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Angelopoulou E, Koros C, Stanitsa E, Stamelos I, Kontaxopoulou D, Fragkiadaki S, Papatriantafyllou JD, Smaragdaki E, Vourou K, Pavlou D, Bamidis PD, Stefanis L, Papageorgiou SG. Neurological Examination via Telemedicine: An Updated Review Focusing on Movement Disorders. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:958. [PMID: 38929575 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) living in remote and underserved areas often have limited access to specialized healthcare, while the feasibility and reliability of the video-based examination remains unclear. The aim of this narrative review is to examine which parts of remote neurological assessment are feasible and reliable in movement disorders. Clinical studies have demonstrated that most parts of the video-based neurological examination are feasible, even in the absence of a third party, including stance and gait-if an assistive device is not required-bradykinesia, tremor, dystonia, some ocular mobility parts, coordination, and gross muscle power and sensation assessment. Technical issues (video quality, internet connection, camera placement) might affect bradykinesia and tremor evaluation, especially in mild cases, possibly due to their rhythmic nature. Rigidity, postural instability and deep tendon reflexes cannot be remotely performed unless a trained healthcare professional is present. A modified version of incomplete Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)-III and a related equation lacking rigidity and pull testing items can reliably predict total UPDRS-III. UPDRS-II, -IV, Timed "Up and Go", and non-motor and quality of life scales can be administered remotely, while the remote Movement Disorder Society (MDS)-UPDRS-III requires further investigation. In conclusion, most parts of neurological examination can be performed virtually in PD, except for rigidity and postural instability, while technical issues might affect the assessment of mild bradykinesia and tremor. The combined use of wearable devices may at least partially compensate for these challenges in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Angelopoulou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Koros
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Stanitsa
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Stamelos
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Dionysia Kontaxopoulou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Stella Fragkiadaki
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - John D Papatriantafyllou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Smaragdaki
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Vourou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimosthenis Pavlou
- School of Topography and Geoinformatics, University of West Attica, Ag. Spyridonos Str., 12243 Aigalew, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Bamidis
- Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Leonidas Stefanis
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Sokratis G Papageorgiou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Aiginition University Hospital, Vasilissis Sofias Street 72-74, 11528 Athens, Greece
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Lempesis IG, Georgakopoulou VE, Reiter RJ, Spandidos DA. A mid‑pandemic night's dream: Melatonin, from harbinger of anti‑inflammation to mitochondrial savior in acute and long COVID‑19 (Review). Int J Mol Med 2024; 53:28. [PMID: 38299237 PMCID: PMC10852014 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2024.5352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), a systemic illness caused by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), has triggered a worldwide pandemic with symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to chronic, affecting practically every organ. Melatonin, an ancient antioxidant found in all living organisms, has been suggested as a safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection due to its good safety characteristics and broad‑spectrum antiviral medication properties. Melatonin is essential in various metabolic pathways and governs physiological processes, such as the sleep‑wake cycle and circadian rhythms. It exhibits oncostatic, anti‑inflammatory, antioxidant and anti‑aging properties, exhibiting promise for use in the treatment of numerous disorders, including COVID‑19. The preventive and therapeutic effects of melatonin have been widely explored in a number of conditions and have been well‑established in experimental ischemia/reperfusion investigations, particularly in coronary heart disease and stroke. Clinical research evaluating the use of melatonin in COVID‑19 has shown various improved outcomes, including reduced hospitalization durations; however, the trials are small. Melatonin can alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction in COVID‑19, improve immune cell function and provide antioxidant properties. However, its therapeutic potential remains underexplored due to funding limitations and thus further investigations are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Georgakopoulou VE, Makrodimitri S, Gkoufa A, Apostolidi E, Provatas S, Papalexis P, Spandidos DA, Lempesis IG, Gamaletsou MN, Sipsas NV. Lung function at three months after hospitalization due to COVID‑19 pneumonia: Comparison of alpha, delta and omicron variant predominance periods. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:83. [PMID: 38274344 PMCID: PMC10809351 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has already affected millions of individuals, with increasing numbers of survivors. These data suggest that the pulmonary sequelae of the infection may have an effect on a wide range of individuals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate pulmonary function in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 three months after hospital discharge. A total of 116 patients, 34 females and 82 males, with a mean age of 57.77±11.45 years, who were hospitalized due to COVID-19, underwent pulmonary function testing three months after their hospital discharge. Of these, 83 (71.6%) patients were hospitalized in the period of alpha variant predominance, 16 (13.8%) in the period of delta variant predominance and 17 (14.6%) in the omicron variant predominance period. The mean value of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO)% predicted (pred) was statistically higher in patients affected by the omicron variant (P=0.028). Abnormal values (<80% pred) of DLCO and total lung capacity (TLC) were observed in 28.4 and 20.7% of the patients, respectively. Active smoking was an independent predictor of abnormal values of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec % pred and TLC% pred [P=0.038; odds ratio (OR): 8.574, confidence interval (CI) 1.124-65.424 and P=0.004, OR: 14.733, CI 2.323-93.429, respectively], age was an independent predictor of abnormal values of forced vital capacity % pred and DLCO% pred (P=0.027, OR: 1.124, CI 1.014-1.246 and P=0.011, OR:1.054, CI 1.012-1.098, respectively); and female sex was an independent predictor of abnormal values of DLCO% pred (P=0.009, OR: 1.124, CI 1.014-1.246). Α significant percentage of hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 pneumonia will develop abnormal pulmonary function, regardless of the SARS-CoV-2 variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria Makrodimitri
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Gkoufa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Apostolidi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Provatas
- ENT Department, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Papalexis
- Unit of Endocrinology, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria N. Gamaletsou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V. Sipsas
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Boura I, Qamar MA, Daddoveri F, Leta V, Poplawska-Domaszewicz K, Falup-Pecurariu C, Ray Chaudhuri K. SARS-CoV-2 and Parkinson's Disease: A Review of Where We Are Now. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2524. [PMID: 37760965 PMCID: PMC10526287 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been discussed in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD) over the last three years. Now that we are entering the long-term phase of this pandemic, we are intrigued to look back and see how and why the community of patients with PD was impacted and what knowledge we have collected so far. The relationship between COVID-19 and PD is likely multifactorial in nature. Similar to other systemic infections, a probable worsening of PD symptoms secondary to COVID-19, either transient or persistent (long COVID), has been demonstrated, while the COVID-19-related mortality of PD patients may be increased compared to the general population. These observations could be attributed to direct or indirect damage from SARS-CoV-2 in the central nervous system (CNS) or could result from general infection-related parameters (e.g., hospitalization or drugs) and the sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., quarantine). A growing number of cases of new-onset parkinsonism or PD following SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported, either closely (post-infectious) or remotely (para-infectious) after a COVID-19 diagnosis, although such a link remains hypothetical. The pathophysiological substrate of these phenomena remains elusive; however, research studies, particularly pathology studies, have suggested various COVID-19-induced degenerative changes with potential associations with PD/parkinsonism. We review the literature to date for answers considering the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and PD/parkinsonism, examining pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, vaccination, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iro Boura
- Parkinson’s Foundation Centre of Excellence, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK; (I.B.)
- Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RX, UK
- Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, 71003 Iraklion, Greece
| | - Mubasher A. Qamar
- Parkinson’s Foundation Centre of Excellence, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK; (I.B.)
- Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RX, UK
| | - Francesco Daddoveri
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Leta
- Parkinson’s Foundation Centre of Excellence, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK; (I.B.)
- Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RX, UK
- Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Fondazione, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Cristian Falup-Pecurariu
- Department of Neurology, County Clinic Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University Brasov, 500019 Brasov, Romania
| | - K. Ray Chaudhuri
- Parkinson’s Foundation Centre of Excellence, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK; (I.B.)
- Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, 5 Cutcombe Road, London SE5 9RX, UK
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