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Lopez-Bernal D, Balderas D, Ponce P, Rojas M, Molina A. Implications of Artificial Intelligence Algorithms in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Motor Neuron Diseases-A Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13041031. [PMID: 37109560 PMCID: PMC10146231 DOI: 10.3390/life13041031] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by the progressive failure of the motor system. Currently, these disorders do not have a definitive treatment; therefore, it is of huge importance to propose new and more advanced diagnoses and treatment options for MNDs. Nowadays, artificial intelligence is being applied to solve several real-life problems in different areas, including healthcare. It has shown great potential to accelerate the understanding and management of many health disorders, including neurological ones. Therefore, the main objective of this work is to offer a review of the most important research that has been done on the application of artificial intelligence models for analyzing motor disorders. This review includes a general description of the most commonly used AI algorithms and their usage in MND diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Finally, we highlight the main issues that must be overcome to take full advantage of what AI can offer us when dealing with MNDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Lopez-Bernal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, National Department of Research, Puente 222, Del. Tlalpan, Mexico City 14380, Mexico
| | - David Balderas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, National Department of Research, Puente 222, Del. Tlalpan, Mexico City 14380, Mexico
| | - Pedro Ponce
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, National Department of Research, Puente 222, Del. Tlalpan, Mexico City 14380, Mexico
| | - Mario Rojas
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, National Department of Research, Puente 222, Del. Tlalpan, Mexico City 14380, Mexico
| | - Arturo Molina
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, National Department of Research, Puente 222, Del. Tlalpan, Mexico City 14380, Mexico
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Beghi E, Pupillo E, Bianchi E, Bonetto V, Luotti S, Pasetto L, Bendotti C, Tortarolo M, Sironi F, Camporeale L, Sherman AV, Paganoni S, Scognamiglio A, De Marchi F, Bongioanni P, Del Carratore R, Caponnetto C, Diamanti L, Martinelli D, Calvo A, Filosto M, Padovani A, Piccinelli SC, Ricci C, Dalla Giacoma S, De Angelis N, Inghilleri M, Spataro R, La Bella V, Logroscino G, Lunetta C, Tarlarini C, Mandrioli J, Martinelli I, Simonini C, Zucchi E, Monsurrò MR, Ricciardi D, Trojsi F, Riva N, Filippi M, Simone IL, Sorarù G, Spera C, Florio L, Messina S, Russo M, Siciliano G, Conte A, Saddi MV, Carboni N, Mazzini L. Effect of RNS60 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a phase II multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:69-86. [PMID: 36148821 PMCID: PMC10092300 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options. RNS60 is an immunomodulatory and neuroprotective investigational product that has shown efficacy in animal models of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Its administration has been safe and well tolerated in ALS subjects in previous early phase trials. METHODS This was a phase II, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Participants diagnosed with definite, probable or probable laboratory-supported ALS were assigned to receive RNS60 or placebo administered for 24 weeks intravenously (375 ml) once a week and via nebulization (4 ml/day) on non-infusion days, followed by an additional 24 weeks off-treatment. The primary objective was to measure the effects of RNS60 treatment on selected biomarkers of inflammation and neurodegeneration in peripheral blood. Secondary objectives were to measure the effect of RNS60 on functional impairment (ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised), a measure of self-sufficiency, respiratory function (forced vital capacity, FVC), quality of life (ALS Assessment Questionnaire-40, ALSAQ-40) and survival. Tolerability and safety were assessed. RESULTS Seventy-four participants were assigned to RNS60 and 73 to placebo. Assessed biomarkers did not differ between arms. The mean rate of decline in FVC and the eating and drinking domain of ALSAQ-40 was slower in the RNS60 arm (FVC, difference 0.41 per week, standard error 0.16, p = 0.0101; ALSAQ-40, difference -0.19 per week, standard error 0.10, p = 0.0319). Adverse events were similar in the two arms. In a post hoc analysis, neurofilament light chain increased over time in bulbar onset placebo participants whilst remaining stable in those treated with RNS60. CONCLUSIONS The positive effects of RNS60 on selected measures of respiratory and bulbar function warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Beghi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Bianchi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Luotti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Tortarolo
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Sironi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Camporeale
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Alexander V Sherman
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sabrina Paganoni
- Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Mass General Hospital, Department of Neurology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of PM&R, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ada Scognamiglio
- ALS Expert Center 'Maggiore della Carità' Hospital and University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- ALS Expert Center 'Maggiore della Carità' Hospital and University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Paolo Bongioanni
- Spinal Cord Injuries Section, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Calvo
- Centro Regionale Esperto per la Sclerosi Laterale Amiotrofica, Dipartimento di Neuroscienze 'Rita Levi Montalcini', Università degli Studi di Torino, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Filosto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Gussago Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Gussago Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Ricci
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Dalla Giacoma
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicoletta De Angelis
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Inghilleri
- Università di Roma 'Sapienza' UOSD Malattie Neurodegenerative, Centro Malattie Rare Neuromuscolari Policlinico Universitario Umberto I, Roma, Italy
| | - Rossella Spataro
- ALS Clinical Research Center, AOUP 'P Giaccone' - University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Bella
- ALS Clinical Research Center, AOUP 'P Giaccone' - University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for neurodegenerative diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari at 'Pia Fondazione Card G. Panico 'Hospital Tricase, Tricase, Italy.,Department of Basic Medicine Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University Aldo Moro Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Modena, Italy.,Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Modena, Modena, Italy.,Neuroscience PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Monsurrò
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Ricciardi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Trojsi
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Naples, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- Neurology Unit, Neurorehabilitation Unit, and Neurophysiology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, Neurorehabilitation Unit, and Neurophysiology Unit, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Laura Simone
- Neurology Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Motor Neuton Disease Center, Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Florio
- Neurology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Sonia Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Massimo Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of clinical and experimental medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Amelia Conte
- Centro Clinico NEMO-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Carboni
- Neurology Department, San Francesco Hospital, Nuoro, Italy
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Expert Center 'Maggiore della Carità' Hospital and University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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Epidemiological time-trend of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) over two decades: The French population-based register of ALS in Limousin (FRALim register). Rev Neurol (Paris) 2022; 178:914-923. [PMID: 36163089 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2022.05.004] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Population-based registers are key to understanding disease patterns. Taking advantage of the long-standing operation of the French register of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Limousin (FRALim register), we sought to determine the time trends in incidence, clinical features and survival of ALS patients from 2000 to 2020. METHODS FRALim register included incident cases through multiple sources of ascertainment. A capture-recapture method was used to assess the exhaustiveness of case ascertainment. Crude and standardized incidences were calculated per 100,000 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). Time-period was divided (period 2000 to 2010 and period 2011 to 2020) to compare incidence rates and clinical features. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards model was performed to calculate hazards for the time periods. RESULTS Overall, 501 incident cases were identified during 21 years. The overall crude incidence was 3.26 (95% CI 2.97 to 3.55) per 100 000 PYFU. The exhaustiveness of the register was estimated at 98.8% (95% CI 97.4-99.6%) by capture-recapture analysis. Several fluctuations were observed without a consistent trend over the last two decades. The crude and standardized incidences were higher in males than females. The peak of incidence was observed in the 75-79 years age band. Almost one-third of the cases exhibited a bulbar onset. There were significant differences in clinical features between time periods. Four hundred and ninety-one cases were included in the survival analysis. The median survival time from diagnosis was 16.0 months (95% CI 14.3 to 17.7 months). Patients in the last decade experienced a lower risk of dying but the difference did not reach statistical significance (adjusted HR: 0.89 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.08, P=0.229). CONCLUSION We provided reliable epidemiological data over two decades. We showed that incidence has been relatively stable, while clinical variability was observed. A slight improvement in survival time was found in the last decade but it was not statistically significant. Further quality register data are needed to improve our understanding of ALS epidemiological trends.
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Gianferrari G, Martinelli I, Zucchi E, Simonini C, Fini N, Vinceti M, Ferro S, Gessani A, Canali E, Valzania F, Sette E, Pugliatti M, Tugnoli V, Zinno L, Stano S, Santangelo M, De Pasqua S, Terlizzi E, Guidetti D, Medici D, Salvi F, Liguori R, Vacchiano V, Casmiro M, Querzani P, Currò Dossi M, Patuelli A, Morresi S, Longoni M, De Massis P, Rinaldi R, Borghi A, Amedei A, Mandrioli J. Epidemiological, Clinical and Genetic Features of ALS in the Last Decade: A Prospective Population-Based Study in the Emilia Romagna Region of Italy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040819. [PMID: 35453569 PMCID: PMC9031824 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased incidence rates of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been recently reported across various Western countries, although geographic and temporal variations in terms of incidence, clinical features and genetics are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to describe demographic, clinical feature and genotype–phenotype correlations of ALS cases over the last decade in the Emilia Romagna Region (ERR). From 2009 to 2019, our prospective population-based registry of ALS in the ERR of Northern Italy recorded 1613 patients receiving a diagnosis of ALS. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate was 3.13/100,000 population (M/F ratio: 1.21). The mean age at onset was 67.01 years; women, bulbar and respiratory phenotypes were associated with an older age, while C9orf72-mutated patients were generally younger. After peaking at 70–75 years, incidence rates, among women only, showed a bimodal distribution with a second slight increase after reaching 90 years of age. Familial cases comprised 12%, of which one quarter could be attributed to an ALS-related mutation. More than 70% of C9orf72-expanded patients had a family history of ALS/fronto-temporal dementia (FTD); 22.58% of patients with FTD at diagnosis had C9orf72 expansion (OR 6.34, p = 0.004). In addition to a high ALS incidence suggesting exhaustiveness of case ascertainment, this study highlights interesting phenotype–genotype correlations in the ALS population of ERR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gianferrari
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (M.V.); (J.M.)
| | - Ilaria Martinelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Ph.D. Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-05-9396-1640; Fax: +39-05-9396-3775
| | - Elisabetta Zucchi
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Cecilia Simonini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Nicola Fini
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Marco Vinceti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (M.V.); (J.M.)
- Department of Science of Public Health, Research Centre in Environmental, Genetic and Nutritional Epidemiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ferro
- Department of Hospital Services, Emilia Romagna Regional Health Authority, 40127 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Gessani
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Elena Canali
- Neurology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (E.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Franco Valzania
- Neurology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, AUSL-IRCCS Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (E.C.); (F.V.)
| | - Elisabetta Sette
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, St. Anna Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (E.S.); (M.P.); (V.T.)
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, St. Anna Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (E.S.); (M.P.); (V.T.)
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valeria Tugnoli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, St. Anna Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (E.S.); (M.P.); (V.T.)
| | - Lucia Zinno
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (L.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Salvatore Stano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (L.Z.); (S.S.)
| | - Mario Santangelo
- Department of Neurology, Carpi Hospital, 41014 Modena, Italy; (M.S.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Silvia De Pasqua
- Department of Neurology, Carpi Hospital, 41014 Modena, Italy; (M.S.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Emilio Terlizzi
- Department of Neurology, G. Da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (E.T.); (D.G.)
| | - Donata Guidetti
- Department of Neurology, G. Da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy; (E.T.); (D.G.)
| | - Doriana Medici
- Department of Neurology, Fidenza Hospital, 43036 Parma, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Salvi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, University of Bologna and IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (R.L.); (V.V.)
| | - Veria Vacchiano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, University of Bologna and IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bellaria Hospital, 40139 Bologna, Italy; (R.L.); (V.V.)
| | - Mario Casmiro
- Department of Neurology, Faenza and Ravenna Hospital, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (M.C.); (P.Q.)
| | - Pietro Querzani
- Department of Neurology, Faenza and Ravenna Hospital, 48121 Ravenna, Italy; (M.C.); (P.Q.)
| | - Marco Currò Dossi
- Department of Neurology, Infermi Hospital, 47923 Rimini, Italy; (M.C.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Alberto Patuelli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, “Morgagni-Pierantoni” Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Simonetta Morresi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Bufalini Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
| | - Marco Longoni
- Department of Neurology, Infermi Hospital, 47923 Rimini, Italy; (M.C.D.); (M.L.)
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Bufalini Hospital, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
| | | | - Rita Rinaldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Interaziendale Clinica Neurologica Metropolitana (NeuroMet), 40139 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Annamaria Borghi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Maggiore Hospital, 40133 Bologna, Italy;
| | | | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
- SOD of Interdisciplinary Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (M.V.); (J.M.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.S.); (N.F.); (A.G.)
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Zakharova MN, Abramova AA. Lower and upper motor neuron involvement and their impact on disease prognosis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:65-73. [PMID: 34100429 PMCID: PMC8451581 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.314289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscle wasting, breathing and swallowing difficulties resulting in patient’s death in two to five years after disease onset. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, both upper and lower motor neurons of the corticospinal tracts are involved in the process of neurodegeneration, accounting for great clinical heterogeneity of the disease. Clinical phenotype has great impact on the pattern and rate of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression and overall survival prognosis. Creating more homogenous patient groups in order to study the effects of drug agents on specific manifestations of the disease is a challenging issue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical trials. Since amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has low incidence rates, conduction of multicenter trials requires certain standardized approaches to disease diagnosis and staging. This review focuses on the current approaches in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis classification and staging system based on clinical examination and additional instrumental methods, highlighting the role of upper and lower motor neuron involvement in different phenotypes of the disease. We demonstrate that both clinical and instrumental findings can be useful in evaluating severity of upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron involvement and predicting the following course of the disease. Addressing disease heterogeneity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical trials could lead to study designs that will assess drug efficacy in specific patient groups, based on the disease pathophysiology and spatiotemporal pattern. Although clinical evaluation can be a sufficient screening method for dividing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients into clinical subgroups, we provide proof that instrumental studies could provide valuable insights in the disease pathology.
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Rolfes L, Schulte-Mecklenbeck A, Schreiber S, Vielhaber S, Herty M, Marten A, Pfeuffer S, Ruck T, Wiendl H, Gross CC, Meuth SG, Boentert M, Pawlitzki M. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients show increased peripheral and intrathecal T-cell activation. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab157. [PMID: 34405141 PMCID: PMC8363480 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies suggest a role for the peripheral immune system in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, comprehensive studies investigating the intrathecal immune system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are rare. To elucidate whether compartment-specific inflammation contributes to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathophysiology, we here investigated intrathecal and peripheral immune profiles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and compared them with controls free of neurological disorders (controls) and patients with dementia or primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Routine CSF parameters were examined in 308 patients, including 132 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. In a subgroup of 41 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, extensive flow-cytometric immune cell profiling in peripheral blood and CSF was performed and compared with data from 26 controls, 25 dementia and 21 multiple sclerosis patients. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients presented with significantly altered proportions of monocyte subsets in peripheral blood and increased frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing the activation marker HLA-DR in peripheral blood (CD8+) and CSF (CD4+ and CD8+) compared with controls. While dementia and multiple sclerosis patients exhibited a comparable increase in intrathecal CD8+ T-cell activation, CD8+ T-cell activation in the peripheral blood in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was higher than in multiple sclerosis patients. Furthermore, intrathecal CD4+ T-cell activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis surpassed levels in dementia patients. Intrathecal T-cell activation resulted from in situ activation rather than transmigration of activated T cells from the blood. While T-cell activation did not correlate with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression, patients with rapid disease progression showed reduced intrathecal levels of immune-regulatory CD56bright natural killer cells. The integration of these parameters into a composite score facilitated the differentiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients from patients of all other cohorts. To conclude, alterations in peripheral monocyte subsets, as well as increased peripheral and intrathecal activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells concomitant with diminished immune regulation by CD56bright natural killer cells, suggest an involvement of these immune cells in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leoni Rolfes
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Andreas Schulte-Mecklenbeck
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg 39106, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg 39120, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg 39106, Germany
| | - Michael Herty
- Institute of Geometry and Applied Mathematics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52062, Germany
| | - Anika Marten
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Steffen Pfeuffer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Catharina C Gross
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Matthias Boentert
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Marc Pawlitzki
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
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7
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Raymond J, Mehta P, Larson T, Factor-Litvak P, Davis B, Horton K. History of vigorous leisure-time physical activity and early onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), data from the national ALS registry: 2010-2018. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 22:535-544. [PMID: 33896281 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1910308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Previous research has suggested that vigorous physical activity (VPA) during adolescence and early adulthood is associated with ALS. The National ALS Registry (Registry) collects physical activity data from persons with ALS. Objective: To examine the association between vigorous VPA and early onset ALS, defined as a diagnosis before age 60, among patients enrolled in the Registry. VPA was defined as engaging in dynamic exercise for at least 10 minutes in a session that caused heavy sweating or large increases in breathing or heart rate. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 5463 ALS patients with VPA history and 956 ALS patients who never engaged in VPA. Patient characteristics were collected via online surveys in the following areas: demographic, lifetime VPA history, and initial onset of symptoms. General linear modeling was used to estimate mean age of diagnosis and to compute 95% confidence intervals. Results: Patients who reported engaging in VPA at least moderately (three times a week) during early adulthood were more likely to have an ALS diagnosis earlier compared to patients who did not (p < 0.0001). After controlling for year of birth, statistically significant associations between those reporting VPA at age 15-24 and 25-34 and diagnosis of ALS earlier (p = 0.0009, p = 0.0144 respectively). Conclusion: Patients with ALS who had a history of VPA before age 35, were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with ALS before age 60 compared to patients with ALS who never engaged vigorously. More research is needed in the relationship between VPA and early onset ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Raymond
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Paul Mehta
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ted Larson
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Bryn Davis
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kevin Horton
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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8
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Sugimoto K, Mori M, Liu J, Shibuya K, Isose S, Koide M, Hiwasa T, Kuwabara S. Novel serum autoantibodies against ß-actin (ACTB) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 22:388-394. [PMID: 33792444 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1885448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
To identify novel biomarkers using the serological analysis of recombinant cDNA expression libraries (SEREX) method and to evaluate their clinical significance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Serum of ALS patients were screened for autoantibodies using the SEREX method. The identified autoantibodies were validated by measuring their serum levels in 70 ALS patients, 60 normal controls (NC), and 62 Parkinson disease (PD) patients using the amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay-linked immunosorbent assay (AlphaLISA). The clinical relevance of these autoantibodies was investigated in ALS patients. SEREX identified 16 candidate antigens including β-actin (ACTB) in addition to proteasome subunit alpha type 7 (PSMA7) that we previously reported, and serum levels of antibodies against ACTB, were significantly higher in ALS patients than in NC (p < 0.001) and PD patients (p = 0.001). Moreover, serum levels of anti-ACTB antibody were higher in advanced stage ALS patients (Stage 4 on the King's ALS clinical staging) and in those with more severe disability (ALS Functional Rating Scale revised [ALSFRS-R] score < 40.5) compared to early stage (Stage 2 [2nd region involved)]) patients and those with less severe disability (ALSFRS-R score ≥ 40.5) (p = 0.003, p = 0.014). Anti-ACTB antibody levels were also negatively correlated with ALSFRS-R score (ρ = -0.409, p = 0.001), but positively correlated with clinical disease stage (ρ = 0.355, p = 0.003), and showed a weak positive correlation with disease duration (ρ = 0.294, p = 0.014). Anti-ACTB antibodies may be a potential biomarker of ALS could indicate disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Sugimoto
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Affiliated Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Masahiro Mori
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Kazutomo Shibuya
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Sagiri Isose
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Chibahigashi National Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mizuho Koide
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization Chibahigashi National Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takaki Hiwasa
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan, and.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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9
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Sugimoto K, Han Y, Song Y, Gao Y. Correlational Analysis of ALS Progression and Serum NfL Measured by Simoa Assay in Chinese Patients. Front Neurol 2020; 11:579094. [PMID: 33424740 PMCID: PMC7793911 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.579094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurofilament light chain (NFL) was believed to be a promising biomarker for the diagnosis of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and disease burden evaluation. Objective: To determine the serum NFL level and its clinical relevance, including its association with disease severity [evaluated by the ALS Functional Rating Scale–revised (ALSFRS-r) score and King's College staging system] and progression (evaluated by the disease progression rate (DPR) and diagnostic delay), in ALS patients in China. Method: Serum NFL levels were detected using the Single Molecule Array (Simoa) technology in 30 ALS patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs). Results: There were significantly elevated levels of serum NFL in patients with ALS than in the HCs (P < 0.001). The serum NFL levels were significantly higher in rapidly progressive ALS and patients in Stage 3 than in slowly progressive ALS and patients in Stage 2 (PDPR < 0.001, PDiagnosticdelay = 0.019; Pstage= 0.033). Furthermore, the serum NFL levels negatively correlated with the diagnostic delay (R2 = 0.23, P = 0.016), the ALSFRS-r score (R2 = 0.15, P = 0.047) and disease duration (R2 = 0.15, P = 0.034), and positively correlated with the DPR (R2 = 0.42, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study preliminarily investigated the diagnostic value of serum NFL and its clinical relevance in the Chinese ALS population using the ultrasensitive Simoa technology. The results demonstrated that the level of serum NFL may become a potential biomarker for ALS diagnosis and indicate disease severity and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Sugimoto
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuebo Song
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Neurology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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10
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Chełstowska B, Barańczyk-Kuźma A, Kuźma-Kozakiewicz M. Dyslipidemia in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - a case control retrospective study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2020; 22:195-205. [PMID: 33103950 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2020.1832119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, neurodegenerative disorder leading to quadriplegia and aphagia. While swallowing difficulties and increased energy demand lead to malnutrition, increased lipid concentration may correlate with survival and respiratory functions. Objective: To analyze the frequency and type of dyslipidemias in a large population of clinically characterized ALS patients (PALS). Methods: The retrospective study included clinical and laboratory data of 650 consecutive PALS fulfilling the El Escorial criteria and 365 age- and gender-matched hospital controls. Results: 65% of PALS suffered from dyslipidemia independently of concomitant metabolic diseases. The most frequent lipid disorder was hypercholesterolemia (35% PALS, 25% controls), followed by mixed dyslipidemia (24.6%, 14%), with rare cases of hypertriglyceridemia and atherogenic dyslipidemia. Triacylglycerols (TAG) and LDL/HDL correlated with BMI, while LDL/HDL and total cholesterol (TCh) with disease duration. Among PALS with concomitant metabolic diseases, TCh correlated with disease duration and ALSFRS-R, while TAG with respiratory functions (FVC) in patients without metabolic diseases. The highest median concentration of TCh, LDL and LDL/HDL was found in classic ALS and PMA and the lowest in PBP. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia occurs more frequently in PALS compared to controls and independently of concomitant metabolic diseases. Similar to the general population, the most frequent lipid disturbance is hypercholesterolemia, followed by mixed dyslipidemia. Although particular lipid parameters correlate with BMI and disease duration, they do not show strong correlations with disease progression rate. There is a need of randomized control trials assessing the risk and benefits of the use of lipid lowering agents in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Chełstowska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Barańczyk-Kuźma
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kuźma-Kozakiewicz
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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11
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Obrador E, Salvador R, López-Blanch R, Jihad-Jebbar A, Vallés SL, Estrela JM. Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation and Mitochondria in the Pathophysiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E901. [PMID: 32971909 PMCID: PMC7555310 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9090901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron (MN) disease. Its primary cause remains elusive, although a combination of different causal factors cannot be ruled out. There is no cure, and prognosis is poor. Most patients with ALS die due to disease-related complications, such as respiratory failure, within three years of diagnosis. While the underlying mechanisms are unclear, different cell types (microglia, astrocytes, macrophages and T cell subsets) appear to play key roles in the pathophysiology of the disease. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress pave the way leading to neurodegeneration and MN death. ALS-associated mitochondrial dysfunction occurs at different levels, and these organelles are involved in the mechanism of MN death. Molecular and cellular interactions are presented here as a sequential cascade of events. Based on our present knowledge, the discussion leads to the idea that feasible therapeutic strategies should focus in interfering with the pathophysiology of the disease at different steps.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - José M. Estrela
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 15 Av. Blasco Ibañez, 4601016 Valencia, Spain; (E.O.); (R.S.); (R.L.-B.); (A.J.-J.); (S.L.V.)
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12
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Richards D, Morren JA, Pioro EP. Time to diagnosis and factors affecting diagnostic delay in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2020; 417:117054. [PMID: 32763509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, degenerative neuromuscular disease with limited treatment options. The diagnosis of ALS can be challenging for numerous reasons, resulting in delays that may compromise optimal management and enrollment into clinical trials. Several studies have examined the process and challenges regarding the clinical diagnosis of ALS. Twenty-one studies that were almost exclusively from the English literature published between 1990 and 2020 were identified via PubMed using relevant search terms and included patient populations from the United States, Canada, Japan, Egypt, and several countries in South America and Europe. Probable or definitive ALS patients were identified using El Escorial or revised El Escorial/Airlie House Criteria. Time to diagnosis or diagnostic delay was defined as mean or median time from patient-reported first symptom onset to formal diagnosis by a physician, as recorded in medical records. The typical time to diagnosis was 10-16 months from symptom onset. Several points of delay in the diagnosis course were identified, including specialist referrals and misdiagnoses, often resulting in unnecessary procedures and surgeries. Bulbar onset was noted to significantly reduce time to ALS diagnosis. Future interventions and potential research opportunities were reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Richards
- Neuromuscular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John A Morren
- Neuromuscular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Erik P Pioro
- Neuromuscular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA; Department of Neurosciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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13
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Juntas-Morales R, Pageot N, Bendarraz A, Alphandéry S, Sedel F, Seigle S, Camu W. High-dose pharmaceutical grade biotin (MD1003) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A pilot study. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 19:100254. [PMID: 32140672 PMCID: PMC7046518 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.100254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligodendrocytes (OGs) provide metabolic support to motor neurons (MNs) and are implicated in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MD1003, or high-dose Pharmaceutical grade Biotin (hdPB), may improve disability in progressive multiple sclerosis patients via augmentation of OG or MN energy levels. Here, we assessed the safety and efficacy of MD1003 in ALS patients. METHODS This single centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included patients aged 25-80 years with probable or definite ALS. Patients were assigned (2:1), using a computer-generated randomisation list, to receive oral MD1003 (300 mg/day) or placebo treatment for 24 weeks. The primary outcome, safety, was analysed in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug. This study, registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03114215, has been completed. FINDINGS Between June and December 2016, 30 patients were enrolled (MD1003, n = 20; placebo, n = 10). Baseline characteristics were representative of the ALS population. MD1003 and placebo groups were not well balanced at screening, with the MD1003-treated group having a higher rate of ALSFRS-R decline prior to screening versus placebo (-6·0 IQR [-8·5, -5·0] vs. -5·0 IQR [-5·0, -3·0]) and a predominance of ALS with upper limb onset compared to placebo (35% vs. 10%). MD1003 had a favourable safety profile and was well tolerated. The occurrence of adverse events was similar in both groups (60%). Two deaths occurred in the MD1003 group versus 1 in the placebo group. ALSFRS-R median change from baseline to month 6 was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0·49); the mean difference between groups was -1·6 (SEM=3·3). INTERPRETATION MD1003 treatment was safe and well tolerated. It was not possible to establish MD1003 efficacy in this relatively small study. Given the favourable safety profile of MD1003 and an imbalance between treatment groups favouring placebo, additional, larger studies in ALS are warranted. FUNDING MedDay Pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Juntas-Morales
- Clinique du motoneurone, Explorations Neurologiques, CHU Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Pageot
- Clinique du motoneurone, Explorations Neurologiques, CHU Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Sébastien Alphandéry
- Clinique du motoneurone, Explorations Neurologiques, CHU Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - William Camu
- Clinique du motoneurone, Explorations Neurologiques, CHU Gui de Chauliac, Montpellier, France
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14
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Sun QH, Li YR, Lan WJ, Yang F, Cui F, Huang XS. Prognostic value of time to generalization in 71 Chinese patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Chin Med J (Engl) 2019; 132:1023-1027. [PMID: 31033570 PMCID: PMC6595875 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000000200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It is important to determine prognostic factors for the outcome of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at an early stage. The time taken for symptoms to spread from spinal or bulbar regions to both (time to generalization; TTG) is considered a strong predictor of survival; however, this has rarely been studied in Asian populations. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate potential factors affecting prognosis in Chinese patients with sporadic ALS, with a focus on the association between TTG and overall survival. Methods: Seventy-one patients with sporadic ALS who were hospitalized at Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2009 to 2016 were followed up until December 2017. Survival analysis was performed using univariate Kaplan-Meier log-rank and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. The clinical data of the patients were recorded and analyzed. Variables studied were age at symptom onset, sex, site of symptom onset, diagnostic latency, TTG, diagnostic category, ALS Functional Rating Scale-revised score, percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%), and disease progression rate (DPR) at diagnosis. Results: The mean age at onset was 54 (SD = 10.2) years, and the median survival time from symptom onset was 41 months (95% confidence interval: 34–47). By univariate analysis, factors independently affecting survival were age at symptom onset (Log rank = 15.652, P < 0.0001), TTG (Log rank = 14.728, P < 0.0001), diagnostic latency (Log rank = 11.997, P = 0.001), and DPR (Log rank = 6.50, P = 0.011). In the Cox multivariate model, TTG had the strongest impact on survival time (hazard ratio = 0.926, P = 0.01). Conclusions: TTG can be used as an effective indicator of prognosis in patients with sporadic ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Hua Sun
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.,College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yan-Ran Li
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Wen-Jie Lan
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Fang Cui
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.,College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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15
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Palese F, Sartori A, Logroscino G, Pisa FE. Predictors of diagnostic delay in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a cohort study based on administrative and electronic medical records data. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2019; 20:176-185. [PMID: 30656971 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2018.1550517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To characterize the timing and pathway of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis and to identify predictors of delayed diagnosis in a retrospective cohort. Methods: The cohort included all patients with incident ALS between 2010 and 2014 in Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) region, Italy, admitted to two University Hospitals. Information on demographics, clinical presentation, and healthcare use was obtained from health databases and electronic medical records (EMRs). Total diagnostic time (TDT), the interval between ALS symptoms onset and diagnosis, was compared between patient groups through Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR), with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), of having a TDT ≥12 months was estimated using unconditional logistic regression. Results: Among 134 patients, median TDT (interquartile range [IQR]) was 11.5 months (7.1-18.3), shorter in those aged <60 years vs. ≥60 years (8.1; 5.1-11.1 vs. 12.4; 7.4-21.5; p = 0.0064), first referred to a neurologist vs. other specialist (10.2; 6.1-16.3 vs. 13.2; 8.1-24.5; p = 0.0386) and without neurologic comorbidities (11.1; 7.1-16.5 vs. 19.7; 8.8-33.7; p = 0.0243). TDT was ≥12 months in 64 (48.5%) patients and was predicted by male sex (aOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.06-5.75), age at onset ≥60 years (11.46; 3.13-41.9), spinal onset (2.04; 1.00-5.93), and prior therapies or first referral to a non-neurologist (3.15; 1.36-7.29). Conclusions: In this cohort, delayed diagnosis was common, particularly in older patients and in those with neurological comorbidities. Timely referral to a neurologist may improve diagnostic timing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arianna Sartori
- b Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Neurology Clinic , Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste , Trieste , Italy
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- c Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Department of Basic Medicine Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, University of Bari , Bari , Italy.,d Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" at "Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico", Tricase, Lecce , Italy
| | - Federica Edith Pisa
- e Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS , Bremen , Germany
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16
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Intraspinal Transplantation of the Adipose Tissue-Derived Regenerative Cells in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in Accordance with the Current Experts' Recommendations: Choosing Optimal Monitoring Tools. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:4392017. [PMID: 30158984 PMCID: PMC6109475 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4392017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) may constitute a perspective alternative to pharmacological treatment in neurodegenerative diseases. Although the safety of SC transplantation has been widely shown, their clinical efficiency in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is still to be proved. It is not only due to a limited number of studies, small treatment groups, and fast but nonlinear disease progression but also due to lack of objective methods able to show subtle clinical changes. Preliminary guidelines for cell therapy have recently been proposed by a group of ALS experts. They combine clinical, neurophysiological, and functional assessment together with monitoring of the cytokine level. Here, we describe a pilot study on transplantation of autologous adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRC) into the spinal cord of the patients with ALS and monitoring of the results in accordance with the current recommendations. To show early and/or subtle changes within the muscles of interest, a wide range of clinical and functional tests were used and compared in order to choose the most sensitive and optimal set. Additionally, an analysis of transplanted ADRC was provided to develop standards ensuring the derivation and verification of adequate quality of transplanted cells and to correlate ADRC properties with clinical outcome.
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