Nonwalking response to fampridine in patients with multiple sclerosis in a real-world setting.

Objectives: Mobility impairments constitute a long-term burden in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Currently there is evidence that the drug fampridine may improve nonwalking symptoms in MS patients. The main objective of this study is to analyze whether participants showing a beneficial walking response to fampridine, also show a positive response in nonwalking assessments in a real-world clinical setting.

Fampridine response in MS patients with gait impairment in a real-world setting: Need for new response criteria?

Objective: The primary objective of this real-world study was to describe the response to fampridine and changes of gait parameters in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients' walking disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 4-7) after treatment with fampridine for 2 weeks as recommended by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and compare it with the overall physician's judgement.

Methods: A total of 211 adult MS patients were analyzed using a multimodal gait assessment including the timed 25-foot walk test (T25FW), 2-minute walking test (2-MWT), 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12), the GAITRite electronic walkway system, and the patients' clinical global impression (CGI). Multimodal gait assessment was compared with the clinician's impression of overall improvement after 2 weeks.

Evaluation of heart involvement in calpainopathy (LGMD2A) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Introduction: Cardiac dysfunction occurs in several forms of limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). The aim of this study was to investigate cardiac involvement in calpainopathy (LGMD2A).

Methods: Cardiovascular evaluation was performed in 10 patients with genetically verified LGMD2A by echocardiography, 3 Tesla - cardiovascular magnetic resonance, 24-h electrocardiography recordings with heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, and 24-h blood pressure recordings.

Accumulation and therapeutic modulation of 6-sulfo LacNAc(+) dendritic cells in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: To examine the potential role of 6-sulfo LacNAc(+) (slan) dendritic cells (DCs) displaying pronounced proinflammatory properties in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: We determined the presence of slanDCs in demyelinated brain lesions and CSF samples of patients with MS. In addition, we explored the impact of methylprednisolone, interferon-β, glatiramer acetate, or natalizumab on the frequency of blood-circulating slanDCs in patients with MS.

Neuroborreliosis during natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis.

We present a case of acute neuroborreliosis in the setting of long-term treatment with natalizumab. A 33-year-old man was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1999. Following failure of various immunomodulatory treatments including interferon and immunoglobulin, he was treated with mitoxantrone from May 2000 to August 2004.

Multiple sclerosis documentation system (MSDS): moving from documentation to management of MS patients.

The long disease duration of multiple sclerosis and the increasing therapeutic options require a individualized therapeutic approach which should be carefully documented over years of observation. To switch from MS documentation to an innovative MS management, new computer- and internet-based tools could be implemented as we could demonstrate with the novel computer-based patient management system "multiple sclerosis management system 3D" (MSDS 3D). MSDS 3D allows documentation and management of visit schedules and mandatory examinations via defined study modules by integration of data input from various sources (patients, attending physicians and MS nurses).

Reliability of brain CT evaluation by stroke neurologists in telemedicine.

Objective: To determine the reliability and therapeutic impact of standardized cerebral CT evaluation and quantification of early ischemic changes (EIC) with the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) by stroke neurologists in the Stroke Eastern Saxony Network (SOS-NET), which provides telemedical consultations for patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: Two neuroradiologists re-evaluated all CT scans of consecutive SOS-NET patients in 2009 blinded to clinical information providing reference standard. We defined discrepant CT findings as all false-positive or false-negative EIC and brain pathology findings and ASPECTS deviations >1 point.

Use and acceptance of electronic communication by patients with multiple sclerosis: a multicenter questionnaire study.

Background: The number of multiple sclerosis (MS) information websites, online communities, and Web-based health education programs has been increasing. However, MS patients' willingness to use new ways of communication, such as websites, mobile phone application, short message service, or email with their physician, remains unknown.

Objectives: We designed a questionnaire to evaluate the a priori use of electronic communication methods by MS patients and to assess their acceptance of such tools for communication with their health care providers.