Expert consensus from the Arabian Gulf on selecting disease-modifying treatment for people with multiple sclerosis according to disease activity.

Recent research has expanded our understanding of the natural history and clinical course of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Arabian Gulf region. In addition, the number of available therapies for MS has increased greatly in recent years, which complicates considerably the design of therapeutic regimens. We, an expert group of physicians practising in Arabian Gulf countries, present pragmatic consensus recommendations for the use of disease-modifying therapy, according to the level of MS disease activity, according to objective criteria, and prior treatment (if any) received by a given patient.

An Overview of High-Efficacy Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis: Gulf Region Expert Opinion.

This article discusses the opinions of the multiple sclerosis (MS) experts in the Gulf region on the use of high-efficacy disease-modifying drugs (DMDs; natalizumab, fingolimod, alemtuzumab, cladribine tablets, and ocrelizumab) in clinical practice. The experts reviewed the current literature including pivotal clinical trials and meta-analyses for high-efficacy DMDs, supplemented by the expert opinions on the usage of these DMDs in clinical practice. Several criteria were discussed by the panel based on different efficacy, safety, and convenience attributes.

Associations between ApoE gene and psychological consequences post stroke in a Bahraini cohort.

Background: The contribution of genetic factors such as the presence of ApoE allele e4 and its association with psychological consequences post stroke remains unknown within Middle-Eastern regions. This study examined the association of ApoE genotype with cognitive impairment and mood in stroke patients and compare with healthy older adults in Bahrain.

Method: A prospective sample of n = 62 stroke patients (case group) and n = 53 healthy ageing individuals (control group) were eligible to participate in the study.

Predictors of Vascular Cognitive Impairment Poststroke in a Middle Eastern (Bahrain) Cohort: A Proposed Case-Control Comparison.

Background: Poststroke dementia and cognitive impairment are associated with poor long-term outcomes after stroke. The contribution of genetic factors such as the presence of apolipoprotein (ApoE) ɛ4 allele and its association with cognitive impairment poststroke remains inconclusive, particularly in Middle Eastern regions.

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine all correlates and potential predictors of cognitive impairment including self-awareness and regulation deficits in stroke patients and compare these functions with healthy older adults from a Middle Eastern population.

Association Between Metacognition and Mood Symptoms Poststroke.

Introduction: The link between metacognition and mood has been well established, particularly in other conditions with psychological comorbidity, however, there is no evidence regarding this association in the area of stroke.

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between metacognition, based on the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model, and mood symptoms in the acute phase after stroke.

Methods: One hundred thirty patients were recruited to a prospective stroke study in Bahrain, and n = 64 were assessed for mood and cognition.