Methodological Quality of Clinical Trials in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

Background: More than 200 clinical trials have been performed worldwide in ALS so far, but no agents with substantial efficacy on disease progression have been found.

Objective: To describe the methodological quality of all clinical trials performed in ALS and published before December 31, 2022.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses.

Do changes in SSEP amplitude over time predict the outcome of comatose survivors of cardiac arrest?

Aim: To assess if the amplitude of the N20 wave (N20Amp) of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) changes between 12-24 h and 72 h from the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest and if an N20Amp decrease predicts poor neurological outcome (CPC 3-5) at six months.

Setting: Retrospective analysis of the ProNeCA multicentre prognostication study dataset. (NCT03849911).

Trends in survival of ALS from a population-based registry.

To assess survival of ALS patients in general and in selected demographic and clinical subgroups comparing two periods (1998-2000 vs. 2008-2010). Newly diagnosed adults resident of Lombardy, Northern Italy from a population-based registry were included.

ALS incidence and population aging in Northern Italy.

: Data on and increase of the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are conflicting and reflect the use of differing populations and designs. We investigated the incidence of ALS using data from a large population-based registry (SLALOM) in two three-year periods using the same diagnostic criteria and equal methods of case ascertainment. : The registry is based in Lombardy, a 10 million population area of Northern Italy.

SSEP amplitude accurately predicts both good and poor neurological outcome early after cardiac arrest; a post-hoc analysis of the ProNeCA multicentre study.

Aim: To assess if, in comatose resuscitated patients, the amplitude of the N20 wave (N20amp) of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) can predict 6-months neurological outcome.

Setting: Multicentre study in 13 Italian intensive care units.

Methods: The N20amp in microvolts (μV) was measured at 12 h, 24 h, and 72 h from cardiac arrest, along with pupillary reflex (PLR) and a 30-min EEG classified according to the ACNS terminology.

Neurophysiology for predicting good and poor neurological outcome at 12 and 72 h after cardiac arrest: The ProNeCA multicentre prospective study.

Aims: To assess the accuracy of electroencephalogram (EEG) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) recorded at 12 and 72 h from resuscitation for predicting six-months neurological outcome in patients who are comatose after cardiac arrest.

Methods: Prospective multicentre prognostication study. EEG was classified according to the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society terminology.

Trauma and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a european population-based case-control study from the EURALS consortium.

Objectives: To assess the association between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and previous traumatic events, age of trauma, and site of injury.

Methods: A population-based case-control study was performed in five European countries (Italy, Ireland, France, United Kingdom, Serbia). Newly diagnosed ALS patients and matched controls were interviewed to collect relevant demographic factors and exposures.

Physical activity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a European population-based case-control study.

Objective: To assess whether physical activity is a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods: From February 2008 to April 2012, 652 patients with ALS from European population-based registries (France, Ireland, Italy, United Kingdom, Serbia) and 1,166 population controls (matched for age, sex, and residency) were assessed. Upon direct interview, data were collected on occupation and history of sport and leisure activities, physical activity, and accidental injuries.

Knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy in Zambia: a questionnaire survey.

Misconception and stigma towards epilepsy have a profound impact on this disease in Africa. An unselected sample of Zambian people was interviewed to investigate their knowledge and attitudes towards epilepsy. Proper/improper answers were scored, and a composite score was developed with negative values for unsatisfactory awareness and high stigma levels.

Outcome measures and prognostic indicators in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

The purpose of the study was to assess frequency and predictors of disability measures in ALS. One hundred and fourteen newly diagnosed patients resident in eight administrative districts of Lombardy, Italy (population 4,947,554), included in a population-based registry, were followed for 2570 person-months (mean 22.5 months).

Reliability of the El Escorial diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Background: The El Escorial diagnostic criteria are the most commonly used in clinical studies and therapeutic trials in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The accuracy of the El Escorial criteria was tested in clinical practice, but the reliability is unknown when the diagnosis of ALS must be assessed on the basis of medical records.

Objective: To assess the reliability of the El Escorial criteria for the diagnosis of ALS in different settings.