Mild Systemic Inflammation Increases Erythrocyte Fragility.

There is growing evidence that inflammation impairs erythrocyte structure and function. We assessed the impact of mild systemic inflammation on erythrocyte fragility in three different settings. In order to investigate causation, erythrocyte osmotic fragility was measured in mice challenged with a live attenuated bacterial strain to induce low-grade systemic inflammation; a significant increase in erythrocyte osmotic fragility was observed.

Systemic inflammation associates with and precedes cord atrophy in progressive multiple sclerosis.

In preclinical models of multiple sclerosis, systemic inflammation has an impact on the compartmentalized inflammatory process within the central nervous system and results in axonal loss. It remains to be shown whether this is the case in humans, specifically whether systemic inflammation contributes to spinal cord or brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis. Hence, an observational longitudinal study was conducted to delineate the relationship between systemic inflammation and atrophy using magnetic resonance imaging: the SIMS (Systemic Inflammation in Multiple Sclerosis) study.

Dehydration associates with lower urinary tract symptoms in progressive multiple sclerosis.

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in persons with progressive multiple sclerosis (pwPMS), who may consequently limit their fluid intake. We aimed to investigate the hypothesis that LUTS associate with objective evidence of inadequate hydration status in pwPMS.

Methods: In this prospective study, 55 pwPMS were studied over 2 years.

Physical activity monitoring to assess disability progression in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Clinical outcome measurement in multiple sclerosis (MS) usually requires a physical visit. Remote activity monitoring (RAM) using wearable technology provides a rational alternative, especially desirable when distance is involved or in a pandemic setting.

Objective: To validate RAM in progressive MS using (1) traditional psychometric methods (2) brain atrophy.

High-Throughput Urinary Neopterin-to-Creatinine Ratio Monitoring of Systemic Inflammation.

Background: Systemic inflammation is a marker of ill health and has prognostic implications in multiple health settings. Urinary neopterin is an excellent candidate as a nonspecific marker of systemic inflammation. Expression as urinary neopterin-to-creatinine ratio (UNCR) normalizes for urinary hydration status.