Publications by authors named "Jan Schepel"

Background: In the absence of evidence from randomised controlled trials, observational data can be used to emulate clinical trials and guide clinical decisions. Observational studies are, however, susceptible to confounding and bias. Among the used techniques to reduce indication bias are propensity score matching and marginal structural models.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Purpose: This study assessed the effect of patient characteristics on the response to disease-modifying therapy (DMT) in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: We extracted data from 61,810 patients from 135 centers across 35 countries from the MSBase registry. The selection criteria were: clinically isolated syndrome or definite MS, follow-up ≥ 1 year, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≥ 3, with ≥1 score recorded per year.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequently reported in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Natalizumab (NTZ) is usually administered on a 4-weekly Standard Interval Dosing (SID) schedule. However, Extended Interval Dosing (EID) at 6-8 weekly intervals has been proven non-inferior regarding relapse risk, with a lower risk of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Brain energy metabolism is impaired in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which may be mitigated by a ketogenic diet. We conducted a randomized crossover trial to determine whether a 12-week modified ketogenic diet improved cognition, daily function, or quality of life in a hospital clinic of AD patients.

Methods: We randomly assigned patients with clinically confirmed diagnoses of AD to a modified ketogenic diet or usual diet supplemented with low-fat healthy-eating guidelines and enrolled them in a single-phase, assessor-blinded, two-period crossover trial (two 12-week treatment periods, separated by a 10-week washout period).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis was first described as a severe form of encephalitis by Dalmau et al in 2006. This is an autoimmune disorder usually associated with paraneoplastic mechanism that manifests as neuropsychiatric disorder affecting mainly women of child-bearing age. Nevertheless anti- NMDA receptor encephalitis is a rare condition during pregnancy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: To investigate whether ω-3 fatty acids reduce magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis, both as monotherapy and in combination with interferon beta-1a treatment.

Design: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted from 2004 to 2008.

Setting: Thirteen public neurology departments in Norway.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF