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Schito P, Manera U, Russo T, Cremona G, Riboldi E, Tettamanti A, Agosta F, Quattrini A, Chiò A, Filippi M, Calvo A, Riva N. Use of the combination of spirometry, arterial blood gas analysis and overnight oximetry to predict the outcomes of patients affected by motor neuron disease: The Milan-Torin respiratory score (Mi-To-RS). Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16316. [PMID: 38716751 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16316] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The use of multiple tests, including spirometry, arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis and overnight oximetry (OvOx), is highly recommended to monitor the respiratory function of patients with motor neuron disease (MND). In this study, we propose a composite score to simplify the respiratory management of MND patients and better stratify their prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We screened the clinical charts of 471 non-ventilated MND patients referred to the Neuro-rehabilitation Unit of the San Raffaele Scientific Institute of Milan (January 2001-December 2019), collecting spirometric, ABG and OvOx parameters. To evaluate the prognostic role of each measurement, univariate Cox regression for death/tracheostomy was performed, and the variables associated with survival were selected to design a scoring system. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were then carried out to evaluate the prognostic role of the score. Finally, results were replicated in an independent cohort from the Turin ALS Center. RESULTS The study population included 450 patients. Six measurements were found to be significantly associated with survival and were selected to design a scoring system (maximum score = 8 points). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant stratification of survival and time to non-invasive mechanical ventilation adaptation according to score values, and multivariate analysis confirmed the independent effect of the respiratory score on survival of each cohort. CONCLUSION Forced vital capacity, ABG and OvOx parameters provide complementary information for the respiratory management and prognosis of MND patients and the combination of these parameters into a single score might help neurologists predict prognosis and guide decisions on the timing of the implementation of different diagnostic or therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paride Schito
- Neurorehabilitation, Neurology Unit and Neurophysiology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Manera
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Neurorehabilitation, Neurology Unit and Neurophysiology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - George Cremona
- Unit of Respiratory Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Riboldi
- Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Tettamanti
- Department of Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurorehabilitation, Neurology Unit and Neurophysiology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Centre, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Neurorehabilitation, Neurology Unit and Neurophysiology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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2
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Zhang J, Yang F, Li M, Zhu Y, Huang X. Quantitative evaluation of factors influencing the 3 Hz repetitive nerve stimulation test in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2024; 70:194-203. [PMID: 38775303 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28165] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Previous studies have suggested that treatments targeting the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) may play a role in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, factors impacting repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS), a technique to evaluate NMJ function, have yet to be fully elucidated. We aimed to identify independent factors contributing to the decremental response of the accessory nerve and evaluated its value in ALS clinical practice. METHODS A total of 626 patients who were diagnosed with ALS and underwent 3 Hz RNS tests on the accessory nerve were enrolled. Data on their clinical and electrophysiological indicators were divided into a training set (collected from June 2016 to December 2022) and a test set (collected from January to August 2023). Stepwise regression was used in independent variable selection and model building. RESULTS Forty-two percent of patients had a decrement larger than 10% and 24% had a decrement larger than 15%. Onset age, sex, onset site, forced vital capacity (FVC) and motor unit potential (MUP) duration were independent factors contributing to the results of the RNS test. MUP duration had the greatest impact on decremental response, followed by FVC and onset age. The decremental response in females was larger than in males. Upper limb onset was found to contribute more to the decrement than lower limb or bulbar onset. DISCUSSION In patients with ALS, NMJ safety factor is reduced during re-innervation. Decremental response is affected by multiple factors, which needs to be considered in clinical trials targeting the NMJ in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mao Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yahui Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Michielsen A, van Veenhuijzen K, Janse van Mantgem MR, van Es MA, Veldink JH, van Eijk RPA, van den Berg LH, Westeneng HJ. Association Between Hypothalamic Volume and Metabolism, Cognition, and Behavior in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurology 2024; 103:e209603. [PMID: 38875517 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000209603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Dysfunction of energy metabolism, cognition, and behavior are important nonmotor symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), negatively affecting survival and quality of life, but poorly understood. Neuroimaging is ideally suited to studying nonmotor neurodegeneration in ALS, but few studies have focused on the hypothalamus, a key region for regulating energy homeostasis, cognition, and behavior. We evaluated, therefore, hypothalamic neurodegeneration in ALS and explored the relationship between hypothalamic volumes and dysregulation of energy metabolism, cognitive and behavioral changes, disease progression, and survival. METHODS Patients with ALS and population-based controls were included for this cross-sectional and longitudinal MRI study. The hypothalamus was segmented into 5 subregions and their volumes were calculated. Linear (mixed) models, adjusted for age, sex, and total intracranial volume, were used to compare hypothalamic volumes between groups and to analyze associations with metabolism, cognition, behavior, and disease progression. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the relationship of hypothalamic volumes with survival. Permutation-based corrections for multiple hypothesis testing were applied to all analyses to control the family-wise error rate. RESULTS Data were available for 564 patients with ALS and 356 controls. The volume of the anterior superior subregion of the hypothalamus was smaller in patients with ALS than in controls (β = -0.70 [-1.15 to -0.25], p = 0.013). Weight loss, memory impairments, and behavioral disinhibition were associated with a smaller posterior hypothalamus (β = -4.79 [-8.39 to -2.49], p = 0.001, β = -10.14 [-15.88 to -4.39], p = 0.004, and β = -12.09 [-18.83 to -5.35], p = 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, the volume of this subregion decreased faster over time in patients than in controls (β = -0.25 [0.42 to -0.09], p = 0.013), and a smaller volume of this structure was correlated with shorter survival (hazard ratio = 0.36 [0.21-0.61], p = 0.029). DISCUSSION We obtained evidence for hypothalamic involvement in ALS, specifically marked by atrophy of the anterior superior subregion. Moreover, we found that atrophy of the posterior hypothalamus was associated with weight loss, memory dysfunction, behavioral disinhibition, and survival, and that this subregion deteriorated faster in patients with ALS than in controls. These findings improve our understanding of nonmotor involvement in ALS and could contribute to the identification of new treatment targets for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annebelle Michielsen
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M., K.V.V., M.R.J.V.M., M.A.V.E., J.H.V., R.P.A.V.E., L.H.V.D.B., H.-J.W.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.V.E.), Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kevin van Veenhuijzen
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M., K.V.V., M.R.J.V.M., M.A.V.E., J.H.V., R.P.A.V.E., L.H.V.D.B., H.-J.W.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.V.E.), Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark R Janse van Mantgem
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M., K.V.V., M.R.J.V.M., M.A.V.E., J.H.V., R.P.A.V.E., L.H.V.D.B., H.-J.W.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.V.E.), Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michael A van Es
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M., K.V.V., M.R.J.V.M., M.A.V.E., J.H.V., R.P.A.V.E., L.H.V.D.B., H.-J.W.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.V.E.), Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan H Veldink
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M., K.V.V., M.R.J.V.M., M.A.V.E., J.H.V., R.P.A.V.E., L.H.V.D.B., H.-J.W.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.V.E.), Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M., K.V.V., M.R.J.V.M., M.A.V.E., J.H.V., R.P.A.V.E., L.H.V.D.B., H.-J.W.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.V.E.), Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M., K.V.V., M.R.J.V.M., M.A.V.E., J.H.V., R.P.A.V.E., L.H.V.D.B., H.-J.W.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.V.E.), Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan Westeneng
- From the Department of Neurology (A.M., K.V.V., M.R.J.V.M., M.A.V.E., J.H.V., R.P.A.V.E., L.H.V.D.B., H.-J.W.), UMC Utrecht Brain Center, and Biostatistics & Research Support (R.P.A.V.E.), Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Rifai OM, Waldron FM, Sleibi D, O'Shaughnessy J, Leighton DJ, Gregory JM. Clinicopathological analysis of NEK1 variants in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Pathol 2024:e13287. [PMID: 38986433 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Many genes have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including never in mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinase 1 (NEK1), a serine/threonine kinase that plays a key role in several cellular functions, such as DNA damage response and cell cycle regulation. Whole-exome sequencing studies have shown that NEK1 mutations are associated with an increased risk for ALS, where a significant enrichment of NEK1 loss-of-function (LOF) variants were found in individuals with ALS compared to controls. In particular, the p.Arg261His missense variant was associated with significantly increased disease susceptibility. This case series aims to understand the neuropathological phenotypes resulting from NEK1 mutations in ALS. We examined a cohort of three Scottish patients with a mutation in the NEK1 gene and evaluated the distribution and cellular expression of NEK1, as well as the abundance of phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43) aggregates, in the motor cortex compared to age- and sex-matched control tissue. We show pathological, cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregates in all three NEK1-ALS cases. NEK1 protein staining revealed no immunoreactivity in two of the NEK1-ALS cases, indicating a LOF and corresponding to a reduction in NEK1 mRNA as detected by in situ hybridisation. However, the p.Arg261His missense mutation resulted in an increase in NEK1 mRNA molecules and abundant NEK1-positive cytoplasmic aggregates, with the same morphologic appearance, and within the same cells as co-occurring TDP-43 aggregates. Here we show the first neuropathological assessment of a series of ALS cases carrying mutations in the NEK1 gene. Specifically, we show that TDP-43 pathology is present in these cases and that potential NEK1 LOF can either be mediated through loss of NEK1 translation or through aggregation of NEK1 protein as in the case with p.Arg261His mutation, a potential novel pathological feature of NEK1-ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Rifai
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fergal M Waldron
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Danah Sleibi
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Danielle J Leighton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Neurology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jenna M Gregory
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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5
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M Amaral D, Soares DF, Gromicho M, de Carvalho M, Madeira SC, Tomás P, Aidos H. Temporal stratification of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients using disease progression patterns. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5717. [PMID: 38977678 PMCID: PMC11231290 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49954-y] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Identifying groups of patients with similar disease progression patterns is key to understand disease heterogeneity, guide clinical decisions and improve patient care. In this paper, we propose a data-driven temporal stratification approach, ClusTric, combining triclustering and hierarchical clustering. The proposed approach enables the discovery of complex disease progression patterns not found by univariate temporal analyses. As a case study, we use Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease with a non-linear and heterogeneous disease progression. In this context, we applied ClusTric to stratify a hospital-based population (Lisbon ALS Clinic dataset) and validate it in a clinical trial population. The results unravelled four clinically relevant disease progression groups: slow progressors, moderate bulbar and spinal progressors, and fast progressors. We compared ClusTric with a state-of-the-art method, showing its effectiveness in capturing the heterogeneity of ALS disease progression in a lower number of clinically relevant progression groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M Amaral
- LASIGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diogo F Soares
- LASIGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Marta Gromicho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular and Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular and Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sara C Madeira
- LASIGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Tomás
- INESC-ID, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Aidos
- LASIGE, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Tu S, Vucic S, Kiernan MC. Pathological insights derived from neuroimaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: emerging clinical applications. Curr Opin Neurol 2024:00019052-990000000-00177. [PMID: 38958573 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neuroimaging has been instrumental in shaping current understanding of the pathoanatomical signature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) across clinically well defined patient cohorts. The potential utility of imaging as an objective disease marker, however, remains poorly defined. RECENT FINDINGS Increasingly advanced quantitative and computational imaging studies have highlighted emerging clinical applications for neuroimaging as a complementary clinical modality for diagnosis, monitoring, and modelling disease propagation. Multimodal neuroimaging has demonstrated novel approaches for capturing primary motor disease. Extra-motor subcortical dysfunction is increasingly recognized as key modulators of disease propagation. SUMMARY The neural signature of cortical and subcortical dysfunction in ALS has been well defined at the population level. Objective metrics of focal primary motor dysfunction are increasingly sensitive and translatable to the individual patient level. Integrity of extra-motor subcortical abnormalities are recognized to represent critical pathways of the ALS disease 'connectome', predicting pathological spread. Neuroimaging plays a pivotal role in capturing upper motor neuron pathology in ALS. Their potential clinical role as objective disease markers for disease classification, longitudinal monitoring, and prognosis in ALS have become increasingly well defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Tu
- Brain and Mind Centre
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney
- Neuroscience Research Australia
| | - Steve Vucic
- Brain and Nerve Research Center, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney
- Neuroscience Research Australia
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7
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Grassano M, Moglia C, Palumbo F, Koumantakis E, Cugnasco P, Callegaro S, Canosa A, Manera U, Vasta R, De Mattei F, Matteoni E, Fuda G, Salamone P, Marchese G, Casale F, De Marchi F, Mazzini L, Mora G, Calvo A, Chiò A. Sex Differences in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Survival and Progression: A Multidimensional Analysis. Ann Neurol 2024; 96:159-169. [PMID: 38568048 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate sex-related differences in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) prognosis and their contributing factors. METHODS Our primary cohort was the Piemonte and Aosta Register for ALS (PARALS); the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) and the Answer ALS databases were used for validation. Survival analyses were conducted accounting for age and onset site. The roles of forced vital capacity and weight decline were explored through a causal mediation analysis. Survival and disease progression rates were also evaluated after propensity score matching. RESULTS The PARALS cohort included 1,890 individuals (44.8% women). Men showed shorter survival when stratified by onset site (spinal onset HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.00-1.44, p = 0.0439; bulbar onset HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.09-1.70, p = 0.006917), although women had a steeper functional decline (+0.10 ALSFRS-R points/month, 95% CI 0.07-0.15, p < 0.00001) regardless of onset site. Instead, men showed worse respiratory decline (-4.2 forced vital capacity%/month, 95% CI -6.3 to -2.2, p < 0.0001) and faster weight loss (-0.15 kg/month, 95% CI -0.25 to -0.05, p = 0.0030). Causal mediation analysis showed that respiratory function and weight loss were pivotal in sex-related survival differences. Analysis of patients from PRO-ACT (n = 1,394, 40.9% women) and Answer ALS (n = 849, 37.2% women) confirmed these trends. INTERPRETATION The shorter survival in men is linked to worse respiratory function and weight loss rather than a faster disease progression. These findings emphasize the importance of considering sex-specific factors in understanding ALS pathophysiology and designing tailored therapeutic strategies. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:159-169.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Grassano
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neurology Unit 1U, "City of Health and Science" University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Palumbo
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Cugnasco
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Callegaro
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Canosa
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neurology Unit 1U, "City of Health and Science" University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Umberto Manera
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neurology Unit 1U, "City of Health and Science" University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosario Vasta
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Filippo De Mattei
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Matteoni
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fuda
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolina Salamone
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Marchese
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Casale
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Center, Department of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Center, Department of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mora
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neurology Unit 1U, "City of Health and Science" University Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neurology Unit 1U, "City of Health and Science" University Hospital, Turin, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Council of Research, Rome, Italy
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8
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Riva N, Domi T, Pozzi L, Lunetta C, Schito P, Spinelli EG, Cabras S, Matteoni E, Consonni M, Bella ED, Agosta F, Filippi M, Calvo A, Quattrini A. Update on recent advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4693-4723. [PMID: 38802624 PMCID: PMC11233360 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12435-9] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In the last few years, our understanding of disease molecular mechanisms underpinning ALS has advanced greatly, allowing the first steps in translating into clinical practice novel research findings, including gene therapy approaches. Similarly, the recent advent of assistive technologies has greatly improved the possibility of a more personalized approach to supportive and symptomatic care, in the context of an increasingly complex multidisciplinary line of actions, which remains the cornerstone of ALS management. Against this rapidly growing background, here we provide an comprehensive update on the most recent studies that have contributed towards our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, the latest results from clinical trials as well as the future directions for improving the clinical management of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilo Riva
- 3Rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS "Carlo Besta" Neurological Insitute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Teuta Domi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pozzi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Unit of Milan Institute, 20138, Milan, Italy
| | - Paride Schito
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Gioele Spinelli
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Cabras
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin; SC Neurologia 1U, AOU città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Matteoni
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin; SC Neurologia 1U, AOU città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Monica Consonni
- 3Rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS "Carlo Besta" Neurological Insitute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- 3Rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS "Carlo Besta" Neurological Insitute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute Huniversity, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute Huniversity, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin; SC Neurologia 1U, AOU città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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9
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Ludolph AC, Corcia P, Desnuelle C, Heiman-Patterson T, Mora JS, Mansfield CD, Couratier P. Categorization of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis population via the clinical determinant of post-onset ΔFS for study design and medical practice. Muscle Nerve 2024; 70:36-41. [PMID: 38712849 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28101] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) has become the most widely utilized measure of disease severity in patients with ALS, with change in ALSFRS-R from baseline being a trusted primary outcome measure in ALS clinical trials. This is despite the scale having several established limitations, and although alternative scales have been proposed, it is unlikely that these will displace ALSFRS-R in the foreseeable future. Here, we discuss the merits of delta FS (ΔFS), the slope or rate of ALSFRS-R decline over time, as a relevant tool for innovative ALS study design, with an as yet untapped potential for optimization of drug effectiveness and patient management. In our view, categorization of the ALS population via the clinical determinant of post-onset ΔFS is an important study design consideration. It serves not only as a critical stratification factor and basis for patient enrichment but also as a tool to explore differences in treatment response across the overall population; thereby, facilitating identification of responder subgroups. Moreover, because post-onset ΔFS is derived from information routinely collected as part of standard patient care and monitoring, it provides a suitable patient selection tool for treating physicians. Overall, post-onset ΔFS is a very attractive enrichment tool that is, can and should be regularly incorporated into ALS trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ulm, Germany
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Le Centre de Référence pour les Maladies Rares SLA, CHRU Bretonneau, Tours, France
- UMR 1253 iBrain, Tours, France
| | - Claude Desnuelle
- Centre de Référence Maladies Neuromusculaires/SLA, Neurosciences Department, CHU Nice-University Nice-Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Terry Heiman-Patterson
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Philippe Couratier
- Centre de Référence SLA et Autres Maladies du Motoneurone, CHU Dupuytren, Limoges, France
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10
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Meyer T, Dreger M, Grehl T, Weyen U, Kettemann D, Weydt P, Günther R, Lingor P, Petri S, Koch JC, Großkreutz J, Rödiger A, Baum P, Hermann A, Prudlo J, Boentert M, Weishaupt JH, Löscher WN, Dorst J, Koc Y, Bernsen S, Cordts I, Vidovic M, Steinbach R, Metelmann M, Kleinveld VE, Norden J, Ludolph A, Walter B, Schumann P, Münch C, Körtvélyessy P, Maier A. Serum neurofilament light chain in distinct phenotypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A longitudinal, multicenter study. Eur J Neurol 2024:e16379. [PMID: 38859579 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the performance of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) in clinical phenotypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS In 2949 ALS patients at 16 ALS centers in Germany and Austria, clinical characteristics and sNfL were assessed. Phenotypes were differentiated for two anatomical determinants: (1) upper and/or lower motor involvement (typical, typMN; upper/lower motor neuron predominant, UMNp/LMNp; primary lateral sclerosis, PLS) and (2) region of onset and propagation of motor neuron dysfunction (bulbar, limb, flail-arm, flail-leg, thoracic onset). Phenotypes were correlated to sNfL, progression, and survival. RESULTS Mean sNfL was - compared to typMN (75.7 pg/mL, n = 1791) - significantly lower in LMNp (45.1 pg/mL, n = 413), UMNp (58.7 pg/mL n = 206), and PLS (37.6 pg/mL, n = 84). Also, sNfL significantly differed in the bulbar (92.7 pg/mL, n = 669), limb (64.1 pg/mL, n = 1305), flail-arm (46.4 pg/mL, n = 283), flail-leg (53.6 pg/mL, n = 141), and thoracic (74.5 pg/mL, n = 96) phenotypes. Binary logistic regression analysis showed highest contribution to sNfL elevation for faster progression (odds ratio [OR] 3.24) and for the bulbar onset phenotype (OR 1.94). In contrast, PLS (OR 0.20), LMNp (OR 0.45), and thoracic onset (OR 0.43) showed reduced contributions to sNfL. Longitudinal sNfL (median 12 months, n = 2862) showed minor monthly changes (<0.2%) across all phenotypes. Correlation of sNfL with survival was confirmed (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study underscored the correlation of ALS phenotypes - differentiated for motor neuron involvement and region of onset/propagation - with sNfL, progression, and survival. These phenotypes demonstrated a significant effect on sNfL and should be recognized as independent confounders of sNfL analyses in ALS trials and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Dreger
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Grehl
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany
| | - Ute Weyen
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dagmar Kettemann
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Weydt
- Department for Neuromuscular Disorders, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan Christoph Koch
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julian Großkreutz
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Annekathrin Rödiger
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen (ZSE), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Petra Baum
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Greifswald, Germany
| | - Johannes Prudlo
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Boentert
- Department of Neurology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neurology Department, Mannheim Center for Translational Medicine, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang N Löscher
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Yasemin Koc
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Bernsen
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Neuromuscular Disorders, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Isabell Cordts
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Maximilian Vidovic
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robert Steinbach
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Moritz Metelmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vera E Kleinveld
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jenny Norden
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Bertram Walter
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peggy Schumann
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Münch
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Péter Körtvélyessy
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Maier
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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11
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Laurido-Soto OJ, Faust IM, Nielsen SS, Racette BA. Adherence to practice parameters in Medicare beneficiaries with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304083. [PMID: 38829866 PMCID: PMC11146737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Physician adherence to evidence-based clinical practice parameters impacts outcomes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. We sought to investigate compliance with the 2009 practice parameters for treatment of ALS patients in the United States, and sociodemographic and provider characteristics associated with adherence. METHODS In this population-based, retrospective cohort study of incident ALS patients in 2009-2014, we included all Medicare beneficiaries age ≥20 with ≥1 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification ALS code (335.20) in 2009 and no prior years (N = 8,575). Variables of interest included race/ethnicity, sex, age, urban residence, Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and provider specialty (neurologist vs. non-neurologist). Outcomes were use of practice parameters, which included feeding tubes, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), riluzole, and receiving care from a neurologist. RESULTS Overall, 42.9% of patients with ALS received neurologist care. Black beneficiaries (odds ratio [OR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.67), older beneficiaries (OR 0.964, 95% CI 0.961-0.968 per year), and those living in disadvantaged areas (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61-0.80) received less care from neurologists. Overall, only 26.7% of beneficiaries received a feeding tube, 19.2% NIV, and 15.3% riluzole. Neurologist-treated patients were more likely to receive interventions than other ALS patients: feeding tube (OR 2.80, 95% CI 2.52-3.11); NIV (OR 10.8, 95% CI 9.28-12.6); and riluzole (OR 7.67, 95% CI 6.13-9.58), after adjusting for sociodemographics. These associations remained marked and significant when we excluded ALS patients who subsequently received a code for other diseases that mimic ALS. CONCLUSIONS ALS patients treated by neurologists received care consistent with practice parameters more often than those not treated by a neurologist. Black, older, and disadvantaged beneficiaries received less care consistent with the practice parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo J. Laurido-Soto
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Irene M. Faust
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Susan Searles Nielsen
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Brad A. Racette
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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12
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Li X, Bedlack R. Evaluating emerging drugs in phase II & III for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:93-102. [PMID: 38516735 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2333420] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rapidly progressive motor neuron disorder causing severe disability and premature death. Owing to the advances in uncovering ALS pathophysiology, efficient clinical trial design and research advocacy program, several disease-modifying drugs have been approved for treating ALS. Despite this progress, ALS remains a rapidly disabling and life shortening condition. There is a critical need for more effective therapies. AREAS COVERED Here, we reviewed the emerging ALS therapeutics undergoing phase II & III clinical trials. To identify the investigational drugs, we searched ALS and phase II/III trials that are active and recruiting or not yet recruiting on clinicaltrials.gov and Pharmaprojects database. EXPERT OPINION The current pipeline is larger and more diverse than ever, with drugs targeting potential genetic and retroviral causes of ALS and drugs targeting a wide array of downstream pathways, including RNA metabolism, protein aggregation, integrated stress response and neuroinflammation.We remain most excited about those that target direct causes of ALS, e.g. antisense oligonucleotides targeting causative genes. Drugs that eliminate abnormal protein aggregates are also up-and-coming. Eventually, because of the heterogeneity of ALS pathophysiology, biomarkers that determine which biological events are most important for an individual ALS patient are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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13
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Hobson E, McDermott C. Advances in symptom management and in monitoring disease progression in motor neuron disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:119-169. [PMID: 38802174 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.004] [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
The aim of supportive management of motor neuron disease is to improve survival, promote good quality of life and patient independence and autonomy whilst preparing for future progression and the end of life. Multidisciplinary specialist care aims to address the multifaceted and interacting biopsychosocial problems associated with motor neuron disease that leads to proven benefits in both survival and quality of life. This chapter will explore principles, structure and details of treatment options, and make recommendations for practice and for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Hobson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher McDermott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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14
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Al-Chalabi A, Andrews J, Farhan S. Recent advances in the genetics of familial and sporadic ALS. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:49-74. [PMID: 38802182 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.007] [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
ALS shows complex genetic inheritance patterns. In about 5% to 10% of cases, there is a family history of ALS or a related condition such as frontotemporal dementia in a first or second degree relative, and for about 80% of such people a pathogenic gene variant can be identified. Such variants are also seen in people with no family history because of factor influencing the expression of genes, such as age. Genetic susceptibility factors also contribute to risk, and the heritability of ALS is between 40% and 60%. The genetic variants influencing ALS risk include single base changes, repeat expansions, copy number variants, and others. Here we review what is known of the genetic landscape and architecture of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jinsy Andrews
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sali Farhan
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
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15
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Evans LJ, O'Brien D, Shaw PJ. Current neuroprotective therapies and future prospects for motor neuron disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 176:327-384. [PMID: 38802178 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.04.003] [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
Four medications with neuroprotective disease-modifying effects are now in use for motor neuron disease (MND). With FDA approvals for tofersen, relyvrio and edaravone in just the past year, 2022 ended a quarter of a century when riluzole was the sole such drug to offer to patients. The acceleration of approvals may mean we are witnessing the beginning of a step-change in how MND can be treated. Improvements in understanding underlying disease biology has led to more therapies being developed to target specific and multiple disease mechanisms. Consideration for how the pipeline of new therapeutic agents coming through in clinical and preclinical development can be more effectively evaluated with biomarkers, advances in patient stratification and clinical trial design pave the way for more successful translation for this archetypal complex neurodegenerative disease. While it must be cautioned that only slowed rates of progression have so far been demonstrated, pre-empting rapid neurodegeneration by using neurofilament biomarkers to signal when to treat, as is currently being trialled with tofersen, may be more effective for patients with known genetic predisposition to MND. Early intervention with personalized medicines could mean that for some patients at least, in future we may be able to substantially treat what is considered by many to be one of the most distressing diseases in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Evans
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - David O'Brien
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- The Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, and the NIHR Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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16
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Nona RJ, Henderson RD, McCombe PA. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at diagnosis as a biomarker for survival of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38745425 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2351187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has previously been reported to be associated with survival in ALS. To provide further information about the role of NLR as a biomarker in ALS, we performed a systematic review, analyzed data from our local cohort of ALS subjects and performed a meta-analysis. Methods: (1) The systematic review used established methods. (2) Using data from our cohort of subjects, we analyzed the association of NLR with survival. (3) Meta-analysis was performed using previous studies and our local data. Results: (1) In the systematic review, higher NLR was associated with shorter survival in all studies. (2) In our subjects, survival was significantly shorter in patients in the highest NLR groups. (3) Meta-analysis showed subjects with highest NLR tertile or with NLR >3 had significantly shorter survival than other subjects. Discussion: This study supports NLR as a biomarker in ALS; high NLR is associated with poor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Nona
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and
| | - Robert D Henderson
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pamela A McCombe
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and
- Department of Neurology, The Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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17
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Cheng J, Niu X, Li H, Yang Q, Du K. Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of rehabilitation therapy on patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-a meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1389146. [PMID: 38765269 PMCID: PMC11099201 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1389146] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of rehabilitation therapy on the global function, respiratory function, and quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods PubMed, Web of Science, and The National Library of Medicine (NLM) were systematically searched and the search period was between the date of database establishment and December 31, 2023. The outcome measures finally analyzed included the ALS functional rating scale/revised (ALSFRS/ALSFRS-R), forced vital capacity percentage predicted (FVC%), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). Results A total of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, and 5 outcome measures were pooled and analyzed. A total of 657 patients with ALS were enrolled, with 299 in the experimental group (rehabilitation therapy, such as resistance training, endurance training, aerobic training, respiratory muscle training, and standard rehabilitation therapy) and 358 in the control group (conventional interventions, such as simple joint movements or daily stretching). The ALSFRS scores were better in the experimental group than in the control group at 0-4 months (MD = 3.36, 95% CI: 0.82, 5.91, Z = 2.59, p = 0.009) and at 5-8 months (MD = 5.00, 95% CI: -2.42, 7.58, Z = 3.80, p < 0.001). Moreover, the ALSFRS-R scores of the experimental group was better than that of the control group at 5-8 months (MD = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.45, Z = 3.42, p < 0.001) and 9-12 months (MD = 1.87, 95% CI: -0.37, 4.11, Z = 1.63, p = 0.10). It was also found that the MEP value of the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group after intervention (MD = 18.49, 95% CI: 1.47, 35.50, Z = 2.13, p = 0.03). However, there were no significant differences in FVC% value and FSS scores at 0-5 months and 6-12 months between the two groups. Conclusion Rehabilitation therapy is helpful in improving the short-, medium-, and long-term global function score of patients with ALS, with positive effects on respiratory function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ketao Du
- Department of Rehabilitation, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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18
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Currò R, Dominik N, Facchini S, Vegezzi E, Sullivan R, Galassi Deforie V, Fernández-Eulate G, Traschütz A, Rossi S, Garibaldi M, Kwarciany M, Taroni F, Brusco A, Good JM, Cavalcanti F, Hammans S, Ravenscroft G, Roxburgh RH, Parolin Schnekenberg R, Rugginini B, Abati E, Manini A, Quartesan I, Ghia A, Lòpez de Munaìn A, Manganelli F, Kennerson M, Santorelli FM, Infante J, Marques W, Jokela M, Murphy SM, Mandich P, Fabrizi GM, Briani C, Gosal D, Pareyson D, Ferrari A, Prados F, Yousry T, Khurana V, Kuo SH, Miller J, Troakes C, Jaunmuktane Z, Giunti P, Hartmann A, Basak N, Synofzik M, Stojkovic T, Hadjivassiliou M, Reilly MM, Houlden H, Cortese A. Role of the repeat expansion size in predicting age of onset and severity in RFC1 disease. Brain 2024; 147:1887-1898. [PMID: 38193360 PMCID: PMC11068103 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad436] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
RFC1 disease, caused by biallelic repeat expansion in RFC1, is clinically heterogeneous in terms of age of onset, disease progression and phenotype. We investigated the role of the repeat size in influencing clinical variables in RFC1 disease. We also assessed the presence and role of meiotic and somatic instability of the repeat. In this study, we identified 553 patients carrying biallelic RFC1 expansions and measured the repeat expansion size in 392 cases. Pearson's coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between the repeat size and age at disease onset. A Cox model with robust cluster standard errors was adopted to describe the effect of repeat size on age at disease onset, on age at onset of each individual symptoms, and on disease progression. A quasi-Poisson regression model was used to analyse the relationship between phenotype and repeat size. We performed multivariate linear regression to assess the association of the repeat size with the degree of cerebellar atrophy. Meiotic stability was assessed by Southern blotting on first-degree relatives of 27 probands. Finally, somatic instability was investigated by optical genome mapping on cerebellar and frontal cortex and unaffected peripheral tissue from four post-mortem cases. A larger repeat size of both smaller and larger allele was associated with an earlier age at neurological onset [smaller allele hazard ratio (HR) = 2.06, P < 0.001; larger allele HR = 1.53, P < 0.001] and with a higher hazard of developing disabling symptoms, such as dysarthria or dysphagia (smaller allele HR = 3.40, P < 0.001; larger allele HR = 1.71, P = 0.002) or loss of independent walking (smaller allele HR = 2.78, P < 0.001; larger allele HR = 1.60; P < 0.001) earlier in disease course. Patients with more complex phenotypes carried larger expansions [smaller allele: complex neuropathy rate ratio (RR) = 1.30, P = 0.003; cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) RR = 1.34, P < 0.001; larger allele: complex neuropathy RR = 1.33, P = 0.008; CANVAS RR = 1.31, P = 0.009]. Furthermore, larger repeat expansions in the smaller allele were associated with more pronounced cerebellar vermis atrophy (lobules I-V β = -1.06, P < 0.001; lobules VI-VII β = -0.34, P = 0.005). The repeat did not show significant instability during vertical transmission and across different tissues and brain regions. RFC1 repeat size, particularly of the smaller allele, is one of the determinants of variability in RFC1 disease and represents a key prognostic factor to predict disease onset, phenotype and severity. Assessing the repeat size is warranted as part of the diagnostic test for RFC1 expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Currò
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Natalia Dominik
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Stefano Facchini
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Roisin Sullivan
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | | | - Gorka Fernández-Eulate
- Nord/Est/Ile-de-France Neuromuscular Reference Center, Institute of Myology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Andreas Traschütz
- Research Division ‘Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases’, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Salvatore Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Invecchiamento, Neurologiche, Ortopediche e della Testa-Collo, UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Garibaldi
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Center, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariusz Kwarciany
- Department of Adult Neurology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Franco Taroni
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Jean-Marc Good
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Cavalcanti
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Research Council (CNR), 87050 Mangone, Italy
| | - Simon Hammans
- Wessex Neurological Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Gianina Ravenscroft
- Neurogenetic Diseases Group, Centre for Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, University of Western Australia, Nedland, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Richard H Roxburgh
- Neurology Department, Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand and the Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | | | - Bianca Rugginini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Abati
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Manini
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Quartesan
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Arianna Ghia
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Adolfo Lòpez de Munaìn
- Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country-Osakidetza-CIBERNED-Biodonostia, 20014 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Kennerson
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Disease Unit, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jon Infante
- University Hospital Marquès de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, University of Cantabria, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Wilson Marques
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, 2650 Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Manu Jokela
- Neuromuscular Research Center, Department of Neurology, Tampere University and University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Neurocenter, Department of Neurology, Clinical Neurosciences, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Sinéad M Murphy
- Department of Neurology, Tallaght University Hospital, D24 NR0A Dublin, Ireland
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paola Mandich
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-UOC Genetica Medica, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Fabrizi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Chiara Briani
- Department of Neurosciences, ERN Neuromuscular Unit, University of Padova, 35100 Padova, Italy
| | - David Gosal
- Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester, M6 8HD, UK
| | - Davide Pareyson
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan 20133, Italy
| | | | - Ferran Prados
- Centre for Medical Image Computing (CMIC), Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1V 6LJ, UK
- NMR Research Unit, Institute of Neurology, University College London (UCL), London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- e-Health Centre, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 08018 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tarek Yousry
- Neuroradiological Academic Unit, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Vikram Khurana
- Division of Movement Disorders and Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - James Miller
- Department of Neurology, Royal Victoria Hospitals, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Claire Troakes
- London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, SE21 8EA, UK
| | - Zane Jaunmuktane
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Paola Giunti
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Annette Hartmann
- Division of General Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nazli Basak
- Koç University, School of Medicine, Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation, Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory (NDAL), Research Center for Translational Medicine, 34010 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Matthis Synofzik
- Research Division ‘Translational Genomics of Neurodegenerative Diseases’, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research and Center of Neurology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tanya Stojkovic
- Nord/Est/Ile-de-France Neuromuscular Reference Center, Institute of Myology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, APHP, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Marios Hadjivassiliou
- Academic Department of Neurosciences, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2JF, UK
| | - Mary M Reilly
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Andrea Cortese
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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19
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Heskamp L, Birkbeck MG, Hall J, Schofield IS, Bashford J, Williams TL, De Oliveira HM, Whittaker RG, Blamire AM. Whole-body fasciculation detection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using motor unit MRI. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 161:246-255. [PMID: 38448302 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.02.016] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compare fasciculation rates between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and healthy controls in body regions relevant for diagnosing ALS using motor unit MRI (MUMRI) at baseline and 6 months follow-up, and relate this to single-channel surface EMG (SEMG). METHODS Tongue, biceps brachii, paraspinals and lower legs were assessed with MUMRI and biceps brachii and soleus with SEMG in 10 healthy controls and 10 patients (9 typical ALS, 1 primary lateral sclerosis [PLS]). RESULTS MUMRI-detected fasciculation rates in typical ALS patients were higher compared to healthy controls for biceps brachii (2.40 ± 1.90 cm-3min-1vs. 0.04 ± 0.10 cm-3min-1, p = 0.004), paraspinals (1.14 ± 1.61 cm-3min-1vs. 0.02 ± 0.02 cm-3min-1, p = 0.016) and lower legs (1.42 ± 1.27 cm-3min-1vs. 0.13 ± 0.10 cm-3min-1, p = 0.004), but not tongue (1.41 ± 1.94 cm-3min-1vs. 0.18 ± 0.18 cm-3min-1, p = 0.556). The PLS patient showed no fasciculation. At baseline, 6/9 ALS patients had increased fasciculation rates compared to healthy controls in at least 2 body regions. At follow-up every patient had increased fasciculation rates in at least 2 body regions. The MUMRI-detected fasciculation rate correlated with SEMG-detected fasciculation rates (τ = 0.475, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION MUMRI can non-invasively image fasciculation in multiple body regions and appears sensitive to disease progression in individual patients. SIGNIFICANCE MUMRI has potential as diagnostic tool for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Heskamp
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute (NUTCRI), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Matthew G Birkbeck
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute (NUTCRI), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Northern Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Julie Hall
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute (NUTCRI), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Department of Neuroradiology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Ian S Schofield
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute (NUTCRI), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - James Bashford
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Timothy L Williams
- Directorate of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Hugo M De Oliveira
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute (NUTCRI), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Directorate of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Roger G Whittaker
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute (NUTCRI), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Directorate of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew M Blamire
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute (NUTCRI), Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
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20
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Din Abdul Jabbar MA, Guo L, Nag S, Guo Y, Simmons Z, Pioro EP, Ramasamy S, Yeo CJJ. Predicting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression with machine learning. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:242-255. [PMID: 38052485 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2285443] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To predict ALS progression with varying observation and prediction window lengths, using machine learning (ML). METHODS We used demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters from 5030 patients in the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) database to model ALS disease progression as fast (at least 1.5 points decline in ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) per month) or non-fast, using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Bayesian Long Short Term Memory (BLSTM). XGBoost identified predictors of progression while BLSTM provided a confidence level for each prediction. RESULTS ML models achieved area under receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUROC) of 0.570-0.748 and were non-inferior to clinician assessments. Performance was similar with observation lengths of a single visit, 3, 6, or 12 months and on a holdout validation dataset, but was better for longer prediction lengths. 21 important predictors were identified, with the top 3 being days since disease onset, past ALSFRS-R and forced vital capacity. Nonstandard predictors included phosphorus, chloride and albumin. BLSTM demonstrated higher performance for the samples about which it was most confident. Patient screening by models may reduce hypothetical Phase II/III clinical trial sizes by 18.3%. CONCLUSION Similar accuracies across ML models using different observation lengths suggest that a clinical trial observation period could be shortened to a single visit and clinical trial sizes reduced. Confidence levels provided by BLSTM gave additional information on the trustworthiness of predictions, which could aid decision-making. The identified predictors of ALS progression are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzammil Arif Din Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ling Guo
- Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sonakshi Nag
- Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Guo
- Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, State College, PA, USA
| | - Erik P Pioro
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Savitha Ramasamy
- Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Crystal Jing Jing Yeo
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Lee Kong Chien School of Medicine, Imperial College London and Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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21
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Hobin F, De Vocht J, Lamaire N, Beyens H, Ombelet F, Van Damme P. Specialized multidisciplinary care improves ALS survival in Belgium: a population-based retrospective study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:282-289. [PMID: 38240367 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2304058] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neurons, resulting in progressive weakness and wasting of muscles. The average survival time is 2-5 years, mostly due to respiratory failure. Since current therapies can prolong survival time by only a few months, multidisciplinary care remains the cornerstone of the management of ALS. At the ALS Expert Centre of University Hospitals Leuven, a large proportion of Belgian ALS patients are seen for diagnosis and a significant number is also in follow-up with the multidisciplinary team. In this retrospective study, we compared the outcome of incident patients who were in follow-up at our site with patients who were not in follow-up. We included 659 patients of which 557 (84.5%) received specialized care at the ALS Expert Centre. After adjusting for clinically relevant prognostic parameters, multidisciplinary follow-up significantly prolonged survival (p = 0.004; HR = 0.683; CI 95% [0.528 - 0.884]). This increase in survival is mainly driven by patients with spinal onset (p = 0.035; HR = 0.746; CI 95% [0.568 - 0.980]), since no significant increased survival time was observed in patients with bulbar onset (p = 0.28; HR = 0.778; CI 95% [0.495 - 1.223]). These data confirm that multidisciplinary follow-up contributes to a better outcome of patients, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary specialized care in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Hobin
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- VIB, Centre for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joke De Vocht
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- VIB, Centre for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nikita Lamaire
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilde Beyens
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fouke Ombelet
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- VIB, Centre for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- VIB, Centre for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Gebrehiwet P, Brekke J, Rudnicki SA, Mellor J, Wright J, Earl L, Ball N, Iqbal H, Thomas O, Castellano G. Time from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptom onset to key disease milestones: analysis of data from a multinational cross-sectional survey. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:345-357. [PMID: 38156828 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2297795] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the average time from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) symptom onset to 11 pre-defined milestones, overall and according to ALS progression rate and geographic location. METHODS Data were drawn from the Adelphi Real World ALS Disease-Specific ProgrammeTM, a point-in-time survey of neurologists caring for people living with ALS (pALS) conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States from 2020-2021. ALS progression rate was calculated using time since symptom onset and ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised score. RESULTS Survey results were available for N = 1003 pALS (progression rate for N = 867). Mean time from symptom onset was 3.8 months to first consultation, 8.0 months to diagnosis, 16.2 months to employment change (part-time/sick leave/retirement/unemployment), 17.5 months to use of a walking aid, 18.5 months to first occurrence of caregiver support, 22.8 months to use of a wheelchair, 24.6 months to use of a communication aid, 27.3 months to use of a respiratory aid, 28.6 months to use of gastrostomy feeding, 29.7 months to use of eye gaze technology and 30.3 months to entering a care facility. Multivariate analysis indicated significant effects of fast (versus slow) progression rate on time to reach all 11 milestones, as well as US (versus European) location, age, body mass index and bulbar onset (versus other) on time to reach milestones. CONCLUSIONS pALS rapidly reached clinical and disease-related milestones within 30 months from symptom onset. Milestones were reached significantly faster by pALS with fast versus slow progression. Geographic differences were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulos Gebrehiwet
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Cytokinetics, Incorporated ,South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Johan Brekke
- Medical Affairs, Cytokinetics, Incorporated, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stacy A Rudnicki
- Clinical Research, Cytokinetics, Incorporated, South San Francisco, CA, USA and
| | | | - Jack Wright
- Real World Evidence, Adelphi Real World, Bollington, UK
| | - Lucy Earl
- Real World Evidence, Adelphi Real World, Bollington, UK
| | - Nathan Ball
- Real World Evidence, Adelphi Real World, Bollington, UK
| | - Halima Iqbal
- Real World Evidence, Adelphi Real World, Bollington, UK
| | - Owen Thomas
- Real World Evidence, Adelphi Real World, Bollington, UK
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23
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Lopes CS, Pronto-Laborinho AC, Conceição VA, Freitas T, Matias GL, Gromicho M, Santos NC, de Carvalho M, Carvalho FA. Erythrocytes' surface properties and stiffness predict survival and functional decline in ALS patients. Biofactors 2024; 50:558-571. [PMID: 38149762 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Erythrocytes play a fundamental role in oxygen delivery to tissues and binding to inflammatory mediators. Evidences suggest that dysregulated erythrocyte function could contribute to the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to evaluate changes in morphological, biomechanical, and biophysical properties of erythrocytes from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, as new areas of study in this disease. Blood samples were collected from ALS patients, comparing with healthy volunteers. Erythrocytes were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and zeta potential analysis. The patients' motor and respiratory functions were evaluated using the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and percentage of forced vital capacity (%FVC). Patient survival was also assessed. Erythrocyte surface roughness was significantly smoother in ALS patients, and this parameter was a predictor of faster decline in ALSFRS-R scores. ALS patients exhibited higher erythrocyte stiffness, as indicated by reduced AFM tip penetration depth, which predicted a faster ALSFRS-R score and respiratory subscore decay. A lower negative charge on the erythrocyte membrane was predictor of a faster ALSFRS-R and FVC decline. Additionally, a larger erythrocyte surface area was an independent predictor of lower survival. These changes in morphological and biophysical membrane properties of ALS patients' erythrocytes, lead to increased cell stiffness and morphological variations. We speculate that these changes might precipitate motoneurons dysfunction and accelerate disease progression. Further studies should explore the molecular alterations related to these observations. Our findings may contribute to dissect the complex interplay between respiratory function, tissue hypoxia, progression rate, and survival in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina S Lopes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Vasco A Conceição
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Freitas
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo L Matias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Gromicho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filomena A Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Geronimo A, Simmons Z. Remote pulmonary function testing allows for early identification of need for non-invasive ventilation in a subset of persons with ALS. J Neurol Sci 2024; 459:122971. [PMID: 38522245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.122971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The traditional ALS multidisciplinary clinical practice of quarterly respiratory assessment may leave some individuals in danger of developing untreated respiratory insufficiency between visits or beginning non-invasive ventilation (NIV) later than would be optimal. Remote, or home-based, pulmonary function testing (rPFT) allows patients with ALS to perform regular respiratory testing at more frequent intervals in the home. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical benefit of weekly rPFT compared to standard, quarterly in-clinic respiratory assessments: the number of individuals with earlier identification of NIV need, the magnitude of this advance notice, and the individual factors predicting benefit. Participants with ALS (n = 39) completed rPFT training via telemedicine and then completed one year of weekly self-guided assessments in the home. Over this period, 17 individuals exhibited remotely-measured FVC dropping below 50% of predicted, the value often used for recommendation of NIV initiation. In 13 individuals with clinical detection of this event, the median and range of advance notice of need for NIV was 53 (-61-294) days. Prescription of NIV occurred for 21 individuals on the study, six of whom began NIV as a result of remote testing, prior to indication of need as determined by in-person assessments. Weekly home assessments appeared to be of greatest clinical value in a subset of patients with low baseline respiratory test values and rapid respiratory decline. This has potential implications for clinical management of ALS as well as the conduct of clinical trials that rely on respiratory endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Geronimo
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America.
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Department of Neurology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States of America
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25
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van Unnik JWJ, Meyjes M, Janse van Mantgem MR, van den Berg LH, van Eijk RPA. Remote monitoring of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using wearable sensors detects differences in disease progression and survival: a prospective cohort study. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105104. [PMID: 38582030 PMCID: PMC11004066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need for objective and sensitive measures to quantify clinical disease progression and gauge the response to treatment in clinical trials for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we evaluate the ability of an accelerometer-derived outcome to detect differential clinical disease progression and assess its longitudinal associations with overall survival in patients with ALS. METHODS Patients with ALS wore an accelerometer on the hip for 3-7 days, every 2-3 months during a multi-year observation period. An accelerometer-derived outcome, the Vertical Movement Index (VMI), was calculated, together with predicted disease progression rates, and jointly analysed with overall survival. The clinical utility of VMI was evaluated using comparisons to patient-reported functionality, while the impact of various monitoring schemes on empirical power was explored through simulations. FINDINGS In total, 97 patients (70.1% male) wore the accelerometer for 1995 days, for a total of 27,701 h. The VMI was highly discriminatory for predicted disease progression rates, revealing faster rates of decline in patients with a worse predicted prognosis compared to those with a better predicted prognosis (p < 0.0001). The VMI was strongly associated with the hazard for death (HR 0.20, 95% CI: 0.09-0.44, p < 0.0001), where a decrease of 0.19-0.41 unit was associated with reduced ambulatory status. Recommendations for future studies using accelerometery are provided. INTERPRETATION The results serve as motivation to incorporate accelerometer-derived outcomes in clinical trials, which is essential for further validation of these markers to meaningful endpoints. FUNDING Stichting ALS Nederland (TRICALS-Reactive-II).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi W J van Unnik
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Myrte Meyjes
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark R Janse van Mantgem
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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26
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Tzeplaeff L, Jürs AV, Wohnrade C, Demleitner AF. Unraveling the Heterogeneity of ALS-A Call to Redefine Patient Stratification for Better Outcomes in Clinical Trials. Cells 2024; 13:452. [PMID: 38474416 PMCID: PMC10930688 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050452] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous efforts in basic research and a growing number of clinical trials aiming to find effective treatments, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains an incurable disease. One possible reason for the lack of effective causative treatment options is that ALS may not be a single disease entity but rather may represent a clinical syndrome, with diverse genetic and molecular causes, histopathological alterations, and subsequent clinical presentations contributing to its complexity and variability among individuals. Defining a way to subcluster ALS patients is becoming a central endeavor in the field. Identifying specific clusters and applying them in clinical trials could enable the development of more effective treatments. This review aims to summarize the available data on heterogeneity in ALS with regard to various aspects, e.g., clinical, genetic, and molecular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tzeplaeff
- Department of Neurology, Rechts der Isar Hospital, Technical University of Munich, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Alexandra V. Jürs
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Camilla Wohnrade
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Antonia F. Demleitner
- Department of Neurology, Rechts der Isar Hospital, Technical University of Munich, 81675 München, Germany
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He D, Liu Y, Dong S, Shen D, Yang X, Hao M, Yin X, He X, Li Y, Wang Y, Liu M, Wang J, Chen X, Cui L. The prognostic value of systematic genetic screening in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. J Neurol 2024; 271:1385-1396. [PMID: 37980296 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12079-1] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with complex genetic architecture. Emerging evidence has indicated comorbidity between ALS and autoimmune conditions, suggesting a potential shared genetic basis. The objective of this study is to assess the prognostic value of systematic screening for rare deleterious mutations in genes associated with ALS and aberrant inflammatory responses. METHODS A discovery cohort of 494 patients and a validation cohort of 69 patients were analyzed in this study, with population-matched healthy subjects (n = 4961) served as controls. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify rare deleterious variants in 50 ALS genes and 1177 genes associated with abnormal inflammatory responses. Genotype-phenotype correlation was assessed, and an integrative prognostic model incorporating genetic and clinical factors was constructed. RESULTS In the discovery cohort, 8.1% of patients carried confirmed ALS variants, and an additional 15.2% of patients carried novel ALS variants. Gene burden analysis revealed 303 immune-implicated genes with enriched rare variants, and 13.4% of patients harbored rare deleterious variants in these genes. Patients with ALS variants exhibited a more rapid disease progression (HR 2.87 [95% CI 2.03-4.07], p < 0.0001), while no significant effect was observed for immune-implicated variants. The nomogram model incorporating genetic and clinical information demonstrated improved accuracy in predicting disease outcomes (C-index, 0.749). CONCLUSION Our findings enhance the comprehension of the genetic basis of ALS within the Chinese population. It also appears that rare deleterious mutations occurring in immune-implicated genes exert minimal influence on the clinical trajectories of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di He
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Yining Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siqi Dong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital and Institute of Neurology, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongchao Shen
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xunzhe Yang
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianhong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingsheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital and Institute of Neurology, National Center for Neurological Disorders, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Liying Cui
- Department of Neurology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.
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Domi T, Schito P, Sferruzza G, Russo T, Pozzi L, Agosta F, Carrera P, Riva N, Filippi M, Quattrini A, Falzone YM. Unveiling the SOD1-mediated ALS phenotype: insights from a comprehensive meta-analysis. J Neurol 2024; 271:1342-1354. [PMID: 37930481 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12074-6] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with mutations in SOD1 (SOD1-ALS) might be susceptible to specific treatment. The aim of the study is to outline the clinical features of SOD1-ALS patients by comparing them to patients without ALS major gene variants and patients with variants in other major ALS genes. Defining SOD1-ALS phenotype may assist clinicians in identifying patients who should be prioritized for genetic testing. METHODS We performed an extensive literature research including original studies which reported the clinical features of SOD1-ALS and at least one of the following patient groups: C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (C9-ALS), TARDBP (TARDBP-ALS), FUS (FUS-ALS) or patients without a positive test for a major-ALS gene (N-ALS). A random effects meta-analytic model was applied to clinical data extracted encompassing sex, site and age of onset. To reconstruct individual patient survival data, the published Kaplan-Meier curves were digitized. Data were measured as odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) as appropriate. Median survival was compared between groups. RESULTS Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified 721 SOD1-ALS, 470 C9-ALS, 183 TARDBP-ALS, 113 FUS-ALS and 2824 N-ALS. SOD1-ALS showed a higher rate of spinal onset compared with N-ALS and C9-ALS (OR = 4.85, 95% CI = 3.04-7.76; OR = 10.47, 95% CI = 4.32-27.87) and an earlier onset compared with N-ALS (SMD = - 0.45, 95% CI = - 0.72 to - 0.18). SOD1-ALS had a similar survival compared with N-ALS (p = 0.14), a longer survival compared with C9-ALS (p < 0.01) and FUS-ALS (p = 0.019) and a shorter survival compared with TARDBP-ALS (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION This study indicates the presence of a specific SOD1-ALS phenotype. Insights in SOD1-ALS clinical features are important in genetic counseling, disease prognosis and support patients' stratification in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teuta Domi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paride Schito
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Sferruzza
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pozzi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Carrera
- Unit of Genomics for Human Disease Diagnosis, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
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de Souza PVS, Serrano PDL, Farias IB, Machado RIL, Badia BDML, de Oliveira HB, Barbosa AS, Pereira CA, Moreira VDF, Chieia MAT, Barbosa AR, Braga VL, Pinto WBVDR, Oliveira ASB. Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Promising Era Emerges. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:311. [PMID: 38540369 PMCID: PMC10969870 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder, which is frequently misdiagnosed due to low clinical suspicion and little knowledge about disease characteristics. More than 20 different genetic loci have been associated with both sporadic and familial juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Currently, almost 40% of cases have an identifiable monogenic basis; type 6, associated with FUS gene variants, is the most prevalent globally. Despite several upper motor neuron-dominant forms being generally associated with long-standing motor symptoms and slowly progressive course, certain subtypes with lower motor neuron-dominant features and early bulbar compromise lead to rapidly progressive motor handicap. For some monogenic forms, there is a well-established genotypic-phenotypic correlation. There are no specific biochemical and neuroimaging biomarkers for the diagnosis of juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. There are several inherited neurodegenerative and neurometabolic disorders which can lead to the signs of motor neuron impairment. This review emphasizes the importance of high clinical suspicion, assessment, and proper diagnostic work-up for juvenile Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Victor Sgobbi de Souza
- Motor Neuron Disease Unit, Division of Neuromuscular Diseases, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo 04039-060, Brazil; (P.d.L.S.); (W.B.V.d.R.P.)
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Dellar ER, Vendrell I, Talbot K, Kessler BM, Fischer R, Turner MR, Thompson AG. Data-independent acquisition proteomics of cerebrospinal fluid implicates endoplasmic reticulum and inflammatory mechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurochem 2024; 168:115-127. [PMID: 38087504 PMCID: PMC10952667 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16030] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
While unbiased proteomics of human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been used successfully to identify biomarkers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), high-abundance proteins mask the presence of lower abundance proteins that may have diagnostic and prognostic value. However, developments in mass spectrometry (MS) proteomic data acquisition methods offer improved protein depth. In this study, MS with library-free data-independent acquisition (DIA) was used to compare the CSF proteome of people with ALS (n = 40), healthy (n = 15) and disease (n = 8) controls. Quantified protein groups were subsequently correlated with clinical variables. Univariate analysis identified 7 proteins, all significantly upregulated in ALS versus healthy controls, and 9 with altered abundance in ALS versus disease controls (FDR < 0.1). Elevated chitotriosidase-1 (CHIT1) was common to both comparisons and was proportional to ALS disability progression rate (Pearson r = 0.41, FDR-adjusted p = 0.035) but not overall survival. Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (UCHL1; upregulated in ALS versus healthy controls) was proportional to disability progression rate (Pearson r = 0.53, FDR-adjusted p = 0.003) and survival (Kaplan Meier log-rank p = 0.013) but not independently in multivariate proportional hazards models. Weighted correlation network analysis was used to identify functionally relevant modules of proteins. One module, enriched for inflammatory functions, was associated with age at symptom onset (Pearson r = 0.58, FDR-adjusted p = 0.005) and survival (Hazard Ratio = 1.78, FDR = 0.065), and a second module, enriched for endoplasmic reticulum proteins, was negatively correlated with disability progression rate (r = -0.42, FDR-adjusted p = 0.109). DIA acquisition methodology therefore strengthened the biomarker candidacy of CHIT1 and UCHL1 in ALS, while additionally highlighted inflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum proteins as novel sources of prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iolanda Vendrell
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford InstituteUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience DiscoveryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Benedikt M. Kessler
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford InstituteUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Roman Fischer
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford InstituteUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Martin R. Turner
- Nuffield Department of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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da Silva Alves C, Barroso T, Gerardo A, Almeida T, Maduro S, Boléo-Tomé JP, Liberato H. Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second Quotient (FEV1Q) as a Prognostic Factor in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients: Comparing Its Predictive Value to Other Lung Function Measurements. Cureus 2024; 16:e54176. [PMID: 38496202 PMCID: PMC10941708 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54176] [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] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the first and second motor neurons. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) have conventionally served as indicators of respiratory muscle strength. Recently, FEV1Q (FEV1 divided by the sex-specific first percentile values of absolute FEV1 in adults with lung disease) has been suggested as a predictor of mortality. While FVC has been utilized as a prognostic factor, FEV1Q has not yet been examined. METHODS This retrospective unicenter study evaluated FEV1Q as a predictor of mortality in ALS patients, comparing its predictive efficacy with other measurements, including FEV1, FVC, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, and maximal inspiratory pressure. The study utilized univariate analysis for each variable employing the Cox proportional hazards model to determine the statistical significance and predictive power of each measurement. RESULTS Forty-five patients were included, female predominant (60%) and an average age at diagnosis of 69.2 ± 11 years. Almost all (95%) met the criteria for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and initiated (93%) during the study period, a mean of 137 days after diagnosis. The mortality rate observed was 57%, occurring at a median of 398 days post-diagnosis. On average, patients underwent 1.7 pulmonary function tests, revealing a decline in various parameters, including FEV1, FEV1Q, and FVC. However, only FEV1Q was a statistically significant predictor of mortality (p < 0.0083) in a Cox regression analysis. A negative coefficient for FEV1Q indicated that higher values were associated with a reduced mortality risk, with an average FEV1Q of 2.68 observed at the time of death. CONCLUSION FEV1Q emerged as the only statistically significant predictor of mortality among the evaluated respiratory measurements in ALS patients. This study is the first to focus on applying FEV1Q in the clinical evaluation of ALS, marking an initial step in understanding its potential role in patient follow-up. However, further studies are needed before these findings can be incorporated into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tiago Barroso
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, PRT
| | - António Gerardo
- Pulmonology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | - Tânia Almeida
- Pulmonology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | - Silvia Maduro
- Pulmonology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
| | | | - Hedi Liberato
- Pulmonology Department, Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, PRT
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Borghero G, Pili F, Muroni A, Ercoli T, Pateri MI, Pilotto S, Maccabeo A, Defazio G. Disease survival and progression in TARDBP ALS patients from Sardinia, Italy. J Neurol 2024; 271:929-934. [PMID: 37855870 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12037-x] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common genes implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) development may also influence its progression rate. The C9orf72 mutations featured a faster progression rate while the European SOD1 mutations were associated with a slower progression. In this study, we assessed the relationship between TARDBP and ALS progression/survival. METHODS ALS incident patients (2010-2019) were diagnosed by El Escorial revised criteria and staged over the disease course by the King's staging system. Disease progression was analysed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression models, with survival measured from symptom onset to death/tracheostomy or censor date. RESULTS The study population included 76 patients carrying TARDBP mutations (A382T/G295S), 28 patients carrying the C9orf72 GGGGCC expansion, and 158 patients who had no evidence of causative genetic mutations (nmALS group). TARDBP patients reached death/tracheostomy later than C9orf72 and nmALS patients, independently of possible prognostic indicators (sex, age at ALS onset, diagnostic delay, phenotype at onset, and family history of ALS). On King's staging, the time elapsed between disease onset (King's stage 1) and involvement of the second body region (King's stage 2B) was similar in TARDBP and nmALS patients but longer in TARDBP than in C9orf72 patients. TARDBP patients reached King's stages 3 and 4 later than C9orf72 and nmALS patients. CONCLUSIONS TARDBP patients have a better survival/prognosis than C9orf72-positive and nmALS patients. King's staging also suggested that the higher survival rate and the slower progression associated with the TARDBP mutation could mainly be attributed to the longer time elapsed between King's stages 2B to 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Borghero
- Institute of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Pili
- Institute of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonella Muroni
- Institute of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Ercoli
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Ida Pateri
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Silvy Pilotto
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Maccabeo
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Defazio
- Institute of Neurology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Kabir V, Ombelet F, Hobin F, Lamaire N, De Vocht J, Van Damme P. Prognostic value of motor and extramotor involvement in ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:67-74. [PMID: 38006254 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2284899] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder resulting in upper and lower motor neuron loss. ALS often has a focal onset of weakness, which subsequently spreads to other body regions. Survival is limited to two to five years after disease onset, often due to respiratory failure. Cognitive impairment is present in approximately 30% to 50% of patients and in 10%-15% of patients, the clinical criteria of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are met. METHODS In this retrospective single-center ALS cohort study, we examined the occurrence of cognitive and behavioral impairment in relation to motor impairment at disease presentation and studied its impact on survival. RESULTS The degree of lower motor neuron involvement was associated with a worse survival, but there was no effect for upper motor neuron involvement. Patients who were cognitively normal had a significantly better survival compared to patients with cognitive or behavioral impairment and to patients with comorbid FTD. There was no significant difference regarding survival between patients with FTD and patients with cognitive or behavioral impairment. CONCLUSIONS The extent of motor and extramotor involvement in patients with ALS at disease presentation holds complementary prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fouke Ombelet
- University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Neuroscience Department, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederik Hobin
- University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Neuroscience Department, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nikita Lamaire
- University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Neuroscience Department, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joke De Vocht
- University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Neuroscience Department, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Neuroscience Department, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Center for Brain & Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
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Kläppe U, Sennfält S, Lovik A, Finn A, Bofaisal U, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Piehl F, Kmezic I, Press R, Samuelsson K, Månberg A, Fang F, Ingre C. Neurodegenerative biomarkers outperform neuroinflammatory biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:150-161. [PMID: 37789557 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2263874] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the diagnostic and prognostic performance, and longitudinal trajectories, of potential biomarkers of neuroaxonal degeneration and neuroinflammation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS This case-control study included 192 incident ALS patients, 42 ALS mimics, 114 neurological controls, and 117 healthy controls from Stockholm, Sweden. Forty-four ALS patients provided repeated measurements. We assessed biomarkers of (1)neuroaxonal degeneration: neurofilament light (NfL) and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy (pNfH) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and NfL in serum, and (2)neuroinflammation: chitotriosidase-1 (CHIT1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in CSF. To evaluate diagnostic performance, we calculated the area under the curve (AUC). To estimate prognostic performance, we applied quantile regression and Cox regression. We used linear regression models with robust standard errors to assess temporal changes over time. RESULTS Neurofilaments performed better at differentiating ALS patients from mimics (AUC: pNfH 0.92, CSF NfL 0.86, serum NfL 0.91) than neuroinflammatory biomarkers (AUC: CHIT1 0.71, MCP-1 0.56). Combining biomarkers did not improve diagnostic performance. Similarly, neurofilaments performed better than neuroinflammatory biomarkers at predicting functional decline and survival. The stratified analysis revealed differences according to the site of onset: in bulbar patients, neurofilaments and CHIT1 performed worse at predicting survival and correlations were lower between biomarkers. Finally, in bulbar patients, neurofilaments and CHIT1 increased longitudinally but were stable in spinal patients. CONCLUSIONS Biomarkers of neuroaxonal degeneration displayed better diagnostic and prognostic value compared with neuroinflammatory biomarkers. However, in contrast to spinal patients, in bulbar patients neurofilaments and CHIT1 performed worse at predicting survival and seemed to increase over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Kläppe
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan Sennfält
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anikó Lovik
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Methodology and Statistics Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anja Finn
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Bofaisal
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA, and
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivan Kmezic
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rayomand Press
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristin Samuelsson
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Månberg
- Division of Affinity Proteomics, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fang Fang
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Ingre
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Din Abdul Jabbar MA, Guo L, Guo Y, Simmons Z, Pioro EP, Ramasamy S, Yeo CJJ. Describing and characterising variability in ALS disease progression. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:34-45. [PMID: 37794802 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2260838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVES Decrease in the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) score is currently the most widely used measure of disease progression. However, it does not sufficiently encompass the heterogeneity of ALS. We describe a measure of variability in ALSFRS-R scores and demonstrate its utility in disease characterization. METHODS We used 5030 ALS clinical trial patients from the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials database to calculate variability in disease progression employing a novel measure and correlated variability with disease span. We characterized the more and less variable populations and designed a machine learning model that used clinical, laboratory and demographic data to predict class of variability. The model was validated with a holdout clinical trial dataset of 84 ALS patients (NCT00818389). RESULTS Greater variability in disease progression was indicative of longer disease span on the patient-level. The machine learning model was able to predict class of variability with accuracy of 60.1-72.7% across different time periods and yielded a set of predictors based on clinical, laboratory and demographic data. A reduced set of 16 predictors and the holdout dataset yielded similar accuracy. DISCUSSION This measure of variability is a significant determinant of disease span for fast-progressing patients. The predictors identified may shed light on pathophysiology of variability, with greater variability in fast-progressing patients possibly indicative of greater compensatory reinnervation and longer disease span. Increasing variability alongside decreasing rate of disease progression could be a future aim of trials for faster-progressing patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muzammil Arif Din Abdul Jabbar
- University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ling Guo
- Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yang Guo
- Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zachary Simmons
- Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, University Park, USA
| | - Erik P Pioro
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Savitha Ramasamy
- Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Crystal Jing Jing Yeo
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Imperial College London and NTU, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore, and
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Benatar M, Ostrow LW, Lewcock JW, Bennett F, Shefner J, Bowser R, Larkin P, Bruijn L, Wuu J. Biomarker Qualification for Neurofilament Light Chain in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Theory and Practice. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:211-216. [PMID: 38110839 PMCID: PMC10842825 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether the utility of neurofilament light chain (NfL), as a biomarker to aid amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) therapy development, would be enhanced by obtaining formal qualification from the US Food and Drug Administration for a defined context-of-use. METHODS Consensus discussion among academic, industry, and patient advocacy group representatives. RESULTS A wealth of scientific evidence supports the use of NfL as a prognostic, response, and potential safety biomarker in the broad ALS population, and as a risk/susceptibility biomarker among the subset of SOD1 pathogenic variant carriers. Although NfL has not yet been formally qualified for any of these contexts-of-use, the US Food and Drug Administration has provided accelerated approval for an SOD1-lowering antisense oligonucleotide, based partially on the recognition that a reduction in NfL is reasonably likely to predict a clinical benefit. INTERPRETATION The increasing incorporation of NfL into ALS therapy development plans provides evidence that its utility-as a prognostic, response, risk/susceptibility, and/or safety biomarker-is already widely accepted by the community. The willingness of the US Food and Drug Administration to base regulatory decisions on rigorous peer-reviewed data-absent formal qualification, leads us to conclude that formal qualification, despite some benefits, is not essential for ongoing and future use of NfL as a tool to aid ALS therapy development. Although the balance of considerations for and against seeking NfL biomarker qualification will undoubtedly vary across different diseases and contexts-of-use, the robustness of the published data and careful deliberations of the ALS community may offer valuable insights for other disease communities grappling with the same issues. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:211-216.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Benatar
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lyle W Ostrow
- Department of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- CReATe Biomarkers External Advisory Committee
| | - Joseph W Lewcock
- CReATe Biomarkers External Advisory Committee
- Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frank Bennett
- CReATe Biomarkers External Advisory Committee
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Shefner
- CReATe Biomarkers External Advisory Committee
- Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Robert Bowser
- CReATe Biomarkers External Advisory Committee
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Lucie Bruijn
- CReATe Biomarkers External Advisory Committee
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK, London, UK
| | - Joanne Wuu
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Thomas A, Garg D, Srivastava AK, Kumar A, Pandit AK, Vibha D, Vivekanandhan S, Shukla G, Prasad K. Clinical factors and vascular endothelial growth factor as determinants of disease progression in Indian patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:46-52. [PMID: 37710422 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2256362] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder. Prognostication remains sub-optimally defined. We aimed to assess clinical determinants of disease progression rates in Indian patients with ALS and to assess the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in disease progression. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients with clinically definite/probable ALS according to the revised El Escorial criteria and controls were included. Patients were classified into fast or slow progressors based on disease progression rate (DPR). Serum and CSF VEGF level was assessed for patients and controls. RESULTS Of 142 patients recruited, 93 (65.5%) were male. Mean age at enrollment was 49.37 ± 12.65 years. Mean duration of symptoms was 20.53 ± 20.88 months. Mean DPR was 1.14 ± 0.94. Based on DPR, 81 (57%) patients were slow progressors and 61 (43%) were fast progressors. Univariate analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association of DPR with age at onset, symptom duration, time to spread, wasting of small muscles of the hand, frontal release signs, and neurophysiologic bulbar abnormalities. On multivariate analysis, age at onset and symptom duration had a significant association with disease progression. The CSF VEGF levels of ALS patients (46.18 ± 27.8) were significantly elevated compared to controls (25.95 ± 25.64 pg/ml) (p = 0.001), but not serum VEGF. CONCLUSION Age at symptom onset and duration of disease had a significant impact on disease progression in Indian patients with ALS. CSF VEGF levels were significantly elevated in ALS compared to controls, indicating the role of CSF VEGF as a potential biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesha Thomas
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medicine Sciences, New Delhi, India and
| | - Divyani Garg
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medicine Sciences, New Delhi, India and
| | | | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medicine Sciences, New Delhi, India and
| | - Awadh Kishor Pandit
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medicine Sciences, New Delhi, India and
| | - Deepti Vibha
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medicine Sciences, New Delhi, India and
| | - Subbiah Vivekanandhan
- Department of Neurochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Garima Shukla
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medicine Sciences, New Delhi, India and
| | - Kameshwar Prasad
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medicine Sciences, New Delhi, India and
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38
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Lee I, Mitsumoto H, Lee S, Kasarskis E, Rosenbaum M, Factor-Litvak P, Nieves JW. Higher Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Diet Is Associated with Slower Disease Progression in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Ann Neurol 2024; 95:217-229. [PMID: 37975189 PMCID: PMC10842093 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High-caloric diets may slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; however, key macronutrients have not been identified. We examined whether dietary macronutrients are associated with the rate of progression and length of survival among the prospective cohort study participants. METHODS Participants with a confirmed diagnosis of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis enrolled in the Multicenter Cohort Study of Oxidative Stress were included (n = 304). We evaluated baseline macronutrient intake assessed by food frequency questionnaire in relation to change in revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale total-score, and tracheostomy-free survival using linear regression and Cox proportional hazard models. Baseline age, sex, disease duration, diagnostic certainty, body mass index, bulbar onset, revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale total-score, and forced vital capacity were included as covariates. RESULTS Baseline higher glycemic index and load were associated with less decline of revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale total score at 3-month follow-up (β = -0.13, 95% CI -0.2, -0.01, p = 0.03) and (β = -0.01, 95% CI -0.03, -0.0007, p = 0.04), respectively. Glycemic index second-quartile, third-quartile, and fourth-quartile groups were associated with less decline at 3 months by 1.9 (95% CI -3.3, -0.5, p = 0.008), 2.0 (95% CI -3.3, -0.6, p = 0.006), and 1.6 (95% CI -3.0, -0.2, p = 0.03) points compared with the first-quartile group; the glycemic load fourth-quartile group had 1.4 points less decline compared with the first-quartile group (95% CI -2.8, 0.1, p = 0.07). Higher glycemic index was associated with a trend toward longer tracheostomy-free survival (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.93, 1.00, p = 0.07). INTERPRETATION Higher dietary glycemic index and load are associated with slower disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:217-229.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikjae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Seonjoo Lee
- Department of Biostatistics and Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Mental Health Data Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward Kasarskis
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Michael Rosenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeri W Nieves
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Di Lazzaro V, Ranieri F, Bączyk M, de Carvalho M, Dileone M, Dubbioso R, Fernandes S, Kozak G, Motolese F, Ziemann U. Novel approaches to motoneuron disease/ALS treatment using non-invasive brain and spinal stimulation: IFCN handbook chapter. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 158:114-136. [PMID: 38218077 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.12.012] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been exploited in motor neuron disease (MND) with multifold objectives: to support the diagnosis, to get insights in the pathophysiology of these disorders and, more recently, to slow down disease progression. In this review, we consider how neuromodulation can now be employed to treat MND, with specific attention to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form with upper motoneuron (UMN) involvement, taking into account electrophysiological abnormalities revealed by human and animal studies that can be targeted by neuromodulation techniques. This review article encompasses repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation methods (including low-frequency, high-frequency, and pattern stimulation paradigms), transcranial direct current stimulation as well as experimental findings with the newer approach of trans-spinal direct current stimulation. We also survey and discuss the trials that have been performed, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology and Psychiatry, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Roma, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy.
| | - Federico Ranieri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, P.Le L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Marcin Bączyk
- Department of Neurobiology, Poznań University of Physical Education, Królowej Jadwigi Street 27/39, 61-871 Poznań, Poland
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Institute of Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine-JLA, Egas Moniz Study Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, CHULN, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Michele Dileone
- Faculty of Health Sciences, UCLM Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain; Neurology Department, Hospital Nuestra Señora del Prado, Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Sofia Fernandes
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016-Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gabor Kozak
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Hertie-Institute of Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Francesco Motolese
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Hertie-Institute of Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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40
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Tan EL, Tahedl M, Lope J, Hengeveld JC, Doherty MA, McLaughlin RL, Hardiman O, Chang KM, Finegan E, Bede P. Language deficits in primary lateral sclerosis: cortical atrophy, white matter degeneration and functional disconnection between cerebral regions. J Neurol 2024; 271:431-445. [PMID: 37759084 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11994-7] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) is traditionally regarded as a pure upper motor neuron disorder, but recent cases series have highlighted cognitive deficits in executive and language domains. METHODS A single-centre, prospective neuroimaging study was conducted with comprehensive clinical and genetic profiling. The structural and functional integrity of language-associated brain regions and networks were systematically evaluated in 40 patients with PLS in comparison to 111 healthy controls. The structural integrity of the arcuate fascicle, frontal aslant tract, inferior occipito-frontal fascicle, inferior longitudinal fascicle, superior longitudinal fascicle and uncinate fascicle was evaluated. Functional connectivity between the supplementary motor region and the inferior frontal gyrus and connectivity between Wernicke's and Broca's areas was also assessed. RESULTS Cortical thickness reductions were observed in both Wernicke's and Broca's areas. Fractional anisotropy reduction was noted in the aslant tract and increased radical diffusivity (RD) identified in the aslant tract, arcuate fascicle and superior longitudinal fascicle in the left hemisphere. Functional connectivity was reduced along the aslant track, i.e. between the supplementary motor region and the inferior frontal gyrus, but unaffected between Wernicke's and Broca's areas. Cortical thickness alterations, structural and functional connectivity changes were also noted in the right hemisphere. CONCLUSIONS Disease-burden in PLS is not confined to motor regions, but there is also a marked involvement of language-associated tracts, networks and cortical regions. Given the considerably longer survival in PLS compared to ALS, the impact of language impairment on the management of PLS needs to be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee Ling Tan
- Room 5.43, Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marlene Tahedl
- Room 5.43, Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jasmin Lope
- Room 5.43, Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Mark A Doherty
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Orla Hardiman
- Room 5.43, Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Kai Ming Chang
- Room 5.43, Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Eoin Finegan
- Room 5.43, Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Peter Bede
- Room 5.43, Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Department of Neurology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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Bunzeck N, Steiger TK, Krämer UM, Luedtke K, Marshall L, Obleser J, Tune S. Trajectories and contributing factors of neural compensation in healthy and pathological aging. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 156:105489. [PMID: 38040075 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105489] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Neural degeneration is a hallmark of healthy aging and can be associated with specific cognitive impairments. However, neural degeneration per se is not matched by unremitting declines in cognitive abilities. Instead, middle-aged and older adults typically maintain surprisingly high levels of cognitive functioning, suggesting that the human brain can adapt to structural degeneration by neural compensation. Here, we summarize prevailing theories and recent empirical studies on neural compensation with a focus on often neglected contributing factors, such as lifestyle, metabolism and neural plasticity. We suggest that these factors moderate the relationship between structural integrity and neural compensation, maintaining psychological well-being and behavioral functioning. Finally, we discuss that a breakdown in neural compensation may pose a tipping point that distinguishes the trajectories of healthy vs pathological aging, but conjoint support from psychology and cognitive neuroscience for this alluring view is still scarce. Therefore, future experiments that target the concomitant processes of neural compensation and associated behavior will foster a comprehensive understanding of both healthy and pathological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Bunzeck
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, Germany; Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Germany.
| | | | - Ulrike M Krämer
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, Germany; Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Germany; Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kerstin Luedtke
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Lisa Marshall
- Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Germany; Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jonas Obleser
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, Germany; Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sarah Tune
- Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, Germany; Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Germany
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Oh HJ, Lee WJ, Sung JJ, Hong YH. Individualized predictions for clinical milestone in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A multialgorithmic approach. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241260120. [PMID: 38832104 PMCID: PMC11146000 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241260120] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The phenotypic heterogeneity and complex disease trajectory complicate the ability to predict specific clinical milestone for individual patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here we developed individualized prediction models to estimate the time to the loss of autonomy in swallowing function. Methods Utilizing the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) database, we built three models of distinct time-to-event prediction algorithms: accelerated failure time (AFT), cox proportional hazard (COX) and random survival forest (RSF) for an individualized risk assessment of the swallowing milestone. The target variable was defined as the time to a decline in the ALSFRS-R swallowing item score to 1 or below, indicating a need for supplementary tube feeding. Results Internal cross-validation revealed the median concordance index (C-index) of 0.851 (IQR, 0.842-0.859) for AFT, 0.850 (0.841-0.859) for COX and 0.846 (0.839-0.854) for RSF, and all models demonstrated good distributional calibration with predicted and observed event probabilities closely matched across different time intervals. For external validation with a registry dataset with characteristics different from PRO-ACT, the discriminative power was replicated with comparable C-indices for all models, whereas the calibration revealed a left-skewed distribution suggesting a bias towards overestimation of event probabilities in real-world data. While all models were effective at stratifying patients, the results of RSF model, unlike AFT and COX, did not match well with the KM curves of the corresponding risk groups, supporting the importance of nuanced understanding of data structure and algorithmic properties. Conclusion Our models are implemented into a web application which could be applied to individualized counselling, management and clinical trial design for gastrostomy intervention. Further studies for model optimization will advance personalized care in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon-Ji Oh
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of
Korea
| | - Won-Joon Lee
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of
Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Research Council, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Ho Hong
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscience Research Institute, Medical Research Council, Seoul National University College of Medicine, SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Gouveia C, Araújo L, Freitas S, Correia J, Passos V, Camacho G, Gomes L, Fragoeiro H, Camacho C, Chambino B. A Palliative Care Approach to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cureus 2023; 15:e51048. [PMID: 38264389 PMCID: PMC10805607 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51048] [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] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease characterized by motor dysfunction. Currently, treatment options are limited and management is based mostly on symptom control and quality of life optimization, so palliative care plays a fundamental role. Our objective was to characterize the ALS population in Madeira Island that was referenced and/or followed by a palliative care unit over a five-year period. METHODS Longitudinal, retrospective, descriptive, and observational study to analyze patients with ALS who were referred and/or followed by a palliative care unit during a five-year period, between 2017 and 2021. Patient's medical electronic and physical records were analyzed to gather data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 28.0.1). RESULTS During this five-year period, a total of 38 patients were diagnosed with ALS in Madeira Island and 23 (60.53%) were referred to palliative care. Three patients died before assessment, so 20 (50.63%) were followed by the palliative care team. They had a median life expectancy of 425 days and the median time spent in palliative care was 137 days. Of this population, 56.52% (n=13) was male with an average age of 64 years. The median period from diagnosis to referral was 167 days, with most referrals being made by family medicine (39.13%; n=9) motivated by uncontrolled symptoms (95.65%; n=22). The median period from referral to first assessment by a palliative care physician was 19 days. The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) and Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) applied on the first visit had a median score of 40% in the former and was negative in 95.00% (n=19) of patients in the latter. Advanced care directives were present in 55.00% (n=11) of patients and all provided care was in accordance with the patient's wishes. The most common symptoms were dysphagia, dyspnea, pain, anxiety, and sialorrhea. The most used drugs were morphine, riluzole, butylscopolamine, bisacodyl, and midazolam. As for other interventions, 55.00% (n=11) of patients underwent noninvasive ventilation (NIV), 15.00% (n=3) were submitted to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), and one patient (5.00%) was nasogastrically intubated. The death rate was 95.00% (n=19) with 73.68% (n=14) of deaths occurring in the palliative care unit. CONCLUSION Literature has shown that there are many advantages to the early inclusion of palliative care in ALS management, achieving effective symptom control and greater quality of life, but also reducing caregiver burden. However, in this study, we found that referrals to palliative care were late and included mostly cases of advanced disease with uncontrolled symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudio Gouveia
- Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, PRT
| | - Licínia Araújo
- Palliative Medicine, Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira (SESARAM), Funchal, PRT
| | - Susete Freitas
- Palliative Medicine, Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira (SESARAM), Funchal, PRT
| | - João Correia
- Internal Medicine, Hospital Central do Funchal, Funchal, PRT
| | - Vilma Passos
- Palliative Medicine, Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira (SESARAM), Funchal, PRT
| | - Graciela Camacho
- Palliative Medicine, Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira (SESARAM), Funchal, PRT
| | - Luísa Gomes
- Palliative Medicine, Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira (SESARAM), Funchal, PRT
| | - Helena Fragoeiro
- Palliative Medicine, Serviço de Saúde da Região Autónoma da Madeira (SESARAM), Funchal, PRT
| | | | - Beatriz Chambino
- Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Ocidental, Lisbon, PRT
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Weemering DN, Midei M, Milner P, Gopalakrishnan V, Kumar A, Dannenberg AJ, Bunte TM, Foucher J, Ingre C, Ķēniņa V, Rallmann K, van den Berg LH, van Eijk RPA. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study to assess safety, tolerability, and efficacy of RT001 in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3722-3731. [PMID: 37550954 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16020] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE RT001 is a deuterated synthetic homologue of linoleic acid, which makes membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids resistant to lipid peroxidation, a process involved in motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS We conducted a randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients with ALS were randomly allocated to receive either RT001 or placebo for 24 weeks. After the double-blind period, all patients received RT001 during an open-label phase for 24 weeks. The primary outcome measures were safety and tolerability. Key efficacy outcomes included the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R), percent predicted slow vital capacity, and plasma neurofilament light chain concentration. RESULTS In total, 43 patients (RT001 = 21; placebo = 22) were randomized. RT001 was well tolerated; one patient required dose reduction due to adverse events (AEs). Numerically, there were more AEs in the RT001 group compared to the placebo group (71% versus 55%, p = 0.35), with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common (43% in RT001, 27% in placebo, p = 0.35). Two patients in the RT001 group experienced a serious AE, though unrelated to treatment. The least-squares mean difference in ALSFRS-R total score at week 24 of treatment was 1.90 (95% confidence interval = -1.39 to 5.19) in favor of RT001 (p = 0.25). The directions of other efficacy outcomes favored RT001 compared to placebo, although no inferential statistics were performed. CONCLUSIONS Initial data indicate that RT001 is safe and well tolerated. Given the exploratory nature of the study, a larger clinical trial is required to evaluate its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne N Weemering
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Midei
- BioJiva, LLC, Los Altos, California, USA
| | | | | | - Anil Kumar
- BioJiva, LLC, Los Altos, California, USA
| | | | - Tommy M Bunte
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Juliette Foucher
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, ME Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Ingre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, ME Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Viktorija Ķēniņa
- Rare Neurological Disease Centre, Riga Stradinš Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Biology and Microbiology, Riga Stradinš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Karin Rallmann
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Biostatistics & Research Support, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Rifai OM, O’Shaughnessy J, Dando OR, Munro AF, Sewell MDE, Abrahams S, Waldron FM, Sibley CR, Gregory JM. Distinct neuroinflammatory signatures exist across genetic and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cohorts. Brain 2023; 146:5124-5138. [PMID: 37450566 PMCID: PMC10690026 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad243] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons. ALS is on a pathogenetic disease spectrum with frontotemporal dementia, referred to as ALS-frontotemporal spectrum disorder (ALS-FTSD). For mutations associated with ALS-FTSD, such as the C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion, the molecular factors associated with heterogeneity along this spectrum require further characterization. Here, using a targeted NanoString molecular barcoding approach, we interrogate neuroinflammatory dysregulation and heterogeneity at the level of gene expression in post-mortem motor cortex tissue from a cohort of clinically heterogeneous C9-ALS-FTSD cases. We identified 20 dysregulated genes in C9-ALS-FTSD, with enrichment of microglial and inflammatory response gene sets. Two genes with significant correlations to available clinical metrics were selected for validation: FKBP5, a correlate of cognitive function, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a correlate of disease duration. FKBP5 and its signalling partner, NF-κB, appeared to have a cell type-specific staining distribution, with activated (i.e. nuclear) NF-κB immunoreactivity in C9-ALS-FTSD. Expression of BDNF, a correlate of disease duration, was confirmed to be higher in individuals with long compared to short disease duration using BaseScope™ in situ hybridization. Our analyses also revealed two distinct neuroinflammatory panel signatures (NPS), NPS1 and NPS2, delineated by the direction of expression of proinflammatory, axonal transport and synaptic signalling pathways. We compared NPS between C9-ALS-FTSD cases and those from sporadic ALS and SOD1-ALS cohorts and identified NPS1 and NPS2 across all cohorts. Moreover, a subset of NPS was also able to separate publicly available RNA sequencing data from independent C9-ALS and sporadic ALS cohorts into two inflammatory subgroups. Importantly, NPS subgroups did not clearly segregate with available demographic, genetic, clinical or pathological features, highlighting the value of molecular stratification in clinical trials for inflammatory subgroup identification. Our findings thus underscore the importance of tailoring therapeutic approaches based on distinct molecular signatures that exist between and within ALS-FTSD cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Rifai
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Judi O’Shaughnessy
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Owen R Dando
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XF, UK
| | - Alison F Munro
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Michael D E Sewell
- Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Sharon Abrahams
- Human Cognitive Neuroscience-Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9AD, UK
| | - Fergal M Waldron
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Christopher R Sibley
- Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XF, UK
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
| | - Jenna M Gregory
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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Kuan LH, Parnianpour P, Kushol R, Kumar N, Anand T, Kalra S, Greiner R. Accurate personalized survival prediction for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20713. [PMID: 38001260 PMCID: PMC10673879 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47935-7] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease. Accurately predicting the survival time for ALS patients can help patients and clinicians to plan for future treatment and care. We describe the application of a machine-learned tool that incorporates clinical features and cortical thickness from brain magnetic resonance (MR) images to estimate the time until a composite respiratory failure event for ALS patients, and presents the prediction as individual survival distributions (ISDs). These ISDs provide the probability of survival (none of the respiratory failures) at multiple future time points, for each individual patient. Our learner considers several survival prediction models, and selects the best model to provide predictions. We evaluate our learned model using the mean absolute error margin (MAE-margin), a modified version of mean absolute error that handles data with censored outcomes. We show that our tool can provide helpful information for patients and clinicians in planning future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hao Kuan
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
| | - Pedram Parnianpour
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Rafsanjany Kushol
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tanushka Anand
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sanjay Kalra
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Russell Greiner
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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47
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Yang J, Xin C, Huo J, Li X, Dong H, Liu Q, Li R, Liu Y. Rab Geranylgeranyltransferase Subunit Beta as a Potential Indicator to Assess the Progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1531. [PMID: 38002490 PMCID: PMC10670085 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there is no effective treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Many biomarkers have been proposed, but because ALS is a clinically heterogeneous disease with an unclear etiology, biomarker discovery for ALS has been challenging due to the lack of specificity of these biomarkers. In recent years, the role of autophagy in the development and treatment of ALS has become a research hotspot. In our previous studies, we found that the expression of RabGGTase (low RABGGTB expression and no change in RABGGTA) is lower in the lumbar and thoracic regions of spinal cord motoneurons in SOD1G93A mice compared with WT (wild-type) mice groups, and upregulation of RABGGTB promoted prenylation modification of Rab7, which promoted autophagy to protect neurons by degrading SOD1. Given that RabGGTase is associated with autophagy and autophagy is associated with inflammation, and based on the above findings, since peripheral blood mononuclear cells are readily available from patients with ALS, we proposed to investigate the expression of RabGGTase in peripheral inflammatory cells. METHODS Information and venous blood were collected from 86 patients diagnosed with ALS between January 2021 and August 2023. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of RABGGTB in monocytes from peripheral blood samples collected from patients with ALS and healthy controls. Extracted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were differentiated in vitro into macrophages, and then the expression of RABGGTB was detected by immunofluorescence. RABGGTB levels in patients with ALS were analyzed to determine their impact on disease progression. RESULTS Using flow cytometry in monocytes and immunofluorescence in macrophages, we found that RABGGTB expression in the ALS group was significantly higher than in the control group. Age, sex, original location, disease course, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) did not correlate with the ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R), whereas the RABGGTB level was significantly correlated with the ALSFRS-R. In addition, multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between RABGGTB and ALSFRS-R score. Further analysis revealed a significant correlation between RABGGTB expression levels and disease progression levels (ΔFS). CONCLUSIONS The RABGGTB level was significantly increased in patients with ALS compared with healthy controls. An elevated RABGGTB level in patients with ALS is associated with the rate of progression in ALS, suggesting that elevated RABGGTB levels in patients with ALS may serve as an indicator for tracking ALS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Cheng Xin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Jia Huo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; (J.Y.); (C.X.); (J.H.); (X.L.); (H.D.); (Q.L.); (R.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology, Hebei Medical University, Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
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Abstract
Although the past two decades have produced exciting discoveries in the genetics and pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progress in developing an effective therapy remains slow. This review summarizes the critical discoveries and outlines the advances in disease characterization, diagnosis, imaging, and biomarkers, along with the current status of approaches to ALS care and treatment. Additional knowledge of the factors driving disease progression and heterogeneity will hopefully soon transform the care for patients with ALS into an individualized, multi-prong approach able to prevent disease progression sufficiently to allow for a dignified life with limited disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristelina Ilieva
- Jefferson Weinberg ALS Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Justin Kwan
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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49
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Maranzano A, Verde F, Colombo E, Poletti B, Doretti A, Bonetti R, Gagliardi D, Meneri M, Maderna L, Messina S, Corti S, Morelli C, Silani V, Ticozzi N. Regional spreading pattern is associated with clinical phenotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain 2023; 146:4105-4116. [PMID: 37075222 PMCID: PMC10545526 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad129] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows that disease spreading in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) follows a preferential pattern with more frequent involvement of contiguous regions from the site of symptom onset. The aim of our study was to assess if: (i) the burden of upper (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) involvement influences directionality of disease spreading; (ii) specific patterns of disease progression are associated with motor and neuropsychological features of different ALS subtypes (classic, bulbar, primary lateral sclerosis, UMN-predominant, progressive muscular atrophy, flail arm, flail leg); and (iii) specific clinical features may help identify ALS subtypes, which remain localized to the site of onset for a prolonged time (regionally entrenching ALS). A single-centre, retrospective cohort of 913 Italian ALS patients was evaluated to assess correlations between directionality of the disease process after symptom onset and motor/neuropsychological phenotype. All patients underwent an extensive evaluation including the following clinical scales: Penn Upper Motor Neuron Score (PUMNS), MRC Scale for Muscle Strength and the Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen (ECAS). The most frequent initial spreading pattern was that towards adjacent horizontal regions (77.3%), which occurred preferentially in patients with lower MRC scores (P = 0.038), while vertical diffusion (21.1%) was associated with higher PUMNS (P < 0.001) and with reduced survival (P < 0.001). Non-contiguous disease spreading was associated with more severe UMN impairment (P = 0.003), while contiguous disease pattern with lower MRC scores. Furthermore, non-contiguous disease spreading was associated with more severe cognitive impairment in both executive and visuospatial ECAS domains. Individuals with regionally entrenching ALS were more frequently female (45.6% versus 36.9%; P = 0.028) and had higher frequencies of symmetric disease onset (40.3% versus 19.7%; P < 0.001) and bulbar phenotype (38.5% versus 16.4%; P < 0.001). Our study suggests that motor phenotypes characterized by a predominant UMN involvement are associated with a vertical pattern of disease progression reflecting ipsilateral spreading within the motor cortex, while those with predominant LMN involvement display more frequently a horizontal spreading from one side of the spinal cord to the other. These observations raise the hypothesis that one of the mechanisms underlying disease spreading in ALS pathology is represented by diffusion of toxic factors in the neuron microenvironment. Finally, it is possible that in our cohort, regionally entrenching ALS forms are mainly observed in patients with atypical bulbar phenotypes, characterized by a slowly progressive course and relatively benign prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Maranzano
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Eleonora Colombo
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Alberto Doretti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Ruggero Bonetti
- Neurology Residency Program, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Delia Gagliardi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Megi Meneri
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Luca Maderna
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Stefano Messina
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Claudia Morelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, 20149, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, ‘Dino Ferrari’ Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
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Martin Schaff C, Kurent JE, Kolodziejczak S, Milic M, Foster LA, Mehta AK. Neuroprognostication for Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Updated, Evidence-Based Review. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:776-790. [PMID: 37751856 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder that presents and progresses in various ways, making prognostication difficult. Several paradigms exist for providers to elucidate prognosis in a way that addresses not only the amount of time a patient has to live, but also a patient's quality of their life moving forward. Prognostication, with regard to both survivability and quality of life, is impacted by several features that include, but are not limited to, patient demographics, clinical features on presentation, and over time, access to therapy, and access to multidisciplinary clinics. An understanding of the impact that these features have on the life of a patient with ALS can help providers to develop a better and more personalized approach for patients related to their clinical prognosis after a diagnosis is made. The ultimate goal of prognostication is to empower patients with ALS to take control and make decisions with their care teams to ensure that their goals are addressed and met.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerome E Kurent
- Department of Neurology and Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Department of Neurology, ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Sherry Kolodziejczak
- ALS Clinic Treatment Center of Excellence, Crestwood Medical Center, Huntsville, Alabama
| | - Michelle Milic
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- Division of Palliative Care Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Laura A Foster
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ambereen K Mehta
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Palliative Care Program, Division of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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