Validation of the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 in the German language.

Background: The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS 31) is a validated, 31-item self-assessment questionnaire assessing autonomic symptoms in six domains, orthostatic intolerance, vasomotor, secretomotor, gastrointestinal, bladder, and pupillomotor function. So far, there is no validated German COMPASS 31 version. This study aimed at developing and validating a German COMPASS 31.

Real world application of ocrelizumab in multiple sclerosis: Single-center experience of 128 patients.

Background: Pivotal trials showed good clinical efficiency of the monoclonal antibody ocrelizumab while being well tolerated and manageable in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, data on adverse events in everyday practice are scarce. Hence, our study aims at investigating short-term tolerability of ocrelizumab in a "real-world" setting.

Impact of heart rate dynamics on mortality in the early phase after ischemic stroke: a prospective observational trial.

Background: Growing evidence suggests that the heart rate (HR) at rest is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. In ischemic stroke, continuous monitoring of HR is the standard of care, but systematic data on its dynamics and prognostic value during the acute phase are limited.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, HR was measured by continuous electrocardiographic monitoring on admission and during the first 72 hours of care among patients who were awake with ischemic stroke and survived until discharge.

Neuroanatomical correlates of severe cardiac arrhythmias in acute ischemic stroke.

Neurocardiological interactions can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The relationship between the lesion location in the brain and the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias is still discussed controversially. The aim of the present study was to correlate the lesion location with the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Prevalence and impact on outcome of electrocardiographic early repolarization patterns among stroke patients: a prospective observational study.

Background: Early repolarization pattern (ER) gained attention as a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in the general population. While electrocardiographic abnormalities are frequent findings in stroke patients, data on ER pattern in this population are lacking.

Methods: We assessed the prevalence of ER pattern in consecutive acute stroke patients at a tertiary stroke center.

Peripheral pulse measurement after ischemic stroke: A feasibility study.

Objective: To investigate feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of measurement of the peripheral pulse (MPP) at the radial artery as a simple, noninvasive screening tool for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) in patients after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: Two hundred fifty-six patients with acute ischemic stroke and the patients' relatives at a tertiary stroke center were prospectively included. Participants were instructed for characteristics of atrial fibrillation (AF) in MPP using standardized educational material.

High NIHSS values predict impairment of cardiovascular autonomic control.

Background And Purpose: Stroke is frequently associated with autonomic dysfunction, which causes secondary cardiovascular complications. Early diagnosis of autonomic imbalance prevents complications, but it is only available at specialized centers. Widely available surrogate markers are needed.

Early administration of low molecular weight heparin after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. A safety analysis.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication after stroke. Application of low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) has been proven to be beneficial for the prevention of VTE in ischemic stroke patients. However, there is no consensus whether and how to administer LMWH for prevention of thrombotic complications after acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), the main concern being possible hematoma growth.

Cyclophosphamide for anti-GAD antibody-positive refractory status epilepticus.

Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is the enzyme which catalyzes the production of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). There is increasing evidence that severe GAD autoimmunity may be associated with refractory epilepsy. Immunomodulation and GABAergic drugs have been suggested as treatment options.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular responses to lower body negative pressure in type 2 diabetic patients.

In diabetic patients, vascular disease and autonomic dysfunction might compromise cerebral autoregulation and contribute to orthostatic intolerance. The aim of our study was to determine whether impaired cerebral autoregulation contributes to orthostatic intolerance during lower body negative pressure in diabetic patients. Thirteen patients with early-stage type 2 diabetes were studied.

Enhanced sympathetic cardiac modulation in bruxism patients.

Sleep bruxism, an oral parafunction including teeth clenching and grinding, might be related to increased stress. To evaluate sympathetic cardiac activity in bruxism patients, we monitored cardiac autonomic modulation using spectral analysis of heart rate variability and compared results to those of age-matched healthy volunteers. In bruxism patients, sympathetic cardiac activity was higher than in volunteers.

Pupillography refines the diagnosis of diabetic autonomic neuropathy.

Although diabetic autonomic neuropathy involves most organs, diagnosis is largely based on cardiovascular tests. Light reflex pupillography (LRP) non-invasively evaluates pupillary autonomic function. We tested whether LRP demonstrates autonomic pupillary dysfunction in diabetics independently from cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) or peripheral neuropathy (PN).

Reduced cerebral blood flow velocity and impaired cerebral autoregulation in patients with Fabry disease.

In Fabry disease, there is glycosphingolipid storage in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and neurons of the autonomic nervous system. Vascular or autonomic dysfunction is likely to compromise cerebral blood flow velocities and cerebral autoregulation. This study was performed to evaluate cerebral blood flow velocities and cerebral autoregulation in Fabry patients.

Increased hypoxic blood pressure response in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Objectives: There is evidence of impaired cardiovascular autonomic control and reduced baroreflex sensitivity in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A compromised baroreflex-chemoreflex interaction might result in inadequate responses to chemoreflex activation with progressive hypercapnia and hypoxia and contribute to early fatalities. This study was performed to assess cardiovascular and ventilatory responses to hypercapnic and hypoxic stimulation in ALS patients with impaired baroreflex function.

Burden of care in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Objectives: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease with unique demands on patients and carers.

Patients And Methods: The total burden of care and burden components in 37 ALS carers were measured using validated questionnaires. Furthermore, influencing factors (functional impairment of the patient, additional carers, participation in support groups) were assessed.

Impact of urinary incontinence after stroke: results from a prospective population-based stroke register.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate, in a community-based population, the frequency of stroke-related urinary incontinence (UI) and to analyse the long-term impact of UI on prognosis and institutional care.

Methods: Included were 752 acute stroke patients admitted consecutively during a 4-year period. We evaluated the UI by using the Barthel Index during the first 7 days and at 12-months follow-up.

Subjective experience and coping in ALS.

Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressive and fatal disease which has no known cure and limited symptomatic treatment. While coping strategies in more common diseases are widely assessed, coping is poorly understood in ALS.

Methods: We examined 41 ALS patients using a standardised interview, a validated coping self-rating questionnaire and a self-rating depression scale.

Reversible prolongation of motor conduction time after transcranial magnetic brain stimulation after neurogenic claudication in spinal stenosis.

Study Design: A consecutive and controlled cohort study.

Objectives: To assess the value of motor conduction time (MCT) between cortex and symptomatic leg muscles after transcranial magnetic brain stimulation as an indicator of reversible root ischemia in patients with neurogenic claudication in spinal stenosis.

Summary Of Background Data: Neurogenic claudication in spinal stenosis is thought to result from transient ischemia of active nerve root fibers.