Body Weight Gain Is Associated with the Disease Stage in Advanced Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with Invasive Ventilation

Spinal cord neurone loss and foot placement changes in a rat knock-in model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is an age-dependent cell type-selective degenerative disease. Genetic studies indicate that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is part of a spectrum of disorders, ranging from spinal muscular atrophy to frontotemporal dementia that share common pathological mechanisms. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8 is a familial disease caused by mis-sense mutations in VAPB. VAPB is localized to the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, where it serves as a docking point for cytoplasmic proteins and mediates inter-organelle interactions with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. A gene knock-in model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8 based on the VapBP56S mutation and VapB gene deletion has been generated in rats. These animals display a range of age-dependent phenotypes distinct from those previously reported in mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Type 8. A loss of motor neurones in VapBP56S/+ and VapBP56S/P56S animals is indicated by a reduction in the number of large choline acetyl transferase-staining cells in the spinal cord. VapB-/- animals exhibit a relative increase in cytoplasmic TDP-43 levels compared with the nucleus, but no large protein aggregates. Concomitant with these spinal cord pathologies VapBP56S/+ , VapBP56S/P56S and VapB-/- animals exhibit age-dependent changes in paw placement and exerted pressures when traversing a CatWalk apparatus, consistent with a somatosensory dysfunction. Extramotor dysfunction is reported in half the cases of motor neurone disease, and this is the first indication of an associated sensory dysfunction in a rodent model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Different rodent models may offer complementary experimental platforms with which to understand the human disease.

Malnutrition assessment by Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Malnutrition can play an important prognostic role in terms of survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this clinical context, applying criteria defining malnutrition requires particular attention, especially in the initial stage of the disease. This article discusses the application of the most recent criteria used for the definition of malnutrition when applied to patients with ALS. Currently, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, which have received a worldwide consensus, are based on parameters such as unintentional weight loss, low body mass index (BMI), and reduced muscle mass (phenotypic criteria) in combination with reduced food intake and assimilation or inflammation and disease (etiologic criteria). However, as discussed in this review, the initial unintentional weight loss and the consequent BMI reduction could be attributed, at least in part, to muscle atrophy, which also alters the reliability of muscle mass assessment. Moreover, the condition of hypermetabolism, which is observed in up to 50% of these patients, may complicate the calculation of total energy requirements. Finally, it remains to be established if the presence of neuroinflammation can be considered a type of inflammatory process able to induce malnutrition in these patients. In conclusion, the monitoring of BMI, associated with body composition evaluation by bioimpedance measurement or specific formulas, could be a practicable approach to the diagnosis of malnutrition in patients with ALS. In addition, attention should be given to dietary intake (e.g., in patients with dysphagia) and excessive involuntary weight loss. On the other hand, as suggested by GLIM criteria, a single assessment of BMI resulting in <20 kg/m² or <22 kg/m² in patients aged <70 y and ≥70 y, respectively, should always be considered a sign of malnutrition.

Clinical relevance of macroglossia to disease progression in ventilation dependent patients with advanced ALS

BACKGROUND

Macroglossia is one of the clinical signs that emerges in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who are undergoing invasive ventilation.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the relationship between the progression of macroglossia and the clinical characteristics during the advanced stages of ALS.

METHODS

Forty-one patients with ALS using invasive ventilation with tracheostomy were prospectively followed over a 3-year period. We evaluated the prevalence of macroglossia, motor disabilities including oral function, communication ability (communication stage I to V) as a marker of disease progression, and nutritional factors. We analyzed the potential factors affecting the progression of macroglossia using a multivariate logistic analysis.

RESULTS

The number of patients with macroglossia was increased during the follow-up (from 24.4 to 53.7%), while the communication stage progressed from 2.6 in average (SD 1.7) to 3.5 (1.4). During the study, body weight increased, while energy intake decreased, suggesting progressive hypometabolism. Eight patients had newly developed macroglossia during the study and showed greater progression of communication impairment than those without macroglossia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that communication impairment was a factor associated with macroglossia.

CONCLUSION

Macroglossia in advanced ALS with invasive ventilation is associated with disease progression.