic (N = 69), cryptogenic (N = 97) or symptomatic epilepsies (N = 123) were selected when they had either drug-resistance (with at least four seizures over the previous year after treatment with more than three appropriate AEDs at appropriate doses) or drug responsiveness (without seizures for at least a year). Samples were genotyped by allelic discrimination using TaqMan probes.No significant association between polymorphisms and drug-resistance was found either in the crude analysis or in the adjusted analysis. However, adults with the ABCB1_3435TT or 2677TT genotypes had a lower risk of drug-resistance than those with the CC or the GG genotypes. Furthermore, patients with symptomatic epilepsies with the ABCB1_3435CT or TT genotypes had a lower risk of drug-resistance than those with the CC genotype. An opposite but insignificant tendency was found in children and in idiopathic epilepsies.Although replication studies will be needed to confirm our results, they suggest that stratification by patient age and by the aetiology of epilepsy could contribute to unmask the association between ABCB1 polymorphisms and drug-resistance of epilepsy.     

Habitual sleep duration associated with self-reported and objectively determined cardiometabolic risk factors

BackgroundSelf-reported short or long sleep duration has been associated with adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes in laboratory and epidemiologic studies, but interpretation of such data has been limited by methodologic issues.MethodsAdult respondents of the 2007–2008 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were examined in a cross-sectional analysis (N = 5649). Self-reported sleep duration was categorized as very short (<5 h), short (5–6 h), normal (7–8 h), or long (⩾9 h). Obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were objectively assessed by self-reported history. Statistical analyses included univariate comparisons across sleep duration categories for all variables. Binary logistic regression analyses and cardiometabolic factor as outcome, with sleep duration category as predictor, were assessed with and without covariates. Observed relationships were further assessed for dependence on race/ethnicity.ResultsIn adjusted analyses, very short sleep was associated with self-reported hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 2.02, [95% confidence interval {CI},1.45–2.81]; P < 0.0001), self-reported hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.43–2.69]; P < 0.0001), objective hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.04–1.91]; P = 0.03), self-reported DM (OR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.13–2.74]; P = 0.01), and objective obesity (OR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.03–1.43]; P = 0.005). Regarding short sleep (5–6 h), in adjusted analyses, elevated risk was seen for self-reported hypertension (OR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.02–1.45]; P = 0.03) self-reported obesity (OR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.03–1.43]; P = 0.02), and objective obesity (OR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.00–1.38]; P < 0.05). Regarding long sleep (⩾9 h), no elevated risk was found for any outcomes. Interactions with race/ethnicity were significant for all outcomes; race/ethnicity differences in patterns of risk varied by outcome studied. In particular, the relationship between very short sleep and obesity was strongest among blacks and the relationship between short sleep and hypertension is strongest among non-Hispanic whites, blacks, and non-Mexican Hispanics/Latinos.ConclusionsShort sleep duration is associated with self-reported and objectively determined adverse cardiometabolic outcomes, even after adjustment for many covariates. Also, these patterns of risk depend on race/ethnicity.     

Self-esteem in adolescents with epilepsy: Psychosocial and seizure-related correlates

PurposeThis study evaluated self-esteem in adolescents with epilepsy and its association with psychosocial and disease-related variables.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study with patients enrolled between January and June 2010. Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventory for Children (CFSEI-2) was administered to 140 children with epilepsy and 50 children with asthma, aged 10–18 years attending mainstream schools.ResultsAdolescents with epilepsy had a significantly lower overall self-esteem score when compared with those with asthma, 17 ± 5.21 versus 19.4 ± 3.83, respectively (P = 0.005). Thirty-one (22.1%) children with epilepsy compared with 4 (8.3%) with asthma had overall self-esteem score below the cutoff (P = 0.034). There was a significant correlation between overall self-esteem score and duration of epilepsy, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) anxiety score, HADS depression score, and Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD symptoms and Normal-Behaviors (SWAN) rating combined score. The impact of various correlates on individual domains was not identical. Independent factors associated with low overall self-esteem were HADS depression score (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.2; P = 0.002), duration of epilepsy (OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.88; P = 0.024), and father employment status economically inactive (OR: 11.9; 95% CI: 1.07, 125; P = 0.044). Seizure-free ≥ 12 months was a favorable factor that was less likely to be associated with low self-esteem (OR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.81; P = 0.028).ConclusionSelf-esteem was compromised in adolescents with epilepsy. A significant correlation between self-esteem and psychological comorbidities was demonstrated. Enhancing social support and education programs may improve the self-esteem and, ultimately, the lives of adolescents living with epilepsy.     

ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and violent suicide attempt among survivors

IntroductionThose suicide attempters that choose violent methods dramatically diminish the possibility of survival. Completed suicide using violent means, which is common among first-time suicide attempters, was recently found to be more likely among T allele carriers in the three most common ABCB1 SNPs, encoding for P-gp. Thus, this study examined, for the first time, whether these ABCB1 SNPs were associated with the use of violent means among survivors of a suicide attempt.Material and methodsSuicide attempters (n = 578, 87.4% women; of whom 16.6% committed a violent intent) were genotyped for exonic SNPs in the ABCB1 (C1236T, G2677T/A, C3435T). The relations of the three genotypes and of the TTT haplotype with the use of a violent suicide method were evaluated separately. The impact of confounds on these variables was controlled.ResultsA higher frequency (p = 0.02) of suicide attempters using violent methods was found among those carrying the ABCB1 haplotype (1236TT-2677TT-3435TT). Since gender and number of previous suicide attempts were identified as confounds, the relation was tested in the subset of women who were first-time attempters or second- and more-time attempters. The ABCB1 haplotype increased the risk more than three times in those women attempting a violent suicide for the first time (OR = 3.6; CI95%: 1.08–12.09; p = 0.04).DiscussionThe ABCB1 haplotype (1236TT-2677TT-3435TT) was related to the use of a violent suicide attempt method. Genotyping for these three ABCB1 SNPs may be helpful to detect people at risk of first suicide intents using violent methods.     

Risk factors for remote seizure development in patients with cerebral vein and dural sinus thrombosis

PurposeWe aimed to define the possible risk factors for acute and remote seizures in patients with cerebral vein and sinus thrombosis (CVST).MethodNinety-four patients were recruited prospectively at Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, between April 2007 and April 2012. To identify seizure predictors, we compared demographic, clinical and imaging factors between patients with or without acute and remote seizures.ResultsOf the 94 patients, 32 (34%) experienced at least one seizure after CVST development. Bivariate analysis showed a significant association of remote seizure with loss of consciousness at presentation (P = 0.05, OR: 5.11, 95%CI: 1.07–24.30), supratentorial lesions (P = 0.02, OR: 9.04, 95%CI: 1.04–78.55), lesions in the occipital lobe (P = 0.00, OR: 12.75, 95%CI: 2.28–71.16), lesions in the temporal and parietal lobes, thrombophilia (P = 0.03, OR: 5.87, 95%CI: 1.21–28.39), seizure in the acute phase (P = 0.00, OR: 13.14, 95%CI: 2.54–201.2) and sigmoid sinus thrombosis (P = 0.00, OR: 12.5, 95%CI: 2.23–69.79). Seizures in the acute phase were also more common in patients with paresis (P = 0.00, OR: 4.88, 95%CI: 1.91–12.46), hemorrhagic lesions indicated by imaging (P = 0.02, OR: 2.77, 95%CI: 1.08–7.10), supratentorial lesions, lesions in the frontal (P = 0.01, OR: 3.81, 95%CI: 1.28–11.31) and parietal lobes (P = 0.00, OR: 5.16, 95%CI: 2–13.29), thrombophilia and history of miscarriage (P = 0.03, OR: 2.91, 95%CI: 1.07–7.91). No factor predicted acute or remote seizure in a multiple logistic regression analysis.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that seizure development in the acute phase is the most significant factor for development of remote seizure. Parenchymal lesions in the supratentorial area were also found to be associated with both acute and remote seizures. However, no factor was predictive of acute or remote seizures in a multivariate analysis.     

The SNP rs1625579 in miR-137 gene and risk of schizophrenia in Chinese population: A meta-analysis

BackgroundSchizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with a high heritability. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1625579 (G/T; T is the common and presumed risk allele) within an intron of miR-137 gene has been recently suggested to contribute to the susceptibility to schizophrenia by a large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) in a sample of predominantly European ancestry. However, subsequent genetic association studies in Chinese population yielded inconsistent results.MethodsA meta-analysis reporting the association between rs1625579 and schizophrenia in Chinese population was carried out, pooling 4 eligible case–control studies involving 2847 patients and 3018 controls.ResultsThis meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between rs1625579 and schizophrenia under the allele model [T versus G, odds ratio (OR):1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.36] and the recessive model (TT versus GT + GG; OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04–1.37). Additionally, a marginal significant association under the additive model (TT versus GG; OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.00–2.69) was observed. However, no significant association was observed under the dominant model (TT + GT versus GG; OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 0.97–2.59).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis suggested that the SNP rs1625579 in miR-137 gene might be involved in schizophrenia susceptibility in Chinese Han population.     

Evaluación del estado nutricional en la enfermedad de Alzheimer y su influencia en la progresión tras el diagnóstico

IntroductionNutritional deficiencies are frequent in Alzheimer disease (AD), even in early stages. Nutritional impairment (NI) may be associated with faster disease progression. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of NI and the associated risk factors at the time of diagnosis and to analyse its influence on subsequent progression.MethodsWe performed a prospective, multicentre, observational study of patients recently diagnosed with prodromal AD (pAD) or dementia due to AD (ADd). Two clinical assessments were conducted over a period of 18 months. The Mini Nutritional Assessment test (MNA; score range, 0-30; cut-off point for NI, < 24) was used to estimate nutritional status. Progression was defined as an increase of ≥ 3 points on the Clinical Dementia Rating-sum of boxes test.ResultsThe sample included 50 patients with pAD (mean [standard deviation] age, 76.1 [5.3] years; 68% women), and 127 with ADd (80 [5.9] years; 72.4% women). A total of 141 (79.7%) completed both evaluations. The prevalence of NI was 28.2% (24% for pAD, 29.9% for ADd; P = .43), with the majority (92%) at risk of malnutrition. NI was associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-10.5; P < .001) and greater behavioural involvement (OR: 5.8; 95% CI: 2.6-12.7; P < .001). A larger proportion of patients with progression was observed among those with NI than among those with normal nutritional status (50% vs 28.7%, P < .05; ADd: 53.6% vs 31.8%, P < .05; pAD: 41.7% vs 22.9%, P = .21). Greater cognitive impairment (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.03-4.4; P < .05) and NI (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1-5.1; P < .05) were independent risk factors for disease progression.ConclusionsNI is highly prevalent in patients with AD. Assessing nutritional status at the time of diagnosis may enable identification of patients at greater risk of disease progression.     

Effects of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 deletions on Parkinson's disease risk among a North African population

PurposeIn this study, the effects of glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms Mu1 (GSTM1) and glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms Theta1 (GSTT1) on Parkinson's disease (PD) risk factor were evaluated in a Tunisian population.MethodsThese polymorphisms were analyzed in 229 healthy Tunisian subjects and 64 Tunisian patients with PD, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0. The relative associations between the GST genotypes and PD were assessed by calculating the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe study results demonstrated that the individuals with GSTM1 [OR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.98–7.92, P = 10^?6] and GSTT1 [OR = 5.45, 95% CI: 2.90–10.30, p = 10^?6] were statistically associated with the risk of PD. A significant association was also found between the individuals with both GSTM1/T1 null genotypes and PD risk [OR = 22.10, 95% CI: 6.99–73.75, P = 10^?6].ConclusionThese genotyping findings suggest that the absence of both GSTM1 and GSTT1 activity could be a contributory factor for the development of PD.     

Should we treat patients with impaired consciousness and periodic patterns on EEG?

PurposeThe significance of periodic EEG patterns in patients with impaired consciousness is controversial. We aimed to determine if treating these patterns influences clinical outcome.MethodWe studied all patients who had periodic discharges on their EEG recordings from January 2007 to December 2009. Patients with clinical seizures within the preceding 24 h, or with unequivocal electrographical seizure activity were excluded. Logistic regression was performed to analyze for factors associated with (a) mortality (b) functional status (c) resolution of EEG pattern.ResultsOf the 4246 patients who had EEG, 111 (2.6%) had periodic EEG patterns. 64 met inclusion criteria. In adjusted analysis, higher mortality was associated with acute symptomatic etiology (OR 17.74, 95% CI 1.61–196.07, p = 0.019), and presence of clinical seizures (OR 4.73, 95% CI 1.10–20.34, p = 0.037). For each unit decrement of GCS, the odds of inpatient mortality and a poorer functional state on discharge increased by 23% (95% CI 7–37%, p = 0.009) and 33% (95% CI 9–51%, p = 0.011) respectively. Administration of abortive therapy was an independent risk factor for poorer functional status on discharge (adjusted OR 41.39, 95% CI 2.88–594.42, p = 0.006), while patients with history of pre-existing cerebral disease appeared more likely to return to baseline functional status on discharge (unadjusted OR 5.00, 95% CI 1.40–17.86, p = 0.013).ConclusionTreatment of periodic EEG patterns does not independently improve clinical outcome of patients with impaired conscious levels. Occurrence of seizures remote to the time of EEG and lower GCS scores independently predict poor prognoses.     

MTHFR C677T polymorphism and migraine risk: A meta-analysis

Many molecular epidemiological studies were carried out in recent years to assess the association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and migraine risk in diverse populations. However, the results remain controversial rather than conclusive. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of C677T MTHFR polymorphism in migraine pathogenesis. We performed a meta-analysis of published case–control studies concerning the association of the C677T MTHFR polymorphism and migraine. Pooled ORs were established using both random and fixed effects models. This meta-analysis on 17 studies with 8903 cases and 27,637 controls showed that the allele 677T was associated with a significantly increased risk of total migraine in Asians (TT vs. CT + CC: OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13–2.32, P_H = 0.573, I² = 0.0%; T vs. C: OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.00–1.40, P_H = 0.147, I² = 44.1%). Similar results were also presented in Asian populations with MA (TT vs. CC: OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.11–3.75; TT vs. CT + CC: OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.01–3.95; T vs. C: OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.02–1.69) without significant heterogeneity. We conclude that the C677T MTHFR polymorphism, responsible for a reduction of the MTHFR activity in folate metabolism, may act as a genetic susceptibility factor for migraine, MA in particular among the subjects of Asian descent.     

El insomnio y la pobre calidad de sueño se asocian a un mal control de crisis en pacientes con epilepsia

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the presence of sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy and to analyse their association with seizure control.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of patients with epilepsy, recruited consecutively between September 2017 and December 2018. Patients were classified as having good seizure control (no seizures in the last 4 weeks) or poor seizure control (at least one seizure in the last 4 weeks). We performed intergroup comparisons for demographic and clinical data, insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II]), and quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 [QOLIE-10]).ResultsThe sample included a total of 123 patients, of whom 31.7% had excessive daytime sleepiness (ESS ≥ 10), 50.4% had insomnia (ISI ≥ 10), and 53.6% had poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 5). According to our multivariate analysis, presence of seizures was associated with unemployment (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-19.2; P = .02), a higher number of antiepileptic drugs (OR = 5.87; 95% CI, 1.81-27.1; P < .001), insomnia (OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-9.3; P = .04), and poor sleep quality (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.9-10.32; P = .01).ConclusionsSleep disorders are common in patients with epilepsy. Insomnia and poor sleep quality were associated with poor seizure control. These findings support the hypothesis that sleep disorders constitute a significant comorbidity of epilepsy, especially in patients with poor seizure control.     

La dépression majeure à caractéristique atypique comme facteur de risque du syndrome d’apnées obstructives du sommeil chez le jeune adulte

ObjectivesIn the literature, several studies have investigated the particular relationship between major depression and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). However, most of these studies have focused primarily on middle-aged to elderly individuals (≥ 40 years) which means that this problem has been little studied in young adults (< 30 years). Nevertheless, in young adults the prevalence of major depression (particularly its atypical subtype) is not negligible, which seems to justify carrying out additional investigations in order to allow a better understanding of the potential role played by major depression in the pathophysiology of OSAS in this particular subpopulation. The aim of this study was therefore to empirically investigate the prevalence of OSAS in young adults and to study the risk of OSAS associated with major depression in this particular subpopulation.MethodsPolysomnographic and demographic data from 264 young adults were collected from the Erasme Hospital Sleep Laboratory (Brussels, Belgium) database to enable our analyses. During their two-night stay (including a first night of habituation and a night of polysomnography) at the Sleep Laboratory, these individuals underwent a complete somatic assessment (including blood test, electrocardiogram, daytime electroencephalogram and urinalysis), a systematic psychiatric assessment by a unit psychiatrist and an assessment of their complaints related to sleep. These different steps made it possible to systematically diagnose all somatic pathologies, psychiatric disorders according to the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-IV-TR and sleep pathologies according to the diagnostic criteria of the AASM. This allowed the selection of young adults included in our study based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Polysomnographic recordings from our Sleep Laboratory were visually scored according to AASM criteria. An obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea index ≥ 5/hour was used for the diagnosis of OSAS. At the statistical level, in order to allow our analyses, we subdivided our sample of young adults into two groups: a control group without OSAS (n = 215) and a patient group with OSAS (n = 49). After checking the normal distribution of our data, normally distributed data were analysed with t-tests whereas asymmetrically or dichotomously distributed data were analysed with Wilcoxon tests or Chi² tests. Univariate regression models were used to study the risk of OSAS associated with major depression (categorized: absent, typical, atypical) in young adults and potential confounding factors. In multivariate regression models, the risk of OSAS associated with major depression (categorized: absent, typical, atypical) in young adults was adjusted only for confounding factors significantly associated with OSAS during univariate analysis. These confounding factors were introduced in a hierarchical manner in the various multivariate regression models constructed.ResultsThe prevalence of OSAS in our population of young adults was 18.6 %. During univariate analyses, atypical depression [OR 2.51 (95% CI 1.18–5.32), p-value = 0.014], male gender [OR 4.53 (95% CI 2.20–9.34), P-value < 0.001], presence of snoring [OR 2.51 (95% CI 1.33–4.75), P-value = 0.005], presence of at least one cardio-metabolic alteration [OR 2.26 (95% CI 1.19–4.28), P-value = 0.012], body mass index> 30 kg/m² [OR 4.55 (95% CI 2.07–10.03), P-value < 0.001] and ferritin ≥ 150 μg/L [OR 3.28 (95% CI 1.69–6.36), P-value < 0.001] were associated with increased risk of OSAS in our population of young adults. After adjusting for these major confounding factors associated with OSAS (gender, body mass index, cardio-metabolic alterations, ferritin level, and snoring) in the four models studied, multivariate regression analyses confirmed that unlike typical depression, atypical depression [OR 3.09 (95% CI 1.26–7.54), P-value = 0.019] was a risk factor for OSAS in young adults.ConclusionsIn our study, we demonstrated that the prevalence of OSAS was 18.6 % in young adults referred to the Erasme Hospital Sleep Laboratory. In addition, we have shown that unlike typical depression, atypical depression was associated with an increased risk of OSAS in young adults, which seems to justify more systematic research of this pathology in young adults suffering from atypical depression in order to allow the establishment of adapted therapeutic strategies and avoid the negative consequences associated with the co-occurrence of these two pathologies.     

Efectos de la terapia con videojuegos comerciales sobre el equilibrio postural en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados

IntroductionCommercial video games are considered an effective tool to improve postural balance in different populations. However, the effectiveness of these video games for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear.ObjectivesTo analyse existing evidence on the effects of commercial video games on postural balance in patients with MS.Material and methodWe conducted a systematic literature search on 11 databases (Academic-Search Complete, AMED, CENTRAL, CINAHL, WoS, IBECS, LILACS, Pubmed/Medline, Scielo, SPORTDiscus, and Science Direct) using the following terms: “multiple sclerosis”, videogames, “video games”, exergam*, “postural balance”, posturography, “postural control”, balance. Risk of bias was analysed by 2 independent reviewers. We conducted 3 fixed effect meta-analyses and calculated the difference of means (DM) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the Four Step Square Test, Timed 25-Foot Walk, and Berg Balance Scale.ResultsFive randomized controlled trials were included in the qualitative systematic review and 4 in the meta-analysis. We found no significant differences between the video game therapy group and the control group in Four Step Square Test (DM: –.74; 95% CI, –2.79-1.32; P = .48; I² = 0%) and Timed 25-Foot Walk scores (DM: .15; 95% CI, –1.06-.76; P = .75; I² = 0%). We did observe intergroup differences in BBS scores in favour of video game therapy (DM: 5.30; 95% CI, 3.39-7.21; P < .001; I² = 0%), but these were not greater than the minimum detectable change reported in the literature.ConclusionsThe effectiveness of commercial video game therapy for improving postural balance in patients with MS is limited.     

Generalised convulsive status epilepticus in Singapore: Clinical outcomes and potential prognostic markers

PurposeTo study the characteristics, outcomes and prognostic markers of convulsive status epilepticus (SE) in Singapore.Methods62 adult admissions to the National University Hospital Singapore from 2002 to 2005 were studied. Ethnicity, history of epilepsy, educational subnormality, neuroimaging, seizure duration, length of stay, Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) pre and post discharge, blood glucose, creatine kinase, potassium, white cell and platelet count were recorded. An MRS ≥ 3 at discharge was defined as a poor outcome. ROCs of significant variables were plotted to identify the best test cut-offs.ResultsMean age was 59.2 years (range 20–94). 75.9% patients had epilepsy. Mean length of stay was 14 days (range 1–75). Univariate analyses revealed age (p = 0.01, OR 1.075, 95% CI 1.030–1.122), length of stay in ICU (p = 0.03, OR 1.299, 95% CI 1.014–1.665) and hospital (p = 0.014, OR 1.203, 95% CI 1.038–1.393) and hyperglycemia (p = 0.045, OR 1.327, 95% CI 1.007–1.750) associated with poor outcome. Test cut-off values for prognostic markers were established: age ≥ 55 years (ROC 0.790, sensitivity 72.3, specificity 85.7, PPV9 4.4%, NPV 48.8%) and serum glucose ≥ 7 mmol/L (ROC 0.737, sensitivity 72.3, specificity 80.0, PPV 93.5%, NPV 36.4%). A discriminant model using these variables was then constructed with probability scores for poor outcome.DiscussionAge, hyperglycemia and length of stay in hospital influenced outcome from convulsive SE in the local population with hyperglycemia being a novel prognostic marker. Some prognostic markers cited in the literature differed, highlighting the possibility that these indicators may vary across population groups.     

Leukoaraiosis and earlier neurological outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

Background and purposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate whether leukoaraiosis (LA) severity is associated with earlier neurological outcome in acute stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.Materials and methodsIn this retrospective multicenter study, we evaluated 273 acute stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. LA severity was graded as 0–2 (absent-to-moderate) versus 3–4 (severe) according to the van Swieten scale. The main clinical outcome was the proportion of early neurological improvement and early neurological deterioration. Early neurological improvement was defined as a decrease of ≥ 4 points on the NIHSS, or an NIHSS score of zero 24 hours after baseline assessment. Early neurological deterioration was defined as an increase of ≥ 4 points on the NIHSS 24 hours after baseline assessment.ResultsThere was a significantly lower early neurological improvement rate (17.1% versus 39.2%; P = 0.006) and non-significantly higher early neurological deterioration rate (29.3% versus 17.7%; P = 0.084) in patients with severe LA (sLA) compared with patients with absent-to-moderate LA. In multivariable analysis, sLA was inversely associated with early neurological improvement (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13–0.78; P = 0.012). There was no significant association of sLA with early neurological deterioration. However, in patients without symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, sLA was an independent predictor of early neurological deterioration (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.09–6.45; P = 0.032).ConclusionssLA is a significant negative predictor of early neurological improvement and is an independent predictor of early neurological deterioration in patients without symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.