Urinary symptoms and urodynamic findings in patients with Machado–Joseph disease

The study evaluated the prevalence of clinical and urodynamic findings in the lower urinary tract of patients with Machado–Joseph (MJ) disease. One hundred twenty-two patients were retrospectively evaluated; 17 (13.9%) presented lower urinary tract dysfunction, 10 of them were women. The average age was 41.6 years. Urgency was found in 15 patients and incontinence in nine. The urodynamic study showed detrusor overactivity in eight patients, areflexia in one, and four with normal detrusor contractility. Bladder sensitivity was abnormal in six, bladder capacity was decreased in one, urine flow decreased in 13, post-voiding residue was greater than 100 ml in nine. We could not find sphincter dyssynergia. The average cytosine–adenine–guanine (CAG) repetition was higher in patients with abnormal detrusor contraction (89.9) than in patients with normal urodynamics (68.2) (p = 0.03). There was no statistical significance when comparing the averages of replicates for people with and without urgency urinary incontinence (p = 0.27 and p = 0.5, respectively). The rate of lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with MJ disease was around 14%. The urodynamic study showed predominance of detrusor overactivity and urgency as the most common symptom. We found an association between the total number of CAG repetitions and changes in detrusor contractility.     

Longitudinal analysis of functional disabilities,cognitive decline and risk of dementia in women with Parkinson’s disease and detrusor overactivity

ObjectivesThis long-term study exclusively in women with Parkinson's disease and urinary symptoms aimed to verify the correlation of urinary symptoms with motor severity of the disease and cognitive functions as well as analyze the functional abilities, mental functions and risk of dementia in patients with detrusor overactivity.Subjects and MethodsAt baseline a cohort of 63 ambulatory patients with Parkinson's disease were evaluated for global disease severity, functional abilities and mental function using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Schwab & England scale (SES). Urologic function was assessed by International Prostatic Symptom Scale (IPSS) and urodynamic study. Two groups were then categorized at baseline: patients with and without detrusor overactivity. After seven years the same parameters were evaluated and the cognitive functions were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).ResultsAt baseline the lower urinary tract symptoms were correlated with the severity of the disease and the functional disabilities were significant in patients with detrusor overactivity. In the follow-up functional disabilities did not have different progression between the groups. There was a clear progression of mental scores, increased cognitive decline and risk of dementia in the group with detrusor overactivity.ConclusionDetrusor overactivity is a prevalent urodynamic finding correlated with motor severity of the disease and associated with functional disabilities in women with Parkinson’s disease. Patients with detrusor overactivity had in the long-term progression, a clear cognitive and mental function decline and increased risk of dementia.     

Gabapentin treatment of neurogenic overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE: Detrusor overactivity is a well-recognized and distressing medical condition affecting both men and women, with a significant prevalence in the population and with a higher incidence rate in people older than 70 years. This pathological condition is characterized by irritative symptoms: urinary urgency, with or without incontinence, and urinary frequency, often seriously compromising the quality of life of the people who have it. The complaint of these symptoms is defined by the International Continence Society (www.continet.org) as "overactive bladder." Many neurological patients experience irritative symptoms of the lower urinary tract related to their disease, and this condition drastically limits their social life. Various drugs have been introduced in therapy protocols to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity; however, in many cases, the outcomes of these treatments have proven to be unsatisfactory. This fact is probably related to the incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological aspects of detrusor overactivity. Recent studies suggest the possible role in the detrusor overactivity pathogenesis of bladder receptors, afferent pathways, and spinal cord interneurons; consequently, the modulation of bladder receptor and/or spinal cord centers activity has been proposed as a possible approach to control involuntary detrusor contractions, using drugs capable of acting on bladder afferent pathways.The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin, an anticonvulsive agent used by neurologists in the treatment of epilepsy and neurogenic pain, in the treatment of detrusor overactivity of neurogenic origin. METHODS: Sixteen patients affected by neurogenic overactive bladder were enrolled in the study. The clinical outcomes were assessed by symptomatic score evaluations, voiding diary, and urodynamic test before and after 31 days of gabapentin treatment. RESULTS: The preliminary results showed significant modifications of urodynamic indexes, particularly of the detrusor overactivity, whereas the symptomatic score evaluation and the voiding diary data demonstrated a significant lowering of the irritative symptoms. Furthermore, we did not record significant adverse effects and no patient interrupted the drug treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the rationale that detrusor overactivity may be controlled by modulating the afferent input from the bladder and the excitability of the sacral reflex center and suggest a novel method to treat overactive bladder patients.     

Comparing bromocriptine effects with levodopa effects on bladder function in Parkinson's disease

To evaluate the effects of bromocriptine on bladder function in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and compare these effects with those of (L ‐dopa). We recruited 8 patients with PD. Urodynamic study (UDS) was performed before and 1 hour after administering 100 mg L ‐dopa/decarboxylase inhibitor (DCI) and 2.5 hours after administering 7.5 mg bromocriptine. After the bromocriptine administration, urinary urgency aggravated. UDS revealed a decreased bladder volume at which detrusor overactivity (DO) was initiated, a decreased bladder volume at first sensation of bladder filling (FSV) (P < 0.05), an increased maximum Watts Factor value (WFmax) (detrusor contractility), a decreased Abrams‐Griffiths (AG) number (urethral obstruction), and a decreased postvoid residual (PVR) (P < 0.01). Similarly, after the L ‐dopa administration, urinary urgency aggravated. UDS revealed an aggravated DO (P < 0.05), a decreased FSV and bladder capacity (P < 0.01, 0.05), an increased WFmax (P < 0.05), an increased AG number, and a decreased PVR (P < 0.01). A single dose of bromocriptine proved to exacerbate urinary urgency and DO in the storage phase, and improve bladder emptying through increased detrusor contractility and decreased bladder outlet obstruction, within hours. With the exception of bladder outlet obstruction, these effects of bromocriptine are similar to the effects of L ‐dopa, albeit slightly less pronounced. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society     

The role of electrical neuromodulation in the therapy of chronic lower urinary tract dysfunction

The electrostimulation techniques may be used as a supplement or an alternative to standard therapy. Electrical therapy for chronic lower tract dysfunction comprises of non-invasive pudendal nerve neuromodulation and invasive sacral nerve stimulation. Short-term functional electrical stimulation seems favourable in selected patients with detrusor hyperreflexia. Sacral nerve stimulation may be a successful treatment option for patients with refractory detrusor overactivity and some forms of urinary retention.     

脑卒中恢复期下尿路功能障碍相关、预测因素及尿流动力学

目的 观察脑卒中恢复期下尿路功能障碍的发生情况、相关因素和预测因素以及尿流动力学特点.方法 脑卒中恢复期患者131例,均收集一般资料、神经系统相关专科情况并详细了解排尿情况及既往病史,判断患者有无下尿路功能障碍及其类型,进行相关分析及尿流动力学检查.结果 脑卒中后下尿路功能障碍发生率为44.3%,症状由多到少依次为:尿失禁、尿频、尿急、夜尿增多、排尿等待及排尿费力、尿潴留.MMSE量表评价认知功能有障碍组较无障碍组下尿路功能障碍发生率高1.8倍(χ~2=18.683,P=0.000);改良巴氏指数≤20分者较≥25分者下尿路功能障碍发生率高1.2倍(χ~2=16.832,P=0.000).经Logistic回归分析发现年龄(OR=1.622,95%CI 1.183～2.224)、急性期留置导尿时间(OR=3.236,95%CI 1.335～7.840)及病灶单或多发(OR=1.296,95%CI 1.083～1.550)对脑卒中恢复期下尿路功能障碍发生有预测价值.尿流动力学检查发现78.9%患者逼尿肌过度活动,10.5%逼尿肌活动正常,10.5%逼尿肌无反射,无明确逼尿肌-括约肌协同失调患者.结论 脑卒中恢复期下尿路功能障碍较为常见,以储尿期排尿障碍为主.下尿路功能障碍的患者高级脑功能及日常生活能力低下.高龄、持续留置导尿及多发病灶对恢复期下尿路功能障碍有一定的预测价值.尿流动力学改变多为逼尿肌过度活动,但症状与尿流动力学表现不完全一致,必要时应做此检查以利于进一步治疗.     

THC/CBD oromucosal spray in patients with multiple sclerosis overactive bladder: a pilot prospective study

Lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTDs) are commonly reported in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and are mainly related to neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB). The aim of this observational study was to assess the effect of a tetrahydrocannabinol-cannabidiol (THC/CBD) oromucosal spray on resistant OAB by means of clinical and instrumental tools. Twenty-one MS patients were screened, and 15 cases have been evaluated. They underwent a specific clinical assessment (overactive bladder symptom score, OABSS) and a urodynamic assessment evaluating the maximal cystometric capacity (CCmax), bladder compliance (Qmax), maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet max), detrusor pressure at the first desire (Pdet first), bladder volume at the first desire (BVFD), leakage volume (LV), and post-void residual volume (PVR), before and after 4 weeks of THC/CBD administration. A complete neurological evaluation, including the assessment of their spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and the spasticity 0–10 numerical rating scale (NRS), was performed at the same times. Mobility was evaluated through the 25-ft walking-time test (T25-WT). The THC/CBD treatment successfully reduced the OAB symptoms (p = 0.001). Regarding the urodynamic findings after the end of treatment, PVR was significantly reduced (p = 0.016). Regarding the urodynamic findings after the end of treatment, PVR was significantly reduced (p = 0.016), while BVFD and CCmax were increased although the difference was not statistically significant. THC/CBD oromucosal spray has shown to be effective in improving overactive bladder symptoms in MS patients demonstrating a favorable impact on detrusor overactivity.     

Stress induced urinary incontinence in patients with spinocerebellar degeneration

OBJECTIVES—To examine the pathophysiology of"stress induced urinary incontinence" (urinary incontinence evokedby abdominal straining) in patients with spinocerebellar degeneration.
METHODS—Micturitional symptoms of 184 patientswith spinocerebellar degeneration who were admitted to hospital werestudied repeatedly. Urodynamic studies were made in symptomaticpatients, and consisted of uroflowmetry, measurement of residual urine,urethral pressure profilometry, medium fill water cystometry, andexternal sphincter EMG
RESULTS—Twenty nine (15.8%) patients withspinocerebellar degeneration showed stress induced urinaryincontinence. Twenty of the 29patients had detrusor overactivity, lowcompliance detrusor, or residual urine, resembling urgency and overflowtypes of incontinence (complicated form). The other nine had none ofthese findings (pure form), but showed decreased maximum urethralclosure pressure in four, absence of bulbocavernosus reflex in two,absence of voluntary sphincter contraction in one, incompetent urinarystorage even at the first sensation in two, and high amplitude andpolyphasic neurogenic changes in three of five patients studied,indicative of neurogenic sphincter dysfunction.
CONCLUSIONS—Stress induced urinary incontinence inspinocerebellar degeneration had various underlying mechanisms. Some ofthe patients only showed evidence of pudendal denervation, which cancause external sphincter weakness and may reflect lesions of the sacral Onuf's nucleus and the pudendal nerve. Urodynamic studies are necessary to evaluate stress induced urinary incontinence in patients with spinocerebellar degeneration, to prescribe appropriate therapies.

     

Alteration in brain functional connectivity in patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment during memory task: A fNIRS study

ObjectiveThis study attempted to evaluate the functional connectivity (FC) in relevant cortex areas during three memory tasks using the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) method to expound the neural mechanisms in individuals with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).MethodsShort-term memory and visuospatial abilities were assessed using the clock drawing test, digit span test, and Corsi Block-tapping tests with simultaneous fNIRS. The oxygenated hemoglobin concentration signals were recorded from the bilateral motor sense cortex (LMS/RMS) and prefrontal lobe (LPFT/PFT/RPFT) of 19 subjects with cognitive impairment (PSCI group), 27 stroke subjects (STR group) and 26 healthy subjects (HC group).ResultsMMSE scores were positively correlated with the clock drawing test and digit span test scores but not with Corsi Block-tapping scores. During each test, functional connectivity between the bilateral MS (LMS/RMS) was highest within each group, but the functional connectivity between motor sense cortex and frontal lobe was lowest. PSCI group showed decreased FC between bilateral motor sense cortex (P < 0.05) and between motor sense cortex and frontal lobe (P > 0.05) during clock drawing test and Corsi Block-tapping test while decreased FC between each region of interest during digit span test with no significant difference. Functional connectivity levels were closely related to MMSE scores.ConclusionsDecreased functional connectivity level may be a marker of impaired cognitive function in post-stroke cognitive impairment. The fNIRS-based functional connectivity provides a non-invasive method to recognize cognitive impairment post-stroke. Functional connectivity changes may help to further understand the neural mechanisms of cognitive impairment post stroke.     

Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio on day 7 is associated with outcomes in acute ischemic stroke

The main features of stroke-induced immunosuppression are lymphopenia and deactivation of monocytes in peripheral blood. We hypothesized that lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in peripheral blood may represent the degree of stroke-induced immunosuppression. To prove this hypothesis, we evaluated whether LMR is associated with risk of post-stroke infection and clinical outcome at 3 months in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We selected patients with stroke in anterior circulation within 24 h from onset. Peripheral blood sampling for differential blood count was performed on days 1 and 7. The LMRs on days 1 and 7 were analyzed to determine associations with excellent outcomes (modified Rankin Scale of score 0–1 at 3 months). One hundred and two patients were included. The initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (adjusted odd ratio [OR] 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83–0.95; P = 0.001) and LMR on day 7 (adjusted OR 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09–2.02; P = 0.011) were associated with excellent outcomes. LMRs on day 1 were significantly lower in stroke patients with pneumonia (P = 0.007) and pneumonia or urinary tract infection (P = 0.012) than those without infections. LMRs on day 7 were also significantly lower in stroke patients with infection (P = 0.005 in pneumonia, P = 0.003 in urinary tract infection, and P < 0.001 in pneumonia or urinary tract infection) than those without infections. Lower LMRs on day 7 are associated with worse outcomes at 3 months after stroke onset. LMR may be a useful marker for assessing the stroke-induced immunosuppression.     

How to treat neurogenic bladder and sexual dysfunction after spinal cord lesion

Neurogenic bladder and sexual dysfunction after spinal cord lesions are highly prevalent. The treatment algorithm for neurogenic bladder is well described. Clean intermittent self-catheterisation associated with treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity is the gold standard. Goals of treatment are twofold: i) control risk factors to avoid upper urinary tract complications, and ii) improve quality of life by treating incontinence when feasible. Lower urinary tract dysfunction is still a major cause of complications and hospitalisation. Sexual dysfunction must be addressed and treated and is at the top of patient expectations one year after injury.     

Inhibitory control task is decreased in vascular incontinence patients

Objective

‘Vascular incontinence’ is a part of elderly incontinence due to cerebral white matter change (WMC). We studied the relationship between performance on several cognitive tasks and urodynamic detrusor overactivity (DO) in patients with vascular incontinence.

Methods

We recruited 40 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to WMC [20 male, 20 female; mean age 77 years (60–89 years)]. Other neurologic, urologic, and systemic causes of LUT dysfunction were excluded. All patients underwent urodynamics tests and two sets of cognitive tasks, i.e., the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (general cognitive tasks), and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) (frontal lobe tasks).

Results

The most common urinary symptom was urinary urgency (27 patients), followed by urinary incontinence (26) and nocturnal urinary frequency (25). The urodynamic testing revealed DO in 22 patients. The cognitive testing revealed that the patients’ mean MMSE score was 25.8 (range 15–30), and their mean FAB score was 13.6 (4–18). There was no relationship between DO and the total MMSE or FAB score, but our analysis of the relationship between DO and the six subdomains of the FAB (conceptualization, mental flexibility, programming, sensitivity to interference, inhibitory control, and environmental autonomy) revealed a significant relationship between DO and the inhibitory control task (p < 0.005).

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed that performance on an inhibitory control task is decreased in vascular incontinence patients with DO.     

Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of mTOR and eIF4E in hippocampus of rats with vascular dementia

Clinically, electroacupuncture is proved to be an effective therapy for vascular dementia; however, their mechanisms remain uncertain. The aim of the current study was to investigate the mechanism of electroacupuncture therapy for vascular dementia. One month after a vascular dementia animal model was established by bilateral occlusion of common carotid arteries, electroacupuncture treatment was given at “Baihui” (DU20), “Dazhui” (DU14), and “Shenshu” (BL23). Morris water maze was used to assess the learning and memory ability of rats. Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) in hippocampus of rats. Morris water maze test showed that electroacupuncture improved the learning ability of vascular dementia rats. Western blot assay revealed that the expression level of mTOR and eIF4E in the electroacupuncture group and sham-operated group was higher than that in the vascular dementia group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the decreasing expression of mTOR and eIF4E plays important roles in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. Electroacupuncture improves learning and memory ability by up-regulating expression of mTOR and eIF4E in the hippocampus of vascular dementia rats.     

Predictors of depressive symptoms in patients with stroke – a three-month follow-up

Background and purposeDepression is one of the most common post-stroke complications, which could impair rehabilitation outcome and quality of life, and could also increase mortality after stroke. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between demographic, socioeconomic and clinical (stroke risk factors, type of stroke, location of vascular lesion, cognitive functions) factors on the presence and severity of post-stroke depressive symptoms in patients after first ever stroke as well as on their social functioning.Material and methodsA prospective, cohort study with a three-month observation period was performed in seven centres. Severity of depressive symptoms was assessed with the help of a short, 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), 3 months after stroke onset.ResultsOn the basis of GDS (GDS ≤ 5 points or > 5 points) patients were allocated to a group without (n = 160) or with symptoms suggestive of depression (n = 82). The study groups did not differ with respect to age, sex or place of residence. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that independent predictors for the presence of symptoms suggestive of depression at 3 months after stroke were: low level of education, low income, greater severity of stroke, worse functional status, self-reported problems with daily-living activities and need of help in daily living activities. More than 60% of patients with depressive symptoms limited their social contacts. Patients with depressive symptoms were unsatisfied with their relations with life partners and friends.ConclusionsOur study showed a complex aetiology of post-stroke depressive symptoms with an important role of socioeconomic factors. Depressive symptoms after stroke worsen existing health, social and economic problems, and cause social isolation of patients.     

Vesicourethral dysfunction in multiple sclerosis. Initial assessment based on lower urinary tract symptoms and their pathophysiology

The most common lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) are irritative, obstructive or mixed (association of irritative and obstructive LUTS). Generally irritative LUTS are typical in patients with cortical, brainstem or mild spinal cord lesions; obstructive symptoms are frequent in patients with spinal cord lesions (below the pontine micturition centre) or at the level of the sacral micturition centre. Irritative LUTS are often associated with detrusor overactivity, whereas obstructive LUTS are associated with detrusor sphincter dyssynergia or detrusor areflexia/hypocontractility. Proper management of these LUTS often could be planned without specialised assessment, in accordance with the algorithms proposed by International Consultation on Incontinence.     

Characteristics of Neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction in Cerebellar Stroke: A Cross-Sectional, Retrospective Video Urodynamic Study

Voiding dysfunctions are common neurological complications after a stroke, yet there are few urodynamic studies of patients with cerebellar stroke. We report the video urodynamic findings of 15 patients with cerebellar stroke, including eight patients with ischemic and seven with hemorrhagic stroke. Their mean age was 75?±?13.4 years and the mean interval from stroke to video urodynamic study was 11.2?±?17.9 months. At urodynamic study, four (50 %) patients with ischemic stroke had urinary incontinence as did two (28 %) patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Detrusor overactivity (DO) was found in eight (53 %) patients, dyssynergic urethral sphincter in six (40 %), and nonrelaxing urethral sphincter in seven (47 %). DO occurred in six (75 %) of patients with ischemic stroke and in two (28.6 %) of patients with hemorrhagic stroke (p?=?0.072). While DO was not found in five of the 15 patients within 2 months after the stroke, it was more frequently detected in eight (80 %) of the 10 remaining patients 2 or more months after stroke (p?=?0.007). Four (80 %) of the five stroke patients had nonrelaxing sphincter and urinary retention within 2 months after stroke. Two or more months after their strokes, coordinated sphincter function was noted in two (20 %) patients and dyssynergic sphincter was found in six (60 %); two (20 %) remained with nonrelaxing sphincter. Thus, lower urinary tract dysfunction caused by cerebellar stroke may change with time. Knowledge of video urodynamic findings should help us better manage voiding dysfunction in patients with cerebellar stroke.     

Spastic co-contraction is directly associated with altered cortical beta oscillations after stroke

ObjectiveSpastic co-contraction is a motor-disabling form of muscle overactivity occurring after a stroke, contributing to a limitation in active movement and a certain level of motor impairment. The cortical mechanisms underlying spastic co-contraction remain to be more fully elucidated, the present study aimed to investigate the role of the cortical beta oscillations in spastic co-contraction after a stroke.MethodWe recruited fifteen post-stroke participants and nine healthy controls. The participants were asked to perform active elbow extensions. In the study, multimodal analysis was performed to combine the evaluation of three-dimensional elbow kinematics, the elbow muscles electromyographic activations, and the cortical oscillatory activity.ResultsThe movement-related beta desynchronization was significantly decreased in post-stroke participants compared to healthy participants. We found a significant correlation between the movement-related beta desynchronization and the elbow flexors activation during the active elbow extension in post-stroke participants. When compared to healthy participants, post-stroke participants exhibited significant alterations in the elbow kinematics and greater muscle activation levels.ConclusionsCortical beta oscillation alterations may reflect an important neural mechanism underlying spastic co-contraction after a stroke.SignificanceMeasuring the cortical oscillatory activity could be useful to further characterize neuromuscular plasticity induced by recovery or therapeutic interventions.     

Neurogenic bladder as a lurking complication in Moebius syndrome

Moebius syndrome (MBS) is a congenital disorder characterized by facial and abducens palsy, sometimes accompanied with other cranial nerve palsies and comorbid conditions. Anatomical anomalies of the brainstem are assumed to be major etiologies of MBS. Its phenotypic presentation can be variable. We report a female patient with MBS who presented with neurogenic bladder (NB). She was born via normal vaginal delivery. At birth, she showed bilateral abducens palsy and right facial palsy. We diagnosed MBS by cranial computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging. She had recurrent urinary tract infection. Hydronephrosis was noted on ultrasonography and bilateral vesicoureteral reflux (grade 5) on voiding cystourethrography. Urodynamic investigation showed detrusor overactivity and detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, which follow the pattern of NB resulting from infrapontine-suprasacral lesions. Patients with MBS have lower brainstem dysfunction, and accordingly we should be aware of NB.     

Electroacupuncture regulates glucose-inhibited neurons in treatment of simple obesity

The glucose-inhibited neurons present in the lateral hypothalamic area are regarded as glucose detectors. This structure is involved in the regulation of food intake through extracellular blood glucose concentrations, and plays a crucial role in obesity onset. In the present study, obesity models established with high fat feeding were treated with electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36)/ Inner Court (ST44) on the left side and Tianshu (ST25) bilaterally. We found that electroacupuncture could effectively reduce body weight and the fat-weight ratio, and decrease serum leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and neuropeptide Y levels, while increase serum adiponectin and cholecystokinin-8 levels. This treatment altered the electrical activity of glucose-inhibited neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area, with electroacupuncture at Zusanli/ Inner Court exerting an inhibitory effect, while electroacupuncture at bilateral Tianshu exerting an excitatory effect. These data suggest that electroacupuncture at the lower limbs and abdominal cavity is an effective means for regulating the activity of glucose-inhibited neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area and for improving the secretory function of adipose tissue.     

Efficacy of Fluoxetine for Post-Ischemic Stroke Depression in Tanzania

ObjectivePost-stroke fluoxetine trials are primarily conducted in high-income countries. We characterize post-ischemic stroke depression in fluoxetine-treated and -untreated study participants in urban Tanzania.MethodsAdults (>18 years old) within 14 days of CT-confirmed acute ischemic stroke onset were enrolled at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania. The fluoxetine-treated group took 20mg fluoxetine daily for 90 days in a phase II trial and were compared to fluoxetine-untreated historical controls. The primary outcome was depression at 90 days, measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). PHQ-9 scores were compared between fluoxetine-treated and -untreated groups. A score >=9 points was considered to reflect depression. A multivariable linear regression model assessed associations with post-stroke PHQ-9 scores.ResultsOf the fluoxetine-treated (n=27) and -untreated (n=32) participants, the average age was 56.8 years old (39% women, 100% Black/African). The average presentation NIHSS score was 12.1 points and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 3.5. The average mRS score at 90-day follow-up was 2.3. There was no significant difference between 90-day PHQ-9 scores in the fluoxetine-treated (mean=4.1 points, standard deviation=3.2; 11% depression) and untreated (mean=4.4, standard deviation=4.8; 19% depression) groups, p=.69. In the multivariable analysis, older age (β=0.08, p=.03) and higher NIHSS score (β=0.15, p=.04), but neither fluoxetine (β=0.57, p=.59) nor sex (β=-0.51, p=.63), were significantly associated with more depressive symptoms.ConclusionsOur findings parallel results from trials from higher income settings that fluoxetine does not significantly improve post-ischemic stroke depression, although our sample size was small. More work is needed to depict the longitudinal nature and treatment of post-stroke depression in Sub-Saharan Africa.