Objectives: To characterize the serum cytokine profile in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) at onset and during follow-up and assess their utility for predicting relapses and disability.
Methods: This retrospective multicentric cohort study included patients aged 16 years and older meeting MOGAD 2023 criteria, with serum samples collected at baseline (≤3 months from disease onset) and follow-up (≥6 months from the baseline), and age-matched and time to sampling-matched patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Eleven cytokines were assessed using the ELLA system.
Introduction: Longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions (LESCL) are characterized by T2-hyperintense signals spanning at least three vertebral body segments, with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) being a significant cause. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, radiological, serological, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) features of LESCL and to compare NMOSD and non-NMOSD cases.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of adult patients diagnosed with LESCL at our center over a twelve-year period collecting data on demographics, clinical presentations, MRI findings, CSF analysis, and serological testing for AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG antibodies.
Introduction: Spasticity is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) and it is often associated with other symptoms such as spasms/cramps and pain. The concept of Spasticity-Plus syndrome takes into account that spasticity is accompanied by one or more symptoms (spasms/cramps, pain, bladder dysfunction, sleep disorders, fatigue and/or tremor). As these symptoms share a common cannabinoid control, therapy acting on cannabinoid receptors may be useful.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Patient disability, relapse rate, and age are used for family planning in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the need for more accurate biomarkers is widely recognized. We aimed to explore the influence of age on neurofilament light chain (sNfL), which reflects acute inflammation; glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), associated with disability progression independent of relapses; and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), reflecting ovarian reserve, to provide a tailored family planning strategy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Alemtuzumab is a high-efficacy treatment approved for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Although clinical trials and observational studies are consistent in showing its efficacy and manageable safety profile, further studies under clinical practice conditions are needed to further support its clinical use.
Objective: The aim of this observational retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of alemtuzumab to add to the current real-world evidence on the drug.
Background And Purpose: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can have pro- or anti-inflammatory properties, but their relationship with multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses during pregnancy remains unknown. This study aimed to explore SCFA profiles in MS patients during pregnancy and to assess their association with the appearance of relapses during pregnancy and postpartum.
Methods: We prospectively included 53 pregnant MS patients and 21 healthy control women.
Background And Purpose: Limited information is available on incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study investigated the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related outcomes in patients with MS, and compared these with the general population.
Methods: A regional registry was created to collect data on incidence, hospitalization rates, intensive care unit admission, and death in patients with MS and COVID-19.
Sci Rep
April 2021
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6A/B (HHV-6A/B) and multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated retrovirus (MSRV) have been described as possible MS triggers. We analysed antibody titres against EBV and HHV-6, and MSRV envelope (env) mRNA expression, in the serum of pregnant multiple sclerosis patients (P-MS) to study their possible link to the clinical activity of MS during pregnancy and postpartum and their possible role as relapse predictors. For that purpose, serum samples were collected from 71 pregnant women (50 pregnant MS and 21 pregnant healthy controls-P-HC) during pregnancy and postpartum.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To explore the serum cytokine profile associated with disease activity during pregnancy and postpartum in MS, and to assess any potential biomarkers predicting the occurrence of relapses during this period.
Methods: We included 53 MS pregnant women recruited between 2007 and 2018. Interferon-gamma, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-17, granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor, Activin-A, interleukin-10, and programmed-death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) were measured quarterly in serum by ELISA.
Background: Streptococcus agalactiae is an uncommon microorganism that causes spinal epidural abscess (SEA) and usually affects individuals with a predisposing condition or potential source of infection.
Case Description: We present the case of an immunocompetent 53-year-old patient with an unremarkable past medical history who developed progressive low extremity weakness, bowel and bladder dysfunction and genital sensory impairment. A neurological exam on admission revealed flaccid proximal paraparesis, T10 sensory level, atonic anal sphincter and normal myotatic reflexes.
Introduction: In multiple sclerosis (MS), foetal exposure to disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) carries varying degrees of risk. We sought to analyse the clinical and obstetric outcomes of MS patients (MSp) exposed to DMDs during pregnancy.
Patients And Methods: Observational study.
Background And Objectives: Percentages of blood CD19+CD5+ B cells and CD8+perforin+ T lymphocytes can predict response to Interferon (IFN)-beta treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. We aimed to standardize their detection in a multicenter study, prior to their implementation in clinical practice.
Methods: Fourteen hospitals participated in the study.
Background: Vascular imaging is increasingly used for diagnosis of arterial occlusions in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Our aim was to determine whether computed tomography angiography (CTA) and Doppler/duplex ultrasound (DUS) before intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is associated with a delay in time-to-treatment.
Methods: Observational analysis of a prospective cohort of AIS patients treated with IVT from January 2009 to December 2012.
Spine (Phila Pa 1976)
September 2013
Study Design: Case report.
Objective: To report this rare varicella-zoster virus (VZV) complication in a patient with multiple sclerosis.
Summary Of Background Data: Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis is a spinal cord lesion that extends over 3 or more vertebral segments.