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Bjørnkaer A, Gaist LM, Holbech JV, Gaist D, Wirenfeldt M, Sindrup SH, Krøigård T. Corneal confocal microscopy in small and mixed fiber neuropathy-Comparison with skin biopsy and cold detection in a large prospective cohort. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:664-676. [PMID: 37651181 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is supported by reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). The noninvasive method corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) has the potential to be a practical alternative. We aimed to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of CCM compared with IENFD and cold detection thresholds (CDT) in SFN and mixed fiber neuropathy (MFN). METHODS CCM was performed in an unselected prospective cohort of patients with a clinical suspicion of polyneuropathy. Predefined criteria were used to classify SFN and MFN. Neuropathy scores, including the Utah early neuropathy scale (UENS), were used to describe severity. Patients with established other diagnoses were used for diagnostic specificity calculations. RESULTS Data were taken from 680 patients, of which 244 had SFN or MFN. There was no significant difference in sensitivities [95%CI] of CCM (0.44 [0.38-0.51]), IEFND (0.43 [0.36-0.49]), and CDT (0.34 [0.29-0.41]). CCM specificity (0.75 [0.69-0.81]) was lower (p = .044) than for IENFD (0.99 [0.96-1.00]) but not than for CDT (0.81 [0.75-0.86]). The AUCs of the ROC curves of 0.63, 0.63 and 0.74 respectively, was lower for corneal nerve fiber density (p = .0012) and corneal nerve fiber length (p = .0015) compared with IENFD. While UENS correlated significantly with IENFD (p = .0016; R2 = .041) and CDT (p = .0002; R2 = .056), it did not correlate with CCM measures. INTERPRETATION The diagnostic utility of CCM in SNF and MFN is limited by the low specificity compared with skin biopsy. Further, CCM is less suitable than skin biopsy and CDT as a marker for neuropathy severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asger Bjørnkaer
- Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laura M Gaist
- Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jakob V Holbech
- Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - David Gaist
- Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Martin Wirenfeldt
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Pathology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Søren H Sindrup
- Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Thomas Krøigård
- Neurology Research Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Belkadi A, Thareja G, Khan A, Stephan N, Zaghlool S, Halama A, Ahmed AA, Mohamoud YA, Malek J, Suhre K, Malik RA. Retinal nerve fibre layer thinning and corneal nerve loss in patients with Bardet-Biedl syndrome. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:301. [PMID: 37996899 PMCID: PMC10666305 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01739-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is an autosomal recessive, genetically heterogeneous, pleiotropic disorder caused by variants in genes involved in the function of the primary cilium. We have harnessed genomics to identify BBS and ophthalmic technologies to describe novel features of BBS. CASE PRESENTATION A patient with an unclear diagnosis of syndromic type 2 diabetes mellitus, another affected sibling and unaffected siblings and parents were sequenced using DNA extracted from saliva samples. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and retinal spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were used to identify novel ophthalmic features in these patients. The two affected individuals had a homozygous variant in C8orf37 (p.Trp185*). SD-OCT and CCM demonstrated a marked and patchy reduction in the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and loss of corneal nerve fibers, respectively. CONCLUSION This report highlights the use of ophthalmic imaging to identify novel retinal and corneal abnormalities that extend the phenotype of BBS in a patient with syndromic type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Belkadi
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gaurav Thareja
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Nisha Stephan
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaza Zaghlool
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anna Halama
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Yasmin A Mohamoud
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Joel Malek
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Karsten Suhre
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
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Petropoulos IN, Malik RA. Spinal muscular atrophy: are small sensory fibres involved? Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:2593-2594. [PMID: 37363823 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
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Khan A, Kamal M, Alhothi A, Gad H, Adan MA, Ponirakis G, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA. Corneal confocal microscopy demonstrates sensory nerve loss in children with autism spectrum disorder. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288399. [PMID: 37437060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulty in communication and interaction with others. Postmortem studies have shown cerebral neuronal loss and neuroimaging studies show neuronal loss in the amygdala, cerebellum and inter-hemispheric regions of the brain. Recent studies have shown altered tactile discrimination and allodynia on the face, mouth, hands and feet and intraepidermal nerve fiber loss in the legs of subjects with ASD. Fifteen children with ASD (age: 12.00 ± 3.55 years) and twenty age-matched healthy controls (age: 12.83 ± 1.91 years) underwent corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and quantification of corneal nerve fiber morphology. Corneal nerve fibre density (fibers/mm2) (28.61 ± 5.74 vs. 40.42 ± 8.95, p = 0.000), corneal nerve fibre length (mm/mm2) (16.61 ± 3.26 vs. 21.44 ± 4.44, p = 0.001), corneal nerve branch density (branches/mm2) (43.68 ± 22.71 vs. 62.39 ± 21.58, p = 0.018) and corneal nerve fibre tortuosity (0.037 ± 0.023 vs. 0.074 ± 0.017, p = 0.000) were significantly lower and inferior whorl length (mm/mm2) (21.06 ± 6.12 vs. 23.43 ± 3.95, p = 0.255) was comparable in children with ASD compared to controls. CCM identifies central corneal nerve fiber loss in children with ASD. These findings, urge the need for larger longitudinal studies to determine the utility of CCM as an imaging biomarker for neuronal loss in different subtypes of ASD and in relation to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Khan
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Madeeha Kamal
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdula Alhothi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Marian A Adan
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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Petropoulos IN, Al-Shibani F, Bitirgen G, Ponirakis G, Khan A, Gad H, Mahfoud ZR, Altarawneh H, Rehman MH, John K, Al-Merekhi D, George P, Uca AU, Ozkagnici A, Ibrahim F, Francis R, Canibano B, Deleu D, El-Sotouhy A, Vattoth S, Own A, Shuaib A, Akhtar N, Kamran S, Malik RA. Corneal axonal loss as an imaging biomarker of neurodegeneration in multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864221118731. [PMID: 36776530 PMCID: PMC9909084 DOI: 10.1177/17562864221118731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Resourceful endpoints of axonal loss are needed to predict the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can detect axonal loss in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and established MS, which relates to neurological disability. Objective To assess corneal axonal loss over time in relation to retinal atrophy, and neurological and radiological abnormalities in MS. Methods Patients with relapsing-remitting (RRMS) (n = 68) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS) (n = 15) underwent CCM and optical coherence tomography. Corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD-fibres/mm2), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD-branches/mm2), corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL-mm/mm2) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL-μm) thickness were quantified along with neurological and radiological assessments at baseline and after 2 years of follow-up. Age-matched, healthy controls (n = 20) were also assessed. Results In patients with RRMS compared with controls at baseline, CNFD (p = 0.004) and RNFL thickness (p < 0.001) were lower, and CNBD (p = 0.003) was higher. In patients with SPMS compared with controls, CNFD (p < 0.001), CNFL (p = 0.04) and RNFL thickness (p < 0.001) were lower. For identifying RRMS, CNBD had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve (0.99); and for SPMS, CNFD had the highest AUROC (0.95). At follow-up, there was a further significant decrease in CNFD (p = 0.04), CNBD (p = 0.001), CNFL (p = 0.008) and RNFL (p = 0.002) in RRMS; in CNFD (p = 0.04) and CNBD (p = 0.002) in SPMS; and in CNBD (p = 0.01) in SPMS compared with RRMS. Follow-up corneal nerve loss was greater in patients with new enhancing lesions and optic neuritis history. Conclusion Progressive corneal and retinal axonal loss was identified in patients with MS, especially those with more active disease. CCM may serve as an imaging biomarker of axonal loss in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatima Al-Shibani
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gulfidan Bitirgen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad R. Mahfoud
- Division of Medical Education, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar,Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heba Altarawneh
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Karen John
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dhabia Al-Merekhi
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine–Qatar of Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Pooja George
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali Ulvi Uca
- Department of Neurology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Ozkagnici
- Department of Neurology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Faiza Ibrahim
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Reny Francis
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Dirk Deleu
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Surjith Vattoth
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Own
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Naveed Akhtar
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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Corneal Sub-Basal Nerve Plexus in Non-Diabetic Small Fiber Polyneuropathies and the Diagnostic Role of In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020664. [PMID: 36675593 PMCID: PMC9862881 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) allows the immediate analysis of the corneal nerve quantity and morphology. This method became, an indispensable tool for the tropism examination, as it evaluates the small fiber plexus in the cornea. The IVCM provides us with direct information on the health of the sub-basal nerve plexus and indirectly on the peripheral nerve status. It is an important tool used to investigate peripheral polyneuropathies. Small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a group of neurological disorders characterized by neuropathic pain symptoms and autonomic complaints due to the selective involvement of thinly myelinated Aδ-fibers and unmyelinated C-fibers. Accurate diagnosis of SFN is important as it provides a basis for etiological work-up and treatment decisions. The diagnosis of SFN is sometimes challenging as the clinical picture can be difficult to interpret and standard electromyography is normal. In cases of suspected SFN, measurement of intraepidermal nerve fiber density through a skin biopsy and/or analysis of quantitative sensory testing can enable diagnosis. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge about corneal nerves in different SFN. Specifically, we explore the correlation between nerve density and morphology and type of SFN, disease duration, and follow-up. We will discuss the relationship between cataracts and refractive surgery and iatrogenic dry eye disease. Furthermore, these new paradigms in SFN present an opportunity for neurologists and clinical specialists in the diagnosis and monitoring the peripheral small fiber polyneuropathies.
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7
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Che NN, Jiang QH, Chen S, Chen SY, Zhao ZX, Li X, Ma JJ, Zhang JW, Malik RA, Yang HQ. The severity of corneal nerve loss differentiates motor subtypes in patients with Parkinson's disease. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2023; 16:17562864231165561. [PMID: 37114067 PMCID: PMC10126700 DOI: 10.1177/17562864231165561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is a heterogeneous movement disorder with patients manifesting with either tremor-dominant (TD) or postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) motor subtypes. Small nerve fiber damage occurs in patients with PD and may predict motor progression, but it is not known whether it differs between patients with different motor subtypes. Objective The aim of this study was to explore whether there was an association between the extent of corneal nerve loss and different motor subtypes. Methods Patients with PD classified as TD, PIGD, or mixed subtype underwent detailed clinical and neurological evaluation and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) were compared between groups, and the association between corneal nerve fiber loss and motor subtypes was investigated. Results Of the 73 patients studied, 29 (40%) had TD, 34 (46%) had PIGD, and 10 (14%) had a mixed subtype. CNFD (no./mm2, 24.09 ± 4.58 versus 28.66 ± 4.27; p < 0.001), CNBD (no./mm2, 28.22 ± 11.11 versus 37.37 ± 12.76; p = 0.015), and CNFL (mm/mm2, 13.11 ± 2.79 versus 16.17 ± 2.37; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the PIGD group compared with the TD group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that higher CNFD (OR = 1.265, p = 0.019) and CNFL (OR = 1.7060, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with the TD motor subtype. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that combined corneal nerve metrics showed excellent discrimination between TD and PIGD, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.832. Conclusion Greater corneal nerve loss occurs in patients with PIGD compared with TD, and patients with a higher CNFD or CNFL were more likely to have the TD subtype. CCM may have clinical utility in differentiating different motor subtypes in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shuai Chen
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Si-Yuan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Xiang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian-Jun Ma
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie-Wen Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Gu Y, Liu X, Yu X, Qin Q, Yu N, Ke W, Wang K, Chen M. Corneal in vivo Confocal Microscopy for Assessment of Non-Neurological Autoimmune Diseases: A Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:809164. [PMID: 35372389 PMCID: PMC8965464 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.809164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the features of corneal nerve with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) among patients with non-neurological autoimmune (NNAI) diseases. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies published until May 2021. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) of corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), tortuosity, reflectivity, and beadings per 100 μm with a 95% CI between NNAI and control group were analyzed using a random-effects model. Results The results showed 37 studies involving collective totals of 1,423 patients and 1,059 healthy controls were ultimately included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results manifested significantly decreased CNFL (WMD: −3.94, 95% CI: −4.77–−3.12), CNFD (WMD: −6.62, 95% CI: −8.4–−4.85), and CNBD (WMD: −9.89, 95% CI: −14–−5.79) in NNAI patients. In addition, the NNAI group showed more tortuous corneal nerve (WMD: 1.19, 95% CI:0.57–1.81). The comparison between NNAI patients and healthy controls in beadings per 100 μm corneal nerve length was inconsistent. No significant difference was found in the corneal nerve fiber reflectivity between NNAI and the control group (WMD: −0.21, 95% CI: −0.65–0.24, P = 0.361). Conclusions The parameters and morphology of corneal nerves observed by IVCM proved to be different in NNAI patients from healthy controls, suggesting that IVCM may be a non-invasive technique for identification and surveillance of NNAI diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Gu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoning Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiyu Qin
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Naiji Yu
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weishaer Ke
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaijun Wang
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Chen
- Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Hangzhou, China
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Ponirakis G, Hamad HA, Khan A, Petropoulos IN, Gad H, Chandran M, Elsotouhy A, Ramadan M, Gawhale PV, Elorrabi M, Gadelseed M, Tosino R, Arasn A, Manikoth P, Abdelrahim YH, Refaee MA, Thodi N, Vattoth S, Almuhannadi H, Mahfoud ZR, Bhat H, Own A, Shuaib A, Malik RA. Loss of corneal nerves and brain volume in mild cognitive impairment and dementia. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 8:e12269. [PMID: 35415208 PMCID: PMC8983001 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction This study compared the capability of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain volumetry for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, participants with no cognitive impairment (NCI), MCI, and dementia underwent assessment of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), MRI brain volumetry, and CCM. Results Two hundred eight participants with NCI (n = 42), MCI (n = 98), and dementia (n = 68) of comparable age and gender were studied. For MCI, the area under the curve (AUC) of CCM (76% to 81%), was higher than brain volumetry (52% to 70%). For dementia, the AUC of CCM (77% to 85%), was comparable to brain volumetry (69% to 93%). Corneal nerve fiber density, length, branch density, whole brain, hippocampus, cortical gray matter, thalamus, amygdala, and ventricle volumes were associated with cognitive impairment after adjustment for confounders (All P's < .01). Discussion The diagnostic capability of CCM compared to brain volumetry is higher for identifying MCI and comparable for dementia, and abnormalities in both modalities are associated with cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Ponirakis
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Hanadi Al Hamad
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | | | - Hoda Gad
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Mani Chandran
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Ahmed Elsotouhy
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
- NeuroradiologyHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Marwan Ramadan
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Priya V. Gawhale
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Marwa Elorrabi
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Masharig Gadelseed
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Rhia Tosino
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Anjum Arasn
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Pravija Manikoth
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | | | - Mahmoud A Refaee
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Noushad Thodi
- MRI UnitRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Surjith Vattoth
- RadiologyUniversity of Arkansas for Medical SciencesArkansasUSA
| | - Hamad Almuhannadi
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Ziyad R. Mahfoud
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Harun Bhat
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
| | - Ahmed Own
- NeuroradiologyHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaAlbertaCanada
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Department of MedicineWeill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationDohaQatar
- Faculty of BiologyMedicine and HealthUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
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Recessive cerebellar and afferent ataxias - clinical challenges and future directions. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:257-272. [PMID: 35332317 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00634-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar and afferent ataxias present with a characteristic gait disorder that reflects cerebellar motor dysfunction and sensory loss. These disorders are a diagnostic challenge for clinicians because of the large number of acquired and inherited diseases that cause cerebellar and sensory neuron damage. Among such conditions that are recessively inherited, Friedreich ataxia and RFC1-associated cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) include the characteristic clinical, neuropathological and imaging features of ganglionopathies, a distinctive non-length-dependent type of sensory involvement. In this Review, we discuss the typical and atypical phenotypes of Friedreich ataxia and CANVAS, along with the features of other recessive ataxias that present with a ganglionopathy or polyneuropathy, with an emphasis on recently described clinical features, natural history and genotype-phenotype correlations. We review the main developments in understanding the complex pathology that affects the sensory neurons and cerebellum, which seem to be most vulnerable to disorders that affect mitochondrial function and DNA repair mechanisms. Finally, we discuss disease-modifying therapeutic advances in Friedreich ataxia, highlighting the most promising candidate molecules and lessons learned from previous clinical trials.
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11
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Petropoulos IN, Bitirgen G, Ferdousi M, Kalteniece A, Azmi S, D'Onofrio L, Lim SH, Ponirakis G, Khan A, Gad H, Mohammed I, Mohammadi YE, Malik A, Gosal D, Kobylecki C, Silverdale M, Soran H, Alam U, Malik RA. Corneal Confocal Microscopy to Image Small Nerve Fiber Degeneration: Ophthalmology Meets Neurology. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 2:725363. [PMID: 35295436 PMCID: PMC8915697 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.725363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain has multiple etiologies, but a major feature is small fiber dysfunction or damage. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid non-invasive ophthalmic imaging technique that can image small nerve fibers in the cornea and has been utilized to show small nerve fiber loss in patients with diabetic and other neuropathies. CCM has comparable diagnostic utility to intraepidermal nerve fiber density for diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia and amyloid neuropathy and predicts the development of diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, in clinical intervention trials of patients with diabetic and sarcoid neuropathy, corneal nerve regeneration occurs early and precedes an improvement in symptoms and neurophysiology. Corneal nerve fiber loss also occurs and is associated with disease progression in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and dementia. We conclude that corneal confocal microscopy has good diagnostic and prognostic capability and fulfills the FDA criteria as a surrogate end point for clinical trials in peripheral and central neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gulfidan Bitirgen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Luca D'Onofrio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sze Hway Lim
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Adnan Khan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim Mohammed
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ayesha Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - David Gosal
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Kobylecki
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Monty Silverdale
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Handrean Soran
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Clinical Sciences Centre, Pain Research Institute, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool University Hospital National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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12
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Malik RA, Efron N. Corneal Confocal Microscopy and the Nervous System: Introduction to the Special Issue. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061475. [PMID: 35329801 PMCID: PMC8953792 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rayaz A. Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Nathan Efron
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
- Correspondence:
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13
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Fu J, He J, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Wang H, Li J, Chen L, Fan D. Small fiber neuropathy for assessment of disease severity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: corneal confocal microscopy findings. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:7. [PMID: 34991673 PMCID: PMC8734326 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02157-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with progressive motor system impairment, and recent evidence has identified the extra-motor involvement. Small fiber neuropathy reflecting by sensory and autonomic disturbances in ALS has been reported to accompany the motor damage. However, non-invasive assessment of this impairment and its application in disease evaluation of ALS is scarce. We aim to evaluate the use of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to non-invasively quantify the corneal small fiber neuropathy in ALS and explore its clinical value in assessing disease severity of ALS. METHODS Sixty-six patients with ALS and 64 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent detailed clinical assessments and corneal imaging with in vivo CCM. Using ImageJ, the following parameters were quantified: corneal nerve length (IWL) and dendritic cell density (IWDC) in the inferior whorl region and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), nerve fiber density (CNFD), nerve branch density (CNBD), and dendritic cell density (CDC) in the peripheral region. Disease severity was evaluated using recognized scales. RESULTS Corneal nerve lengths (IWL and CNFL) were lower while dendritic cell densities (IWDC and CDC) were higher in patients with ALS than controls in peripheral and inferior whorl regions (p < 0.05). Additionally, corneal nerve complexity in the peripheral region was greater in patients than controls with higher CNBD (p = 0.040) and lower CNFD (p = 0.011). IWL was significantly associated with disease severity (p < 0.001) and progression (p = 0.002) in patients with ALS. Patients with bulbar involvement showed significantly lower IWL (p = 0.014) and higher IWDC (p = 0.043) than patients without bulbar involvement. CONCLUSIONS CCM quantified significant corneal neuropathy in ALS, and alterations in the inferior whorl region were closely associated with disease severity. CCM could serve as a noninvasive, objective imaging tool to detect corneal small fiber neuropathy for clinical evaluation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Fu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ji He
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyuan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Haikun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiameng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, 49 North Garden Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Biomarker and Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beijing, China.
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14
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Verdugo RJ, Matamala JM, Inui K, Kakigi R, Valls-Solé J, Hansson P, Bernhard Nilsen K, Lombardi R, Lauria G, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA, Treede RD, Baumgärtner U, Jara PA, Campero M. Review of techniques useful for the assessment of sensory small fiber neuropathies: Report from an IFCN expert group. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 136:13-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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15
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Che NN, Jiang QH, Ding GX, Chen SY, Zhao ZX, Li X, Malik RA, Ma JJ, Yang HQ. Corneal nerve fiber loss relates to cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2021; 7:80. [PMID: 34504084 PMCID: PMC8429586 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-021-00225-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) adversely influences quality of life. There is currently no available biomarker to predict cognitive decline in PD. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) has been used as a non-invasive tool for quantifying small nerve damage in PD. The present study investigated whether corneal nerve measures were associated with cognitive function in PD. Patients with PD were classified into those with normal cognitive function (PD-CN), mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI), and dementia (PDD). Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) were quantified with CCM and compared with a control group. Sixty-five PD patients and thirty controls were studied. CNFD was decreased and CNBD was increased in PD patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). CNBD and CNBD/CNFD ratio was higher in PD-CN compared to controls. CNFD was positively correlated with the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score (r = 0.683, P < 0.001), but negatively associated with unified Parkinson disease rating scale (UPDRS)-part III (r = −0.481, P < 0.001) and total UPDRS scores (r = −0.401, P = 0.001) in PD patients. There was no correlation between CNFD and Levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) (r = 0.176, P = 0.161). CNFD, CNBD, CNFL, and CNBD/CNFD ratio was lower with increasing Hoehn and Yahr stage. PD patients show evidence of corneal nerve loss compared with controls and corneal nerve parameters are associated with the severity of cognitive and motor dysfunction in PD. CCM could serve as an objective in vivo ophthalmic imaging technique to assess neurodegeneration in PD.
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16
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Petropoulos IN, Fitzgerald KC, Oakley J, Ponirakis G, Khan A, Gad H, George P, Deleu D, Canibano BG, Akhtar N, Shuaib A, Own A, Malik T, Russakoff DB, Mankowski JL, Misra SL, McGhee CNJ, Calabresi P, Saidha S, Kamran S, Malik RA. Corneal confocal microscopy demonstrates axonal loss in different courses of multiple sclerosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21688. [PMID: 34737384 PMCID: PMC8568943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal loss is the main determinant of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to assess the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in detecting corneal axonal loss in different courses of MS. The results were confirmed by two independent segmentation methods. 72 subjects (144 eyes) [(clinically isolated syndrome (n = 9); relapsing–remitting MS (n = 20); secondary-progressive MS (n = 22); and age-matched, healthy controls (n = 21)] underwent CCM and assessment of their disability status. Two independent algorithms (ACCMetrics; and Voxeleron deepNerve) were used to quantify corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (ACCMetrics only), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) and corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrD). Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation with 95% confidence interval (CI). Compared to controls, patients with MS had significantly lower CNFD (34.76 ± 5.57 vs. 19.85 ± 6.75 fibers/mm2, 95% CI − 18.24 to − 11.59, P < .0001), CNFL [for ACCMetrics: 19.75 ± 2.39 vs. 12.40 ± 3.30 mm/mm2, 95% CI − 8.94 to − 5.77, P < .0001; for deepNerve: 21.98 ± 2.76 vs. 14.40 ± 4.17 mm/mm2, 95% CI − 9.55 to − 5.6, P < .0001] and CNFrD [for ACCMetrics: 1.52 ± 0.02 vs. 1.45 ± 0.04, 95% CI − 0.09 to − 0.05, P < .0001; for deepNerve: 1.29 ± 0.03 vs. 1.19 ± 0.07, 95% − 0.13 to − 0.07, P < .0001]. Corneal nerve parameters were comparably reduced in different courses of MS. There was excellent reproducibility between the algorithms. Significant corneal axonal loss is detected in different courses of MS including patients with clinically isolated syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis N Petropoulos
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kathryn C Fitzgerald
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Pooja George
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dirk Deleu
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Naveed Akhtar
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ahmed Own
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Taimur Malik
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Joseph L Mankowski
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stuti L Misra
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles N J McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Calabresi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shiv Saidha
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Saadat Kamran
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar of Cornell University, PO Box 24144, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
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17
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Peng L, Wang S, Chen Z, Peng Y, Wang C, Long Z, Peng H, Shi Y, Hou X, Lei L, Wan L, Liu M, Zou G, Shen L, Xia K, Qiu R, Tang B, Ashizawa T, Klockgether T, Jiang H. Blood Neurofilament Light Chain in Genetic Ataxia: A Meta-Analysis. Mov Disord 2021; 37:171-181. [PMID: 34519102 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No comprehensive meta-analysis has ever been performed to assess the value of neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a biomarker in genetic ataxia. OBJECTIVE We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize NfL concentration and evaluate its utility as a biomarker in genetic ataxia. METHODS Studies were included if they reported NfL concentration of genetic ataxia. We used log (mean ± SD) NfL to describe mean raw value of NfL. The effect size of NfL between genetic ataxia and healthy controls (HC) was expressed by mean difference. Correlation between NfL and disease severity was calculated. RESULTS We identified 11 studies of 624 HC and 1006 patients, here referred to as spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, and 7), Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), and ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). The concentration of blood NfL (bNfL) elevated with proximity to expected onset, and progressively increased from asymptomatic to preclinical to clinical stage in SCA3. Compared with HC, bNfL levels were significantly higher in SCA1, 2, 3, and 7, FRDA, as well as A-T, and the difference increased with the advancing disease in SCA3. bNfL levels correlated with disease severity in SCA3. There was a significant correlation between bNfL and longitudinal progression in SCA3. Additionally, bNfL increased with age in HC, yet this is probably masked by higher disease-related effects on bNfL in genetic ataxia. CONCLUSIONS bNfL can be used as a potential biomarker to predict disease onset, severity, and progression of genetic ataxia. Reference-value setting of bNfL should be divided according to age. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linliu Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Yun Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunrong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhe Long
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huirong Peng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuting Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Hou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijing Lei
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Linlin Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mingjie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangdong Zou
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Qiu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Beisha Tang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Tetsuo Ashizawa
- Neuroscience Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA.,Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas Klockgether
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Hunan Province in Neurodegenerative Disorders, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
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18
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Petropoulos IN, Ponirakis G, Ferdousi M, Azmi S, Kalteniece A, Khan A, Gad H, Bashir B, Marshall A, Boulton AJM, Soran H, Malik RA. Corneal Confocal Microscopy: A Biomarker for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Clin Ther 2021; 43:1457-1475. [PMID: 33965237 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diagnosing early diabetic peripheral neuropathy remains a challenge due to deficiencies in currently advocated end points. The cornea is densely innervated with small sensory fibers, which are structurally and functionally comparable to intraepidermal nerve fibers. Corneal confocal microscopy is a method for rapid, noninvasive scanning of the living cornea with high resolution and magnification. METHODS This narrative review presents the framework for the development of biomarkers and the literature on the use and adoption of corneal confocal microscopy as an objective, diagnostic biomarker in experimental and clinical studies of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar based on the terms "corneal confocal microscopy," "diabetic neuropathy," "corneal sensitivity," and "clinical trials." FINDINGS A substantial body of evidence underpins the thesis that corneal nerve loss predicts incident neuropathy and progresses with the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Corneal confocal microscopy also identifies early corneal nerve regeneration, strongly arguing for its inclusion as a surrogate end point in clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies. IMPLICATIONS There are sufficient diagnostic and prospective validation studies to fulfill the US Food and Drug Administration criteria for a biomarker to support the inclusion of corneal confocal microscopy as a primary end point in clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies in diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adnan Khan
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bilal Bashir
- Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Clinical Neurophysiology, The Walton Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J M Boulton
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Handrean Soran
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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19
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Fleischer M, Lee I, Erdlenbruch F, Hinrichs L, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA, Hartung HP, Kieseier BC, Kleinschnitz C, Stettner M. Corneal confocal microscopy differentiates inflammatory from diabetic neuropathy. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:89. [PMID: 33832507 PMCID: PMC8033689 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02130-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune-mediated neuropathies, such as chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) are treatable neuropathies. Among individuals with diabetic neuropathy, it remains a challenge to identify those individuals who develop CIDP. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) has been shown to detect corneal nerve fiber loss and cellular infiltrates in the sub-basal layer of the cornea. The objective of the study was to determine whether CCM can distinguish diabetic neuropathy from CIDP and whether CCM can detect CIDP in persons with coexisting diabetes. METHODS In this multicenter, case-control study, participants with CIDP (n = 55) with (n = 10) and without (n = 45) diabetes; participants with diabetes (n = 58) with (n = 28) and without (n = 30) diabetic neuropathy, and healthy controls (n = 58) underwent CCM. Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), and dendritic and non-dendritic cell density, with or without nerve fiber contact were quantified. RESULTS Dendritic cell density in proximity to corneal nerve fibers was significantly higher in participants with CIDP with and without diabetes compared to participants with diabetic neuropathy and controls. CNFD, CNFL, and CNBD were equally reduced in participants with CIDP, diabetic neuropathy, and CIDP with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS An increase in dendritic cell density identifies persons with CIDP. CCM may, therefore, be useful to differentiate inflammatory from non-inflammatory diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fleischer
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational and Behavioral Neurosciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Inn Lee
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Friedrich Erdlenbruch
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational and Behavioral Neurosciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lena Hinrichs
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ioannis N Petropoulos
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Educator City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Educator City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Bernd C Kieseier
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational and Behavioral Neurosciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology and Center for Translational and Behavioral Neurosciences (C-TNBS), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Dhage S, Ferdousi M, Adam S, Ho JH, Kalteniece A, Azmi S, Alam U, Ponirakis G, Petropoulos I, Atkinson AJ, Marshall A, Jeziorska M, Soran H, Malik RA. Corneal confocal microscopy identifies small fibre damage and progression of diabetic neuropathy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1859. [PMID: 33479291 PMCID: PMC7820596 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81302-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurately quantifying the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is key to identify individuals who will progress to foot ulceration and to power clinical intervention trials. We have undertaken detailed neuropathy phenotyping to assess the longitudinal utility of different measures of neuropathy in patients with diabetes. Nineteen patients with diabetes (age 52.5 ± 14.7 years, duration of diabetes 26.0 ± 13.8 years) and 19 healthy controls underwent assessment of symptoms and signs of neuropathy, quantitative sensory testing, autonomic nerve function, neurophysiology, intra-epidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) to quantify corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD) and fibre length (CNFL). Mean follow-up was 6.5 years. Glycated haemoglobin (p = 0.04), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.0009) and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (p < 0.0001) improved. Neuropathy symptom profile (p = 0.03), neuropathy disability score (p = 0.04), vibration perception threshold (p = 0.02), cold perception threshold (p = 0.006), CNFD (p = 0.03), CNBD (p < 0.0001), CNFL (p < 0.0001), IENFD (p = 0.04), sural (p = 0.02) and peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (p = 0.03) deteriorated significantly. Change (∆) in CNFL correlated with ∆CPT (p = 0.006) and ∆Expiration/Inspiration ratio (p = 0.002) and ∆IENFD correlated with ∆CNFD (p = 0.005), ∆CNBD (p = 0.02) and ∆CNFL (p = 0.01). This study shows worsening of diabetic neuropathy across a range of neuropathy measures, especially CCM, despite an improvement in HbA1c and LDL-C. It further supports the utility of CCM as a rapid, non-invasive surrogate measure of diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaishav Dhage
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Safwaan Adam
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jan Hoong Ho
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and The Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool & Liverpool University NHS Hospital Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ioannis Petropoulos
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andrew J Atkinson
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences and The Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool & Liverpool University NHS Hospital Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Maria Jeziorska
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Handrean Soran
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
- Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
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21
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Petropoulos IN, Al-Mohammedi A, Chen X, Ferdousi M, Ponirakis G, Kemp H, Chopra R, Hau S, Schargus M, Vollert J, Sturm D, Bharani T, Kleinschnitz C, Stettner M, Peto T, Maier C, Rice ASC, Malik RA. The Utility of Corneal Nerve Fractal Dimension Analysis in Peripheral Neuropathies of Different Etiology. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:43. [PMID: 32934893 PMCID: PMC7463182 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.9.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Quantification of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) images has shown a significant reduction in corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) in a range of peripheral neuropathies. We assessed whether corneal nerve fractal dimension (CNFrD) analysis, a novel metric to quantify the topological complexity of corneal subbasal nerves, can differentiate peripheral neuropathies of different etiology. Methods Ninety patients with peripheral neuropathy, including 29 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), 34 with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), 13 with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), 14 with human immunodeficiency virus-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN), and 20 healthy controls (HCs), underwent CCM for estimation of corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), CNFL, corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), CNFrD, and CNFrD adjusted for CNFL (ACNFrD). Results In patients with DPN, CIDP, CIPN, or HIV-SN compared to HCs, CNFD (P = 0.004-0.0001) and CNFL (P = 0.05-0.0001) were significantly lower, with a further significant reduction among subgroups. CNFrD was significantly lower in patients with CIDP compared to HCs and patients with HIV-SN (P = 0.02-0.0009) and in patients with DPN compared to HCs and patients with HIV-SN, CIPN, or CIDP (P = 0.001-0.0001). ACNFrD was lower in patients with CIPN, CIDP, or DPN compared to HCs (P = 0.03-0.0001) and in patients with DPN compared to those with HIV-SN, CIPN, or CIDP (P = 0.01-0.005). Conclusions CNFrD can detect a distinct pattern of corneal nerve loss in patients with DPN or CIDP compared to those with CIPN or HIV-SN and controls. Translational Relevance Various peripheral neuropathies are characterized by a comparable degree of corneal nerve loss. Assessment of corneal nerve topology by CNFrD could be useful in differentiating neuropathies based on the pattern of loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xin Chen
- School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Harriet Kemp
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Reena Chopra
- NIHR Moorfields Clinical Research Facility, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Scott Hau
- NIHR Moorfields Clinical Research Facility, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Marc Schargus
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Division of Neurophysiology, Center of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dietrich Sturm
- BG Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Department of Neurology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tina Bharani
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Mark Stettner
- Department of Neurology, Essen University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Tunde Peto
- Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Christoph Maier
- BG Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil GmbH, Department of Pain Medicine, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andrew S C Rice
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Division of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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22
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Potential use of corneal confocal microscopy in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease associated neuropathy. Transl Neurodegener 2020; 9:28. [PMID: 32611440 PMCID: PMC7330988 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-020-00204-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting about 2–3% of population above the age of 65. In recent years, Parkinson’s research has mainly focused on motor and non-motor symptoms while there are limited studies on neurodegeneration which is associated with balance problems and increased incidence of falls. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a real-time, non-invasive, in vivo ophthalmic imaging technique for quantifying nerve damage in peripheral neuropathies and central neurodegenerative disorders. CCM has shown significantly lower corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) in patients with PD compared to healthy controls. Reduced CNFD is associated with decreased intraepidermal nerve fiber density in PD. This review provides an overview of the ability of CCM to detect nerve damage associated with PD.
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23
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Kamran S, Khan A, Salam A, Akhtar N, Petropoulos I, Ponirakis G, Babu B, George P, Shuaib A, Malik RA. Cornea: A Window to White Matter Changes in Stroke; Corneal Confocal Microscopy a Surrogate Marker for the Presence and Severity of White Matter Hyperintensities in Ischemic Stroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:104543. [PMID: 31902645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The presence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI imaging confers an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and death. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) can detect nerve injury non-invasively and may be a useful surrogate marker for WMH. The objective is to determine whether corneal nerve pathology identified using CCM is associated with the presence of WMH in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study where 196 consecutive individuals with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled and underwent neurological examination, MRI brain imaging and CCM. Participants underwent blinded quantification of WMH and corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD) and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL). RESULTS The prevalence of hypertension [P = .013] was significantly higher and CNFD [P = .031] was significantly lower in patients with WMH compared to those without WMH. CNFD and CNFL were significantly lower in patients with DM without WMH [P = .008, P = .019] and in patients with DM and WMH [P = .042, P = .024] compared to patients without DM or WMH, respectively. In a multivariate model, a 1-unit decrease in the CNFD increased the risk of WMH by 6%, after adjusting for age, DM, gender, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, smoking, and HbA1c. DM was associated with a decrease in all CCM parameters but was not a significant independent factor associated with WMH. CONCLUSIONS CCM demonstrates corneal nerve pathology, which is associated with the presence of WMH in participants with acute ischemic stroke. CCM may be a useful surrogate imaging marker for the presence and severity of WMHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saadat Kamran
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adnan Khan
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul Salam
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Naveed Akhtar
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Blessy Babu
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Pooja George
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Neuroscience Institute, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
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24
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C-Fiber Assays in the Cornea vs. Skin. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9110320. [PMID: 31718074 PMCID: PMC6896162 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9110320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
C-fibers are unmyelinated nerve fibers that transmit high threshold mechanical, thermal, and chemical signals that are associated with pain sensations. This review examines current literature on measuring altered peripheral nerve morphology and discusses the most relevant aspects of corneal microscopy, especially whether corneal imaging presents significant method advantages over skin biopsy. Given its relative merits, corneal confocal microscopy would seem to be a more practical and patient-centric approach than utilizing skin biopsies.
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25
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Creigh PD, Mountain J, Sowden JE, Eichinger K, Ravina B, Larkindale J, Herrmann DN. Measuring peripheral nerve involvement in Friedreich's ataxia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:1718-1727. [PMID: 31414727 PMCID: PMC6764626 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.50865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experimental therapies under development for Friedreich's Ataxia (FRDA) require validated biomarkers. In-vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) of skin is a noninvasive way to quantify Meissner's corpuscle (MC) density and has emerged as a sensitive measure of sensory polyneuropathies. We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study evaluating RCM of MCs and conventional peripheral nerve measures as candidate peripheral nerve markers in FRDA. METHODS Sixteen individuals with FRDA and 16 age- and gender-matched controls underwent RCM of MC density and morphology, skin biopsies for epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and quantitative sensory testing (QST) including touch, vibration, and cooling thresholds. RESULTS MC densities were measurable in all participants with FRDA, and were lower at digit V (hand), thenar eminence, and arch (foot) compared to controls. By contrast, sensory NCS showed floor effects and were obtainable in only 13% of FRDA participants. QST thresholds for touch, vibration, and cooling were higher at the hand and foot in FRDA than controls. Reductions in ENFDs were present in more severely affected individuals with FRDA (Friedreich's Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS) >60) compared to matched controls, although skin biopsies were not well tolerated in children. MC densities, ENFDs, and touch and vibration thresholds were associated with clinical disease severity (FARS and modified FARS) and duration since symptom onset. INTERPRETATION MC density, ENFD, and QST thresholds provide structural and physiologic markers of sensory involvement in FRDA. Longitudinal evaluation is needed to determine whether these measures can identify changes associated with disease progression or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D. Creigh
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Rochester School of Medicine and DentistryRochesterNew York
| | - Joan Mountain
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Rochester School of Medicine and DentistryRochesterNew York
| | - Janet E. Sowden
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Rochester School of Medicine and DentistryRochesterNew York
| | - Katy Eichinger
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Rochester School of Medicine and DentistryRochesterNew York
| | - Bernard Ravina
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Rochester School of Medicine and DentistryRochesterNew York
- Praxis Precision MedicinesCambridgeMassachusetts
| | - Jane Larkindale
- Friedreich’s Ataxia Research AllianceDowningtownPennsylvania
| | - David N. Herrmann
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Rochester School of Medicine and DentistryRochesterNew York
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The current state of biomarker research for Friedreich's ataxia: a report from the 2018 FARA biomarker meeting. Future Sci OA 2019; 5:FSO398. [PMID: 31285843 PMCID: PMC6609901 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2019-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2018 FARA Biomarker Meeting highlighted the current state of development of biomarkers for Friedreich’s ataxia. A mass spectroscopy assay to sensitively measure mature frataxin (reduction of which is the root cause of disease) is being developed. Biomarkers to monitor neurological disease progression include imaging, electrophysiological measures and measures of nerve function, which may be measured either in serum and/or through imaging-based technologies. Potential pharmacodynamic biomarkers include metabolic and protein biomarkers and markers of nerve damage. Cardiac imaging and serum biomarkers may reflect cardiac disease progression. Considerable progress has been made in the development of biomarkers for various contexts of use, but further work is needed in terms of larger longitudinal multisite studies, and identification of novel biomarkers for additional use cases Biomarkers are characteristics that can be objectively measured, evaluated and used as indicators of disease progression or the effect of a therapy. Friedreich’s ataxia is a progressive multisystem neuromuscular disease with no treatment. Current clinical measures cannot robustly detect disease progression in less than a year, meaning that clinical trials are long and drug development is slow. The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance and the scientific community are looking for biomarkers that show change in shorter time frames that can accelerate drug development. The 2018 FARA Biomarker Meeting summarized the exciting findings that represent the current state of the field.
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27
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Ponirakis G, Al Hamad H, Sankaranarayanan A, Khan A, Chandran M, Ramadan M, Tosino R, Gawhale PV, Alobaidi M, AlSulaiti E, Elsotouhy A, Elorrabi M, Khan S, Nadukkandiyil N, Osman S, Thodi N, Almuhannadi H, Gad H, Mahfoud ZR, Al‐Shibani F, Petropoulos IN, Own A, Al Kuwari M, Shuaib A, Malik RA. Association of corneal nerve fiber measures with cognitive function in dementia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2019; 6:689-697. [PMID: 31019993 PMCID: PMC6469344 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a noninvasive ophthalmic technique that identifies corneal nerve degeneration in a range of peripheral neuropathies and in patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We sought to determine whether there is any association of corneal nerve fiber measures with cognitive function and functional independence in patients with MCI and dementia. Methods In this study, 76 nondiabetic participants with MCI (n = 30), dementia (n = 26), and healthy age‐matched controls (n = 20) underwent assessment of cognitive and physical function and CCM. Results There was a progressive reduction in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD), and fiber length (CNFL) (P < 0.0001) in patients with MCI and dementia compared to healthy controls. Adjusted for confounders, all three corneal nerve fiber measures were significantly associated with cognitive function (P < 0.05) and functional independence (P < 0.01) in MCI and dementia. The area under the ROC curve to distinguish MCI with CNFD, CNBD, and CNFL was 69.1%, 73.2%, and 73.0% and for dementia it was 84.8%, 84.2%, and 86.2%, respectively. Interpretation CCM demonstrates corneal nerve fiber loss, which is associated with a decline in cognitive function and functional independence in patients with MCI and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanadi Al Hamad
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | | | - Adnan Khan
- Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationEducation CityDohaQatar
| | - Mani Chandran
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Marwan Ramadan
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Rhia Tosino
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | | | - Maryam Alobaidi
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Essa AlSulaiti
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Ahmed Elsotouhy
- NeuroradiologyHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Marwa Elorrabi
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Shafi Khan
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Navas Nadukkandiyil
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Susan Osman
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Noushad Thodi
- MRI UnitRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | | | - Hoda Gad
- Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationEducation CityDohaQatar
| | - Ziyad R. Mahfoud
- Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationEducation CityDohaQatar
| | | | | | - Ahmed Own
- NeuroradiologyHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Maryam Al Kuwari
- Geriatric & Memory ClinicRumailah HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Neuroscience InstituteHamad General HospitalHamad Medical CorporationDohaQatar
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine‐QatarQatar FoundationEducation CityDohaQatar
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