Late epileptic seizures following cerebral venous thrombosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Neurological Sciences - Identifying late epileptic seizures (LS) following cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) can be useful for prognosis and management. We systematically reviewed the literature to...     

Oral and intravenous steroids for multiple sclerosis relapse: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Glucocorticoids are the standard of care for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses, but the most desirable route of administration is still matter of debate. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral versus intravenous steroids for treatment of acute relapses in patients with MS. Randomized or quasi-randomized, parallel group trials with direct comparison between oral and intravenous steroid treatment in MS patients with acute relapse were identified through a systematic literature search. Six trials were included involving 419 participants, 210 for oral, and 209 for intravenous groups, respectively. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) in the Kurtzke’s Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score reduction between the oral and intravenous groups were 0.32 [(?0.09 to 0.73); p = 0.129] and 0.11 [(?0.12 to 0.33); p = 0.355] at 1 and 4 weeks after treatment, respectively. The risk ratios (RRs) for improvement by at least one EDSS point were 0.79 [(0.37–1.68); p = 0.539] at week 1 and 0.92 (0.76–1.12); p = 0.400] at week 4. There were no differences in the relapse rate and relapse freedom at 6 months between groups. The WMDs in the mean percentage reduction of Gadolinium-enhancing lesions between oral and intravenous arms were 0.14 (?0.02, 0.29); p = 0.083] and 0.04 (?0.19, 0.28); p = 0.705] at 1 and 4 weeks from treatment. Among the adverse events, insomnia was significantly associated with the oral route of steroid administration [RR 1.25 (1.07–1.46); p = 0.005]. In adult patients with acute MS relapse, there were no clear-cut differences in the efficacy and overall tolerability between oral and intravenous steroids.     

Immunizations and risk of multiple sclerosis: systematic review and meta-analysis

The role of vaccinations in risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) or in risk of relapse has not been well established. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of immunizations on risk of developing MS in adults as well as in subsequent risk of relapse. Systematic search for publications in MEDLINE (1966–January 2011), EMBASE (1977–January 2011) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (1961–January 2011). Both randomized clinical trials and non-randomized studies addressing the effect of any Center for Diseases Control (CDC) recommended vaccine for children, adults or travelers and BCG on risk of MS or disease relapse were included. Two reviewers independently extracted information from articles selected using a predefined datasheet. No significant change in the risk of developing MS after vaccination was found for BCG (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.69–1.34), Hepatitis B (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.74–1.37), Influenza (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.77–1.23), Measles–Mumps–Rubella (MMR) (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.64–1.61), Polio (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.61–1.25) and Typhoid fever (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.72–1.53). We found decreased risk of developing MS for Diphtheria (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40–0.90) and Tetanus (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54–0.84). Influenza immunization was also associated with no change in risk of MS relapse (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.89–1.72). Risk of developing multiple sclerosis remained unchanged after BCG, Hepatitis B, Influenza, MMR, Polio and Typhoid fever immunization, whereas diphtheria and tetanus vaccination may be associated with a decreased risk of MS. Further research is needed for the remaining vaccines.     

Risk factors for posttraumatic epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveA systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to identify risk factors for posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE).MethodsTwo electronic databases (Medline and Embase) were searched to identify studies with a cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional design reporting on epidemiologic evidence regarding risk factors for PTE.ResultsMen had a higher risk of developing PTE than women [relative ratio (RR), 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–1.59]. A history of alcohol abuse (RR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.26–3.79), posttraumatic amnesia (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.12–1.53), focal neurologic signs (RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.16–1.74), and loss of consciousness at initial traumatic brain injury (TBI) (RR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.13–2.32) were associated with a greater risk of PTE. TBI-related abnormal neuroimaging findings, including skull fracture (RR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.49–3.44), midline shift (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.14–1.87), brain contusion (RR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.69–3.28), subdural hemorrhage (RR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.33–3.01), and intracranial hemorrhage (RR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.83–3.82) were strong risk factors for PTE. The risk of developing PTE after skull fracture, mild brain injury, and severe brain injury peaked within the first year after TBI, and then gradually decreased. However, a high risk of PTE was sustained for > 10 years.ConclusionThe current meta-analysis identified potential risk factors for PTE. The results may contribute to better prevention strategies and treatments for PTE.     

Transcranial magnetic stimulation as a provocation for epileptic seizures in multiple sclerosis

Epileptic seizures may be of a provoked origin in acute phases of multiple sclerosis (MS), while chronic epilepsy typically occurs in advanced stages of the disease. A case of seizure provocation during diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is described here with a corresponding central nervous system (CNS) lesion in cranial magnetic resonance imaging. A subsequent chronic epileptogenesis originating from the opposite cerebral hemisphere was observed without further TMS influence after several years. The case in its clinical rarity demonstrates that standard single pulse TMS may trigger epileptic seizures only under limited conditions. Single pulse TMS is still regarded a safe procedure in MS.     

Vaccines and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

Vaccinations are often the most effective tool against some disease known to mankind. This study offers a literature review on the role of vaccines regarding the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) and MS relapse. The method used in this study is a systematic literature review on the database PubMed. The study found no change in risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) after vaccination against hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus, seasonal influenza, measles–mumps–rubella, variola, tetanus, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), polio, or diphtheria. No change in risk of relapse was found for influenza. Further research is needed for the potential therapeutic use of the BCG vaccine in patients in risk of developing MS and for the preventive potential of the tetanus and diphtheria vaccine.     

Risk factors for depression among elderly community subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine risk factors for depression among elderly community subjects. METHOD: MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for potentially relevant articles published from January 1966 to June 2001 and from January 1967 to June 2001, respectively. The bibliographies of relevant articles were searched for additional references. Twenty studies met the following six inclusion criteria: original research reported in an English or French publication, study group of community residents, age of subjects 50 years or more, prospective study design, examination of at least one risk factor, and use of an acceptable definition of depression. The validity of studies was assessed according to the four primary criteria for risk factor studies described by the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group. Information about group size at baseline and follow-up, age, proportion of men, depression criteria, exclusion criteria at baseline, length of follow-up, number of incident cases of depression, and risk factors was abstracted from each report. RESULTS: Follow-up of the inception cohort was incomplete in most studies. In the qualitative meta-analysis, risk factors identified by both univariate and multivariate techniques in at least two studies each were disability, new medical illness, poor health status, prior depression, poor self-perceived health, and bereavement. In the quantitative meta-analysis, bereavement, sleep disturbance, disability, prior depression, and female gender were significant risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the methodologic limitations of the studies and this meta-analysis, bereavement, sleep disturbance, disability, prior depression, and female gender appear to be important risk factors for depression among elderly community subjects.     

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Neurological Sciences - Prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing world-wide. Iran is not exception. As the prevalence reported differently in various provinces, we designed this...     

干扰素-β治疗复发-缓解型多发性硬化系统评价

目的评价干扰素-β(IFN-β)治疗复发-缓解型多发性硬化的有效性和安全性。方法检索Cochrane临床对照试验中心注册库、美国国立医学图书馆、荷兰医学文摘、CINAHL、LILACS、PEDRO、中国生物医学文献数据库、临床试验注册中心和世界卫生组织国际临床试验注册平台(检索截止时间:2014年6月);并通过阅读相关论文参考文献,联系参与IFN-β治疗多发性硬化临床试验的研究者和企业,进一步获取研究信息或未发表的数据。由两名评价人员独立筛选研究、提取研究信息和数据、评价偏倚风险。应用Review Manager软件(Version 5.3.3)进行Meta分析,GRADEpro软件评价研究设计和实施过程中的局限性(偏倚风险)、结果的不一致性和不精确性、证据的间接性和发表偏倚对主体证据质量的影响。结果共检索相关文献576篇,阅读标题和摘要后初步筛选出26项研究;进一步阅读全文后纳入5项研究(共2129例复发-缓解型多发性硬化患者:高剂量IFN-β组1076例、安慰剂组1053例)。所有纳入的研究均为IFN-β单药治疗且随访时间≥1年的随机双盲安慰剂对照平行临床试验。大多数研究存在方法学局限性,主要缺陷为随访偏倚风险较高,且数据分析未使用意向治疗原则,仅919例受试者(43.17%)的数据可用于分析随访2年时的主要结局。Meta分析显示,IFN-β可轻微减少随访2年时复发病例数(RR=0.810,95%CI:0.740~0.890;P=0.000)和残疾进展病例数(RR=0.700,95%CI:0.550~0.880;P=0.002);敏感性分析(最差情况的演示分析)显示,IFN-β治疗无效(RR=1.110,95%CI:0.730~1.680,P=0.620;RR=1.310,95%CI:0.600~2.890,P=0.500)。共1581例患者(74.26%)的数据可用于分析随访1年时至少复发1次的病例数(RR=0.740,95%CI:0.590~0.930;P=0.010),绝对危险降低率为13.24%,需治疗的病例数为8例,表明需要治疗8例患者才可防止1例在第1年内复发。但在年复发率方面,IFN-β治疗无效。IFN-β常导致注射部位局部反应、寒颤、发热、肌肉疼痛、流感样症状、头痛、血清丙氨酸转氨酶和天冬氨酸转氨酶水平升高等不良事件,但并不增加外周血淋巴细胞和中性粒细胞减少、抑郁、自杀行为或自杀观念的发生。结论高质量证据显示,IFN-β治疗复发-缓解型多发性硬化可轻微降低第1年内的复发病例数,但超过1年的疗效尚不能确定。目前尚无足够证据证明IFN-β在减少残疾进展病例数方面的疗效,尚待高质量的随机对照临床试验评价其长期有效性。     

Autoimmune disease in people with multiple sclerosis and their relatives: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Additional autoimmune diseases in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their relatives have been studied many times. Studies have employed different designs, and yielded conflicting results. We performed a systematic review, and calculated overall risk of additional autoimmune diseases in people with MS and their first-degree relatives. PubMed and Web of Science were searched. Thyroid disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were studied. A generic inverse variance model was used, and subgroup analysis was used to explore heterogeneity. The OR of thyroid disease was increased in both people with MS (OR 1.66; p < 0.00001) and their relatives (OR 2.38; p < 0.00001). A similar association was seen between MS and inflammatory bowel disease (OR 1.56; p < 0.0001) and psoriasis (OR 1.31; p < 0.0001), although not in relatives. There was no increase in the rate of either SLE or RA. Studies examining diabetes showed significant heterogeneity and evidence of publication bias. There is an increase in the rate of certain autoimmune diseases in people with MS and their first-degree relatives. However, this does not extend to all conditions studied. Given the nonspecific clinical presentation of thyroid disease, it should be considered in all people with MS presenting with nonspecific symptoms.     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence studies of epilepsy and unprovoked seizures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the methodology of incidence studies of epilepsy and unprovoked seizures and to assess the value of their findings by summarizing their results. METHODS: A Medline literature search from January 1966 to December 1999 was conducted. In each selected study, key methodologic items such as case definition and study design were evaluated. Furthermore, a quantitative meta-analysis of the incidence data was performed. RESULTS: Forty incidence studies met the inclusion criteria. There was considerable heterogeneity in study methodology, and the methodologic quality score was generally low. The median incidence rate of epilepsy and unprovoked seizures was 47.4 and 56 per 100,000, respectively. The age-specific incidence of epilepsy was high in those aged 60 years or older, but was highest in childhood. Males had a slightly higher incidence of epilepsy (median, 50.7/100,000) than did females (median, 46.2/100,000), and partial seizures seemed to occur more often than generalized seizures. Developing countries had a higher incidence rate of epilepsy (median, 68.7/100,000) than did industrialized countries (median, 43.4/100,000). Similar results were found for unprovoked seizures. The incidence of epilepsy over time appears to decrease in children, whereas it increases in the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: The age-specific incidence of epilepsy showed a bimodal distribution with the highest peak in childhood. No definitive conclusions could be reached for the incidence of unprovoked seizures and other specific incidence rates of epilepsy. More incidence studies with an adequate study methodology are needed to explore geographic variations and time trends of the incidence of epilepsy and unprovoked seizures.     

Enlarged perivascular spaces in multiple sclerosis on magnetic resonance imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Journal of Neurology - Perivascular spaces can become detectable on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) upon enlargement, referred to as enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) or Virchow-Robin spaces....     

Exercise therapy and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an incurable disease, and despite current pharmacologic treatment being effective in reducing relapse rates and lesion burden, there is little evidence that these treatments work as effectively in preventing disability progression. In such cases, non-pharmacologic techniques such as exercise therapy with rehabilitation purposes may play an important role. This systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) aims at investigating the effects of exercise therapy in MS patients. The electronic database PubMed was searched for studies indexed between February 2004 and June 2012. Studies eligibility criteria included: clinical diagnosis of MS free of exacerbation; and intervention with exercise therapy, measured as activities of daily living (ADL). Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of the references retrieved. The methodological quality of the RCTs was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (PEDro scale). The PubMed search resulted in a total of 72 articles, 11 of which were included in this review. The analysis included 591 participants, of which 358 (60.6 %) were women. Patients had a mean age between 37.1 and 54.6 years. Duration of MS since diagnosis was reported in nine of the 11 studies and varied between 5.2 and 15.9 years. According to PEDro scale, nine of the 11 included studies were considered to be of high methodological quality, with scores ranging from 7 to 10. In eight of the 11 included studies, the effectiveness of exercise therapy was compared to standard care, in two it was compared to those on a waiting list, and in one, to control treatment. The results of this review suggest that exercise therapy may have a beneficial effect in patients with MS, and therefore may be recommended for the rehabilitation of these patients.