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Vucic S, de Carvalho M, Bashford J, Alix JJP. Contribution of neurophysiology to the diagnosis and monitoring of ALS. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:87-118. [PMID: 38802184 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
This chapter describes the role of neurophysiological techniques in diagnosing and monitoring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite many advances, electromyography (EMG) remains a keystone investigation from which to build support for a diagnosis of ALS, demonstrating the pathophysiological processes of motor unit hyperexcitability, denervation and reinnervation. We consider development of the different diagnostic criteria and the role of EMG therein. While not formally recognised by established diagnostic criteria, we discuss the pioneering studies that have demonstrated the diagnostic potential of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex and highlight the growing evidence for TMS in the diagnostic process. Finally, accurately monitoring disease progression is crucial for the successful implementation of clinical trials. Neurophysiological measures of disease state have been incorporated into clinical trials for over 20 years and we review prominent techniques for assessing disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Vucic
- Brain and Nerve Research Centre, Concord Clinical School and Department of Neurology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences, CHULN, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - James Bashford
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James J P Alix
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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Hansen NJ, Woodman K, Buoy S, Mao S, Barbon CEA, Lai SY, Fuller CD, Hutcheson KA, Sanchez B. Tongue electrical impedance myography correlates with functional, neurophysiologic, and clinical outcome measures in long-term oropharyngeal cancer survivors with and without hypoglossal neuropathy: An exploratory study. Head Neck 2024; 46:581-591. [PMID: 38133080 PMCID: PMC10922903 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27618] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This pilot study analyzed correlations between tongue electrical impedance myography (EIM), standard tongue electromyography (EMG), and tongue functional measures in N = 4 long-term oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) survivors. METHODS Patients were screened for a supportive care trial (NCT04151082). Hypoglossal nerve function was evaluated with genioglossus needle EMG, functional measures with the Iowa oral performance instrument (IOPI), and multi-frequency tissue composition with tongue EIM. RESULTS Tongue EIM conductivity was higher for patients with EMG-confirmed cranial nerve XII neuropathy than those without (p = 0.005) and in patients with mild versus normal EMG reinnervation ratings (16 kHz EIM: p = 0.051). Tongue EIM correlated with IOPI strength measurements (e.g., anterior maximum isometric lingual strength: r2 = 0.62, p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS Tongue EIM measures related to tongue strength and the presence of XII neuropathy. Noninvasive tongue EIM may be a convenient adjunctive biomarker to assess tongue health in OPC survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Hansen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Karin Woodman
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sheila Buoy
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shitong Mao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Carly E. A. Barbon
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Stephen Y. Lai
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - C. David Fuller
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Katherine A. Hutcheson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Benjamin Sanchez
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Nagy JA, Semple C, Lo P, Rutkove SB. Assessing the therapeutic impact of resveratrol in ALS SOD1-G93A mice with electrical impedance myography. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1059743. [PMID: 36619925 PMCID: PMC9813785 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1059743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To aid in the identification of new treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), convenient biomarkers are needed to effectively and uniformly measure drug efficacy. To this end, we assessed the effects of the nutraceutical resveratrol (RSV) on disease onset and overall survival in SOD1-G93A (ALS) mice and compared several standard biomarkers including body mass, motor score (MS), paw grip endurance (PGE), and compound motor action potential (CMAP) amplitude, with the technique of electrical impedance myography (EIM) to follow disease progression. Eighteen ALS mice (nine females, nine males) received RSV in the chow (dose: 120 mg/kg/day) starting at 8 weeks of age; 19 ALS mice (nine females, 10 males) received normal chow; 10 wild type (WT) littermates (five females, five males) fed standard chow served as controls. Biomarker assessments were performed weekly beginning at 8 weeks. No differences in either disease onset or overall survival were found between RSV-treated and untreated ALS mice of either sex; moreover, all biomarkers failed to identify any beneficial effect of RSV when administered at this dose. Therefore, for the comparative evaluation of the ability of the various biomarkers to detect the earliest symptoms of disease, data from all animals (i.e., RSV-treated and untreated ALS mice of both sexes) were combined. Of the biomarkers tested, EIM impedance values, i.e., surface EIM longitudinal phase at 50 kHz (LP 50 kHz), and CMAP amplitude showed the earliest significant changes from baseline. LP 50 kHz values showed a rate of decline equivalent to that of CMAP amplitude and correlated with both PGE and CMAP amplitude [Spearman rho = 0.806 (p = 0.004) and 0.627 (p = 0.044), respectively]. Consistent with previous work, these findings indicate that surface EIM can serve as an effective non-invasive biomarker for preclinical drug testing in rodent models of ALS.
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Farid A, Golden E, Robicheau S, Hu A, Cheung K, Yu PB, Rutkove SB, Upadhyay J. Diminished muscle integrity in patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva assessed with at-home electrical impedance myography. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20908. [PMID: 36463382 PMCID: PMC9719538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25610-7] [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: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an ultra-rare disorder involving skeletal dysplasia and heterotopic ossification (HO) of muscle and connective tissue. We aimed to define a novel biomarker in FOP that enables reliable assessment of musculoskeletal tissue integrity. Considering logistical difficulties that FOP patients often face, our goal was to identify an at-home biomarker technique. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a non-invasive, portable method that can inform on muscle health. 15 FOP patients (age 10-52) and 13 healthy controls were assessed. Using EIM, multiple muscle groups were characterized per participant in a 45-min period. The Cumulative Analogue Joint Involvement Scale (CAJIS) was implemented to determine mobility burden severity. We additionally evaluated physical activity levels via a Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-based questionnaire. Relative to controls, FOP patients demonstrated significantly lower regional and whole-body phase values at 50 kHz and 100 kHz, indicating more diseased muscle tissue. Lower whole-body phase and reactance values, and higher resistance values, were associated with greater FOP burden (CAJIS score range: 4-30) and lower physical activity levels at 50 kHz and 100 kHz. This study points to the potential utility of EIM as a clinical biomarker tool capable of characterizing muscle integrity in FOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Farid
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Emma Golden
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | | | - Alice Hu
- grid.492584.6Myolex Inc, Boston, MA USA
| | - Kin Cheung
- BioSAS Consulting, Inc., Wellesley, MA USA
| | - Paul B. Yu
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Seward B. Rutkove
- grid.239395.70000 0000 9011 8547Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jaymin Upadhyay
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
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Schooling CN, Healey T, McDonough HE, French SJ, McDermott CJ, Shaw PJ, Kadirkamanathan V, Alix JJ. Tensor electrical impedance myography identifies bulbar disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 139:69-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Schooling CN, Jamie Healey T, McDonough HE, French SJ, McDermott CJ, Shaw PJ, Kadirkamanathan V, Alix JJP. Tensor electrical impedance myography identifies clinically relevant features in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Physiol Meas 2021; 42. [PMID: 34521070 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/ac2672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Electrical impedance myography (EIM) shows promise as an effective biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). EIM applies multiple input frequencies to characterise muscle properties, often via multiple electrode configurations. Herein, we assess if non-negative tensor factorisation (NTF) can provide a framework for identifying clinically relevant features within a high dimensional EIM dataset.Approach.EIM data were recorded from the tongue of healthy and ALS diseased individuals. Resistivity and reactivity measurements were made for 14 frequencies, in three electrode configurations. This gives 84 (2 × 14 × 3) distinct data points per participant. NTF was applied to the dataset for dimensionality reduction, termed tensor EIM. Significance tests, symptom correlation and classification approaches were explored to compare NTF to using all raw data and feature selection.Main Results.Tensor EIM provides highly significant differentiation between healthy and ALS patients (p< 0.001, AUROC = 0.78). Similarly tensor EIM differentiates between mild and severe disease states (p< 0.001, AUROC = 0.75) and significantly correlates with symptoms (ρ= 0.7,p< 0.001). A trend of centre frequency shifting to the right was identified in diseased spectra, which is in line with the electrical changes expected following muscle atrophy.Significance.Tensor EIM provides clinically relevant metrics for identifying ALS-related muscle disease. This procedure has the advantage of using the whole spectral dataset, with reduced risk of overfitting. The process identifies spectral shapes specific to disease allowing for a deeper clinical interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chlöe N Schooling
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - T Jamie Healey
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | - Harry E McDonough
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie J French
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Visakan Kadirkamanathan
- Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - James J P Alix
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Luo X, Sanchez B. In silicomuscle volume conduction study validates in vivomeasurement of tongue volume conduction properties using a user tongue array depressor. Physiol Meas 2021; 42. [PMID: 33690188 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/abed36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Electrophysiological assessment of the tongue volume conduction properties (VCPs) using our novel multi-electrode user tongue array (UTA) depressor has the promise to serve as a biomarker in patients with bulbar dysfunction. However, whetherin vivodata collected using the UTA depressor accurately reflect the tongue VCPs remains unknown.Approach.To address this question, we performedin silicosimulations of the depressor with an accurate anatomical tongue finite element model (FEM) using healthy human tongue VCP values, namely the conductivity and the relative permittivity, in the sagittal plane (i.e. longitudinal direction) and axial and coronal planes (i.e. transverse directions). We then established the relationship between tongue VCP values simulated from our model to measured human data.Main results.Experimental versus simulated tongue VCP values including their spatial variation were in good agreement with differences well within the variability of the experimental results. Tongue FEM simulations corroborate the feasibility of our UTA depressor in assessing tongue VCPs.Significance.The UTA depressor is a new non-invasive and safe tool to measure tongue VCPs. These electrical properties reflect the tongue's ionic composition and cellular membrane integrity and could serve as a novel electrophysiological biomarker in neurological disorders affecting the tongue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Luo
- Sanchez Research Lab, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9206, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Sanchez
- Sanchez Research Lab, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9206, United States of America
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Schooling CN, Jamie Healey T, McDonough HE, French SJ, McDermott CJ, Shaw PJ, Kadirkamanathan V, Alix JJP. Modelling and analysis of electrical impedance myography of the lateral tongue. Physiol Meas 2021; 41:125008. [PMID: 33207324 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/abcb9b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electrical impedance myography (EIM) performed on the centre of the tongue shows promise in detecting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Lateral recordings may improve diagnostic performance and provide pathophysiological insights through the assessment of asymmetry. However, it is not known if electrode proximity to the muscle edge, or electrode rotation, distort spectra. We evaluated this using finite element-based modelling. APPROACH Nine thousand EIM from patients and healthy volunteers were used to develop a finite element model for phase and magnitude. Simulations varied electrode proximity to the muscle edge and electrode rotation. LT-Spice simulations assessed disease effects. Patient data were assessed for reliability, agreement and classification performance. MAIN RESULTS No effect on phase spectra was seen if all electrodes remained in contact with the tissue. Small effects on magnitude were observed. Cole-Cole circuit simulations indicated capacitance reduced with disease severity. Lateral tongue muscle recordings in both patients and healthy volunteers were reproducible and symmetrical. Combined lateral/central tongue EIM improved disease classification compared to either placement alone. SIGNIFICANCE Lateral EIM tongue measurements using phase angle are feasible. Such measurements are reliable, find no evidence of tongue muscle asymmetry in ALS and improve disease classification. Lateral measurements enhance tongue EIM in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chlöe N Schooling
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom. Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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In vivo muscle conduction study of the tongue using a multi-electrode tongue depressor. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 132:683-687. [PMID: 33309468 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test a novel technology for assessment of the volume conduction properties (VCPs) of the tongue. These properties are electrophysiological data that might reflect alterations in patients with tongue involvement. METHODS Seven healthy individuals were self-measured. The depressor was placed on the surface of the anterior tongue. Directional differences of VCPs were determined with standard descriptive statistics. RESULTS Conductivity in longitudinal direction was larger than in transverse direction at 16 (p < 0.05), 32 (p < 0.05), 64 (p < 0.01), and 128 kHz (p < 0.01). No differences were found in relative permittivity. The intraclass correlation was 0.778 and 0.771, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our technology provides, for the first time, VCPs of the healthy human tongue. SIGNIFICANCE Tongue VCPs are standard electrophysiological, quantitative and objective data reflecting ionic content and membrane integrity which could find value for diagnostic purposes and treatment monitoring.
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Semple C, Riveros D, Sung DM, Nagy JA, Rutkove SB, Mortreux M. Using Electrical Impedance Myography as a Biomarker of Muscle Deconditioning in Rats Exposed to Micro- and Partial-Gravity Analogs. Front Physiol 2020; 11:557796. [PMID: 33041858 PMCID: PMC7522465 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.557796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As astronauts prepare to undertake new extra-terrestrial missions, innovative diagnostic tools are needed to better assess muscle deconditioning during periods of weightlessness and partial gravity. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) has been used to detect muscle deconditioning in rodents exposed to microgravity during spaceflight or using the standard ground-based model of hindlimb unloading via tail suspension (HU). Here, we used EIM to assess muscle changes in animals exposed to two new models: hindlimb suspension using a pelvic harness (HLS) and a partial weight-bearing (PWB) model that mimics partial gravity (including Lunar and Martian gravities). We also used a simple needle array electrode in lieu of surface or ex vivo EIM approaches previously employed. Our HLS results confirmed earlier findings obtained after spaceflight and tail suspension. Indeed, one EIM measure (i.e., phase-slope) that was previously reported as highly sensitive, was significantly decreased after HLS (day 0: 14.60 ± 0.97, day 7: 11.03 ± 0.81, and day 14: 10.13 ± 0.55 | Deg/MHz|, p < 0.0001), and was associated with a significant decrease in muscle grip force. Although EIM parameters such as 50 kHz phase, reactance, and resistance remained variable over 14 days in PWB animals, we identified major PWB-dependent effects at 7 days. Moreover, the data at both 7 and 14 days correlated to previously observed changes in rear paw grip force using the same PWB model. In conclusion, our data suggest that EIM has the potential to serve as biomarker of muscle deconditioning during exposure to both micro- and partial- gravity during future human space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carson Semple
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniela Riveros
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dong-Min Sung
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Janice A Nagy
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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Alix JJP, McDonough HE, Sonbas B, French SJ, Rao DG, Kadirkamanathan V, McDermott CJ, Healey TJ, Shaw PJ. Multi-dimensional electrical impedance myography of the tongue as a potential biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 131:799-808. [PMID: 32066098 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.12.418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) bulbar disease biomarkers are lacking. We evaluated a novel tongue electrical impedance myography (EIM) system, utilising both 2D and 3D electrode configurations for detection of tongue pathology. METHODS Longitudinal multi-frequency phase angle spectra were recorded from 41 patients with ALS (baseline, 3 and 6 months) and 30 healthy volunteers (baseline and 6 months). ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) data and quantitative tongue strength measurements were collected. EIM data were analysed for reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient; ICC) and differences between patients and volunteers ascertained using both univariate (Mann-Whitney U test) and multivariate techniques (feature selection and L2 norm). RESULTS The device produced highly reliable data (pooled ICC: 0.836). Significant EIM differences were apparent between ALS patients and healthy volunteers (P < 0.001). EIM data demonstrated a significant relationship to tongue strength and bulbar ALSFRS-R scores (P < 0.015). The EIM recordings revealed a group level longitudinal change over 6 months and consistently identified patients in whom symptoms or tongue strength changed. CONCLUSIONS The novel EIM tongue system produces reliable data and can differentiate between healthy muscle and ALS-related disease. SIGNIFICANCE Tongue EIM utilising multiple frequencies and electrode configurations has potential as a bulbar disease biomarker in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J P Alix
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK; Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
| | - Harry E McDonough
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Buket Sonbas
- Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield
| | - Sophie J French
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - D Ganesh Rao
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | | | - Christopher J McDermott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK; Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - T Jamie Healey
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, UK; Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Verber NS, Shepheard SR, Sassani M, McDonough HE, Moore SA, Alix JJP, Wilkinson ID, Jenkins TM, Shaw PJ. Biomarkers in Motor Neuron Disease: A State of the Art Review. Front Neurol 2019; 10:291. [PMID: 31001186 PMCID: PMC6456669 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron disease can be viewed as an umbrella term describing a heterogeneous group of conditions, all of which are relentlessly progressive and ultimately fatal. The average life expectancy is 2 years, but with a broad range of months to decades. Biomarker research deepens disease understanding through exploration of pathophysiological mechanisms which, in turn, highlights targets for novel therapies. It also allows differentiation of the disease population into sub-groups, which serves two general purposes: (a) provides clinicians with information to better guide their patients in terms of disease progression, and (b) guides clinical trial design so that an intervention may be shown to be effective if population variation is controlled for. Biomarkers also have the potential to provide monitoring during clinical trials to ensure target engagement. This review highlights biomarkers that have emerged from the fields of systemic measurements including biochemistry (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine analysis); imaging and electrophysiology, and gives examples of how a combinatorial approach may yield the best results. We emphasize the importance of systematic sample collection and analysis, and the need to correlate biomarker findings with detailed phenotype and genotype data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick S Verber
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie R Shepheard
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Matilde Sassani
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Harry E McDonough
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie A Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - James J P Alix
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Iain D Wilkinson
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Tom M Jenkins
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Yunusova Y, Plowman EK, Green JR, Barnett C, Bede P. Clinical Measures of Bulbar Dysfunction in ALS. Front Neurol 2019; 10:106. [PMID: 30837936 PMCID: PMC6389633 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bulbar impairment represents a hallmark feature of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) that significantly impacts survival and quality of life. Speech and swallowing dysfunction are key contributors to the clinical heterogeneity of ALS and require well-timed and carefully coordinated interventions. The accurate clinical, radiological and electrophysiological assessment of bulbar dysfunction in ALS is one of the most multidisciplinary aspects of ALS care, requiring expert input from speech-language pathologists (SLPs), neurologists, otolaryngologists, augmentative alternative communication (AAC) specialists, dieticians, and electrophysiologists—each with their own evaluation strategies and assessment tools. The need to systematically evaluate the comparative advantages and drawbacks of various bulbar assessment instruments and to develop integrated assessment protocols is increasingly recognized. In this review, we provide a comprehensive appraisal of the most commonly utilized clinical tools for assessing and monitoring bulbar dysfunction in ALS based on the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) evaluation framework. Despite a plethora of assessment tools, considerable geographical differences exist in bulbar assessment practices and individual instruments exhibit considerable limitations. The gaps identified in the literature offer unique opportunities for the optimization of existing and development of new tools both for clinical and research applications. The multicenter validation and standardization of these instruments will be essential for guideline development and best practice recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Yunusova
- Department of Speech Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Volcal Tract Visualization Lab, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily K Plowman
- Swallowing Systems Core, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Jordan R Green
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, United States.,Speech and Hearing Biosciences and Technology Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Carolina Barnett
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Bede
- Computational Neuroimaging Group, Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Freeborn TJ, Crenshaw T, Critcher S. Hook artifact correction of localized electrical bioimpedance for improved agreement between different device measurements. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2017. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/aa971b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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15
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Handheld Electrical Impedance Myography Probe for Assessing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Ann Biomed Eng 2017; 45:1572-1580. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-017-1819-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hakim CH, Mijailovic A, Lessa TB, Coates JR, Shin C, Rutkove SB, Duan D. Non-invasive evaluation of muscle disease in the canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by electrical impedance myography. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173557. [PMID: 28339469 PMCID: PMC5365102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin-deficient dogs are by far the best available large animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most common lethal childhood muscle degenerative disease. The use of the canine DMD model in basic disease mechanism research and translational studies will be greatly enhanced with the development of reliable outcome measures. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a non-invasive painless procedure that provides quantitative data relating to muscle composition and histology. EIM has been extensively used in neuromuscular disease research in both human patients and rodent models. Recent studies suggest that EIM may represent a highly reliable and convenient outcome measure in DMD patients and the mdx mouse model of DMD. To determine whether EIM can be used as a biomarker of disease severity in the canine model, we performed the assay in fourteen young (~6.6-m-old; 6 normal and 8 affected) and ten mature (~16.9-m-old; 4 normal and 6 affected) dogs of mixed background breeds. EIM was well tolerated with good inter-rater reliability. Affected dogs showed higher resistance, lower reactance and phase. The difference became more straightforward in mature dogs. Importantly, we observed a statistically significant correlation between the EIM data and muscle fibrosis. Our results suggest that EIM is a valuable objective measurement in the canine DMD model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chady H. Hakim
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Alex Mijailovic
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Thais B. Lessa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Joan R. Coates
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | - Carmen Shin
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Seward B. Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Dongsheng Duan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
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