Characteristics and predictors of sexual dysfunction in men with multiple sclerosis

PURPOSE

To validate and culturally adapt the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (IIEF-5) and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), to compare the frequency and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in male individuals with MS (mwMS) in comparison with healthy controls (HC) and to investigate predictors of the severity of ED and PE in mwMS.

METHODS

216 consecutive mwMS and 37 HC completed IIEF-5 and PEDT. Additionally, 114 mwMS completed the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2), Composite Autonomic System Score-31 (COMPASS-31), and the 5-level EQ-5D questionnaire.

RESULTS

The test-retest reliability was satisfactory for both questionnaires, with acceptable reliability for both questionnaires. mwMS scored less on IIEF-5 compared to HC (23, IQR 18.25-25 vs 24, IQR 20.25-25, p = 0.028). ED was present in 39.4 % of mwMS and 27.8 % of HC (p = 0.198). Definite PE was present in 12.1 %, and possible PE in 7.8 % of mwMS; and 5.6 % and 11.1 % of HC respectively (p = 0.496). An increase in EDSS was a positive predictor (Exp(B) 1.455, 95 %CI 1.135-1.886, p = 0.003) and the presence of cremasteric reflex was a negative predictor (Exp(B) 0.381, 95 %CI 0.183-0.790, p = 0.010) for the presence of ED. For the PE, disease duration was the only positive predictor in a univariable logistic regression (Exp(B) 1.084, 95 %CI 1.019-1.153, p = 0.070).

CONCLUSION

SD is frequent in mwMS with EDSS being a positive and the presence of cremasteric reflex a negative predictor of ED and disease duration a positive predictor of PE symptoms.

COVID-19 vaccination uptake in people with multiple sclerosis compared to the general population

OBJECTIVE

To determine the COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) compared to the general population in Croatia.

METHODS

Data from all pwMS entered in the MS Base register until March 24th, 2022 were extracted including age, sex, MS phenotype, disease-modifying therapy (DMT), and date of COVID-19 vaccination. Data on the general population of Croatia were obtained from the vaccination register of the Croatian Institute of Public Health.

RESULTS

64.4% pwMS were fully COVID-19 vaccinated which was comparable to 66.3% of the general population. More pwMS were fully vaccinated in the age group 20-24 (74.1% vs 51.7%), and fewer pwMS were fully vaccinated in the age group 65-69 (33.3% vs 80.4%) compared to the general population of the same age group, respectively. PwMS who received at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine were older (40.5 vs 37.6 years, p = 0.01), had higher EDSS (2.0 vs 1.0, p = 0.025), and had longer disease duration (6.39 vs 5.35 years, p = 0.02), were more likely to have progressive disease course (p = 0.049) and were on high efficacy DMTs (p = 0.045) compared to unvaccinated pwMS. Longer disease duration positively predicted vaccine uptake.

CONCLUSION

Croatia has suboptimal COVID-19 vaccination uptake without a significant difference between the general population and pwMS.

Higher MRI lesion load in multiple sclerosis is related to the N-glycosylation changes of cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G

BACKGROUND

Intrathecal clonal expansion of antibody-producing plasma cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) perpetuates central nervous system injury and is associated with active demyelination. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) effector functions are modulated by linked N-glycan structures. The aim of the study was to detect potential differences in N-glycosylation of IgG in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and total sera proteins between people with MS and those in whom the diagnosis of MS was excluded. Furthermore, we investigated the association with standard laboratory biomarkers of intrathecal inflammation as well as clinical and neuroradiological disease activity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included patients with suspected demyelinating disease. MS diagnosis was based on the 2017 McDonald criteria and controls were patients with excluded MS diagnosis. N-glycans were compared with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of disease activity and biomarkers of intrathecal inflammation (cell count, CSF-IgG concentration, percentage of intrathecal IgG, oligoclonal bands (OCB), virus-specific antibody index (MRZH reaction)).

RESULTS

Differences between groups were observed only in the CSF-IgG N-glycome. In MS, the presence of bisecting N-acetylglucosamine (Padj=2.63E-05) and monogalactosylation (Padj=1.49E-06) were more abundant and associated with positive OCBs. N-glycans monogalactosylated at the α6 arm FA2[6]G1 (r = 0.56) and FA2[6]BG1 (r = 0.45) correlated with percentage of intrathecal IgG, but not total CSF-IgG. This trait was also more abundant in MRZH positive people with MS who had higher MRI lesion load (P = 0.018) but unrelated to active lesions or EDSS.

CONCLUSIONS

More abundant monogalactosylation of intrathecally synthesized IgG is the most prominent trait in MS and is associated with higher MRI lesion load.

Cladribine tablets in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis: A real-world multicentric study from southeast European MS centers

BACKGROUND

Cladribine is an oral disease-modifying drug authorized by the European Medicine Agency for the treatment of highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

OBJECTIVES

To provide real-world evidence of cladribine's effectiveness and safety in people with MS (pwMS).

METHODS

A retrospective observational multi-center, multi-national study of pwMS who were started on cladribine tablets in ten centers from five European countries.

RESULTS

We identified 320 pwMS treated with cladribine tablets. The most common comorbidities were arterial hypertension and depression. Three patients had resolved hepatitis B infection, while eight had positive Quantiferon test prior to cladribine commencement. There were six pwMS who had malignant diseases, but all were non-active. During year 1, 91.6% pwMS did not have EDSS worsening, 86.9% were relapse-free and 72.9% did not have MRI activity. During the second year, 90.2% did not experience EDSS worsening, 86.5% were relapse-free and 75.5% did not have MRI activity. NEDA-3 was present in 58.0% pwMS in year 1 and in 54.2% in year 2. In a multivariable logistic regression model age positively predicted NEDA-3 in year 1. The most common adverse events were infections and skin-related adverse events. Lymphopenia was noted in 54.7% of pwMS at month 2 and in 35.0% at month 6. Two pwMS had a newly discovered malignant disease, one breast cancer, and one melanoma, during the first year of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our real-world data on the effectiveness and safety of cladribine tablets are comparable to the pivotal study and other real-world data with no new safety signals.

Short- and long-term effects of siponimod on autonomic nervous system in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term effects of siponimod on autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, in people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (pwSPMS) METHODS: The following ANS tests were performed in 26 pwSPMS: a 10 min supine resting position, Valsalva maneuver, deep breathing test and a 10 min tilt-up table test. Heart rate variability (HRV) was performed for the 10 min in supine resting position (M0) and for a 3 h period after siponimod treatment initiation (M0_s1-6). All ANS tests were repeated after at least 6 months of treatment with siponimod (M6).

RESULTS

In all 6 intervals after siponimod ingestion (M0_s1-6), standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) was higher compared to M0. After 6 months of continuous treatment with siponimod, SDNN was significantly lower compared to M0. At M6, Valsalva ratio and respiratory sinus arrhythmia were lower compared to M0 values (1.510±0.338 vs 1.864±0.456, p=0.003 and 7.969±2.865 vs 13.091±4.687, p<0.001, respectively). Cardiovagal index was significantly higher at M6 compared to M0 (1 (range 0-2) vs 0 (range 0-1), p=0.008, respectively). Active Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) one year prior to starting siponimod was a positive predictor of M6 SDNN and Adrenergic Index (AI) at M0 was a negative predictor of M6 SDNN.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown an inverse relationship in short- versus long-term effects of siponimod on ANS function. A shift towards parasympathetic predominance was observed during the first three hours after ingestion, while after 6 or more months of continuous treatment with siponimod, a shift towards sympathetic predominance was observed.

Hypogammaglobulinemia, infections and COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab

Objective

To determine the influence of immunoglobulins (Ig) level on the rate of infections in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) treated with ocrelizumab.

Methods

We enrolled 109 consecutive pwMS treated with ocrelizumab with a mean follow-up of 2.69±0.56 (1.36-4.27) years. We have retrospectively searched our electronic database and the following information was collected: age, sex, MS characteristics, number of ocrelizumab cycles, infections, duration of the infection, hospitalization due to infection, treatment of the infection, and COVID-19 characteristics. Ig levels were measured within 14 days before each ocrelizumab infusion.

Results

Number of pwMS with values of IgM and IgG below lower level of normal at baseline was 3 (2.8%) and 2 (2.8%), respectively; and before 6^th cycle of ocrelizumab 5 (13.5%) and 5 (13.5%), respectively. Levels of IgM were steadily decreasing over time, while levels of IgG started to show statistically significant drop only after 5^th cycle of ocrelizumab. 58.7% pwMS experienced infection during treatment, with a median number of infections per pwMS being 1, range 0-4. Female sex increased the risk of any infection (HR 2.561, 95%CI 1.382-4.774, p=0.003). Higher age and smaller drop in IgM before 3^rd ocrelizumab cycle increased the risk for infection requiring hospitalization (HR 1.086, 95%CI 1.018-1.159, p=0.013 and HR 9.216, 95%CI 1.124-75.558, p=0.039, respectively). Longer disease duration increased the risk for COVID-19 (HR 1.075, 95%CI 1.002-1.154, p=0.045).

Conclusion

The present findings broaden limited real-world data on infection and COVID-19 risk in pwMS treated with ocrelizumab.

Humoral and cellular immunity in convalescent and vaccinated COVID-19 people with multiple sclerosis: Effects of disease modifying therapies

Objectives

To determine anti-SARS-Cov2 antibodies and T-cell immunity in convalescent people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and/or pwMS vaccinated against Covid-19, depending on the disease modifying therapy, and in comparison to healthy controls (HC).

Methods

75 participants were enrolled: Group 1—29 (38.7%) COVID-19 convalescent participants; Group 2—34 (45.3%) COVID-19 vaccinated; Group 3—12 (16.0%) COVID-19 convalescent participants who were later vaccinated against COVID-19. Cellular immunity was evaluated by determination of number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells secreting TNFα, IFNγ, and IL2 after stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 peptides.

Results

pwMS treated with ocrelizumab were less likely to develop humoral immunity after COVID-19 recovery or vaccination. No difference was observed in the cellular immunity in all studied parameters between pwMS treated with ocrelizumab compared to HC or pwMS who were treatment naïve or on first line therapies. These findings were consistent in convalescent, vaccinated, and convalescent+vaccinated participants. COVID-19 vaccinated convalescent pwMS on ocrelizumab compared to COVID-19 convalescent HC who were vaccinated did not show statistically difference in the rate of seroconversion nor titers of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Conclusion

Presence of cellular immunity in pwMS on B-cell depleting therapies is reassuring, as at least partial protection from more severe COVID-19 outcomes can be expected.

Product review on MAbs (alemtuzumab and ocrelizumab) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Traditionally, the management of active relapsing remitting MS was based on the, so-called, maintenance therapy, which is characterized by continuous treatment with particular disease modifying therapy (DMT), and a return of disease activity when the drug is discontinued. Another approach is characterized by a short treatment course of a DMT, which is hypothesized to act as an immune reconstitution therapy (IRT), with the potential to protect against relapses for years after a short course of treatment. Introduction of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of MS has revolutionized MS treatment in the last decade. However, given the increasingly complex landscape of DMTs approved for MS, people with MS and neurologists are constantly faced with the question which DMT is the most appropriate for the given patient, a question we still do not have an answer to. In this product review, we will discuss the first DMT that acts as IRT, an anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab and an anti CD20 monoclonal antibody, ocrelizumab that has the potential to act as an IRT, but is administered continuously. Special emphasis will be given on safety in the context of COVID-19 pandemics and vaccination strategies.

Humoral immune response in convalescent COVID-19 people with multiple sclerosis treated with high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies: A multicenter, case-control study

Aim

To determine the influence of high-efficacy disease modifying therapy (DMT) on the development of IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in COVID-19 convalescent people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

Methods

Seventy-four pwMS taking high-efficacy DMTs (specifically natalizumab, fingolimod, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, cladribine and ublituximab) and diagnosed with COVID-19 and 44 healthy persons (HC) were enrolled. SARS-CoV2 antibodies were tested with Elecsys® Anti-SARSCoV-2 S assay.

Results

pwMS taking high-efficacy DMTs had a significantly higher chance of having negative titer of SARS-CoV2 antibodies compared to healthy controls (33 negative pwMS [44.6%] compared to one negative HC [2.3%], p < 0.001). pwMS taking B-cell depleting therapy (ocrelizumab and ublituximab) had a significantly higher chance of having negative titer of SARS-CoV2 antibodies compared to pwMS on all other DMTs (29 negative pwMS on B-cell therapy [64.4%] compared to four negative pwMS on all other DMTs [13.8%], p < 0.001). Out of other DMTs, two (33.3%) pwMS taking fingolimod and two (16.7%) pwMS taking cladribine failed to develop IgG SARS-COV-2 antibodies. B-cell depleting therapy independently predicted negative titer of IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibody (Exp[B] =0.014, 95%CI 0.002–0.110, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A significant proportion of convalescent COVID-19 pwMS on high-efficacy DMTs will not develop IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. B-cell depleting therapies independently predict negative and low titer of IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibody.

Effectiveness and safety of alemtuzumab in the treatment of active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a multicenter, observational study

OBJECTIVE

So far, a limited number of real-world evidence studies about the effectiveness and safety of alemtuzumab (ALM) have been published, some of them with a relatively small number of included patients. We aimed to study the efficacy and safety of ALM in real-world clinical practice in two MS centers in Slovenia and Croatia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of 71 consecutive patients with relapsing-remitting MS who were treated with ALM from 2015 till 2018. The following data were collected: gender, age at disease onset, disease duration at ALM initiation, previous disease modifying therapy, number of relapses, active MRI lesions, and EDSS in the year prior to ALM initiation and every year of follow-up.

RESULTS

All patients completed the standard dosing schedule and were followed for a mean time of 3.2±1.1 years after the initiation of treatment. Complete data for the 2 years after treatment (relapses, EDSS, and MRI) were available for 48 patients, of which 14 (29.2%) achieved NEDA. Clinical NEDA was achieved in 38 out of 63 participants (60.3%). In year 1, 24 out of 57 (42.1%) patients achieved NEDA. In year 2, 26 out of 41 (63.4%) patients achieved NEDA. Lower EDSS prior to starting ALM was the only independent predictor of NEDA in a multivariable model. Adverse events occurred in 58 participants (84.1%), with no new safety signals identified.

CONCLUSION

According to the data from our cohort of early active RRMS patients we conclude ALM efficacy remains high in the real-world clinical practice.

Approaches and challenges in the diagnosis and management of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: A Central Eastern European perspective from healthcare professionals

Secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is a debilitating condition characterized by gradual worsening after an initial relapsing disease course. Despite the recent advances in our understanding of the disease, the diagnosis and treatment of SPMS continue to be challenging in routine clinical practice. The aim of this review article is to present the views of leading MS experts on the challenges in the diagnosis and management of SPMS and clinicians' perspectives in Central and Eastern Europe. This article also provides recommendations of MS experts to improve the situation with diagnosis and management of SPMS. Many countries within Central and Eastern Europe have high prevalence of MS (>100 per 100,000 population). Consistent with the global trend, in the absence of reliable tests or biomarkers, SPMS at early stage remains undiagnosed. Due to diagnostic uncertainty and lack of a universally accepted disease definition, clinicians rely more on retrospective analysis of the clinical symptoms to confirm the diagnosis. With the lack of awareness and poor understanding of the timing of the onset of SPMS, clinicians may tend to direct attention to relapses than the symptoms of progression, which leads to underestimation of SPMS. Although several predictors of progression to SPMS have been identified, their predictive value is highly variable. Therefore, defining the transitioning period as a separate stage of MS is essential. According to experts' opinion, frequent follow-up of patients and periodic assessment of progression are recommended for the timely identification of patients transitioning from RRMS to SPMS. MSProDiscuss Tool is an example of a quick assessment tool for identifying patients progressing from RRMS to SPMS. MS progression is usually assessed by changes in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. As EDSS scores tend to fluctuate when measured in the short term (3-6 months), a longer period (≥12 months) may be needed to confirm the progression. Assessment of cognitive function is also important for evaluating secondary progression. Compartmentalization of inflammation within the central nervous system is an important reason behind the limited success of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for treating SPMS. Most of the DMTs fail to cross the blood-brain barrier; only 38% of the tested DMTs achieved their primary endpoint in SPMS. In Europe, siponimod is the first oral treatment for adults with active SPMS. Particularly, in Central and Eastern Europe, patients with SPMS are still being prescribed less efficacious DMTs and interferons. The absence of alternative treatments in SPMS supports the use of new products (siponimod and others); however the decision to initiate siponimod therapy in more severe patients (EDSS score of 7 or higher) should be individualized in consultation with the payers. The focus should be on early treatment initiation to delay disease progression.

Evolution of tongue somatosensory evoked potentials in people with multiple sclerosis

•

A significant deterioration of the trigeminal sensory pathway function occurs in pwMS.

•

Cervical spinal cord lesions were negative predictor of tSSEP improvement.

•

There is a moderate to high correlation between ordinal and quantitative tSSEP scores calculations.

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to investigate the long-term evolution of tongue somatosensory evoked potentials (tSSEP) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS).

Methods

Out of initial 121 participants, after two-year follow-up, the data were available for 74 and after four-year follow-up for 58 pwMS. In all pwMS complete neurological examination, brain MRI, cervical spinal cord MRI (if available) and tSSEP were performed at baseline visit (M0). Complete neurological examination and tSSEP were performed 2 and 4 years later (M24 and M48). tSSEP results were interpreted in the form of ordinal tSSEP score and quantitative tSSEP zscore calculated from the sum of z-transformed tSSEP latencies.

Results

Differences in tSSEP scores and tSSEP zscores in three different timepoints showed significant worsening of both scores over time. For the tSSEP score the difference was significant for M0-M24 and M0-M48 visits, but not for M24-M48 visits. For the tSSEP zscore the difference was significant for M0-M48 and M24-M48 visits, but not for M0-M24 visits. The only significant negative predictor found for the tSSEP score improvement was presence of cervical spinal cord lesions on the MRI. A moderate to high correlation was observed between both forms of tSSEP score at all three timepoints.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a significant deterioration of trigeminal sensory pathway in MS over time, giving further insight into trigeminal system damage in pwMS.

Pulmonary embolism during the third cycle of alemtuzumab in a patient with relapsing multiple sclerosis

Alemtuzumab is one of immunomodulatory drugs used for treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although it is very effective it carries significant risk for various side effects. This paper reports a case of young patient who developed pulmonary embolism during the third cycle of alemtuzumab. It is suggested that awareness about possible vascular toxicity of this drug should be raised.

Longitudinal assessment of autonomic nervous system in patients with first demyelinating event suggestive of multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

As a high proportion of people with clinically isolated syndrome (pwCIS) exhibit sympathetic adrenergic and sudomotor dysfunction, the aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of autonomic nervous system (ANS) abnormalities in pwCIS over a 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study in which 121 pwCIS were enrolled and followed for 2 years. After 2-year follow-up, data were available for 84 pwCIS. ANS symptoms were evaluated with the Composite Autonomic System Score-31 (COMPASS-31) and results of the ANS tests were expressed using the Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS) at baseline and visit at month 24. Symptomatic dysautonomia was defined if the patient had a COMPASS-31 value above the median of the whole cohort at baseline evaluation (COMPASS-31 > 6.79) and CASS score >0.

RESULTS

Complete CASS data at baseline and month 24 were available for 62 patients; in 24 (38.7%) patients there was worsening, in 16 (25.8%) there was improvement and in 22 (35.5%) there was no change in CASS score. In 90% of pwCIS (72 of 80) there was no change in parasympathetic nervous system tests, whereas 47.3% (35 of 74) had either worsening or improvement in sympathetic adrenergic and 28.6% (20 of 70) had either worsening or improvement in sudomotor function. A multivariable regression model identified the total number of T2 lesions as an independent predictor for worsening of symptomatic dysautonomia. No predictors for worsening or improving of CASS score were identified.

CONCLUSION

A substantial proportion of pwCIS experienced worsening of ANS abnormalities during the 2-year follow-up and magnetic resonance imaging parameters seemed to predict these abnormalities.

Autonomic symptom burden is an independent contributor to multiple sclerosis related fatigue

OBJECTIVES

To investigate a possible association between autonomic dysfunction and fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

In 70 people with multiple sclerosis early in the disease course (51 females, mean age 33.8 ± 9.1), quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests, cardiovascular reflex tests (heart rate and blood pressure responses to the Valsalva maneuver and heart rate response to deep breathing), and the tilt table test were performed. Participants completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory. Cutoff scores of ≥ 38 or ≥ 45 on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale were used to stratify patients into a fatigued subgroup (N = 17 or N = 9, respectively).

RESULTS

We found clear associations between fatigue and scores in subjective tests of the autonomic nervous system: fatigued patients scored significantly worse on Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31, and there was a strong correlation between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (r_s = 0.607, p < 0.001). On the other hand, we found only modest associations between fatigue and scores in objective tests of the autonomic nervous system: there was a clear trend for lower sweating outputs at all measured sites, which reached statistical significance for the distal leg and foot. We found weak correlations between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the Valsalva ratio (r_s = - 0.306, p = 0.011), as well as between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests of the forearm, proximal, and distal lower leg (r_s = - 0.379, p = 0.003; r_s = - 0.356, p = 0.005; and r_s = - 0.345, p = 0.006, respectively). A multiple regression model showed that the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31, Beck Depression Inventory, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale were independent predictors of fatigue (p = 0.005, p = 0.019, and p = 0.010, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that-even early in the course of the disease-people with multiple sclerosis suffer from objective and subjective impairments of the autonomic nervous system. The results also point to an association between autonomic nervous system impairment and multiple sclerosis related fatigue.

Establishing the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in Croatian patients with clinically isolated syndrome: 2010 versus 2017 McDonald criteria

AIM

To compare the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the 2010 and 2017 revisions of the McDonald criteria in a Croatian cohort of patients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from 113 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for both criteria were calculated regarding conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (Poser CDMS) or multiple sclerosis (MS) (defined as fulfilment of clinical or MRI evidence for dissemination in space and the development of a second relapse and/or ≥1 new T2 lesions on the follow-up MRIs) during a two-year follow-up. Survival analysis was performed to estimate the cumulative risk of patients developing Poser CDMS. Binary logistic regression model was used to determine which variables are statistically significant predictors for the conversion to MS.

RESULTS

The 2017 revision had higher sensitivity (85 vs. 30% and 85 vs. 41%) and lower specificity (33 vs. 63% and 63 vs. 85%) compared to the 2010 revisions, for conversion to Poser CDMS and MS, respectively. Patients who did not meet the 2017 McDonald criteria had a higher chance of conversion-free survival for Poser CDMS than those who met the 2017 McDonald criteria (p = 0.037). Results of the multivariate regression analysis revealed that patients who at baseline fulfilled 2017 revisions of the McDonald criteria have the increased likelihood of conversion to MS (Exp(B) 9.68, 95%CI 3.62-25.90, p < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

This study provides new information about the application of the 2017 revisions of the McDonald criteria in a Croatian cohort of patients with typical CIS.

Tongue somatosensory evoked potentials reflect midbrain involvement in patients with clinically isolated syndrome

AIM

To test the hypothesis that tSSEP findings reflect clinical and MRI MS lesions, the aim of this study was to investigate tSSEP changes in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) in relation to clinical and brainstem MRI findings. The second aim was to investigate whether the interpretation of the tSSEP results in the form of the tSSEP score enables better evaluation of the afferent trigeminal pathway involvement than analyzing each tSSEP parameter separately.

METHODS

115 consecutive CIS patients were enrolled from August 1, 2014 until March 1, 2016. Facial sensory symptoms and brainstem MRI (1.5 T) lesions were analyzed. tSSEP testing was performed for each patient from the raw tSSEP data. The tSSEP score was calculated separately for the left and right side (according to the cut-off values for absent response and prolonged latency of the main component, P1 (0=normal response, 1=prolonged latency, 3=absent response) and the two values were summed.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the absolute values of the tSSEP variables regarding the presence of clinical symptoms. No association was found between tSSEP abnormalities and clinical symptoms (P=0.544). Brainstem lesions (midbrain and pons) were associated with the absent tSSEP responses (P=0.002 and P=0.005, respectively). tSSEP score was significantly higher in patients with brainstem lesions (P=0.01), especially midbrain (P=0.004) and pontine (P=0.008) lesions. Binary logistic regression showed that tSSEP score had a significant effect on the likelihood that patients have midbrain MR lesions, ?2(1)=6.804, P=0.009; and the model correctly classified 87% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The consistent finding of this study was the association between tSSEP and midbrain lesions on MRI, indicating that tSSEP evaluates proprioception of the face. This study establishes the value of tSSEP in assessing brainstem function in early multiple sclerosis.

[CROATIAN GUIDELINES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO (BPPV)]

BPPV is generally the most common cause of vertigo, caused by a pinch-off of tiny calcium carbonate crystals (called the otoconia or the otoliths) from the macula utriculi, most frequently due to the degenerative processes or a trauma, whereby the crystals, under the action of gravity in certain head positions coinciding with its direction, arrive to some of the semicircular canals, usually the posterior one, due to the existent anatomical circumstances and relationships, thus creating an inadequate stimulus of the cupular senses while floating through the endolymph and provoking symptoms of a strong and short-term dizziness. Two main clinical forms can be distinguished: canalolythiasis, with an accommodation of otolithic debris in the semicircular canal, and cupulolythiasis, with their location immediately next to the cupular sense. The diagnosis is established by a positive positioning test, Dix-Hallpike for the posterior and the supine roll for the lateral canal. Although one can expect a spontaneous recovery subsequent to few weeks or months, various methods of otolith repositioning to a less sensitive place lead to a prompt improvement while reducing or withdrawing the symptoms completely. These guidelines are intended for all who treat the BPPV in their work, with an intention to assist in the diagnosis and application of an appropriate therapeutic method.

Electroencephalographic Response to Different Odors in Healthy Individuals: A Promising Tool for Objective Assessment of Olfactory Disorders

The aim of the present study was to examine human central nervous system response to three different odors. Electrophysiological activity was recorded in the baseline state and for 3 odors, lemon, peppermint, and vanilla, in 16 healthy participants. Electrodes were separated into groups according to the spatial position on the head. Fast Fourier transformation was performed on every set, and mean value of activity in theta was exported. As theta showed statistically significant results, further analysis was based only on the theta frequency band. On electrodes FP1, F3, Fz, F4, F8, T7, C3, Cz, C4, T8, TP9, CP5, CP1, CP2, CP6, P7, P3, Pz, P4, P8, PO9, and PO10 there was statistically significant difference in the electrical activity of the brain between four conditions. For peppermint and lemon, there was statistically significant difference in activity between different regions-F(1.576, 23.637)=16.030, P=.000 and F(1.362, 20.425)=4.54, P=.035, respectively-where the activity in the central area was significantly reduced compared with the activity in the other 4 areas and in the left and right anterior and left posterior area, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference for vanilla between specific areas, F(1.217, 18.257)=1.155, P=.309. The results indicate that olfactory stimuli can affect the frequency characteristics of the electrical activity of the brain.

The role of cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in the follow-up of vestibular neuritis

This study evaluates the recovery of vestibular nerve function after vestibular neuritis (VN) by vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs). Twenty-six patients with the diagnosis of VN were included. All patients underwent ocular VEMP (oVEMP) and cervical VEMP (cVEMP) recordings, at 6 days and 6 months from the onset of the symptoms. Of the 26 patients, 14 showed improvement on oVEMP at month 6 (group 1), and 12 showed no change or worsening on oVEMP at 6 months (group 2). At the same time, there was no change in the amplitudes of the cVEMP on either healthy or affected sides in both groups. Inability to perform the Fukuda test, and chronic white matter supratentorial lesions present on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were more frequent in patients with worse outcome on oVEMP (P = 0.044 and 0.045, respectively). Although involvement of the inferior branch of the vestibular nerve was not associated with oVEMP outcome, oVEMP latencies (N10 and P13) were associated with improvement or worsening in oVEMP amplitudes, showing that prolonged latencies correlate with 6-month improvement in oVEMP amplitudes (Pearson correlation -0.472, P = 0.041 and -0.580, P = 0.009, respectively). This study identified clinical, MRI and neurophysiological predictors of recovery in patients with superior VN, and offers additional insight into, and better understanding of, the role of VEMP in diagnosis and prognosis of patients with VN. Further studies are needed to validate this diagnostic procedure and to assess its clinical usefulness in VN management.

Tongue somatosensory-evoked potentials: evaluation of the afferent trigeminal pathway in patients with early multiple sclerosis

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of tongue somatosensory-evoked potentials (tSSEPs) in evaluation of afferent trigeminal pathway in patients with early multiple sclerosis (MS). The tSSEP was performed on 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with the first symptom of MS. Data were compared between the groups, and tSSEP findings of patients with MS were correlated with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Among 10 patients, 2 (20%) had clinically evident involvement of the brainstem, 5 (50%) had brainstem lesions on brain MRI, while 9 (90%) had prolonged latencies on tSSEP. Of the 8 patients with no clinical evidence of brainstem pathology, 7 (88%) had prolonged latencies/conduction block on tSSEP. Patients had statistically significant prolongation of N1, P1, and N2 latencies for stimulation of the right side and N2 latency for stimulation of the left side compared to healthy controls. The tSSEP is an efficient method for evaluating the afferent trigeminal pathway in patients with early MS. This study provides evidence that lesions of the afferent trigeminal pathway are more frequently found by tSSEP than by clinical examination or MRI.

Differences in oligoclonal bands and visual evoked potentials in patients with radiologically and clinically isolated syndrome

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and visual evoked potentials (VEP) abnormalities, and ANA titers in patients with either clinically or radiologically isolated syndrome (CIS and RIS). We gathered records from 330 hospitalized patients diagnosed with CIS/RIS within a 3-year period. Symptoms, CSF findings, VEP and ANA titers were analyzed. Incomplete transverse myelitis was the presenting symptom in 32.7 %, optic neuritis in 22.7 %, brainstem/cerebellar symptoms in 19.4 %, hemispheral symptoms in 2.7 % and multifocal symptoms in 15.2 % of patients in the CIS cohort. We identified 24 (7.3 %) patients with atypical or no symptoms-RIS cohort. Positive oligoclonal bands (OCB) were found in 75.5 % patients. When we divided the patients into CIS and RIS groups, the presence of OCB was 82.4 and 44 %, respectively. VEP were performed in 87.3 % patients and prolonged latencies were found in 39.6 % of them (43.8 and 14.3 % in the CIS and RIS cohort, respectively). ANA were positive in 15.2 % (14.7 and 16 % in the CIS and RIS cohort, respectively) of patients. RIS patients had statistically significant lower percentages of positive OCB and positive VEP (P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Detection of OCB and VEP still has an important role for satisfying the "no better explanation for the clinical presentation" criteria when presented with a patient with a first "radiological" demyelinating episode.

[Vestibular neuronitis: pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment]

Vestibular neuritis (VN) is one of the most common causes of peripheral vertigo. Caloric testing has been the traditional gold standard for detecting a peripheral vestibular deficit, but some recently developed bedside tests (head thrust, head heave, head shake and vibration test) were evaluated as a good alternative with similar sensitivity and specificity. These tests have shown both diagnostic value in the short term and prognostic value in the long term, and have availability and ease of use as an advantage. As an addition to clinical examination, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials can differentiate between involvement of superior and inferior branch of the vestibular nerve, but also between peripheral and central lesions. Although glucocorticoids are currently widely used in the treatment of VN, there is a lack of evidence for the validity of their administration. There are a number of high quality clinical trials that suggest vestibular rehabilitation exercises, which are based on the mechanisms of vestibular compensation, in the managment of VN. This review will focus on the latest developments in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of patients with VN.

Recommendations for diagnosis and management of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating neurologic disorder that mainly affects young individuals (aged 20 to 50 years). Approximately 85% of patients experience an initial course with relapses and remissions (relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis). Guidelines for the management of MS should be focused on three main areas: (a) the diagnosis of MS; (b) treatment of relapses; and (c) long-term preventive treatment including clinical follow up, dose adjustment, drug switch, control of therapeutic efficacy, and disease progression. Diagnosis should be established according to clinical and paraclinical criteria. Discussion on therapeutic recommendations is focused on the disease-modifying agents in acute phases and drugs for long-term treatment and symptomatic treatment. Differential diagnoses must be taken into account on making the diagnosis of MS. Therefore, diagnosis of MS should be established on clinical and radiological diagnostic criteria, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and evoked potentials.

Sporadic CJD in a patient with relaplsing-remitting multiple sclerosis on an immunomodulatory treatment

Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (CJD) is a degenerative, invariably fatal brain disorder. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, potentially disabling, immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Here, we report a 50-year-old woman who, two years after the diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS, developed altered consciousness, dystonic posture of the left hand and myoclonic jerks. Repeated brain MRI showed hyperintensities on T2 sequences in basal ganglia bilaterally and diffusion restriction in these areas, and, since typical EEG and CSF features were present, the diagnosis of CJD was made. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a glatiramer acetate-treated MS patient who developed sporadic CJD. This combination is interesting in the light of recent data suggesting that CJD and MS may share similar mechanisms of "molecular mimicry" and autoimmunity. This case also emphasizes the importance of critically assessing every new symptom even in a patient with an established diagnosis of MS.

Central positioning upbeat nystagmus and vertigo due to pontine stroke

We present a female patient with central positioning nystagmus and vertigo (c-PPV) due to a pontine stroke. To our knowledge this is the first report of central upbeat positioning nystagmus caused by pontine lacunar stroke. This report, together with those published previously, supports the existence of a crossing ventral tegmental tract in humans.