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Meyer T, Salkic E, Grehl T, Weyen U, Kettemann D, Weydt P, Günther R, Lingor P, Koch JC, Petri S, Hermann A, Prudlo J, Großkreutz J, Baum P, Boentert M, Metelmann M, Norden J, Cordts I, Weishaupt JH, Dorst J, Ludolph A, Koc Y, Walter B, Münch C, Spittel S, Dreger M, Maier A, Körtvélyessy P. Performance of serum neurofilament light chain in a wide spectrum of clinical courses of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-a cross-sectional multicenter study. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:1600-1610. [PMID: 36899448 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The objective was to assess the performance of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a wide range of disease courses, in terms of progression, duration and tracheostomy invasive ventilation (TIV). METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study at 12 ALS centers in Germany was performed. sNfL concentrations were age adjusted using sNfL Z scores expressing the number of standard deviations from the mean of a control reference database and correlated to ALS duration and ALS progression rate (ALS-PR), defined by the decline of the ALS Functional Rating Scale. RESULTS In the total ALS cohort (n = 1378) the sNfL Z score was elevated (3.04; 2.46-3.43; 99.88th percentile). There was a strong correlation of sNfL Z score with ALS-PR (p < 0.001). In patients with long (5-10 years, n = 167) or very long ALS duration (>10 years, n = 94) the sNfL Z score was significantly lower compared to the typical ALS duration of <5 years (n = 1059) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in patients with TIV, decreasing sNfL Z scores were found in correlation with TIV duration and ALS-PR (p = 0.002; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The finding of moderate sNfL elevation in patients with long ALS duration underlined the favorable prognosis of low sNfL. The strong correlation of sNfL Z score with ALS-PR strengthened its value as progression marker in clinical management and research. The lowering of sNfL in correlation with long TIV duration could reflect a reduction either in disease activity or in the neuroaxonal substrate of biomarker formation during the protracted course of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- APST Research GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Erma Salkic
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 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, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Weydt
- Department for Neurodegenerative Disorders and Gerontopsychiatry, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Research Site Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Dresden (DZNE), Dresden, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Christoph Koch
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Department of Neurology, Translational Neurodegeneration Section "Albrecht-Kossel", University of Rostock, University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Rostock/Greifswald, DZNE, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Johannes Prudlo
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Rostock/Greifswald, DZNE, Greifswald, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, University of Rostock, Rostock,, Germany
| | - Julian Großkreutz
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Petra Baum
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Matthias Boentert
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Moritz Metelmann
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jenny Norden
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabell Cordts
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Center for Translational Medicine, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Ulm (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Yasemin Koc
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bertram Walter
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Münch
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- APST Research GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Spittel
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- APST Research GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Dreger
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Maier
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Péter Körtvélyessy
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Research Site Magdeburg (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
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Tavazzi E, Gatta R, Vallati M, Cotti Piccinelli S, Filosto M, Padovani A, Castellano M, Di Camillo B. Leveraging process mining for modeling progression trajectories in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2023; 22:346. [PMID: 36732801 PMCID: PMC9896660 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-023-02113-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease whose spreading and progression mechanisms are still unclear. The ability to predict ALS prognosis would improve the patients' quality of life and support clinicians in planning treatments. In this paper, we investigate ALS evolution trajectories using Process Mining (PM) techniques enriched to both easily mine processes and automatically reveal how the pathways differentiate according to patients' characteristics. METHODS We consider data collected in two distinct data sources, namely the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) dataset and a real-world clinical register (ALS-BS) including data of patients followed up in two tertiary clinical centers of Brescia (Italy). With a focus on the functional abilities progressively impaired as the disease progresses, we use two Process Discovery methods, namely the Directly-Follows Graph and the CareFlow Miner, to mine the population disease trajectories on the PRO-ACT dataset. We characterize the impairment trajectories in terms of patterns, timing, and probabilities, and investigate the effect of some patients' characteristics at onset on the followed paths. Finally, we perform a comparative study of the impairment trajectories mined in PRO-ACT versus ALS-BS. RESULTS We delineate the progression pathways on PRO-ACT, identifying the predominant disabilities at different stages of the disease: for instance, 85% of patients enter the trials without disabilities, and 48% of them experience the impairment of Walking/Self-care abilities first. We then test how a spinal onset increases the risk of experiencing the loss of Walking/Self-care ability as first impairment (52% vs. 27% of patients develop it as the first impairment in the spinal vs. the bulbar cohorts, respectively), as well as how an older age at onset corresponds to a more rapid progression to death. When compared, the PRO-ACT and the ALS-BS patient populations present some similarities in terms of natural progression of the disease, as well as some differences in terms of observed trajectories plausibly due to the trial scheduling and recruitment criteria. CONCLUSIONS We exploited PM to provide an overview of the evolution scenarios of an ALS trial population and to preliminary compare it to the progression observed in a clinical cohort. Future work will focus on further improving the understanding of the disease progression mechanisms, by including additional real-world subjects as well as by extending the set of events considered in the impairment trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Tavazzi
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/b, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Roberto Gatta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mauro Vallati
- School of Computing and Engineering, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH UK
| | - Stefano Cotti Piccinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25121 Brescia, Italy
- NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Via Paolo Richiedei 16, 25064 Gussago, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Filosto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25121 Brescia, Italy
- NeMO-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Via Paolo Richiedei 16, 25064 Gussago, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25121 Brescia, Italy
- Unit of Neurology, ASST Spedali Civili, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Castellano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Camillo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/b, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Agripolis, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy
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Maier A, Boentert M, Reilich P, Witzel S, Petri S, Großkreutz J, Metelmann M, Lingor P, Cordts I, Dorst J, Zeller D, Günther R, Hagenacker T, Grehl T, Spittel S, Schuster J, Ludolph A, Meyer T. ALSFRS-R-SE: an adapted, annotated, and self-explanatory version of the revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale. Neurol Res Pract 2022; 4:60. [PMID: 36522775 PMCID: PMC9753252 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-022-00224-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ALS Functional Rating Scale in its revised version (ALSFRS-R) is a disease-specific severity score that reflects motor impairment and functional deterioration in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It has been widely applied in both clinical practice and ALS research. However, in Germany, several variants of the scale, each differing slightly from the others, have developed over time and are currently in circulation. This lack of uniformity potentially hampers data interpretation and may decrease item validity. Furthermore, shortcomings within the standard ALSFRS-R questions and answer options can limit the quality and conclusiveness of collected data. METHODS In a multistage consensus-building process, 18 clinical ALS experts from the German ALS/MND network analyzed the ALSFRS-R in its current form and created an adapted, annotated, and revised scale that closely adheres to the well-established standardized English version. RESULTS Ten German-language variants of the ALSFRS-R were collected, three of which contained instructions for self-assessment. All of these variants were compiled and a comprehensive linguistic revision was undertaken. A short introduction was added to the resulting scale, comprising general instructions for use and explanations for each of the five reply options per item. This adapted version of the scale, named ALSFRS-R-SE (with the "SE" referring to "self-explanatory"), was carefully reviewed for language and comprehensibility, in both German and English. CONCLUSION An adapted and annotated version of the ALSFRS-R scale was developed through a multistage consensus process. The decision to include brief explanations of specific scale items and reply options was intended to facilitate ALSFRS-R-SE assessments by both healthcare professionals and patients. Further studies are required to investigate the accuracy and utility of the ALSFRS-R-SE in controlled trials and clinical real-world settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Maier
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department 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
| | - Matthias Boentert
- grid.16149.3b0000 0004 0551 4246Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany ,Department of Medicine, UKM-Marienhospital Steinfurt, Steinfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Reilich
- grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Friedrich-Baur-Institut und Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, LMU Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Witzel
- grid.410712.10000 0004 0473 882XKlinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Hannover Medical School, Department of Neurology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julian Großkreutz
- grid.412468.d0000 0004 0646 2097Department of Neurology, Campus Lübeck, Universitätsmedizin Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Moritz Metelmann
- grid.411339.d0000 0000 8517 9062Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- grid.15474.330000 0004 0477 2438Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabell Cordts
- grid.15474.330000 0004 0477 2438Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Dorst
- grid.410712.10000 0004 0473 882XKlinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Zeller
- grid.411760.50000 0001 1378 7891Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - René Günther
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Research Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- grid.477805.90000 0004 7470 9004Klinik für Neurologie und Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Science, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Torsten Grehl
- grid.476313.4Department of Neurology, Centre for ALS and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Joachim Schuster
- grid.410712.10000 0004 0473 882XKlinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426DZNE, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Research Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert Ludolph
- grid.410712.10000 0004 0473 882XKlinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426DZNE, German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Research Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Department 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
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Boyce D, Robinson M, Cedarbaum JM, Shank LM, McDermott CJ, van Eijk RPA. A qualitative evaluation of the revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) by the patient community: a web-based cross-sectional survey. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2022; 24:272-280. [PMID: 36330850 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2140592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) is the most commonly used outcome measure in ALS studies. The aim of this study was to identify potential limitations of the ALSFRS-R from the perspective of people living with ALS and their caregivers. METHODS A web-based survey was developed by investigators, people living with ALS, and their caregivers, and shared across social media. For each item, participants were asked, "Can you think of a situation where you might not be able to answer this item accurately or that your answer might not reflect your abilities?" Responses were divided into two categories: criticisms that could be addressed in a manual or issues with the items/responses that would require measure modification. RESULTS 57 participants (72% participants with ALS, 28% caregivers) responded to at least one item question, of which 71.9% expressed concern about at least one item. The most frequently identified items were speech, walking, and cutting food. Common criticisms were: language used is of a medical literacy level too high; item is situational; difficult to distinguish the difference between response choices; and the structure and/or underlying assumptions of the item makes it difficult to answer. CONCLUSIONS Several items of the ALSFRS-R were considered to inaccurately reflect the abilities of patients with ALS. The ALSFRS-R may need a revision to address these issues, preferably in co-development with people living with ALS and their caregivers, and/or alternate outcome measures should be considered for patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Boyce
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jesse M. Cedarbaum
- Coeruleus Clinical Sciences, Woodbridge, CT, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - 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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Shaabi A. Modeling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Progression: Logic in the Logit. Cureus 2022; 14:e24887. [PMID: 35698688 PMCID: PMC9183745 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) has emerged as a clinical prognostic marker for clinical and research purposes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, tools for predicting disease progression are still underdeveloped. The aim of this study was to mathematically model ALS progression to provide a reliable and personalized approach to the prognosis for ALS patients. Also, it aimed to provide a reliable prediction tool for the current and newly diagnosed patients. Methods Twenty patients from the South-East England Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis register (SEALS) database were included in the analysis. A non-linear logistic regression model was used to describe disease progression from baseline health to the theoretical maximum disease. The reliability of predicted variables and correlation between model parameters were assessed separately for each subject. Results The logistic regression model best described the disease progression in patients with a high progression rate. Most notably, the model fitted better when a patient has progressed enough to approximately the midpoint of the functional rating scale. The model failed to characterize the disease course in patients defined as slow progressors. Furthermore, the linear relationship between the rate of progression and time since onset at ALFRS-R score of 24 was evident in 65% of patients. Conclusion These results indicate that the rate of disease progression and time when ALSFRS-R declines to half the maximum score are correlated with functional outcomes. Nonetheless, the logistic model failed to describe disease course in patients with slow progression rates. Different rates of progression can be attributed to the genetic heterogeneity of ALS. Thus, clinicians and patients can benefit from adding a gene factor to the equation. With the outlined limitations, the model can provide a good prognostic tool.
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Londral A. Assistive Technologies for Communication Empower Patients With ALS to Generate and Self-Report Health Data. Front Neurol 2022; 13:867567. [PMID: 35557618 PMCID: PMC9090469 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.867567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Londral
- Value for Health CoLAB, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center, Nova Medical School, Nova University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Ana Londral
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Pain-Related Coping Behavior in ALS: The Interplay between Maladaptive Coping, the Patient’s Affective State and Pain. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11040944. [PMID: 35207215 PMCID: PMC8877778 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11040944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pain is a common symptom in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Coping plays a central role in adjustment to pain. Objective: This study evaluates the use of different pain coping strategies in patients with ALS and investigates the interplay of maladaptive coping, and the patient’s affective state and pain. Methods: One hundred and fifty ALS patients from three German outpatient clinics completed the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the ALS-Functional Rating Scale-Extension (ALSFRS-EX), the ALS Depression Inventory (ADI-12), the subscale “emotional functioning” of the ALS Assessment Questionnaire (ALSAQ-40) and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ). Based upon the results of correlational analyses, multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of pain severity and to explore factors contributing to maladaptive coping. Results: Pain was prevalent in 56% (n = 84) of the patients. Patients applied different adaptive coping strategies as well as the maladaptive strategy “catastrophizing”. Regression analysis indicated that the CSQ-subscale “catastrophizing” significantly predicted pain intensity, explaining 34.0% of the variance (p < 0.001). Pain-related catastrophizing was associated with higher pain-related functional impairments and worse emotional functioning. The ADI-12 sum score as an indicator for depressive symptoms contributed significantly to the maladaptive coping strategy “catastrophizing” (p < 0.001) and explained 40.8% of the variance. Conclusion: Patients with ALS apply different strategies to cope with pain. Catastrophizing is an important determinant of higher pain intensity ratings and is associated with higher pain interferences and decreased emotional well-being. Pain-related catastrophizing is promoted by depressive symptoms. Catastrophizing and depressive symptoms thus represent important targets of individualized pain-management strategies.
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Hartmaier SL, Rhodes T, Cook SF, Schlusser C, Chen C, Han S, Zach N, Murthy V, Davé S. Qualitative measures that assess functional disability and quality of life in ALS. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:12. [PMID: 35062955 PMCID: PMC8781297 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-01919-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selection of appropriate trial endpoints and outcome measures is particularly important in rare disease and rapidly progressing disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) where the challenges to conducting clinical trials, are substantial: patient and disease heterogeneity, limited understanding of exact disease pathophysiology, and lack of robust and available biomarkers. To address these challenges in ALS, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised version (ALSFRS-R) was developed and has become a key primary endpoint in ALS clinical trials to assess functional disability and disease progression, often replacing survival as a primary outcome. However, increased understanding of the ALS disease journey and improvements in assistive technology for ALS patients have exposed issues with the ALSFRS-R, including non-linearity, multidimensionality and floor and ceiling effects that could challenge its continued utility as a primary outcome measure in ALS clinical trials. Recently, other qualitative scale measures of functioning disability have been developed to help address these issues. With this in mind, we conducted a literature search aimed at identifying both established and promising new measures for potential use in clinical trials. METHODS We searched PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and the reference sections of key studies to identify papers that discussed qualitative measures of functional status for potential use in ALS studies. We also searched clinicaltrials.gov to identify functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures that have been used in ALS interventional studies. RESULTS In addition to the ALSFRS-R, we identified several newer qualitative scales including ALSFRS-EX, ALS-MITOS, CNS-BFS, DALS-15, MND-DS, and ROADS. Strengths and limitations of each measure were identified and discussed, along with their potential to act as a primary or secondary outcome to assess patient functional status in ALS clinical trials. CONCLUSION This paper serves as a reference guide for researchers deciding which qualitative measures to use as endpoints in their ALS clinical trials to assess functional status. This paper also discusses the importance of including ALS HRQoL and ALS cognitive screens in future clinical trials to assess the value of a new ALS therapy more comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Courtney Schlusser
- CERobs Consulting, LLC, Wrightsville Beach, NC, USA
- Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chao Chen
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Steve Han
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Neta Zach
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Shreya Davé
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
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Maier A, Eicher C, Kiselev J, Klebbe R, Greuèl M, Kettemann D, Gaudlitz M, Walter B, Oleimeulen U, Münch C, Meyer T, Spittel S. Acceptance of Enhanced Robotic Assistance Systems in People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Associated Motor Impairment: Observational Online Study. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2021; 8:e18972. [PMID: 34874891 PMCID: PMC8691409 DOI: 10.2196/18972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive paresis of the extremities and the loss of manual functioning. Due to the severe functional impairment that the disease entails, ALS requires the provision of comprehensive nursing care and a complex set of assistive technology devices. To relieve caregivers and promote autonomy of people with ALS, robotic assistance systems are being developed. This trial aims to evaluate the acceptance of technology, in general, and of robotic arm assistance among people with ALS in order to lay the groundwork for the development of a semiautomatic robotic arm that can be controlled by humans via a multimodal user interface and that will allow users to handle objects and attend to their own bodies. Objective The aim of this study was to perform a systematic analysis of technology commitment and acceptance of robotic assistance systems from the perspective of physically limited people living with ALS. Methods The investigation was conducted as a study of a prospective cohort. Participants were only included if they had received a medical diagnosis of ALS. Data collection took place via an online questionnaire on the Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie internet platform. Technological commitment was measured using the Neyer short scale. Furthermore, a multidimensional questionnaire was specially developed to analyze participant acceptance of robotic arm assistance: the Acceptance Measure of Robotic Arm Assistance (AMRAA). This questionnaire was accompanied by a video introducing the robot arm. ALS severity was ascertained using the ALS Functional Rating Scale–Extended (ALSFRS-EX). Results A total of 268 people with ALS participated in the survey. Two-thirds of the participants were male. The overall mean ALS severity score was 42.9 (SD 11.7) points out of 60 on the ALSFRS-EX, with the most relevant restrictions on arms and legs (<60% of normal functioning). Technological commitment ranked high, with the top third scoring 47.2 points out of 60. Younger participants and males showed significantly higher values. The AMRAA score was, again, significantly higher among younger participants. However, the gender difference within the overall cohort was not significant. The more limited the arm functioning of participants according to the ALSFRS-EX subscale, the higher the acceptance rate of robotic assistance. This relationship proved significant. Conclusions People with ALS display high technological commitment and feel positive about using technological assistance systems. In our study, younger participants were more open to technology use, in general, and robotic assistance, in particular. Self-appraisal of technology acceptance, competence, and control conviction were generally higher among men. However, any presumed gender difference vanished when users were asked to rate the anticipated usefulness of the technology, in particular the robotic arm. The acceptance was also reflected in users’ increased willingness to use a robotic arm as the functionality of their own arms decreased. From the perspective of people with ALS, robotic assistance systems are critical to promoting individual autonomy. Another key consideration in the development of future assistive technologies should be the reduction of caregiver burden. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00012803; https://tinyurl.com/w9yzduhd
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Affiliation(s)
- André Maier
- 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, Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelia Eicher
- Working Group on Aging & Technology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joern Kiselev
- Working Group on Aging & Technology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany, Berlin, Germany.,Department for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine Campus Charité Mitte and Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Klebbe
- Working Group on Aging & Technology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dagmar Kettemann
- 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, Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Bertram Walter
- 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, Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Meyer
- 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, Germany, Berlin, Germany.,Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Spittel
- 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, Germany, Berlin, Germany.,Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
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10
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A Multi-Center Cohort Study on Characteristics of Pain, Its Impact and Pharmacotherapeutic Management in Patients with ALS. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194552. [PMID: 34640573 PMCID: PMC8509485 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although pain is common in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and an effectively treatable symptom, it is widely under-recognized and undertreated. This study investigates epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pain, its impact and pharmacological treatment in ALS patients. In addition, opportunities for further optimization of pain therapy need to be identified. Methods: Patients from three German ALS outpatient clinics were asked to complete the Brief Pain Inventory and the ALS Functional Rating Scale—Extension and to participate in semi-structured telephone interviews. Results: Of the 150 study participants, 84 patients reported pain. Pain occurred across all disease stages, predominantly in the neck, back and lower extremities. It was described with a broad spectrum of pain descriptors and mostly interfered with activity-related functions. Of the 84 pain patients, 53.8% reported an average pain intensity ≥4 on the numerical rating scale (NRS), indicating pain of at least moderate intensity, and 64.3% used pain medication. Irrespective of the medication type, 20.4% of them had no sufficient pain relief. Thirteen out of 30 patients without pain medication reported an average NRS value ≥4. Eleven of them—mainly in the context of high pain interference with daily functions—were supposed to benefit from adequate pain therapy. However, many patients had relevant concerns and misconceptions about pain therapy. Conclusion: Given the frequency, extent and multi-faceted impact of pain, it is necessary to systematically assess pain throughout the disease course. Potentials to optimize pain therapy were seen in the subset of patients with insufficient pain relief despite medication and in those patients without pain medication but high pain interference. However, there is a need to respond to patients’ barriers to pain therapy.
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11
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Wigand B, Schlichte I, Schreiber S, Heitmann J, Meyer T, Dengler R, Petri S, Haghikia A, Vielhaber S, Vogt S. Characteristics of pain and the burden it causes in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - a longitudinal study. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 23:284-291. [PMID: 34392762 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1962354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pain currently plays a subordinate role in the clinical care of patients with ALS. We aim to examine epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pain as well as its impact throughout the disease course. METHODS During a longitudinal follow-up at three time points, 151 ALS patients from three German outpatient clinics completed the Brief Pain Inventory, ALS-Functional Rating Scale-Extension and ALS Depression Inventory. Analysis of variance and covariance with repeated measures were performed. RESULTS Pain was prevalent in 56% of the 151 patients at baseline and in 70% of the remaining 40 patients at the third survey. Of the 28 patients with pain who participated in all three surveys, about two thirds suffered from an average pain intensity corresponding to at least moderate pain on the numerical rating scale (NRS ≥ 4). Patients reported different pain qualities and localized the pain most frequently in the extremities, back and neck. Pain moderately impaired the functions of daily living. Pain intensity, pain quality and pain-related impairment did not significantly change over time. One third of the patients suffered from clinically relevant depressive symptoms. However, there was no conclusive evidence of a link between pain intensity and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Pain is frequent and constitutes an additional strain on ALS patients who have to endure a rapidly progressive and severely debilitating disease. This study contributes to better understanding of the characteristics of pain and its impact on ALS patients throughout the disease course and may thus help to more effectively address this symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Wigand
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ina Schlichte
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Heitmann
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Reinhard Dengler
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Vogt
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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12
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Vasta R, Solero L, Palumbo F, Manera U, Torrieri MC, Grassano M, Canosa A, Moglia C, Calvo A, Chiò A. Can amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression really pause? A cohort study using the medical research council scale. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2021; 23:383-389. [PMID: 34365891 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2021.1961807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To assess the frequency and predictors of plateaus in ALS progression as assessed by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale. Methods: All patients attending the ALS Center of Turin, with a diagnosis between 2007 and 2014 were considered. At each visit, muscle strength was evaluated in several muscles and assessed using the MRC scale. Concomitant ALSFRSr scores were retrieved. Plateaus were calculated as a stable overall MRC or ALSFRSr score lasting at least 6, 12 or 18 months. Results: According to MRC scale scores, 122 (22.8%), 71 (13.2%) and 59 (11.0%) patients experienced a plateau lasting at least 6, 12 and 18 months. ALSFRSr scores revealed similar estimates [134, (25.0%), 89 (16.6%) and 67 (12.5%), respectively]. Plateaus were more frequent at high scores and appeared a median of 24.6 months (IQR 6.7-47.7) after the diagnosis. Only the predominant upper motor neuron phenotype (OR 4.06, 95% CI 2-06-8.10, p-value <0.001) and diagnostic delay OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-10.5, p-value = 0.005) were significantly correlated with their appearance. Discussion: Plateaus in ALS progression as assessed using either ALSFRSr or MRC scale are not infrequent and should be expected especially in less aggressive phenotypes. Similar results were found both using the MRC scale and the ALSFRSr scores, suggesting a comparable reliability of these scales in grasping the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Vasta
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and
| | - Luca Solero
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and
| | - Francesca Palumbo
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and
| | - Umberto Manera
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and
| | - Maria Claudia Torrieri
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and
| | - Maurizio Grassano
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and
| | - Antonio Canosa
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and.,Neurology 1, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Moglia
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and.,Neurology 1, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and.,Neurology 1, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neuroscience, ALS Center, University of Turin, Turin, Italy and.,Neurology 1, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
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13
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Meyer T, Maier A, Uzelac Z, Hagenacker T, Günther R, Schreiber-Katz O, Weiler M, Steinbach R, Weyen U, Koch JC, Kettemann D, Norden J, Dorst J, Wurster C, Ludolph AC, Stolte B, Freigang M, Osmanovic A, Petri S, Grosskreutz J, Rödiger A, Griep R, Gaudlitz M, Walter B, Münch C, Spittel S. Treatment expectations and perception of therapy in adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy receiving nusinersen. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:2582-2595. [PMID: 33960080 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This was an investigation of treatment expectations and of the perception of therapy in adult patients with 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (5q-SMA) receiving nusinersen. METHODS A prospective, non-interventional observational study of nusinersen treatment in adult 5q-SMA patients was conducted at nine SMA centers in Germany. The functional status, treatment expectations and perceived outcomes were assessed using the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-extended (ALS-FRS-ex), the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP2), the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9) and the Net Promoter Score (NPS). RESULTS In all, 151 patients were included with a median age of 36 years (15-69 years). SMA type 3 (n = 90, 59.6%) prevailed, followed by type 2 (33.8%) and type 1 (6.6%). In SMA types 1-3, median ALS-FRS-ex scores were 25, 33 and 46 (of 60 scale points), respectively. MYMOP2 identified distinct treatment expectations: head verticalization (n = 13), bulbar function (n = 16), arm function (n = 65), respiration (n = 15), trunk function (n = 34), leg function (n = 76) and generalized symptoms (n = 77). Median symptom severity decreased during nusinersen treatment (median observational period 6.1 months, 0.5-16 months) from 3.7 to 3.3 MYMOP2 score points (p < 0.001). The convenience of drug administration was critical (49.7 of 100 TSQM-9 points, SD 22); however, the overall treatment satisfaction was high (74.3, SD 18) and the recommendation rating very positive (NPS +66). CONCLUSIONS Nusinersen was administered across a broad range of ages, disease durations and motor function deficits. Treatment expectations were highly differentiated and related to SMA type and functional status. Patient-reported outcomes demonstrated a positive perception of nusinersen therapy in adult patients with 5q-SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS, SMA and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Maier
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS, SMA and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zeljko Uzelac
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - René Günther
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Research Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Markus Weiler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Steinbach
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ute Weyen
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Berufsgenossenschaftliches Universitätsklinikum Bergmannsheil, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan Christoph Koch
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Kettemann
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS, SMA and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jenny Norden
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS, SMA and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Research Site Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Stolte
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Maren Freigang
- Department of Neurology, Technische Universität Dresden, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alma Osmanovic
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julian Grosskreutz
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Annekathrin Rödiger
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Ramona Griep
- Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Bertram Walter
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS, SMA and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Münch
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS, SMA and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Spittel
- Department of Neurology, Center for ALS, SMA and other Motor Neuron Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Ambulanzpartner Soziotechnologie APST GmbH, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Ranieri F, Mariotto S, Dubbioso R, Di Lazzaro V. Brain Stimulation as a Therapeutic Tool in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Status and Interaction With Mechanisms of Altered Cortical Excitability. Front Neurol 2021; 11:605335. [PMID: 33613416 PMCID: PMC7892772 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.605335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 20 years, several modalities of neuromodulation, mainly based on non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, have been tested as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach to slow disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In both sporadic and familial ALS cases, neurophysiological studies point to motor cortical hyperexcitability as a possible priming factor in neurodegeneration, likely related to dysfunction of both excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. A trans-synaptic anterograde mechanism of excitotoxicity is thus postulated, causing upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Specifically, motor neuron hyperexcitability and hyperactivity are attributed to intrinsic cell abnormalities related to altered ion homeostasis and to impaired glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling. Several neuropathological mechanisms support excitatory and synaptic dysfunction in ALS; additionally, hyperexcitability seems to drive DNA-binding protein 43-kDA (TDP-43) pathology, through the upregulation of unusual isoforms directly contributing to ASL pathophysiology. Corticospinal excitability can be suppressed or enhanced using NIBS techniques, namely, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), as well as invasive brain and spinal stimulation. Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that the after-effects of NIBS are mediated by long-term potentiation (LTP)-/long-term depression (LTD)-like mechanisms of modulation of synaptic activity, with different biological and physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of tDCS and rTMS and, possibly, of different rTMS protocols. This potential has led to several small trials testing different stimulation interventions to antagonize excitotoxicity in ALS. Overall, these studies suggest a possible efficacy of neuromodulation in determining a slight reduction of disease progression, related to the type, duration, and frequency of treatment, but current evidence remains preliminary. Main limitations are the small number and heterogeneity of recruited patients, the limited “dosage” of brain stimulation that can be delivered in the hospital setting, the lack of a sufficient knowledge on the excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms targeted by specific stimulation interventions, and the persistent uncertainty on the key pathophysiological processes leading to motor neuron loss. The present review article provides an update on the state of the art of neuromodulation in ALS and a critical appraisal of the rationale for the application/optimization of brain stimulation interventions, in the light of their interaction with ALS pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Ranieri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Mariotto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
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15
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Vogt S, Schreiber S, Pfau G, Kollewe K, Heinze HJ, Dengler R, Petri S, Vielhaber S, Brinkers M. Dyspnea as a Fatigue-Promoting Factor in ALS and the Role of Objective Indicators of Respiratory Impairment. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:430-438.e1. [PMID: 32145336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is no evidence-based treatment for fatigue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and identification of treatable causes determines management strategies. Although dyspnea is a key symptom of ALS and effectively treatable, it has not been sufficiently investigated whether dyspnea may be a fatigue-promoting factor. OBJECTIVES To determine the level of fatigue in dyspneic ALS patients and whether fatigue is promoted by dyspnea. We further evaluated the correlation of fatigue with respiratory function tests. METHODS About 101 dyspneic patients and 20 matched controls completed the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Extension and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Dyspneic patients additionally completed the Dyspnea-ALS Scale and the ALS Assessment Questionnaire and underwent respiratory function tests (forced vital capacity, sniff nasal inspiratory pressure, mean inspiratory and expiratory pressure with respective relaxation rates, and blood gases). Multiple regression and correlation analyses were conducted. RESULTS Dyspneic patients had significantly higher fatigue scores than nondyspneic patients, and their fatigue significantly affected quality of life. Dyspnea alone explained up to 24% of the variance in fatigue. No associations were observed between fatigue and respiratory function tests. Patients with noninvasive ventilation reported significantly more dyspnea and fatigue. CONCLUSION Fatigue is a frequent and bothersome symptom in dyspneic ALS patients. Dyspnea-related distress is, in contrast to objective indicators of respiratory impairment, a determining factor of experienced fatigue. There is an urgent need for further symptom relief beyond noninvasive ventilation. Adequate treatment of dyspnea has the potential for synergies in symptom management arising from the association between fatigue and dyspnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Vogt
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Giselher Pfau
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katja Kollewe
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hans-Jochen Heinze
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Dengler
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Brinkers
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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16
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Maksymowicz S, Kukołowicz P, Siwek T, Rakowska A. Validation of the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale in Poland and its reliability in conditions of the medical experiment. Neurol Sci 2020; 42:943-949. [PMID: 32676760 PMCID: PMC7870618 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04565-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) is a basic tool for monitoring disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study analyses the reliability of the Polish version of the ALSFRS-R as a tool to assess the health condition of patients with ALS and presents experience related to the use of this tool in monitoring the effects of experimental medical therapy. Materials and methods The scale questionnaire was translated using the cross-translation method. The final tool was used by researcher, who was conducting the interview directly by telephone with patients and their caregivers and additionally compared with neurologopedic measurement. The health status of 60 patients was assessed between 4 and 7 times, which gives a total of 327 observations. Mean patient’s age was 57.5 ± 8.6. The division by sex was 23/35 (female/male). Patients’ health status and severity of symptoms varied. Statistical analysis was performed using explanatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha. Result Validation of the Polish version of the ALSFRS-R supports the reliability and internal consistency of scale. The scale proved also to be a proper tool for monitoring the course of the experimental medical therapy for patients with ALS. However, a qualitative evaluation revealed certain weaknesses of the scale, resulting from a different understanding of the functional assessment by the patient and by the medical specialist and cultural differences. Discussion Although ALSFRS-R is a reliable enough for monitoring patient health, it seems reasonable to pay attention to some difficult points of the questionnaire and its improvement. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10072-020-04565-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanisław Maksymowicz
- Department of Psychology and Sociology of Health and Public Health, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum of the University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland. .,Instytut Terapii Komórkowych S.A., Olsztyn, Poland.
| | | | - Tomasz Siwek
- Instytut Terapii Komórkowych S.A., Olsztyn, Poland.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum of the University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland.,University Clinical Hospital, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Rakowska
- Instytut Terapii Komórkowych S.A., Olsztyn, Poland.,University Clinical Hospital, Olsztyn, Poland
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17
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Bakker LA, Schröder CD, Tan HHG, Vugts SMAG, van Eijk RPA, van Es MA, Visser-Meily JMA, van den Berg LH. Development and assessment of the inter-rater and intra-rater reproducibility of a self-administration version of the ALSFRS-R. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2020; 91:75-81. [PMID: 31558653 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-321138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) is widely applied to assess disease severity and progression in patients with motor neuron disease (MND). The objective of the study is to assess the inter-rater and intra-rater reproducibility, i.e., the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and agreement, of a self-administration version of the ALSFRS-R for use in apps, online platforms, clinical care and trials. METHODS The self-administration version of the ALSFRS-R was developed based on both patient and expert feedback. To assess the inter-rater reproducibility, 59 patients with MND filled out the ALSFRS-R online and were subsequently assessed on the ALSFRS-R by three raters. To assess the intra-rater reproducibility, patients were invited on two occasions to complete the ALSFRS-R online. Reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients, agreement was assessed with Bland-Altman plots and paired samples t-tests, and internal consistency was examined with Cronbach's coefficient alpha. RESULTS The self-administration version of the ALSFRS-R demonstrated excellent inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. The assessment of inter-rater agreement demonstrated small systematic differences between patients and raters and acceptable limits of agreement. The assessment of intra-rater agreement demonstrated no systematic changes between time points; limits of agreement were 4.3 points for the total score and ranged from 1.6 to 2.4 points for the domain scores. Coefficient alpha values were acceptable. DISCUSSION The self-administration version of the ALSFRS-R demonstrates high reproducibility and can be used in apps and online portals for both individual comparisons, facilitating the management of clinical care and group comparisons in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonhard A Bakker
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carin D Schröder
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science, and Sports Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Harold H G Tan
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Simone M A G Vugts
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, 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
| | - Michael A van Es
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna M A Visser-Meily
- Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science, and Sports Medicine, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- Department of Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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18
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Hobson E, Baird W, Bradburn M, Cooper C, Mawson S, Quinn A, Shaw PJ, Walsh T, McDermott CJ. Process evaluation and exploration of telehealth in motor neuron disease in a UK specialist centre. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028526. [PMID: 31640994 PMCID: PMC6830641 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the processes involved in using a novel digitally enabled healthcare system (telehealth in motor neuron disease (TiM)) in people living with motor neuron disease (MND) and their informal carers. We examined TiM implementation, potential mechanisms of impact and contextual factors that might influence TiM implementation or impact. DESIGN An 18-month, single-centre process evaluation within a randomised, pilot and feasibility study. INTERVENTION TiM plus usual care versus usual care alone. SETTING A specialist UK MND care centre. PARTICIPANTS 40 patients with MND and 37 primary informal carers. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Patient, carer and staff outcomes and experiences using semistructured interviews. Descriptive data on implementation and use of TiM. RESULTS The TiM was acceptable and accessible to patients, carers and staff. Intervention uptake and adherence were good: 14 (70%) patients completed a TiM session at least fortnightly. Barriers to TiM use (such as technology experience and disability) were overcome with well-designed technology and face-to-face training. Reported potential benefits of TiM included improved communication and care coordination, reassurance, identification of complications and the potential for TiM to be an alternative or addition to clinic. Benefits depended on patients' current level of needs or disability. The main challenges were the large number of alerts that were generated by TiM, how the clinicians responded to these alerts and the mismatch between patient/carer expectations and nurses actions. This could be improved by better communication systems and adjusting the alerts algorithm. CONCLUSION TiM has the potential to facilitate access to specialist care, but further iterative developments to the intervention and process evaluations of the TiM in different services are required. TRIAL IDENTIFIER NUMBER ISRCTN26675465.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Hobson
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Wendy Baird
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mike Bradburn
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cindy Cooper
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Susan Mawson
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ann Quinn
- Sheffield Motor Neurone Disease Association Research Advisory Group, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Theresa Walsh
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Christopher J McDermott
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Neurology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Albert
- From the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences (S.M.A.), University of Pittsburgh, PA; and PatientsLikeMe (P.W.), Cambridge, MA.
| | - Paul Wicks
- From the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences (S.M.A.), University of Pittsburgh, PA; and PatientsLikeMe (P.W.), Cambridge, MA
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20
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Vogt S, Schreiber S, Kollewe K, Körner S, Heinze HJ, Dengler R, Petri S, Vielhaber S. Dyspnea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The Dyspnea-ALS-Scale (DALS-15) essentially contributes to the diagnosis of respiratory impairment. Respir Med 2019; 154:116-121. [PMID: 31234039 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyspnea is a cardinal but often underestimated symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The newly developed Dyspnea-ALS-Scale (DALS-15) is highly relevant for therapeutic decisions because dyspnea is a separate criterion to consider noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in ALS. In comparison to the limited effects of neuroprotective compounds, NIV has the greatest impact on survival and improves quality of life. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether dyspnea corresponds to parameters of respiratory status mainly used in clinical neurological practice. We also investigated if the DALS-15 could help identify patients for consideration of NIV in whom neither spirometry nor blood gas parameters indicate the need for NIV (forced vital capacity (FVC) < 50% or probable <75%, pCO2 ≥45 mmHg). METHODS Seventy ALS patients with dyspnea according to the DALS-15 obtained blood gas analysis and spirometry (FVC in sitting and supine positions). The supine decline in FVC was calculated. RESULTS There was no linear relationship between dyspnea and spirometry as well as blood gases. 83% of our patients had an upright FVC still greater than 50% and no daytime hypercapnia. CONCLUSIONS Our study clearly shows that dyspnea can occur independently of objective indicators of respiratory impairment like spirometry or blood gases. Hence, the DALS-15 covers another aspect of respiratory impairment than these tests and refers to the subjective component of respiratory impairment. It detects dyspnea in a considerable proportion of patients in whom NIV should thus be considered although their spirometric and blood gas results do not point towards NIV. The DALS-15 therefore may help to improve the stratification of patients with respiratory impairment for more efficient symptom management and timely coordination of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vogt
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - S Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - K Kollewe
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Körner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - H-J Heinze
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - R Dengler
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany
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21
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Vogt S, Schreiber S, Heinze HJ, Dengler R, Petri S, Vielhaber S. The Dyspnea-ALS-Scale (DALS-15) optimizes individual treatment in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) suffering from dyspnea. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2019; 17:95. [PMID: 31159830 PMCID: PMC6547457 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-019-1167-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyspnea is frequent in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and one of the most bothersome symptoms. The recently developed Dyspnea-ALS-Scale (DALS-15) is a disease-specific patient-reported outcome to detect and quantify dyspnea. OBJECTIVES To analyze in a case-based approach the diagnostic and clinical implications and the benefit of the DALS-15 for individual patients in daily clinical routine. METHODS Dyspnea was assessed by the 15-item comprising DALS-15 in two patients with ALS. Spirometry was performed and blood gases were analyzed. Results were evaluated in the clinical context of the respective patients. RESULTS In one patient the presence of dyspnea detected by the DALS-15 indicated noninvasive ventilation (NIV) although forced vital capacity (FVC) and blood gas analysis were well preserved. After NIV implementation, the DALS-15 was helpful to determine the patient's need for medication, the timing of NIV titration and the adaptation of NIV sessions. In another patient, who was anarthric and no longer able to perform spirometry due to severe bulbar impairment, the DALS-15 allowed a standardized assessment of dyspnea-related distress independently of bulbar dysfunction. CONCLUSION The DALS-15 provides a deeper insight into the respiratory status of individual patients. It helps to diagnose respiratory impairment in patients in whom NIV should be considered although FVC and blood gas results do not reveal indication for NIV. It is also valuable for the guidance of patients in later stages of respiratory impairment when NIV is already implemented, and in patients with severe bulbar dysfunction. The DALS-15 can improve specific symptom management and coordination of care and therefore has the potential to optimize individual treatment in ALS patients with dyspnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Vogt
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schreiber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jochen Heinze
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Brenneckestraße 6, D-39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Dengler
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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22
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Pinto S, de Carvalho M. SVC Is a Marker of Respiratory Decline Function, Similar to FVC, in Patients With ALS. Front Neurol 2019; 10:109. [PMID: 30873101 PMCID: PMC6403463 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Respiratory function is a critical predictor of survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We aimed to determine if slow vital capacity (SVC) is a predictor of functional loss in ALS as compared to forced vital capacity (FVC). Methods: Consecutive ALS patients in whom respiratory tests were performed at baseline and 6 months later were included. All patients were evaluated with revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) and the respiratory tests, SVC, and FVC. Significant independent variables of functional decay were assessed by univariate Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. A monthly decay not exceeding 0.92 in ALSFRS was considered as the time event. Results: We included 232 patients (134 men; mean onset-age 59.1 ± 11.23 years; mean disease duration from first symptoms to first visit: 14.5 ± 12.9 months; 166 spinal and 66 bulbar onset). All variables studied declined significantly between the two evaluations (p < 0.001). FVC and SVC were strongly correlated at study entry (r2 = 0.98, p < 0.001) and FVC and SVC decays between first evaluation and 6 months after were the only significant prognostic variables of functional decay (p < 0.001). Conclusion: FVC and SVC decay are inter-changeable in predicting functional decay in ALS. Pharmacological interventions reducing the decline rate of FVC and SVC can have a positive impact on the global functional impairment, with relevant implications for clinical trials' design and interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Pinto
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Fisiologia e Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Community and Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria-Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Fisiologia e Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital de Santa Maria-Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
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23
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Wicks P, McCaffrey S, Goodwin K, Black R, Hoole M, Heywood J. A Modular Health-Related Quality of Life Instrument for Electronic Assessment and Treatment Monitoring: Web-Based Development and Psychometric Validation of Core Thrive Items. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e12075. [PMID: 30681962 PMCID: PMC6367664 DOI: 10.2196/12075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures describe natural history, manage disease, and measure the effects of interventions in trials. Patients themselves increasingly use Web-based PRO tools to track their progress, share their data, and even self-experiment. However, existing PROs have limitations such as being: designed for paper (not screens), long and burdensome, negatively framed, under onerous licensing restrictions, either too generic or too specific. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop and validate the core items of a modular, patient-centric, PRO system (Thrive) that could measure health status across a range of chronic conditions with minimal burden. METHODS Thrive was developed in 4 phases, largely consistent with Food and Drug Administration guidance regarding PRO development. First, preliminary core items (common across multiple conditions: core Thrive items) were developed through literature review, analysis of approximately 20 existing PROs on PatientsLikeMe, and feedback from psychometric and content experts. Second, 2 rounds of cognitive interviews were iteratively conducted with patients (N=14) to obtain feedback on the preliminary items. Third, core Thrive items were administered electronically along with comparator measures, including 20-item Short-Form General Health Survey (SF)-20 and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, to a large sample (N=2002) of adults with chronic diseases through the PatientsLikeMe platform. On the basis of theoretical and empirical rationale, items were revised or removed. Fourth, the revised core Thrive items were administered to another sample of patients (N=704) with generic and condition-specific comparator measures. A psychometric evaluation, which included both modern and classical test theory approaches, was conducted on these items, and several more items were removed. RESULTS Cognitive interviews helped to remove confusing or redundant items. Empirical testing of subscales revealed good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha=.712-.879), test-retest reliability (absolute intraclass correlations=.749-.912), and convergent validity with legacy PRO scales (eg, Pearson r=.5-.75 between Thrive subscales and PHQ-9 total). The finalized instrument consists of a 19-item core including 5 multi-item subscales: Core symptoms, Abilities, Mobility, Sleep, and Thriving. Results provide evidence of construct (content, convergent) validity, high levels of test-retest and internal consistency reliability, and the ability to detect change over time. The items did not exhibit bias based on gender or age, and the items generally functioned similarly across conditions. These results support the use of Thrive Core items across diverse chronic patient populations. CONCLUSIONS Thrive appears to be a useful approach for capturing important domains for patients with chronic conditions. This core set serves as a foundation to begin developing modular condition-specific versions in the near future. Cross-walking against traditional PROs from the PatientsLikeMe platform is underway, in addition to clinical validation and comparison with biomarkers. Thrive is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Kim Goodwin
- PatientsLikeMe, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ryan Black
- PatientsLikeMe, Cambridge, MA, United States
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24
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Vogt S, Petri S, Dengler R, Heinze HJ, Vielhaber S. Dyspnea in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Rasch-Based Development and Validation of a Patient-Reported Outcome (DALS-15). J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 56:736-745.e2. [PMID: 30145215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Dyspnea is a cardinal but often underestimated symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The lack of a satisfying assessment tool leads to diagnostic uncertainty and bears the risk that established life-prolonging and symptom-relieving therapeutic options will not be adequately applied. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to develop and validate a German language disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure to assess dyspnea in ALS by combination of a qualitative and quantitative approach using Rasch analysis. METHODS Based on input from clinical experts and patients, a preliminary 35-item questionnaire was developed and completed by 94 patients with ALS having dyspnea. Data were subjected to Rasch analysis and tested for required measurement issues such as appropriate response categories, the absence of differential item functioning, local independence, and unidimensionality. RESULTS After iterative Rasch analyses, the final 15-item Dyspnea-ALS-Scale (DALS-15) was obtained. The scale satisfies the axioms of the Rasch model with good fit statistics, the absence of local dependency, and differential item functioning as well as acceptable unidimensionality. The DALS-15 is optimally targeted and suitable for group and individual use. It shows excellent test-retest reliability and convergent validity. CONCLUSION The DALS-15 satisfies strictest modern measurement criteria and has interval scale properties. It fills an important gap in assessment and could be most helpful to optimize symptom management in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Vogt
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reinhard Dengler
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hans-Jochen Heinze
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Vielhaber
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany
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25
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Thakore NJ, Lapin BR, Pioro EP. Trajectories of impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Insights from the Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials cohort. Muscle Nerve 2018; 57:937-945. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.26042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nimish J. Thakore
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center; Cleveland Clinic; 9500 Euclid Ave S90 Cleveland Ohio 44124 USA
| | - Brittany R. Lapin
- Quantitative Health Sciences; Neurological Institute Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Ohio USA
| | - Erik P. Pioro
- Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Center; Cleveland Clinic; 9500 Euclid Ave S90 Cleveland Ohio 44124 USA
- Department of Neurosciences; Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic; Ohio USA
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Young A, Menon D, Street J, Al-Hertani W, Stafinski T. Exploring patient and family involvement in the lifecycle of an orphan drug: a scoping review. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2017; 12:188. [PMID: 29273068 PMCID: PMC5741909 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-017-0738-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients and their families have become more active in healthcare systems and research. The value of patient involvement is particularly relevant in the area of rare diseases, where patients face delayed diagnoses and limited access to effective therapies due to the high level of uncertainty in market approval and reimbursement decisions. It has been suggested that patient involvement may help to reduce some of these uncertainties. This review explored existing and proposed roles for patients, families, and patient organizations at each stage of the lifecycle of therapies for rare diseases (i.e., orphan drug lifecycle). METHODS A scoping review was conducted using methods outlined by Arksey and O'Malley. To validate the findings from the literature and identify any additional opportunities that were missed, a consultative webinar was conducted with members of the Patient and Caregiver Liaison Group of a Canadian research network. RESULTS Existing and proposed opportunities for involving patients, families, and patient organizations were reported throughout the orphan drug lifecycle and fell into 12 themes: research outside of clinical trials; clinical trials; patient reported outcomes measures; patient registries and biorepositories; education; advocacy and awareness; conferences and workshops; patient care and support; patient organization development; regulatory decision-making; and reimbursement decision-making. Existing opportunities were not described in sufficient detail to allow for the level of involvement to be assessed. Additionally, no information on the impact of involvement within specific opportunities was found. Based on feedback from patients and families, documentation of existing opportunities within Canada is poor. CONCLUSIONS Opportunities for patient, family, and patient organization involvement exist throughout the orphan drug lifecycle. However, based on the information found, it is not possible to determine which opportunities would be most effective at each stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Young
- Health Technology & Policy Unit, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Devidas Menon
- Health Technology & Policy Unit, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Jackie Street
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Walla Al-Hertani
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
| | - Tania Stafinski
- Health Technology & Policy Unit, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
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Morel T, Cano SJ. Measuring what matters to rare disease patients - reflections on the work by the IRDiRC taskforce on patient-centered outcome measures. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2017; 12:171. [PMID: 29096663 PMCID: PMC5667521 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-017-0718-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Our ability to evaluate outcomes which genuinely reflect patients' unmet needs, hopes and concerns is of pivotal importance. However, much current clinical research and practice falls short of this objective by selecting outcome measures which do not capture patient value to the fullest. In this Opinion, we discuss Patient-Centered Outcomes Measures (PCOMs), which have the potential to systematically incorporate patient perspectives to measure those outcomes that matter most to patients. We argue for greater multi-stakeholder collaboration to develop PCOMs, with rare disease patients and families at the center. Beyond advancing the science of patient input, PCOMs are powerful tools to translate care or observed treatment benefit into an 'interpretable' measure of patient benefit, and thereby help demonstrate clinical effectiveness. We propose mixed methods psychometric research as the best route to deliver fit-for-purpose PCOMs in rare diseases, as this methodology brings together qualitative and quantitative research methods in tandem with the explicit aim to efficiently utilise data from small samples. And, whether one opts to develop a brand-new PCOM or to select or adapt an existing outcome measure for use in a rare disease, the anchors remain the same: patients, their daily experience of the rare disease, their preferences, core concepts and values. Ultimately, existing value frameworks, registries, and outcomes-based contracts largely fall short of consistently measuring the full range of outcomes that matter to patients. We argue that greater use of PCOMs in rare diseases would enable a fast track to Patient-Centered Care.
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Hu F, Jin J, Jia R, Xiang L, Qi H, Zhao X, Dang J. Measuring the validation of assessing the non-dominant-hand function by ALSFRS-r in Chinese ALS patients. J Clin Neurosci 2017; 46:17-20. [PMID: 28887079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2017.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
ALSFRS-r is a widely accepted rating scale for measuring the global function of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients, but we found some limitations of ALSFRS-r in assessing the function of non-dominant hand in Chinese ALS patients. We reviewed 95 ALS patients who expressed upper-limb symptoms at first visit and analyzed the ALSFRS-r score and subscale. In both upper limb involved patients, the ALSFRS-r had no difference between dominant-hand and non-dominant-hand onset groups (39.15±5.55 vs 38.0±5.91, p=0.477). But in only one upper limb involved patients, the ALSFRS-r score in non-dominant-hand onset patients was higher than dominant-hand onset patients (43.94±3.44 vs 40.87±4.42, p<0.05), especially in item of handwriting, cutting food and handing utensils (3.56±0.89 vs 2.2±1.27 p=0.001, 3.44±1.03 vs 1.8±1.21 p=0.000). When the item of cutting food and handing utensils was replaced by using food bowl and chopsticks to assess the function of non-dominant-hand, the modified ALSFRS-r score was significantly lower than original ALSFRS-r (43.94±3.44 vs 42.88±3.07 p=0.001), the progression rate was slower (0.81±0.63 vs 0.64±0.63, p=0.001). So, for Chinese ALS patients, using food bowl and chopsticks should replace the item of cutting food and handling utensils to assess the non-dominant-hand function, especially in non-dominant-hand onset patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Hu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, PR China
| | - Jiaoting Jin
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, PR China
| | - Rui Jia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, PR China
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, PR China
| | | | - Xing Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, PR China
| | - Jingxia Dang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, PR China.
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Assessment of the factorial validity and reliability of the ALSFRS-R: a revision of its measurement model. J Neurol 2017; 264:1413-1420. [PMID: 28608303 PMCID: PMC5502060 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-017-8538-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) is a widely used primary outcome measure in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical practice and clinical trials. ALSFRS-R items cannot, however, validly be summed to obtain a total score, but constitute domain scores reflecting a profile of disease severity. Currently, there are different measurement models for estimating domain scores. The objective of the present study is, therefore, to derive the measurement model that best fits the data for a valid and uniform estimation of ALSFRS-R domain scores. Data from 1556 patients with ALS were obtained from a population-based register in The Netherlands. A random split of the sample provided a calibration and validation set. Measurement models of the ALSFRS-R were investigated using both exploratory factor analyses and confirmatory factor analyses. The measurement model with a four-factor structure (i.e., bulbar, fine motor, gross motor, and respiratory function), with correlated factors and cross-loading items on dressing and hygiene and turning in bed and adjusting bed clothes on both motor function scales, provided the best fit to the data in both sets. Correlation between factors ranged from weak to modest, confirming that the ALSFRS-R constitutes a profile of four clinically relevant domain scores rather than a total score that expresses disease severity. The internal consistency of the four domain scores was satisfactory. Our revision of the measurement model may allow for a more adequate estimation of disease severity and disease progression in epidemiological studies and clinical trials.
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Matsuda C, Shimizu T, Nakayama Y, Haraguchi M, Hakuta C, Itagaki Y, Ogura A, Murata K, Taira M, Numayama T, Kinoshita M. Macroglossia in advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2016; 54:386-90. [PMID: 26816340 DOI: 10.1002/mus.25058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An enlarged tongue (macroglossia) has been reported in advanced-stage patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS In this study we examined the prevalence of macroglossia and analyzed clinical correlations in 65 ALS patients on tracheostomy-invasive ventilation (TIV). RESULTS Macroglossia was found in 22 patients (33.8%). Compared with those without macroglossia, patients with macroglossia had a younger age of onset, longer duration of disease and TIV use, lower ALS Functional Rating Scale score, higher body mass index, lower energy intake, more severe communication impairment, and lower oral function. Logistic multivariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI; P = 0.007) and communication impairment (P = 0.029) were significantly correlated with macroglossia. The duration of TIV use was at the cut-off level of significance (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Macroglossia may be the result of overfeeding and replacement by fat during long-term TIV use in patients with advanced ALS. Muscle Nerve, 2016 Muscle Nerve 54: 386-390, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiharu Matsuda
- ALS Nursing Care Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.,Department of Frontier Health Sciences, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Shimizu
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakayama
- ALS Nursing Care Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Michiko Haraguchi
- ALS Nursing Care Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Chiyoko Hakuta
- Department of Preventive Oral Health Care Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumi Itagaki
- ALS Nursing Care Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Akiko Ogura
- ALS Nursing Care Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Kanako Murata
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Rehabilitation Sciences, Showa University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masato Taira
- Department of Cognitive Neurobiology Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Brain Integration Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaya Numayama
- Department of Neurology, Sayama Neurological Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masanobu Kinoshita
- Department of Frontier Health Sciences, Graduate School of Human Health Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
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Proudfoot M, Jones A, Talbot K, Al-Chalabi A, Turner MR. The ALSFRS as an outcome measure in therapeutic trials and its relationship to symptom onset. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2016; 17:414-25. [PMID: 26864085 PMCID: PMC4950444 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2016.1140786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The reduction in ALS Functional Rating Score (ALSFRS) from reported symptom onset to diagnosis is used to estimate rate of disease progression. ALSFRS decline may be non-linear or distorted by drop-outs in therapeutic trials, reducing the reliability of change in slope as an outcome measure. The PRO-ACT database uniquely allows such measures to be explored using historical data from negative therapeutic trials. The decline of functional scores was analysed in 18 pooled trials, comparing rates of decline based on symptom onset with rates calculated between interval assessments. Strategies to mitigate the effects of trial drop-out were considered. Results showed that progression rate calculated by symptom onset underestimated the subsequent rate of disability accumulation, although it predicted survival more accurately than four-month interval estimates of δALSFRS or δFVC. Individual ALSFRS and FVC progression within a typical trial duration were linear. No simple solution to correct for trial drop-out was identified, but imputation using δALSFRS appeared least disruptive. In conclusion, there is a trade-off between the drive to recruit trial participants soon after symptom onset, and reduced reliability of the ALSFRS-derived progression rate at enrolment. The need for objective markers of disease activity as an alternative to survival-based end-points is clear and pressing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Proudfoot
- a Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience , University of Oxford and
| | - Ashley Jones
- b Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London , London SE5 8AF , UK
| | - Kevin Talbot
- a Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience , University of Oxford and
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- b Department of Clinical Neuroscience , Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London , London SE5 8AF , UK
| | - Martin R Turner
- a Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience , University of Oxford and
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Bradley M, Braverman J, Harrington M, Wicks P. Patients' motivations and interest in research: characteristics of volunteers for patient-led projects on PatientsLikeMe. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2016; 2:33. [PMID: 29507767 PMCID: PMC5831886 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-016-0047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
PLAIN ENGLISH SUMMARY PLM is an online platform that provides tools for individuals to track their health and connect with other patients and while PLM has invited patients to participate in various research projects throughout the years, an examination into what motivates patients to want to get involved in clinical research has not been done. During our analysis of applications submitted by members of the PLM community, we looked for reasons patients want to participate in research and their overall beliefs about clinical research, in general. In addition, we analyzed obstacles and barriers toward patients' research participation. We observed the following:Patients are typically motivated by their individual needs and are most interested in research specific to their own condition.To get the most from patients' involvement and to enhance patients' contribution towards research goals, researchers should explain the research goal and requirements of each goal in clear and transparent terms, making it easy for patients to understand, thus avoiding any potential miscommunication.Future studies are needed to determine the best methods for involving patients in clinical research. BACKGROUND Historically, throughout the clinical and medical research arenas, patients have been perceived as passive "subjects" rather than as individuals who may have thoughts regarding research development, research plans, implementation of research studies, and data analysis. However, it is becoming more clear that patients increasingly want to have a more active role in clinical research studies and in the management of their own medical conditions as evidenced by a "no decision about us without us" stance, meaning patients want to make informed decisions about their health while working alongside their healthcare professionals. The central aim of this research study was to determine patients' motivations for being involved in research design and understand their perceptions of current research practices. METHODS Two independent qualitative studies were conducted. In Study 1, we analyzed applications submitted by self-identified patients from within the PatientsLikeMe (PLM) community, for acceptance onto our advisory panel. The advisory panel was tasked with developing a best practice guide for how to involve patients in research. During the qualitative analysis, we identified major reasons for and topics of interest associated with PLM members' motivation to apply to the advisory panel. In Study 2, we analyzed applications from PLM community members and from patients outside the PLM community for a patient-led patient-reported-outcome (PRO) development project. Similar to Study 1, we identified themes associated with patients' motivations to participate in developing a new PRO. RESULTS PLM members are interested in being involved in medical research for various reasons, including facilitating provider-patient communication, improving comprehension of medical information, understanding their disease, and bringing a more individualized approach to health care in general. CONCLUSION Challenges in the process of appropriate involvement of patients in research are discussed. In both studies, the applicants shared their interests in being involved in research. However, in Study 2, many of the patients shared ideas that were not appropriate for the development of a PRO, which indicated limitations in how the invitation and application explained the project to patients. Future studies should contribute to determining the most appropriate method for involving patients in various settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan Bradley
- PatientsLikeMe, Inc., 160 Second St., Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Julia Braverman
- PatientsLikeMe, Inc., 160 Second St., Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | | | - Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe, Inc., 160 Second St., Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
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Tramacere I, Dalla Bella E, Chiò A, Mora G, Filippini G, Lauria G. The MITOS system predicts long-term survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:1180-5. [PMID: 25886781 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-310176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The choice of adequate proxy for long-term survival, the ultimate outcome in randomised clinical trials (RCT) assessing disease-modifying treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a key issue. The intrinsic limitations of the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), including non-linearity, multidimensionality and floor-effect, have emerged and its usefulness argued. The ALS Milano-Torino staging (ALS-MITOS) system was proposed as a novel tool to measure the progression of ALS and overcome these limitations. This study was performed to validate the ALS-MITOS as a 6-month proxy of survival in 200 ALS patients followed up to 18 months. METHODS Analyses were performed on data from the recombinant human erythropoietin RCT that failed to demonstrate differences between groups for both primary and secondary outcomes. The ALS-MITOS system is composed of four key domains included in the ALSFRS-R scale (walking/self-care, swallowing, communicating and breathing), each with a threshold reflecting the loss of function in the specific ALSFRS-R subscores. Sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curves of the ALS-MITOS system stages and ALSFRS-R decline at 6 months were calculated and compared with the primary outcome (survival, tracheotomy or >23-hour non-invasive ventilation) at 12 and 18 months Predicted probabilities of the ALS-MITO system at 6 months for any event at 12 and 18 months were computed through logistic regression models. RESULTS Disease progression from baseline to 6 months as defined by the ALS-MITOS system predicted death, tracheotomy or >23-hour non-invasive ventilation at 12 months with 82% sensitivity (95% CI 71% to 93%, n=37/45) and 63% specificity (95% CI 55% to 71%, n=92/146), and at 18 months with 71% sensitivity (95% CI 61% to 82%, n=50/70) and 68% specificity (95% CI 60% to 77%, n=76/111). The analysis of ALS-MITOS and ALSFRS-R progression at 6-month follow-up showed that the best cut-off to predict survival at 12 and 18 months was 1 for the ALS-MITOS (ie, loss of at least one function) and a decline ranging from 6 to 9 points for the ALSFRS-R. CONCLUSIONS The ALS-MITOS system can reliably predict the course of ALS up to 18 months and can be considered a novel and valid outcome measure in RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tramacere
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Department of Neurosciences, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Graziella Filippini
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Marin B, Bianchi E, Pupillo E, Lunetta C, Tremolizzo L, Logroscino G, Chiò A, Preux PM, Beghi E. Non-self-sufficiency as a primary outcome measure in ALS trials. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 17:77-84. [PMID: 26470831 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1074704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to assess non-self-sufficiency (NSS) in ALS as an outcome measure in therapeutic trials. Using data from the control arm of two randomized trials and an observational study, associations between NSS (score ≤2 in the ALSFRS-R items for swallowing, cutting food and handling utensils, or walking) and the total ALSFRS-R score, forced vital capacity (FVC), and survival at selected time-points until death or 48 weeks, were assessed. These measures were used as surrogates of relevant functional impairment. Of 82 self-sufficient (SS) patients at baseline, 32 (39.0%) became NSS at four weeks and increased to 72 (87.8%) at the end of follow-up. A significant association was found between NSS, ALSFRS-R score and FVC at 24, 36 and 48 weeks. Thirty-four subjects died (41.5%). Compared to SS patients (median survival, 27.9 months), individuals becoming NSS at four weeks were at increased risk to die (median survival, 23.6 months, p = 0.02). NSS status at four weeks predicted survival even after adjustment for ALSFRS-R total score, age, gender, site of onset, disease duration, BMI, and FVC. 'Walking' was the only predictor of survival when adjusting for all covariates. In conclusion, NSS status is a possible endpoint to investigate short-term efficacy of treatments of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Marin
- a INSERM UMR1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology , Limoges.,b University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology , CNRS FR 3503 GEIST , Limoges.,c CHU Limoges, Centre d'Epidémiologie de Biostatistique et de Méthodologie de la Recherche , France.,d Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, Department of Neuroscience , IRCCS Institute for Pharmacological Research Mario Negri , Milan
| | - Elisa Bianchi
- d Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, Department of Neuroscience , IRCCS Institute for Pharmacological Research Mario Negri , Milan
| | - Elisabetta Pupillo
- d Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, Department of Neuroscience , IRCCS Institute for Pharmacological Research Mario Negri , Milan
| | | | - Lucio Tremolizzo
- f Neurology Clinic, San Gerardo Hospital and University of Milano-Bicocca , Monza
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- g Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Department of Basic Medicine Neuroscience and Sense Organs, Department of Clinical Research in Neurology of the University of Bari at 'Pia Fondazione Card. G. Panico' Hospital Tricase (LE) , University of Bari
| | - Adriano Chiò
- h ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience , University of Torino , AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza , Turin , Italy
| | - Pierre Marie Preux
- a INSERM UMR1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology , Limoges.,b University of Limoges, School of Medicine, Institute of Neuroepidemiology and Tropical Neurology , CNRS FR 3503 GEIST , Limoges.,c CHU Limoges, Centre d'Epidémiologie de Biostatistique et de Méthodologie de la Recherche , France
| | - Ettore Beghi
- d Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, Department of Neuroscience , IRCCS Institute for Pharmacological Research Mario Negri , Milan
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Mandrioli J, Biguzzi S, Guidi C, Sette E, Terlizzi E, Ravasio A, Casmiro M, Salvi F, Liguori R, Rizzi R, Pietrini V, Borghi A, Rinaldi R, Fini N, Chierici E, Santangelo M, Granieri E, Mussuto V, De Pasqua S, Georgoulopoulou E, Fasano A, Ferro S, D'Alessandro R. Heterogeneity in ALSFRS-R decline and survival: a population-based study in Italy. Neurol Sci 2015. [PMID: 26205535 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-015-2343-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Very few studies examined trend over time of the revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and factors influencing it; previous studies, then, included only patients attending tertiary ALS Centres. We studied ALSFRS-R decline, factors influencing this trend and survival in a population-based setting. From 2009 onwards, a prospective registry records all incident ALS cases among residents in Emilia Romagna (population: 4.4 million). For each patient, demographic and clinical details (including ALSFRS-R) are collected by caring physicians at each follow-up. Analysis was performed on 402 incident cases (1279 ALSFRS-R assessments). The average decline of the ALSFRS-R was 0.60 points/month during the first year after diagnosis and 0.34 points/month in the second year. ALSFRS-R decline was heterogeneous among subgroups. Repeated measures mixed model showed that ALSFRS-R score decline was influenced by age at onset (p < 0.01), phenotype (p = 0.01), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.01), progression rate at diagnosis (ΔFS) (p < 0.01), El Escorial Criteria-Revised (p < 0.01), and FVC% at diagnosis (p < 0.01). Among these factors, at multivariate analysis, only age, site of onset and ΔFS independently influenced survival. In this first population-based study on ALSFRS-R trend, we confirm that ALSFRS-R decline is not homogeneous among ALS patients and during the disease. Factors influencing ALSFRS-R decline may not match with those affecting survival. These disease modifiers should be taken into consideration for trials design and in clinical practice during discussions with patients on prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neuroscience, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Via Pietro Giardini n. 1355, 41100, Modena, Italy.
| | - Sara Biguzzi
- Department of Neurology, Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, Italy
| | - Carlo Guidi
- Department of Neurology, Forlì Hospital, Forlì, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Terlizzi
- Department of Neurology, G. Da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza, Italy
| | | | - Mario Casmiro
- Department of Neurology, Faenza and Ravenna Hospital, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Salvi
- Neurology Unit, Bellaria Hospital, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Romana Rizzi
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Vladimiro Pietrini
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Annamaria Borghi
- Neurology Unit, Maggiore Hospital, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rita Rinaldi
- Department of Neuroscience, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Fini
- Department of Neuroscience, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Via Pietro Giardini n. 1355, 41100, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Enrico Granieri
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Silvia De Pasqua
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna and IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eleni Georgoulopoulou
- Department of Neuroscience, St. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Via Pietro Giardini n. 1355, 41100, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio Fasano
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Ferro
- Department of Hospital Services, Emilia Romagna Regional Health Authority, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Alessandro
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Nakayama Y, Shimizu T, Mochizuki Y, Hayashi K, Matsuda C, Nagao M, Watabe K, Kawata A, Oyanagi K, Isozaki E, Nakano I. Predictors of impaired communication in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with tracheostomy-invasive ventilation. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 17:38-46. [PMID: 26121169 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1055276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Predictors of communication impairment in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using tracheostomy-invasive ventilation (TIV) were investigated. Seventy-six ALS patients using TIV were enrolled and classified into three subgroups of communication ability: patients who could communicate with communication devices (Stage I), patients who had difficulty with communication (Stage II, III, or IV), and patients who could not communicate by any means (Stage V). Predictors of communication impairment were analysed by the Cox proportional hazard model. Results demonstrated that there were no significant differences in disease duration between subgroups. Within 24 months after disease onset, patients who needed TIV and tube feeding, developed oculomotor impairment or became totally quadriplegic and progressed from Stage I to II and V significantly earlier. Multivariate analyses revealed that within 24 months from onset, the need for TIV and progression to total quadriplegia were significant events in patients who progressed to Stage II, whereas the development of oculomotor limitation was significant in patients who progressed to Stage V. In conclusion, TIV, impaired oculomotor movement and total quadriplegia are predictors of severe communication impairment. Rapid disease progression might indicate future communication impairment after the use of TIV. We highly recommend early detection of impaired communication and identification of the best methods of communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Nakayama
- a Laboratory of Nursing Research for Intractable Disease, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Toshio Shimizu
- b Department of Neurology , Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Yoko Mochizuki
- c Department of Pathology , Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital , Tokyo , Japan.,d Department of Neurology , Tokyo Metropolitan Kita Medical and Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled
| | - Kentaro Hayashi
- b Department of Neurology , Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Chiharu Matsuda
- a Laboratory of Nursing Research for Intractable Disease, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Masahiro Nagao
- b Department of Neurology , Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Watabe
- e ALS and Neuropathy Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Akihiro Kawata
- b Department of Neurology , Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Kiyomitsu Oyanagi
- f Department of Brain Disease Research , Shinshu University School of Medicine , Nagano , Japan
| | - Eiji Isozaki
- b Department of Neurology , Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Imaharu Nakano
- b Department of Neurology , Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital , Tokyo , Japan
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Londral A, Pinto S, de Carvalho M. Markers for upper limb dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis using analysis of typing activity. Clin Neurophysiol 2015; 127:925-931. [PMID: 26160275 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assistive devices based on keyboard access support communication and control tools for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this work was to explore movement activity in the use of keyboards and identify markers for upper limb (UL) dysfunction. METHODS We present a longitudinal study including 19 ALS patients, followed for 2-20 months. Typing activity was recorded with an accelerometer placed on the posterior part of patients' index finger. Participants performed the same 10-word typing task (2-6 assessments). Time and acceleration during keystroke were the main outcomes of this study. Patients were compared with 20 healthy subjects and 6 patients with other neuromuscular disorders. RESULTS During disease progression, mean time in holding down a key increased and was longer than in control subjects. Acceleration at key press and key release decreased with progression of UL dysfunction. Delay between tapping and pressing down each key increased with UL dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Delay in pressing and releasing keys are markers of UL dysfunction in ALS. The decrease in the acceleration of movements related to keystroke can contribute to monitor disease progression. SIGNIFICANCE Typing activity can be explored to access remotely and continuously to ALS progression by patients who use assistive communication devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Londral
- Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Institute of Physiology - Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Susana Pinto
- Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Institute of Physiology - Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Translational Clinical Physiology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Institute of Physiology - Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences, Hospital de Santa Maria - CHLN, Lisbon, Portugal
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Franchignoni F, Mandrioli J, Giordano A, Ferro S. A further Rasch study confirms that ALSFRS-R does not conform to fundamental measurement requirements. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2015; 16:331-7. [PMID: 25916346 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2015.1026829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to verify and expand previous evidence of psychometric inadequacies in the ALSFRS-R, in a different sample of subjects suffering from ALS. Since 2009, a prospective registry records all incident cases of ALS in Emilia Romagna Region, Italy (4.4 million inhabitants) referred to its 17 neurological departments. For each patient, demographic and clinical information is collected by the physician in charge, including compilation of the ALSFRS-R at each clinical follow-up. Results showed that a confirmatory factor analysis on the three-factor model previously found (bulbar, motor, respiratory function) showed a good fit. Rasch analysis on the whole scale showed the need to collapse some rating categories, confirmed the multidimensionality of the ALSFRS-R, and demonstrated the presence of differential item functioning between patients with spinal versus bulbar onset. Moreover, some items included in the three ALSFRS-R subscales showed a problematic fit to the respective construct they were intended to measure. In conclusion, the interpretation of a total raw score of ALSFRS-R is hampered by ambiguities due to the different metric properties of the three domains the scale aggregates, and their content and structure. This study confirms that a refinement of ALSFRS-R is warranted, pointing to the need to revise its whole structure, and providing detailed guidelines for its revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Franchignoni
- a Unit of Occupational Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Scientific Institute of Veruno (NO) , Italy
| | - Jessica Mandrioli
- b Department of Neuroscience , St. Agostino-Estense Hospital , Modena , Italy
| | - Andrea Giordano
- c Unit of Bioengineering, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Scientific Institute of Veruno (NO) , Italy
| | - Salvatore Ferro
- d Department of Hospital Services , Emilia Romagna Regional Health Authority , Bologna , Italy
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Chiò A, Hammond ER, Mora G, Bonito V, Filippini G. Development and evaluation of a clinical staging system for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:38-44. [PMID: 24336810 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staging of disease severity is useful for prognosis, decision-making and resource planning. However, no commonly used, validated staging system exists for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our purpose was to develop an ALS staging system (ALS Milano-Torino Staging) that captures the observed progressive loss of independence and function. METHODS Clinical milestones in ALS progression were defined by loss of independence in four key domains on the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS): swallowing, walking/self-care, communicating and breathing. Stages were defined as follows: stage 0, functional involvement but no loss of independence on any domain; stages 1-4, number of domains in which independence was lost; and stage 5, death. Staging criteria were applied to patients enrolled in a Quality of Care in ALS (QOC) study; endpoints included function (ALSFRS), quality of life (QOL; Short Form-36) and health service costs. Between-stage transition probabilities were assessed in the QOC study and in a second clinical study of lithium carbonate in ALS. RESULTS 70/118 (59.3%) participants in the QOC study progressed to higher stages of disease at 12 months compared with their baseline stage. Functional (ALSFRS) and QOL measures were inversely related to disease stage. Health service costs were directly related to increasing disease stages from 0 to 4 (p<0.001). Probabilities for transitioning from a given stage at baseline in both studies were usually greatest for the next highest stage. CONCLUSIONS The proposed ALS Milano-Torino Staging system correlates well with assessments of function, QOL and health service costs. Further studies are warranted to validate this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Edward R Hammond
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gabriele Mora
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginio Bonito
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Quality of life in organ transplant recipients participating in an online transplant community. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2014; 7:73-84. [PMID: 24194474 PMCID: PMC3929770 DOI: 10.1007/s40271-013-0033-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The PatientsLikeMe Organ Transplants online community allows patients to share detailed health information for research. Objectives The objectives of our study were to describe and contrast data collected through an online community with the broader organ transplant population. Methods Quantitative data were examined with respect to basic demographic characteristics and quantitative data including treatment, symptoms, side effects, and the PatientsLikeMe Quality of Life (PLMQOL) scale. Qualitative data including forum discussion posts and treatment evaluations were examined to support future development of standardized questions that could be added to the platform. Online data were compared with US national registry data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Results Within 30 days of account creation, 1,924 single-organ transplant patients provided spontaneous, patient-reported data in the form of 915 reported symptoms, 938 treatment episodes, and 1,215 PLMQOL assessments. Relative to patients in the UNOS registry, online participants were more likely to be female, younger, and white. Lung transplant patients had worse quality-of-life scores than other organs. Average organ transplant quality-of-life scores were most similar to those of HIV patients, faring better than patients with epilepsy, fibromyalgia, mood disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS. Site users generated 2,169 posts to 346 unique topic threads in the transplants forum. Conclusions Organ transplant patients are willing to report detailed health data through online communities across key domains—symptoms, treatment effects, and generic quality of life—that constitute the essential core of patient-reported outcomes. Patient-reported outcomes captured online have the potential to accelerate learning about patient experiences but suffer methodological challenges that must be overcome to maximize their utility.
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Abdulla S, Vielhaber S, Kollewe K, Machts J, Heinze HJ, Dengler R, Petri S. The impact of physical impairment on emotional well-being in ALS. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2014; 15:392-7. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2014.932380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Lavallee DC, Wicks P, Alfonso Cristancho R, Mullins CD. Stakeholder engagement in patient-centered outcomes research: high-touch or high-tech? Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2014; 14:335-44. [PMID: 24661181 DOI: 10.1586/14737167.2014.901890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Patient and stakeholder engagement enhances the meaningfulness of patient-centered outcomes research. Continuous engagement of diverse patients helps to achieve representativeness and to avoid tokenism, but is perceived as challenging due to resource and time constraints. The widespread availability of the internet, mobile phones, and electronic devices makes 'high-tech' solutions appealing, but such approaches may trade-off larger sample sizes for shallower engagement and/or skewed perspectives if most participants reflect users of technology. More traditional 'high-touch' solutions such as in-person interviews, focus groups, and town hall meetings can provide qualitative and sociological context and potentially more in-depth insights from small numbers of patients, but such approaches are also prone to selection bias as well. We compare and contrast high-tech and high-touch approaches to engaging stakeholders and suggest hybrid processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle C Lavallee
- University of Washington Department of Surgery, 1107 NE 45th St, Suite 502, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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Kazmer MM, Lustria MLA, Cortese J, Burnett G, Kim JH, Ma J, Frost J. Distributed knowledge in an online patient support community: Authority and discovery. J Assoc Inf Sci Technol 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/asi.23064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M. Kazmer
- School of Library and Information Studies; Florida State University; 142 Collegiate Loop Tallahassee FL 32306-2100
| | - Mia Liza A. Lustria
- School of Library and Information Studies; Florida State University; 142 Collegiate Loop Tallahassee FL 32306-2100
| | - Juliann Cortese
- School of Communication; Florida State University; 296 Champions Way Tallahassee FL 32306-2664
| | - Gary Burnett
- School of Library and Information Studies; Florida State University; 142 Collegiate Loop Tallahassee FL 32306-2100
| | - Ji-Hyun Kim
- School of Library and Information Studies; Florida State University; 142 Collegiate Loop Tallahassee FL 32306-2100
| | - Jinxuan Ma
- School of Library and Information Studies; Florida State University; 142 Collegiate Loop Tallahassee FL 32306-2100
| | - Jeana Frost
- VU Amsterdam; De Boelelaan 1081 1081 HV Amsterdam
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Franchignoni F, Mora G, Giordano A, Volanti P, Chiò A. Evidence of multidimensionality in the ALSFRS-R Scale: a critical appraisal on its measurement properties using Rasch analysis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2013; 84:1340-5. [PMID: 23516308 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-304701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine dimensionality, reliability and validity of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) using traditional classical test theory methods and Rasch analysis in order to provide a rationale for possible improvement of its metric quality. METHODS Methodological research on ALSFRS-R collected in a consecutive sample of 485 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) attending three tertiary ALS centres. RESULTS The ALSFRS-R items showed good internal consistency but dimensionality analysis argues against the use of ALSFRS-R as a single score because the scale lacks unidimensionality. Parallel analysis and exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors representing the following domains: (1) bulbar function; (2) fine and gross motor function; and (3) respiratory function. Rasch analysis showed that all items in each domain fitted the respective constructs to measure, except for item No 9 'climbing stairs' and item No 12 'respiratory insufficiency'. Rating categories did not comply with the criteria for category functioning. Collapsing the scale's 5 level ratings into 3 levels improved its metric quality. CONCLUSIONS The ALSFRS-R fails to satisfy rigorous measurement standards and should be, at least in part, revised. At present, ALSFRS-R should be considered as a profile of mean scores from three different domains (bulbar, motor and respiratory functions) more than a global total score. Further studies on ALSFRS-R using modern psychometric methods are warranted to confirm our findings and refine the metric quality of this scale, through a step by step process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Franchignoni
- Unit of Occupational Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, Scientific Institute of Veruno, , Novara, Italy
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THEME 6 EPIDEMIOLOGY. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013. [DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.838420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Brady CB, Trevor KT, Stein TD, Deykin EY, Perkins SD, Averill JG, Guilderson L, McKee AC, Renner SW, Kowall NW. The Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank: a national resource for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2013; 14:591-7. [PMID: 23971854 DOI: 10.3109/21678421.2013.822516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to describe a unique national resource to facilitate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, the Department of Veterans Affairs Biorepository Brain Bank. Enrolled veterans receive biannual telephone follow-up to collect clinical data until death including the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R). A comprehensive post mortem examination is performed and a wide range of fixed and frozen brain and spinal cord samples are banked. As of December 2012, 240 veterans were enrolled from 47 states and post mortem tissue recoveries were performed on 100 veterans from 37 states. Average disease duration was 13.5 (range 3-45) years. Average follow-up for living subjects was 3.1 years and average ALSFRS-R score was 23.5 compared to 25.9 (12-24 months earlier), indicating slow disease progression. ALS was confirmed by post mortem examination in 97% of cases. Eighty-six percent of cases were TDP-43-positive. Additional neuropathological diagnoses include Lewy body disease (13%), frontotemporal lobar degeneration (6.3%), chronic traumatic encephalopathy with motor neuron disease (3.2%), and Alzheimer's disease (2.1%). Tissue RIN values were ≥ 4.0 in 88% of cases. In conclusion, the availability of high quality fixed and frozen CNS tissue from this well characterized cohort is an important resource to facilitate research into genetic and environmental risk factors and clinical pathological relationships in ALS.
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Wicks P, Stamford J, Grootenhuis MA, Haverman L, Ahmed S. Innovations in e-health. Qual Life Res 2013; 23:195-203. [PMID: 23852096 PMCID: PMC3929022 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-013-0458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The theme of ISOQOL’s 19th Annual Conference in Budapest, Hungary, was The Journey of Quality of Life Research: A Path Towards Personalized Medicine. Innovations in e-health was one of four plenary panels. E-health is changing the landscape of clinical practice and health care, but the best way to leverage the many promised benefits of emerging e-health technologies is still not clear. The Innovations in e-health panel presented emerging changes in technologies and applications that will facilitate clinical decision making, improve quality and efficiency of care, engage individuals in clinical decision making, and empower them to adopt healthy behaviors. The purpose of this paper was to present emerging trends in e-health and considerations for successful adoption of new technologies, and an overview of each of the presentations in the e-health plenary. The presentations included a personal perspective on the use of technology for self-monitoring in Parkinson’s disease, an overview of online social networks and emerging technologies, and the collection of patient-reported outcomes through web-based systems in clinical practice. The common thread across all the talks was the application of e-health tools to empower individuals with chronic disease to be actively engaged in the management of their health. Considerations regarding data ownership and privacy, universal access to e-health, interactivity between different types of e-health technologies, and tailoring applications to individual needs were explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Wicks
- PatientsLikeMe, Research and Development, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Abdulla S, Vielhaber S, Körner S, Machts J, Heinze HJ, Dengler R, Petri S. Validation of the German version of the extended ALS functional rating scale as a patient-reported outcome measure. J Neurol 2013; 260:2242-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-013-6955-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Holm T, Maier A, Wicks P, Lang D, Linke P, Münch C, Steinfurth L, Meyer R, Meyer T. Severe loss of appetite in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: online self-assessment study. Interact J Med Res 2013; 2:e8. [PMID: 23608722 PMCID: PMC3632382 DOI: 10.2196/ijmr.2463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Undesirable loss of weight is a major challenge in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, little is known about loss of appetite in ALS patients. Objective We investigated loss of appetite in ALS patients by means of an online self-assessment and whether ALS-related symptoms were associated with it. Methods Loss of appetite in 51 ALS patients was assessed using the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ). Loss of appetite is defined as a CNAQ-score of 28 or less with a predicted weight loss of at least 5% within 6 months. We developed an Internet portal to facilitate self-assessment. Results Approximately half of the ALS patients (47%, 24/51) suffered from severe loss of appetite; after 6 months this increased to nearly two-thirds (65%, 22/34). An average weight loss of 5% was found in the group with severe loss of appetite as compared to only 2% of patients with normal appetite. Interestingly, loss of appetite was associated with respiratory dysfunction (P=.001, R2=.223). Conclusions Loss of appetite was more common and more severe than expected. It was found to be an independent risk factor for unintended weight loss and may be related to dyspnea. The impact of severe loss of appetite on survival and quality of life should be established in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Holm
- Department of Neurology, Charité, University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
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Hayashi K, Mochizuki Y, Nakayama Y, Shimizu T, Kawata A, Nagao M, Mizutani T, Matsubara S. [Communication disorder in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis after ventilation--a proposal of staging and a study of predictive factor]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2013; 53:98-103. [PMID: 23470888 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.53.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ALS patients supported by a ventilator often suffered from difficulty in communicating with others. We herein proposed a new classification of clinical stages of advanced ALS focusing on the degree of communication disturbance. We analyzed the relationship between clinical findings and the prognosis for communication disturbance. Twenty-nine ALS patients without dementia were enrolled in the study. The proposed classification consisted of five stages. Stage I: communicate in sentences, stage II: communicate with one word answers only, stage III: communicate with nonverbal yes/no response only, stage IV: cannot communicate occasionally due to uncertain yes/no responses, stage V: cannot communicate by any means. Clinical analysis showed that patients who reached stage V had begun to use the ventilator significantly earlier than patients with the final stages of IV or less. In addition, patients in stage V frequently had a family history of ALS. Rapid disease progression before ventilator use in patients with a family history might predict a poor long-term prognosis for communication disorder after using the ventilator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Hayashi
- Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital
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