Autoimmunity and inflammation in status epilepticus: from concepts to therapies.

The understanding of immunological mechanisms underlying some forms of epilepsy and encephalitis has rapidly increased for the last 10 years leading to the concept of status epilepticus of autoimmune origin. Actual treatment recommendations regarding autoimmune status epilepticus are based on retrospective case studies, pathophysiological considerations and experts' opinion. In addition, there are no clear indicators to predict outcome.

Antibody-mediated status epilepticus: a retrospective multicenter survey.

Background: In recent years, an increasing number of auto-antibodies (AB) have been detected in the CSF and serum of patients with new onset epilepsy. Some of these patients develop convulsive or nonconvulsive status epilepticus (AB-SE), necessitating intensive medical care and administration of multiple antiepileptic and immunomodulatory treatments of uncertain effectiveness.

Objectives: In this retrospective multicenter survey we aimed to determine the spectrum of gravity, the duration and the prognosis of the disorder.

[Risk and benefits of disclosing a diagnosis of dementia].

While dementias represent an important problem of social health, they remained underdiagnosed. Data from the literature suggests that only 30% of cognitive impairment are detected and correctly evaluated, while most of the patient (up to 90%) and caregivers (up to 70-80%) ask for a precise diagnosis. Proper evaluation increase diagnostic accuracy from 30% to 80% but 20% of diagnoses remains inexact.

Improving homocysteine levels through balneotherapy: effects of sulphur baths.

Background: Plasma homocysteine (tHcy) is a risk factor for cardio-vascular diseases. Furthermore it has been associated with antioxidative status. Additionally balneotherapeutic sulphur baths have been shown to influence antioxidative status.