Meningeal T cells associate with diffuse axonal loss in multiple sclerosis spinal cords.

Objective: A link between diffuse axonal loss and diffuse inflammation has been established in the brain of patients with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present paper, we sought to determine whether such a link could be similarly demonstrated in the spinal cord of patients with progressive MS.

Methods: A neuropathological quantitative assessment of inflammation and axonal loss was performed in the cervical spinal cord of 18 patients with progressive MS and 5 control subjects.

Correlates of adherence to respiratory drugs in COPD patients.

Aims: To identify the correlates of accidental omissions and intentional interruptions of respiratory therapy in COPD.

Methods: COPD patients (GOLD stages II-IV) were recruited by general practitioners or respiratory physicians. Patients reported in self-report questionnaires their adherence to respiratory drugs (over the past three months) and their perception of therapy.

[Migraine or headache management: a pharmacy survey].

Aim: To describe the characteristics and the management of migraine.

Method: Data on headaches, drug consumption and life habits of 762 patients were collected using questionnaires and pharmacy records.

Results: The migraine attack was characterized by a severe pain for more than 80% of the patients.

Correlates of quality of life of pre-obese and obese patients: a pharmacy-based cross-sectional survey.

Background: The correlates of quality of life (QOL), as measured by the OSQOL questionnaire were investigated in a convenience sample of overweight patients recruited in pharmacies.

Methods: A convenience sample of patients with a Body Mass Index > or = 28 kg/m(2) were recruited in community-based pharmacies. Baseline characteristics and QOL dimensions (1-Physical state, 2-Vitality-desire to do things, 3-Relations with others, 4-Psychological state) were reported in self-completed questionnaires from which the risk of obtaining a low QOL was assessed for each dimension.

Asthma patients' perception of their ability to influence disease control and management.

Background: Patients' perception of their ability to influence their asthma symptoms has not been sufficiently addressed.

Objective: To study the relationship between patients' perceived ability to self-care, as approached by internal locus of control (LOC) orientation, and concomitant level of asthma control.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 19, 2004, through July 7, 2005.

Asthma patients' self-reported behaviours toward inhaled corticosteroids.

Background: Patient adherence to recommended use of ICS is questionable in asthma, with irregular use or interruptions occurring frequently. Factors explaining discontinuation of controller therapy could orientate interventions. The characteristics of patients with interruptions of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), intentional or accidental, were investigated.

Prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hypertriglyceridaemia in patients treated with hypolipidaemic drugs.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of triglyceride and/or high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) disorders and their relationships with other cardiovascular risk factors among patients with dyslipidaemia on lipid-lowering therapy.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study in dyslipidaemic patients receiving lipid-lowering therapy, lipid disorders were defined as triglyceride greater than 1.5 g/L, HDL-C lesser than 0.

Correlates of LDL-cholesterol goal attainment in patients under lipid lowering therapy.

Background: LDL-cholesterol therapeutic objectives attainment under lipid lowering therapy remains inadequate. The correlates of LDL-cholesterol therapeutic objective attainment have not been thoroughly explored in an observational setting.

Methods: Patients under lipid lowering therapy and managed by general practitioners were included.