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Hansen G, Burton-MacLeod S, Schellenberg KL. ALS Health care provider wellness. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:299-307. [PMID: 38069599 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2291710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in health care provider (HCP) wellness and burnout is increasing; however, minimal literature explores HCP wellness in the context of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) care. OBJECTIVES We sought to determine rates of burnout and resiliency, as well as challenges and rewards in the provision of ALS care. METHODS A survey link was sent to physicians at all Canadian ALS centers for distribution to ALS HCPs in their network. The survey included demographics questions, and validated measures for resiliency and burnout; the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS) and the Single Item Burnout Score (SIBS). Participants were asked to describe challenges and rewards of ALS care, impact of COVID-19 pandemic, and how their workplace could better support them. RESULTS There were 85 respondents across multiple disciplines. The rate of burnout was 47%. Burnout for female respondents was significantly higher (p = 0.007), but not for age, role, or years in ALS clinic. Most participants were medium resilient copers n = 48 (56.5%), but resiliency was not related to burnout. Challenges included feeling helpless while patients relentlessly progressed to death, and emotionally charged interactions. Participants found fulfillment in providing care, and through relationships with patients and colleagues. There was a strongly expressed desire for increased resources, team building/debriefing, and formal training in emotional exhaustion and burnout. CONCLUSIONS The high rate of burnout and challenges of ALS care highlight the need for additional resources, team-building, and formal education around wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Hansen
- Divison of Pediatric Critical Care, Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, Saskatoon Canada
| | - Sarah Burton-MacLeod
- Divison of Palliative Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Kerri Lynn Schellenberg
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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White S, O'Cathain A, Halliday V, Bradburn M, McDermott CJ. Supporting people with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) to make decisions about gastrostomy feeding tube placement: a survey of UK healthcare professionals' practice and beliefs. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:290-298. [PMID: 38337170 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2314061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understand the practice and beliefs of healthcare professionals (HCPs) supporting the decision-making of people with MND (pwMND) about gastrostomy placement, including identifying differences between professions. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey disseminated to HCPs who support the decision-making of pwMND about gastrostomy placement. RESULTS A total of 139 participants completed the survey including representation from a range of healthcare professions. A third (36/101, 36%) initiated discussions about gastrostomy later in practice than they believed was ideal. In relation to the outcome of declining compared to accepting gastrostomy, participants were more likely to discuss aspiration (80% vs. 68%), choking (76% vs. 58%) and prognosis (36% vs. 22%). Participants believed gastrostomies should be placed after a mean 8.1% weight loss since symptom-onset. More participants favored gastrostomy placement before pwMND presented with respiratory symptoms (45%) compared to onset of dysphagia (11%). Half believed pwMND placed gastrostomies too late. Participants were more likely to 'often'/'always' recommend pwMND to have a gastrostomy (23%) than continue without (7%) or decline (4%) gastrostomy, when believing these were the best option for pwMND. Nurses and dietitians discussed the broadest range of information, while doctors were more likely to discuss mortality risk and prognosis. CONCLUSION There is variation in HCPs practice and beliefs about initiating discussions, the sharing of information and recommendations, and timing, about gastrostomy placement. The information shared varies by profession and there is evidence of sub-optimal communication between HCPs. Further research is required to understand how these findings may impact on the decision-making of pwMND about gastrostomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean White
- Division of Neuroscience, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Alicia O'Cathain
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK, and
| | - Vanessa Halliday
- School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Bradburn
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK, and
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García-Parra B, Guiu JM, Povedano M, Mariño EL, Modamio P. Geographical distribution of clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a scoping review. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:376-381. [PMID: 38393299 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2320881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Clinical trials location is determined by many factors, including the availability of patient populations, regulatory environment, scientific expertise, and cost considerations. In clinical drug development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where genetic differences have been described and may be related to geographic setting, this could have implications for the clinical interpretation of results in underrepresented geographic settings. Objective: The aim of this study was to review country participation in ALS clinical research based on available data from clinical trial registries and databases. Methods: We performed a scoping review with available information about clinical trials on ALS in ClinicalTrials.gov (CT), EU clinical trials register (EudraCT), WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and Web of Science (WOS). Inclusion criteria were clinical trials in phase 2 and 3 to treat ALS, recruiting or active not recruiting, from 23/06/2018 to 23/06/2023. Results: The total number of clinical trials identified were 188; 54 studies in CT, 38 in EudraCT, 47 in ICTRP and 49 in WOS. We identified 77 clinical trials after deleting duplicates and applying exclusion criteria. The countries with most studies conducted were the US with 35 studies (10.9%), followed by the United Kingdom, Belgium, France and Germany with 21 studies each one of them (6.5%). Conclusion: The data obtained in our review showed a non-homogeneous distribution in clinical trials at the international level, which may influence the interpretation of the results obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beliu García-Parra
- Clinical Neurophysiology Section - Neurology Service, Bellvitge University Hospital. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep M Guiu
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, and
| | - Mónica Povedano
- Clinical Neurophysiology Section - Neurology Service, Bellvitge University Hospital. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Motor Neuron Diseases Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo L Mariño
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, and
| | - Pilar Modamio
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, and
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Ferrari V, Conti M, Bovenzi R, Cerroni R, Pierantozzi M, Mercuri NB, Stefani A. Rare association between spinocerebellar ataxia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case series. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07521-9. [PMID: 38642323 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07521-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this work, we describe a new case of association between SCA2 and MND. CASE REPORT A 58-year-old man who was diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 presented dysphagia and a significant decline in his ability to walk, with a reduction in autonomy and the need to use a wheelchair. We performed electromyography and electroneurography of the four limbs and of the cranial district and motor-evoked potentials to study upper and lower motor neurons. Referring to the revised El Escorial criteria of 2015, ALS diagnosis was made. DISCUSSION Considering different cases described in literature over the years, SCA2 could represent an important risk factor for developing ALS. In particular, the presence of alleles of ATXN2 with 27 and 28 CAG repeats seems to slightly decrease the risk of developing the disease, which would instead be progressively increased by the presence of alleles with 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 repeats. The exact physiopathological mechanism by which the mutation increases the risk of developing the disease is currently unknown. Transcriptomic studies on mouse models have demonstrated the involvement of several pathways, including the innate immunity regulation by STING and the biosynthesis of fatty acid and cholesterol by SREBP. CONCLUSION CAG repeat expansions in the ATXN2 gene have been associated with variable neurological presentations, which include SCA2, ALS, Parkinsonism, or a combination of them. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between SCA2 and ALS better and explore molecular underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Ferrari
- Parkinson Centre, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Conti
- Parkinson Centre, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Bovenzi
- Parkinson Centre, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Cerroni
- Parkinson Centre, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
| | - Mariangela Pierantozzi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B Mercuri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Stefani
- Parkinson Centre, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata,", Rome, Italy.
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Filipe CB, Carreira NR, Reis-Pina P. Optimizing breathlessness management in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: insights from a comprehensive systematic review. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:100. [PMID: 38622643 PMCID: PMC11020819 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01429-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breathlessness is a prevalent symptom affecting the quality of life (QOL) of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients. This systematic review explored the interventions for controlling breathlessness in ALS patients, emphasizing palliative care (PALC), non-invasive ventilation (NIV), opioids, and non-pharmacological strategies. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Eligibility criteria encompassed adults with ALS or motor neuron disease experiencing breathlessness. Outcomes included QOL and symptom control. Study designs comprised qualitative studies, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials. RESULTS Eight studies were included, most exhibiting low bias risk, comprising one randomized controlled trial, three cohort studies, two comparative retrospective studies, and two qualitative studies (interviews). Most studies originated from Europe, with one from the United States of America. The participants totaled 3423, with ALS patients constituting 95.6%. PALC consultations significantly improved symptom assessment, advance care planning, and discussions about goals of care. NIV demonstrated efficacy in managing breathlessness, with considerations for device limitations. Opioids were effective, though predominantly studied in non-ALS patients. Non-pharmacological strategies varied in efficacy among patients. CONCLUSION The findings underscore the need for individualized approaches in managing breathlessness in ALS. PALC, NIV, opioids, and non-pharmacological strategies each play a role, with unique considerations. Further research, especially ALS-specific self-management studies, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Bico Filipe
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Nuno Reis Carreira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal
- North Lisboa Hospital Centre, Santa Maria Hospital, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Reis-Pina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal.
- Bento Menni Palliative Care Unit, Sintra, Portugal.
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Watt CL, Smith IC, Rice J, Murphy R, Breiner A, Duff MLV, Nogo D, Bush SH, McNeely S, Buenger U, Zehrt B, Zwicker J. Qualitative Analysis of Initial Palliative Care Consultations in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00679-1. [PMID: 38574876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care (PC) benefits patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), however the needs of patients and caregivers and the optimal timing of PC discussions remains unclear. This study reports the analysis of PC consult notes from a larger feasibility trial. The specific aims of this analysis were to i) identify the PC needs of patients with ALS via qualitative analysis and ii) identify characteristics of patients and caregivers that could predict specific PC needs. METHODS This study was nested within a nonrandomized, prospective study of patients with ALS (and their caregivers) being treated at a multidisciplinary ALS clinic. Exclusion criteria of the main study were age <18 years, inability to complete questionnaires, and prior receipt of PC. All patients were offered a PC consultation (PCC); those who accepted were included in this nested study. Consultation notes were reviewed and thematic and content analyses were conducted. The occurrence of themes across patient and caregiver contextual variables were examined. RESULTS Thirty-two PCCs were completed between October 2020 and April 2022. Six major themes were identified: PC roles (with subthemes encompassing the spectrum of specialist PC practice including symptom management and advance care planning), engagement with PC, patients' concerns for their caregivers, caregiver-specific concerns, finances, and COVID-19. An average of 12 topics were discussed per PCC (range = 3-22). Discussion of advance care planning, care coordination, and symptom management was common, and these topics were not discussed more frequently in PCCs with patients with lower functional status, more bulbar symptoms, or lower quality of life. Time from diagnosis did not impact topics of discussion. Patients reporting more symptoms of depression more frequently required psychological support, particularly regarding loss of independence, employment, and leisure activities. DISCUSSION Patients with ALS and their caregivers have a wide range of PC needs. These needs vary irrespective of time from diagnosis, functional status, or quality of life, therefore PCC is recommended for all patients with ALS. PCC should be individualized based on patient and caregiver preferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04257760; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04257760) on February 6, 2020. The first enrollment occurred on October 20, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Watt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., S.H.B.), University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., A.B., S.M., B.Z., J.Z.), 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Bruyère Continuing Care (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., S.H.B.), 60 Cambridge St. N., Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7A5, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute (C.L.W., J.R., S.H.B.), 43 Bruyère St., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5C8, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.L.W., I.C.S., J.R., A.B., M.D., D.N., S.H.B., J.Z.), 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada.
| | - Ian C Smith
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.L.W., I.C.S., J.R., A.B., M.D., D.N., S.H.B., J.Z.), 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Jill Rice
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., S.H.B.), University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., A.B., S.M., B.Z., J.Z.), 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Bruyère Continuing Care (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., S.H.B.), 60 Cambridge St. N., Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7A5, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute (C.L.W., J.R., S.H.B.), 43 Bruyère St., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5C8, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.L.W., I.C.S., J.R., A.B., M.D., D.N., S.H.B., J.Z.), 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Rebekah Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., S.H.B.), University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., A.B., S.M., B.Z., J.Z.), 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Bruyère Continuing Care (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., S.H.B.), 60 Cambridge St. N., Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7A5, Canada; Queensway Carleton Hospital (R.M.), 3045 Baseline Road, Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8P4, Canada
| | - Ari Breiner
- The Ottawa Hospital (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., A.B., S.M., B.Z., J.Z.), 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.L.W., I.C.S., J.R., A.B., M.D., D.N., S.H.B., J.Z.), 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada; Department of Medicine (A.B.), Department of Neurology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Maria L V Duff
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.L.W., I.C.S., J.R., A.B., M.D., D.N., S.H.B., J.Z.), 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Danica Nogo
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.L.W., I.C.S., J.R., A.B., M.D., D.N., S.H.B., J.Z.), 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Shirley H Bush
- Department of Medicine, Division of Palliative Care (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., S.H.B.), University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada; Bruyère Continuing Care (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., S.H.B.), 60 Cambridge St. N., Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7A5, Canada; Bruyère Research Institute (C.L.W., J.R., S.H.B.), 43 Bruyère St., Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5C8, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.L.W., I.C.S., J.R., A.B., M.D., D.N., S.H.B., J.Z.), 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Susan McNeely
- The Ottawa Hospital (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., A.B., S.M., B.Z., J.Z.), 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Usha Buenger
- Faculty of Medicine (U.B.), Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre 505 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M2, Canada
| | - Belinda Zehrt
- The Ottawa Hospital (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., A.B., S.M., B.Z., J.Z.), 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Zwicker
- The Ottawa Hospital (C.L.W., J.R., R.M., A.B., S.M., B.Z., J.Z.), 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (C.L.W., I.C.S., J.R., A.B., M.D., D.N., S.H.B., J.Z.), 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada; Department of Medicine (A.B.), Department of Neurology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
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7
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Günther R, Wurster CD, Brakemeier S, Osmanovic A, Schreiber-Katz O, Petri S, Uzelac Z, Hiebeler M, Thiele S, Walter MC, Weiler M, Kessler T, Freigang M, Lapp HS, Cordts I, Lingor P, Deschauer M, Hahn A, Martakis K, Steinbach R, Ilse B, Rödiger A, Bellut J, Nentwich J, Zeller D, Muhandes MT, Baum T, Christoph Koch J, Schrank B, Fischer S, Hermann A, Kamm C, Naegel S, Mensch A, Weber M, Neuwirth C, Lehmann HC, Wunderlich G, Stadler C, Tomforde M, George A, Groß M, Pechmann A, Kirschner J, Türk M, Schimmel M, Bernert G, Martin P, Rauscher C, Meyer zu Hörste G, Baum P, Löscher W, Flotats-Bastardas M, Köhler C, Probst-Schendzielorz K, Goldbach S, Schara-Schmidt U, Müller-Felber W, Lochmüller H, von Velsen O, Kleinschnitz C, Ludolph AC, Hagenacker T. Long-term efficacy and safety of nusinersen in adults with 5q spinal muscular atrophy: a prospective European multinational observational study. Lancet Reg Health Eur 2024; 39:100862. [PMID: 38361750 PMCID: PMC10864329 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.100862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Evidence for the efficacy of nusinersen in adults with 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has been demonstrated up to a period of 16 months in relatively large cohorts but whereas patients reach a plateau over time is still to be demonstrated. We investigated the efficacy and safety of nusinersen in adults with SMA over 38 months, the longest time period to date in a large cohort of patients from multiple clinical sites. Methods Our prospective, observational study included adult patients with SMA from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria (July 2017 to May 2022). All participants had genetically-confirmed, 5q-associated SMA and were treated with nusinersen according to the label. The total Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE) and Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) scores, and 6-min walk test (6 MWT; metres), were recorded at baseline and 14, 26, and 38 months after treatment initiation, and pre and post values were compared. Adverse events were also recorded. Findings Overall, 389 patients were screened for eligibility and 237 were included. There were significant increases in all outcome measures compared with baseline, including mean HFMSE scores at 14 months (mean difference 1.72 [95% CI 1.19-2.25]), 26 months (1.20 [95% CI 0.48-1.91]), and 38 months (1.52 [95% CI 0.74-2.30]); mean RULM scores at 14 months (mean difference 0.75 [95% CI 0.43-1.07]), 26 months (mean difference 0.65 [95% CI 0.27-1.03]), and 38 months (mean difference 0.72 [95% CI 0.25-1.18]), and 6 MWT at 14 months (mean difference 30.86 m [95% CI 18.34-43.38]), 26 months (mean difference 29.26 m [95% CI 14.87-43.65]), and 38 months (mean difference 32.20 m [95% CI 10.32-54.09]). No new safety signals were identified. Interpretation Our prospective, observational, long-term (38 months) data provides further real-world evidence for the continuous efficacy and safety of nusinersen in a large proportion of adult patients with SMA. Funding Financial support for the registry from Biogen, Novartis and Roche.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Günther
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Svenja Brakemeier
- Department of Neurology, and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alma Osmanovic
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Zeljko Uzelac
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Miriam Hiebeler
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Thiele
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maggie C. Walter
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Weiler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Kessler
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maren Freigang
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hanna Sophie Lapp
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Isabell Cordts
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Paul Lingor
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Deschauer
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Child Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
| | - Kyriakos Martakis
- Department of Child Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Robert Steinbach
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Benjamin Ilse
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Julia Bellut
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Nentwich
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Zeller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Baum
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jan Christoph Koch
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bertold Schrank
- Department of Neurology, Deutsche Klinik für Diagnostik HELIOS Clinic of Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Sophie Fischer
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christoph Kamm
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Steffen Naegel
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Halle, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alexander Mensch
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Halle, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Markus Weber
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit/ALS Clinic, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Neuwirth
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit/ALS Clinic, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Helmar C. Lehmann
- Department of Neurology and Center for Rare Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gilbert Wunderlich
- Department of Neurology and Center for Rare Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Stadler
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
| | - Maike Tomforde
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Annette George
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Chronically Sick Children, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Groß
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Department of Neurological Intensive Care and Rehabilitation, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Pechmann
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Janbernd Kirschner
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Türk
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Mareike Schimmel
- Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Günther Bernert
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pascal Martin
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospitals Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Christian Rauscher
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Petra Baum
- Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Löscher
- Division of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Cornelia Köhler
- Department of Neuropaediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Goldbach
- Initiative SMA der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Muskelkranke, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schara-Schmidt
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Center for Neuromuscular Disorders in Children and Adolescents, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Müller-Felber
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Dr. v. Haunersche Kinderklinik, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Hanns Lochmüller
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital; and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Otgonzul von Velsen
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometrics, and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Clinical Trials, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - SMArtCARE Study Group
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurology, and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Friedrich Baur Institute at the Department of Neurology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
- Department of Child Neurology, Justus-Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Deutsche Klinik für Diagnostik HELIOS Clinic of Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany
- Translational Neurodegeneration Section “Albrecht Kossel”, Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Rostock, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Halle, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit/ALS Clinic, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology and Center for Rare Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Chronically Sick Children, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Germany
- Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospitals Tubingen, Tubingen, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Leipzig Medical Centre, Leipzig, Germany
- Division of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Saarland University Hosptial, Homburg, Germany
- Department of Neuropaediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Initiative SMA der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Muskelkranke, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Center for Neuromuscular Disorders in Children and Adolescents, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Dr. v. Haunersche Kinderklinik, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital; and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometrics, and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Rostock/Greifswald, Rostock, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Neurological Intensive Care and Rehabilitation, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
- Center for Clinical Trials, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology, and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Albert C. Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tim Hagenacker
- Department of Neurology, and Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
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Virla F, Turano E, Scambi I, Schiaffino L, Boido M, Mariotti R. Administration of adipose-derived stem cells extracellular vesicles in a murine model of spinal muscular atrophy: effects of a new potential therapeutic strategy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:94. [PMID: 38561840 PMCID: PMC10986013 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal-recessive neuromuscular disease affecting children. It is caused by the mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene resulting in lower motor neuron (MN) degeneration followed by motor impairment, progressive skeletal muscle paralysis and respiratory failure. In addition to the already existing therapies, a possible combinatorial strategy could be represented by the use of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) that can be obtained easily and in large amounts from adipose tissue. Their efficacy seems to be correlated to their paracrine activity and the production of soluble factors released through extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are important mediators of intercellular communication with a diameter between 30 and 100 nm. Their use in other neurodegenerative disorders showed a neuroprotective effect thanks to the release of their content, especially proteins, miRNAs and mRNAs. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the effect of EVs isolated from ASCs (ASC-EVs) in the SMNΔ7 mice, a severe SMA model. With this purpose, we performed two administrations of ASC-EVs (0.5 µg) in SMA pups via intracerebroventricular injections at post-natal day 3 (P3) and P6. We then assessed the treatment efficacy by behavioural test from P2 to P10 and histological analyses at P10. RESULTS The results showed positive effects of ASC-EVs on the disease progression, with improved motor performance and a significant delay in spinal MN degeneration of treated animals. ASC-EVs could also reduce the apoptotic activation (cleaved Caspase-3) and modulate the neuroinflammation with an observed decreased glial activation in lumbar spinal cord, while at peripheral level ASC-EVs could only partially limit the muscular atrophy and fiber denervation. CONCLUSIONS Our results could encourage the use of ASC-EVs as a therapeutic combinatorial treatment for SMA, bypassing the controversial use of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Virla
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ermanna Turano
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Scambi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Schiaffino
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marina Boido
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaella Mariotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Yamamoto Y, Fujita K, Yamazaki H, Haji S, Osaki Y, Izumi Y. Constipation in patients with motor neuron disease: A retrospective longitudinal study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27951. [PMID: 38524582 PMCID: PMC10957436 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Constipation has been recently recognized as a complication associated with motor and autonomic dysfunction in patients with motor neuron disease (MND), typified by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the long-term characteristics of constipation remain unclear in patients with MND. We longitudinally investigated the prevalence and risk factors of constipation in a consecutive cohort of patients with MND. Methods Data from Japanese patients with MND enrolled in a single-center registry from June 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively investigated. The diagnosis of ALS was based on the updated Awaji criteria, and other MND subtypes were also included. The presence or absence of constipation symptoms was determined by referring to the Rome III criteria. The clinical backgrounds and symptoms of patients with and without constipation were compared. Results Among 155 consecutive patients (female, 63; age, 66.5 ± 12.4 years), 30.3% had constipation at diagnosis and 52.9% after a median follow-up of 18 months. Univariate analysis showed that female sex, use of tracheostomy and invasive ventilation, and delivery of enteral nutrition were more frequent in the constipation group. The Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale score was significantly lower in the constipation group, especially for the sub-items related to physical motor function. Multivariate analysis showed that the use of enteral nutrition was an independent risk of constipation, with an odds ratio of 3.69 (95% CI, 1.49-9.17; p = 0.005). Conclusion Constipation had a high prevalence in patients with MND with impaired motor function. Controlling defecation is important in patients with MND, especially during enteral nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yamamoto
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima Prefectural Central Hospital, 1-10-3 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamazaki
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shotaro Haji
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yusuke Osaki
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuishin Izumi
- Department of Neurology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Japan
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Kotsia E, Chroni E, Alexandropoulou A, Mills C, Veltsista D, Kefalopoulou ZM, Michou E. Dysphagia Assessments as Criteria in the 'Decision-Making Process' for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Placement in People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. Dysphagia 2024:10.1007/s00455-024-10686-2. [PMID: 38517530 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-024-10686-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
To review the assessment methods of dysphagia as a criterion for the decision-making process for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) placement in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Systematic review. A search was conducted in three databases (EMBASE, CINAHL, PUBMED) in December 2022 and updated in July 2023. Two reviewers independently screened, selected, and extracted data. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Systematic review registration number in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42022385461. The searches identified 240 records. The 10 eligible studies included 2 case reports, 4 retrospective studies, 3 prospective studies, and 1 cohort observational study. Study quality was low, with most studies having moderate to high risk of bias. Dysphagia is a common criterion for decision-making. Dysphagia assessment is usually in the form of either self-reports, objective instrumental assessments, or both. Dysphagia is a common criterion for the decision-making process, yet is missing in clinical guidelines. Establishing the optimal means of dysphagia assessment is important for timely decision-making procedures, so that life-threatening consequences of dysphagia are minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermioni Kotsia
- School of Medicine, Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Elizabeth Chroni
- School of Medicine, Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Anna Alexandropoulou
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Claire Mills
- Speech and Language Therapy Department, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Dimitra Veltsista
- School of Medicine, Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Emilia Michou
- School of Medicine, Unit of Neuromuscular Diseases University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
- Centre for Gastrointestinal Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester, UK.
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Shin-Yi Lin C, Howells J, Rutkove S, Nandedkar S, Neuwirth C, Noto YI, Shahrizaila N, Whittaker RG, Bostock H, Burke D, Tankisi H. Neurophysiological and imaging biomarkers of lower motor neuron dysfunction in motor neuron diseases/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: IFCN handbook chapter. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 162:91-120. [PMID: 38603949 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
This chapter discusses comprehensive neurophysiological biomarkers utilised in motor neuron disease (MND) and, in particular, its commonest form, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These encompass the conventional techniques including nerve conduction studies (NCS), needle and high-density surface electromyography (EMG) and H-reflex studies as well as novel techniques. In the last two decades, new methods of assessing the loss of motor units in a muscle have been developed, that are more convenient than earlier methods of motor unit number estimation (MUNE),and may use either electrical stimulation (e.g. MScanFit MUNE) or voluntary activation (MUNIX). Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is another novel approach for the evaluation that relies upon the application and measurement of high-frequency, low-intensity electrical current. Nerve excitability techniques (NET) also provide insights into the function of an axon and reflect the changes in resting membrane potential, ion channel dysfunction and the structural integrity of the axon and myelin sheath. Furthermore, imaging ultrasound techniques as well as magnetic resonance imaging are capable of detecting the constituents of morphological changes in the nerve and muscle. The chapter provides a critical description of the ability of each technique to provide neurophysiological insight into the complex pathophysiology of MND/ALS. However, it is important to recognise the strengths and limitations of each approach in order to clarify utility. These neurophysiological biomarkers have demonstrated reliability, specificity and provide additional information to validate and assess lower motor neuron dysfunction. Their use has expanded the knowledge about MND/ALS and enhanced our understanding of the relationship between motor units, axons, reflexes and other neural circuits in relation to clinical features of patients with MND/ALS at different stages of the disease. Taken together, the ultimate goal is to aid early diagnosis, distinguish potential disease mimics, monitor and stage disease progression, quantify response to treatment and develop potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Shin-Yi Lin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia.
| | - James Howells
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Seward Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sanjeev Nandedkar
- Natus Medical Inc, Middleton, Wisconsin, USA and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Christoph Neuwirth
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit/ALS Clinic, Kantonsspital, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Yu-Ichi Noto
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nortina Shahrizaila
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Roger G Whittaker
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute (NUTCRI), Newcastle University., Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Hugh Bostock
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, WC1N 3BG, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Burke
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hatice Tankisi
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Khanna RK, Catanese S, Blasco H, Pisella PJ, Corcia P. Corneal nerves and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: an in vivo corneal confocal imaging study. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12282-8. [PMID: 38498118 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe motor neuron disorder. Diagnosis is challenging due to its clinical heterogeneity and the absence of definitive diagnostic tools, leading to delays averaging between 9.1 and 27 months. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy, assessing the sub-basal nerve plexus of the cornea, has been proposed as a potential biomarker for ALS. We aimed to determine whether the assessment of corneal nerves using in vivo confocal microscopy can serve as an imaging biomarker for ALS. METHODS A single-centre prospective case-control study was conducted in France from September 2021 to March 2023 including patients with ALS according to the revised EI Escorial criteria. The corneal sub-basal nerve plexus was analysed using in vivo confocal microscopy. An automated algorithm (ACCMetrics) was used to evaluate corneal parameters: nerve fibre density, nerve branch density, nerve fibre length, nerve fibre area, nerve total branch density, nerve fibre width, and nerve fractal dimension. RESULTS Twenty-two patients with ALS and 30 controls were included. No significant differences were found between ALS and control groups for all corneal parameters (p > 0.05). Corneal sensitivity did not differ between groups, and no correlation was identified between corneal nerve parameters and ALS disease duration, severity and rate of progression (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The present study does not support the use of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy as an early diagnostic or prognostic tool for ALS. Further research, especially longitudinal investigations, is needed to understand any potential corneal innervation changes as ALS progresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul K Khanna
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France.
- Université de Tours, INSERM, Imaging Brain & Neuropsychiatry iBraiN U1253, 37032, Tours, France.
| | - Sophie Catanese
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France
- Université de Tours, INSERM, Imaging Brain & Neuropsychiatry iBraiN U1253, 37032, Tours, France
| | - Hélène Blasco
- Université de Tours, INSERM, Imaging Brain & Neuropsychiatry iBraiN U1253, 37032, Tours, France
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Pierre-Jean Pisella
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37000, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Corcia
- Université de Tours, INSERM, Imaging Brain & Neuropsychiatry iBraiN U1253, 37032, Tours, France
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Centre, Department of Neurology, Bretonneau University Hospital of Tours, Tours, France
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13
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Marques C, Held A, Dorfman K, Sung J, Song C, Kavuturu AS, Aguilar C, Russo T, Oakley DH, Albers MW, Hyman BT, Petrucelli L, Lagier-Tourenne C, Wainger BJ. Neuronal STING activation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Acta Neuropathol 2024; 147:56. [PMID: 38478117 PMCID: PMC10937762 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-024-02688-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While prior studies have focused on STING within immune cells, little is known about STING within neurons. Here, we document neuronal activation of the STING pathway in human postmortem cortical and spinal motor neurons from individuals affected by familial or sporadic ALS. This process takes place selectively in the most vulnerable cortical and spinal motor neurons but not in neurons that are less affected by the disease. Concordant STING activation in layer V cortical motor neurons occurs in a mouse model of C9orf72 repeat-associated ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). To establish that STING activation occurs in a neuron-autonomous manner, we demonstrate the integrity of the STING signaling pathway, including both upstream activators and downstream innate immune response effectors, in dissociated mouse cortical neurons and neurons derived from control human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Human iPSC-derived neurons harboring different familial ALS-causing mutations exhibit increased STING signaling with DNA damage as a main driver. The elevated downstream inflammatory markers present in ALS iPSC-derived neurons can be suppressed with a STING inhibitor. Our results reveal an immunophenotype that consists of innate immune signaling driven by the STING pathway and occurs specifically within vulnerable neurons in ALS/FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Marques
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron Held
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine Dorfman
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Song
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amey S Kavuturu
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Corey Aguilar
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Derek H Oakley
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Albers
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian J Wainger
- Department of Neurology, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Zamani A, Thomas E, Wright DK. Sex biology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102228. [PMID: 38354985 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Although sex differences in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have not been studied systematically, numerous clinical and preclinical studies have shown sex to be influential in disease prognosis. Moreover, with the development of advanced imaging tools, the difference between male and female brain in structure and function and their response to neurodegeneration are more definitive. As discussed in this review, ALS patients exhibit a sex bias pertaining to the features of the disease, and their clinical, pathological, (and pathophysiological) phenotypes. Several epidemiological studies have indicated that this sex disparity stems from various aetiologies, including sex-specific brain structure and neural functioning, genetic predisposition, age, gonadal hormones, susceptibility to traumatic brain injury (TBI)/head trauma and lifestyle factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Zamani
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Emma Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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15
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Domi T, Schito P, Sferruzza G, Russo T, Pozzi L, Agosta F, Carrera P, Riva N, Filippi M, Quattrini A, Falzone YM. Unveiling the SOD1-mediated ALS phenotype: insights from a comprehensive meta-analysis. J Neurol 2024; 271:1342-1354. [PMID: 37930481 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12074-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with mutations in SOD1 (SOD1-ALS) might be susceptible to specific treatment. The aim of the study is to outline the clinical features of SOD1-ALS patients by comparing them to patients without ALS major gene variants and patients with variants in other major ALS genes. Defining SOD1-ALS phenotype may assist clinicians in identifying patients who should be prioritized for genetic testing. METHODS We performed an extensive literature research including original studies which reported the clinical features of SOD1-ALS and at least one of the following patient groups: C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion (C9-ALS), TARDBP (TARDBP-ALS), FUS (FUS-ALS) or patients without a positive test for a major-ALS gene (N-ALS). A random effects meta-analytic model was applied to clinical data extracted encompassing sex, site and age of onset. To reconstruct individual patient survival data, the published Kaplan-Meier curves were digitized. Data were measured as odds ratio (OR) or standardized mean difference (SMD) as appropriate. Median survival was compared between groups. RESULTS Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. We identified 721 SOD1-ALS, 470 C9-ALS, 183 TARDBP-ALS, 113 FUS-ALS and 2824 N-ALS. SOD1-ALS showed a higher rate of spinal onset compared with N-ALS and C9-ALS (OR = 4.85, 95% CI = 3.04-7.76; OR = 10.47, 95% CI = 4.32-27.87) and an earlier onset compared with N-ALS (SMD = - 0.45, 95% CI = - 0.72 to - 0.18). SOD1-ALS had a similar survival compared with N-ALS (p = 0.14), a longer survival compared with C9-ALS (p < 0.01) and FUS-ALS (p = 0.019) and a shorter survival compared with TARDBP-ALS (p < 0.01). DISCUSSION This study indicates the presence of a specific SOD1-ALS phenotype. Insights in SOD1-ALS clinical features are important in genetic counseling, disease prognosis and support patients' stratification in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teuta Domi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paride Schito
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Sferruzza
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Tommaso Russo
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pozzi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Carrera
- Unit of Genomics for Human Disease Diagnosis, Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nilo Riva
- 3rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Yuri Matteo Falzone
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
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16
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Trejo-Gabriel-Galán JM. Euthanasia and assisted suicide in neurological diseases: a systematic review. Neurologia 2024; 39:170-177. [PMID: 38272260 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the neurological diseases for which euthanasia and assisted suicide are most frequently requested in the countries where these medical procedures are legal and the specific characteristics of euthanasia in some of these diseases, and to show the evolution of euthanasia figures. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature review. RESULTS Dementia, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease are the neurological diseases that most frequently motivate requests for euthanasia or assisted suicide. Requests related to dementia constitute the largest group, are growing, and raise additional ethical and legal issues due to these patients' diminished decision-making capacity. In some countries, the ratios of euthanasia requests to all cases of multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, or Huntington disease are higher than for any other disease. CONCLUSIONS After cancer, neurological diseases are the most frequent reason for requesting euthanasia or assisted suicide.
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17
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Xuan X, Zheng G, Zhu W, Sun Q, Zeng Y, Du J, Huang X. Alterations in regional homogeneity and functional connectivity in the cerebellum of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Behav Brain Res 2024; 458:114749. [PMID: 37931706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the cerebellum's local and global functional characteristics in individuals with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) and their correlation with clinical data. METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 39 patients with sALS and on 23 healthy controls. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the cerebellum of all participants was analyzed, and the cerebellar regions with differences in ReHo were considered regions of interest (ROIs). In addition, the functional connectivity between the ROIs and other brain regions was analyzed. RESULTS In patients with sALS, ReHo increased in parts of the posterior cerebellar lobe. Then, the two regions with increased ReHo of the cerebellum were used as seeds, and further analysis revealed that the connectivity of the right cerebellum to the right medial superior frontal gyrus, left lingual gyrus (calcarine sulcus), left precentral gyrus, left supplementary motor area, and right Crus II was significantly increased. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that resting-state functional connectivity changes in both motor and extra-motor regions of the cerebellum in patients with sALS, and that the cerebellum plays a pathophysiological role in sALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xuan
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China; Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China; Department of Neurology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Guangling Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qionghua Sun
- Department of Geriatrics of the Seventh Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yawei Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Neurology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China.
| | - Xusheng Huang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China; Department of Neurology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, No. 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China.
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18
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Imrell S, Fang F, Ingre C, Sennfält S. Increased incidence of motor neuron disease in Sweden: a population-based study during 2002-2021. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12219-1. [PMID: 38386047 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12219-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor neuron diseases (MND), with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis constituting most cases, are rare conditions of unknown etiology. There have been reports of an increase in incidence during the latter half of the twentieth century in various Western countries, including Sweden. This study provides updated data on the incidence of MND in Sweden during the last 20 years. METHODS Data was obtained from the Swedish National Patient Register on individuals diagnosed with MND from 2002 to 2021 and analysed in relation to group level data for the entire Swedish population. Incidence rates were calculated and presented in relation to year, age, sex, and region. RESULTS In the early 2000s, there was a crude incidence rate of 3.5-3.7 per 100,000 person-years, which then increased to 4.0-4.6 from 2008 onward. Age standardization to the starting year (2002) partially mitigated this increase. The incidence rate was greater among men compared to women and was highest within the age range of 70 to 84 years. There were indications of a higher incidence rate in the northernmost parts of the country, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The incidence rate of MND in Sweden now seems to have surpassed 4 cases per 100,000 person-years. This is higher when compared to both other European countries and previous Swedish studies. It remains to be determined if this increase reflects an actual increasing incidence of MND in Sweden or is due to other factors such as better registry coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Imrell
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Fang Fang
- Unit of Integrative Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Ingre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan Sennfält
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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19
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Sun W, Liu SH, Wei XJ, Sun H, Ma ZW, Yu XF. Potential of neuroimaging as a biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: from structure to metabolism. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12201-x. [PMID: 38367047 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration. The development of ALS involves metabolite alterations leading to tissue lesions in the nervous system. Recent advances in neuroimaging have significantly improved our understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of ALS, with findings supporting the corticoefferent axonal disease progression theory. Current studies on neuroimaging in ALS have demonstrated inconsistencies, which may be due to small sample sizes, insufficient statistical power, overinterpretation of findings, and the inherent heterogeneity of ALS. Deriving meaningful conclusions solely from individual imaging metrics in ALS studies remains challenging, and integrating multimodal imaging techniques shows promise for detecting valuable ALS biomarkers. In addition to giving an overview of the principles and techniques of different neuroimaging modalities, this review describes the potential of neuroimaging biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognostication of ALS. We provide an insight into the underlying pathology, highlighting the need for standardized protocols and multicenter collaborations to advance ALS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Si-Han Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Wei
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Zhen-Wei Ma
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xue-Fan Yu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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20
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Hamad AA, Amer BE, Abbas NB, Alnajjar AZ, Meshref M. Prevalence and correlates of fatigue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:485-493. [PMID: 37837507 PMCID: PMC10791750 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07119-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the frequency and correlates of fatigue in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS Three databases were searched up to 2nd May 2023 to identify studies reporting fatigue frequency in ALS. Studies included had to identify ALS patients through one of ALS diagnostic criteria and measure fatigue by a validated tool with a specific cut-off value. Meta-analysis was conducted using RStudio's "meta" package with a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression explored the relationship between fatigue frequency in ALS and different covariates. RESULTS Eleven studies, compromising 1072 patients, met the inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. The pooled frequency of fatigue across all studies was 48% (95% CI = 40% to 57%). Our subgroup analysis based on the ALSFRS-R revealed a higher frequency of fatigue in studies with lower scores (< 30) compared to those with higher scores (≥ 30), with a pooled frequency of 62% (95% CI = 43% to 79%) and 43% (95% CI = 37% to 49%), respectively. Also, the meta-regression analysis showed a significant negative association between fatigue and ALSFRS-R mean (P = 0.02). The included studies reported an association between fatigue and lower functional status and poorer quality of life in patients with ALS. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that fatigue is prevalent in almost half of ALS patients and is associated with lower functional status and poorer quality of life, highlighting the importance of assessing and managing fatigue in ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Asmaa Zakria Alnajjar
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
- Medical Research Group of Egypt, Negida Academy, Arlington, MA, USA
| | - Mostafa Meshref
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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21
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Oh J, An J, Park K, Park Y. Psychosocial interventions for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neuron disease and their caregivers: a scoping review. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:75. [PMID: 38287331 PMCID: PMC10823680 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disorder, patients experience severe impairments, with patients and family caregivers facing emotional distress and exhaustion. Several psychosocial interventions are aimed at providing tailored support for ALS/MND patients and caregivers. The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review and present a comprehensive overview of psychosocial interventions designed for individuals and families affected by ALS/MND, while also pinpointing research gaps. METHODS This scoping review utilized Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework to investigate psychosocial interventions designed for individuals with ALS/MND and their families. The study adhered to the PRISMA-ScR checklist for reporting. RESULTS A total of 27 articles describing 25 interventions met the inclusion criteria. The predominant interventions observed in the research encompassed education-related strategies, closely followed by behavior therapy, counseling, social support interventions, and psychotherapy interventions. Across the majority of the studies, findings indicated promising feasibility and acceptability of these interventions. Notably, a significant proportion of quantitative investigations yielded one or more statistically significant effects, while qualitative studies consistently reported favorable outcomes, including enhancements in well-being and heightened awareness of individual circumstances. CONCLUSIONS Given the progressive and debilitating nature of this condition, coupled with the absence of a cure, the adoption of a psychosocial approach can prove beneficial for both ALS/MND patients and their families. However, high-quality RCTs with a large sample size are recommended to examine and confirm the effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyeon Oh
- College of Nursing, Dankook University, 119 Dandae-Ro, Dongnam-Gu, Cheonan-Si, Chungcheongnam-Do, 31116, South Korea
| | - Jiwon An
- Department of Nursing, Far East University, 76-32, Daehak-Gil, Gamgok-Myeon, , Eumseong-Gun, Chungcheongbuk-Do, 27601, South Korea
| | - Kyongok Park
- Department of Nursing, Gangneung-Wonju National University, 150, Namwon-Ro, Heungeop-Myeon, Wonju-Si, Gangwon-Do, 26403, South Korea
| | - Youngok Park
- Department of Nursing, Gangneung-Wonju National University, 150, Namwon-Ro, Heungeop-Myeon, Wonju-Si, Gangwon-Do, 26403, South Korea.
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22
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Ovsepian SV, O'Leary VB, Martinez S. Selective vulnerability of motor neuron types and functional groups to degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: review of the neurobiological mechanisms and functional correlates. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:1-14. [PMID: 37999738 PMCID: PMC10827929 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition characterised by a progressive loss of motor neurons controlling voluntary muscle activity. The disease manifests through a variety of motor dysfunctions related to the extent of damage and loss of neurons at different anatomical locations. Despite extensive research, it remains unclear why some motor neurons are especially susceptible to the disease, while others are affected less or even spared. In this article, we review the neurobiological mechanisms, neurochemical profiles, and morpho-functional characteristics of various motor neuron groups and types of motor units implicated in their differential exposure to degeneration. We discuss specific cell-autonomous (intrinsic) and extrinsic factors influencing the vulnerability gradient of motor units and motor neuron types to ALS, with their impact on disease manifestation, course, and prognosis, as revealed in preclinical and clinical studies. We consider the outstanding challenges and emerging opportunities for interpreting the phenotypic and mechanistic variability of the disease to identify targets for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK.
| | - Valerie B O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 10000, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Salvador Martinez
- Instituto de Neurociencias UMH-CSIC, Avda. Ramon y Cajal, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Spain.
- Center of Biomedical Network Research on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
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23
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Beswick E, Johnson M, Newton J, Dakin R, Stenson A, Abrahams S, Carson A, Chandran S, Pal S. Factors impacting trial participation in people with motor neuron disease. J Neurol 2024; 271:543-552. [PMID: 37787812 PMCID: PMC10769905 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatment options. Historically, neurological trials have been plagued by suboptimal recruitment and high rates of attrition. The Motor Neuron Disease-Systematic Multi-Arm Randomised Adaptive Trial (MND-SMART) seeks to identify effective disease modifying drugs. This study investigates person-specific factors affecting recruitment and retention. Improved understanding of these factors may improve trial protocol design, optimise recruitment and retention. Participants with MND completed questionnaires and this was supplemented with clinical data. 12 months after completing the questionnaires we used MND-SMART recruitment data to establish if members of our cohort engaged with the trial. 120 people with MND completed questionnaires for this study. Mean age at participation was 66 (SD = 9), 14% (n = 17) were categorised as long survivors, with 68% (n = 81) of participants male and 60% (n = 73) had the ALS sub-type. Of the 120 study participants, 50% (n = 60) were randomised into MND-SMART and 78% (n = 94) expressed interest an in participating. After the 1-year follow-up period 65% (n = 39) of the 60 randomised participants remained in MND-SMART. Older age was significantly associated with reduced likelihood of participation (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88-0.96, p = 0.000488). The findings show that people with MND are highly motivated to engage in research, but older individuals remain significantly less likely to participate. We recommend the inclusion of studies to explore characteristics of prospective and current participants alongside trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Beswick
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB, Scotland
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Micheala Johnson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB, Scotland
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Judith Newton
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB, Scotland
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Rachel Dakin
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB, Scotland
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Amy Stenson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB, Scotland
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Sharon Abrahams
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Human Cognitive Neurosciences, Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Alan Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB, Scotland
| | - Siddharthan Chandran
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB, Scotland
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Suvankar Pal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, The University of Edinburgh, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4 SB, Scotland.
- Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland.
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24
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Eisen A, Vucic S, Mitsumoto H. History of ALS and the competing theories on pathogenesis: IFCN handbook chapter. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2023; 9:1-12. [PMID: 38213309 PMCID: PMC10776891 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the human motor system, first described in the 19th Century. The etiology of ALS appears to be multifactorial, with a complex interaction of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors underlying the onset of disease. Importantly, there are no known naturally occurring animal models, and transgenic mouse models fail to faithfully reproduce ALS as it manifests in patients. Debate as to the site of onset of ALS remain, with three competing theories proposed, including (i) the dying-forward hypothesis, whereby motor neuron degeneration is mediated by hyperexcitable corticomotoneurons via an anterograde transsynaptic excitotoxic mechanism, (ii) dying-back hypothesis, proposing the ALS begins in the peripheral nervous system with a toxic factor(s) retrogradely transported into the central nervous system and mediating upper motor neuron dysfunction, and (iii) independent hypothesis, suggesting that upper and lower motor neuron degenerated independently. Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies, along with pathological and genetic findings have supported the dying forward hypothesis theory, although the science is yet to be settled. The review provides a historical overview of ALS, discusses phenotypes and likely pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Eisen
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steve Vucic
- Director Brain and Nerve Research Center, Clinical School, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Hiroshi Mitsumoto
- Wesley J. Howe Professor of Neurology, Columbia University, The Neurological Institute of New York, and New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, United States
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Liu S, Zhang K, Li X, Li C, Peng M. Effects of the different intensities of task-oriented training on the upper extremity motor function and self-care ability of stroke survivors: study protocol for a multiarm parallel-group randomised controlled trial in a tertiary hospital in China. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074106. [PMID: 38070930 PMCID: PMC10729097 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although task-oriented training (TOT) may provide added therapeutic value to stroke survivors, current TOT guidance offers insufficient advice on standardisation, particularly choices of intensity, for clinical practice. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of different intensities of TOT on motor function and self-care ability of stroke survivors. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This randomised controlled clinical trial will recruit 72 participants from a tertiary hospital, diagnosed with decreased self-care ability and upper limb motor dysfunction post-stroke. All participants will be randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or the control group to undergo intervention for 8 weeks. The participants in the control group (n=18) will receive traditional occupational therapy, while those in the experimental groups will receive different intensities of TOT (50%, 75% and 100% intensity for groups A, B and C, respectively). This protocol designed a more innovative and optimised TOT programme to explore the optimal intensity of TOT on stroke survivors. The primary outcome is Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and the secondary outcomes include Modified Barthel Index, Wolf Motor Function Test and Motor Activity Log. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University Ethics Committee approved the medical and ethical protocol for this study (LW2022015). All participants will sign an informed consent form. The results will be presented in scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2200056390.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfeng Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xuecha Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Mengsi Peng
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Babazadeh A, Rayner SL, Lee A, Chung RS. TDP-43 as a therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases: Focusing on motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102085. [PMID: 37813308 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
A common feature of adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases is the presence of characteristic pathological accumulations of specific proteins. These pathological protein depositions can vary in their protein composition, cell-type distribution, and intracellular (or extracellular) location. For example, abnormal cytoplasmic protein deposits which consist of the TDP-43 protein are found within motor neurons in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, a common form of motor neuron disease) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The presence of these insoluble intracellular TDP-43 inclusions suggests that restoring TDP-43 homeostasis represents a potential therapeutical strategy, which has been demonstrated in alleviating neurodegenerative symptoms in cell and animal models of ALS/FTD. We have reviewed the mechanisms that lead to disrupted TDP-43 homeostasis and discussed how small molecule-based therapies could be applied in modulating these mechanisms. This review covers recent advancements and challenges in small molecule-based therapies that could be used to clear pathological forms of TDP-43 through various protein homeostasis mechanisms and advance the way towards finding effective therapeutical drug discoveries for neurodegenerative diseases characterized by TDP-43 proteinopathies, especially ALS and FTD. We also consider the wider insight of these therapeutic strategies for other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Babazadeh
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Stephanie L Rayner
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Albert Lee
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Roger S Chung
- Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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Cascella R, Banchelli M, Abolghasem Ghadami S, Ami D, Gagliani MC, Bigi A, Staderini T, Tampellini D, Cortese K, Cecchi C, Natalello A, Adibi H, Matteini P, Chiti F. An in situ and in vitro investigation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions reveals the absence of a clear amyloid signature. Ann Med 2023; 55:72-88. [PMID: 36495262 PMCID: PMC9746631 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2148734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Several neurodegenerative conditions are associated with a common histopathology within neurons of the central nervous system, consisting of the deposition of cytoplasmic inclusions of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Such inclusions have variably been described as morphologically and molecularly ordered aggregates having amyloid properties, as filaments without the cross-β-structure and dye binding specific for amyloid, or as amorphous aggregates with no defined structure and fibrillar morphology.Aims and Methods: Here we have expressed human full-length TDP-43 in neuroblastoma x spinal cord 34 (NSC-34) cells to investigate the morphological, structural, and tinctorial properties of TDP-43 inclusions in situ. We have used last-generation amyloid diagnostic probes able to cross the cell membrane and detect amyloid in the cytoplasm and have adopted Raman and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopies to study in situ the secondary structure of the TDP-43 protein in the inclusions. We have then used transmission electron microscopy to study the morphology of the TDP-43 inclusions.Results: The results show the absence of amyloid dye binding, the lack of an enrichment of cross-β structure in the inclusions, and of a fibrillar texture in the round inclusions. The aggregates formed in vitro from the purified protein under conditions in which it is initially native also lack all these characteristics, ruling out a clear amyloid-like signature.Conclusions: These findings indicate a low propensity of TDP-43 to form amyloid fibrils and even non-amyloid filaments, under conditions in which the protein is initially native and undergoes its typical nucleus-to-cell mislocalization. It cannot be excluded that filaments emerge on the long time scale from such inclusions, but the high propensity of the protein to form initially other types of inclusions appear to be an essential characteristic of TDP-43 proteinopathies.KEY MESSAGESCytoplasmic inclusions of TDP-43 formed in NSC-34 cells do not stain with amyloid-diagnostic dyes, are not enriched with cross-β structure, and do not show a fibrillar morphology.TDP-43 assemblies formed in vitro from pure TDP-43 do not have any hallmarks of amyloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Cascella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Banchelli
- Institute of Applied Physics "Nello Carrara", National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Diletta Ami
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Milan Center of Neuroscience (NeuroMI), Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gagliani
- Cellular Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bigi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Staderini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Tampellini
- U 1195 INSERM-Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France.,Institut Professeur Baulieu, Paris, France
| | - Katia Cortese
- Cellular Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Cecchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonino Natalello
- Department of Biotechnologies and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,Milan Center of Neuroscience (NeuroMI), Milan, Italy
| | - Hadi Adibi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Paolo Matteini
- Institute of Applied Physics "Nello Carrara", National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Chiti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Oh JE, Oh JA, Demopoulos M, Clark KM, Phillips MC. Impact of the metabolic syndrome on prevalence and survival in motor neuron disease: a retrospective case series. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2583-2589. [PMID: 37747630 PMCID: PMC10663191 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01296-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction is an important factor in the pathogenesis of motor neuron disease, but its prevalence and association with survival in this disorder is unknown. We hypothesized that patients with motor neuron disease would show a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared to the general New Zealand population, and that metabolic syndrome would be associated with worsened survival. We undertook a retrospective analysis in 109 motor neuron disease patients diagnosed and treated at Waikato Hospital from 2013 to 2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Survival was defined as the date of initial symptom onset to the date of death. Of 104 eligible patients, 34 patients (33%) had metabolic syndrome (33% of Europeans, 46% of Māori). Mean survival in motor neuron disease patients with metabolic syndrome was significantly reduced compared to patients without metabolic syndrome (38 vs. 61 months, P = 0.044), with a 5-year survival rate of 21% for the former and 38% for the latter (P = 0.012). Compared with the general New Zealand population, metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent amongst motor neuron disease patients in the Waikato region and it is associated with worsened survival. Metabolic dysfunction may be a key factor underlying the pathogenesis of motor neuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jee Ah Oh
- Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Hamad AA, Amer BE, Al Mawla AM, Goufa E, Abdelwahab MM, Serag I. Clinical characteristics, course, and outcomes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis overlapping with pregnancy: a systematic review of 38 published cases. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:4219-4231. [PMID: 37587387 PMCID: PMC10641051 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06994-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease that can overlap with pregnancy, but little is known about its clinical characteristics, course, and outcomes in this context. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on ALS overlapping with pregnancy. METHODS We comprehensively searched four databases on February 2, 2023, to identify case studies reporting cases of ALS overlapping with pregnancy. Joanna Brigs Institute tool was followed to assess the quality of the included studies. RESULTS Twenty-six articles reporting 38 cases were identified and included in our study. Out of the 38 cases, 18 were aged < 30 years. The onset of ALS was before pregnancy in 18 cases, during pregnancy in 16 cases, and directly after pregnancy in 4 cases. ALS progression course was rapid or severe in 55% of the cases during pregnancy, and this percentage reached 61% in cases with an onset of ALS before pregnancy. While ALS progression course after pregnancy was rapid or severe in 63% and stable in 37% of the cases. Most cases (95%) were able to complete the pregnancy and gave live birth. However, preterm delivery was common. For neonates, 86% were healthy without any complications. CONCLUSION While pregnancy with ALS is likely to survive and result in giving birth to healthy infants, it could be associated with rapid or severe progression of ALS and result in a worse prognosis, highlighting the importance of close monitoring and counselling for patients and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Basma Ehab Amer
- Medical Research Group of Egypt, Negida Academy, Arlington, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Aya Mustafa Al Mawla
- Medical Research Group of Egypt, Negida Academy, Arlington, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Elarbi Goufa
- Medical Research Group of Egypt, Negida Academy, Arlington, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oran 1 - Ahmed Ben Bella, Oran, Algeria
| | - Maya Magdy Abdelwahab
- Medical Research Group of Egypt, Negida Academy, Arlington, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Serag
- Medical Research Group of Egypt, Negida Academy, Arlington, MA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Dubowsky M, Theunissen F, Carr JM, Rogers ML. The Molecular Link Between TDP-43, Endogenous Retroviruses and Inflammatory Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a Potential Target for Triumeq, an Antiretroviral Therapy. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6330-6345. [PMID: 37450244 PMCID: PMC10533598 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03472-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurological disorder, characterised by the death of upper and lower motor neurons. The aetiology of ALS remains unknown, and treatment options are limited. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), specifically human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K), have been proposed to be involved in the propagation of neurodegeneration in ALS. ERVs are genomic remnants of ancient viral infection events, with most being inactive and not retaining the capacity to encode a fully infectious virus. However, some ERVs retain the ability to be activated and transcribed, and ERV transcripts have been found to be elevated within the brain tissue of MND patients. A hallmark of ALS pathology is altered localisation of the transactive response (TAR) DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), which is normally found within the nucleus of neuronal and glial cells and is involved in RNA regulation. In ALS, TDP-43 aggregates within the cytoplasm and facilitates neurodegeneration. The involvement of ERVs in ALS pathology is thought to occur through TDP-43 and neuroinflammatory mediators. In this review, the proposed involvement of TDP-43, HERV-K and immune regulators on the onset and progression of ALS will be discussed. Furthermore, the evidence supporting a therapy based on targeting ERVs in ALS will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Dubowsky
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| | - Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Jillian M Carr
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Mary-Louise Rogers
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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Lo Russo F, Contarino VE, Conte G, Morelli C, Trogu F, Casale S, Sbaraini S, Caschera L, Genovese V, Liu C, Cinnante CM, Silani V, Triulzi FM. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with upper motor neuron predominance: diagnostic accuracy of qualitative and quantitative susceptibility metrics in the precentral gyrus. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:7677-7685. [PMID: 37606662 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aims at comparing the diagnostic accuracy of qualitative and quantitative assessment of the susceptibility in the precentral gyrus in detecting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with predominance of upper motor neuron (UMN) impairment. METHODS We retrospectively collected clinical and 3T MRI data of 47 ALS patients, of whom 12 with UMN predominance (UMN-ALS). We further enrolled 23 healthy controls (HC) and 15 ALS Mimics (ALS-Mim). The Motor Cortex Susceptibility (MCS) score was qualitatively assessed on the susceptibility-weighted images (SWI) and automatic metrics were extracted from the quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in the precentral gyrus. MCS scores and QSM-based metrics were tested for correlation, and ROC analyses. RESULTS The correlation of MCS score and susceptibility skewness was significant (Rho = 0.55, p < 0.001). The susceptibility SD showed an AUC of 0.809 with a specificity and positive predictive value of 100% in differentiating ALS and ALS Mim versus HC, significantly higher than MCS (Z = -3.384, p-value = 0.00071). The susceptibility skewness value of -0.017 showed specificity of 92.3% and predictive positive value of 91.7% in differentiating UMN-ALS versus ALS mimics, even if the performance was not significantly better than MCS (Z = 0.81, p = 0.21). CONCLUSION The MCS and susceptibility skewness of the precentral gyrus show high diagnostic accuracy in differentiating UMN-ALS from ALS-mimics subjects. The quantitative assessment might be preferred being an automatic measure unbiased by the reader. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT The clinical diagnostic evaluation of ALS patients might benefit from the qualitative and/or quantitative assessment of the susceptibility in the precentral gyrus as imaging marker of upper motor neuron predominance. KEY POINTS • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnostic work-up lacks biomarkers able to identify upper motor neuron involvement. • Susceptibility-weighted imaging/quantitative susceptibility mapping-based measures showed good diagnostic accuracy in discriminating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with predominant upper motor neuron impairment from patients with suspected motor neuron disorder. • Susceptibility-weighted imaging/quantitative susceptibility mapping-based assessment of the magnetic susceptibility provides a diagnostic marker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with upper motor neuron predominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Lo Russo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Elisa Contarino
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Conte
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Claudia Morelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Trogu
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Casale
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Sbaraini
- Neuroradiology Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, San Carlo Borromeo Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Caschera
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Genovese
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan, Italy
| | - Chunlei Liu
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Claudia Maria Cinnante
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Maria Triulzi
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
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32
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Perera T, Bencsik C, Pfeffer G, Mobach T. New SOD1 Mutation Causing Rapid Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with Nerve Root Enhancement. Can J Neurol Sci 2023; 50:932-934. [PMID: 36321541 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2022.311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tefani Perera
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Caralyn Bencsik
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Theodore Mobach
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Benussi A, Cantoni V, Grassi M, Libri I, Cotelli MS, Tarantino B, Datta A, Thomas C, Huber N, Kärkkäinen S, Herukka SK, Haapasalo A, Filosto M, Padovani A, Borroni B. Cortico-spinal tDCS in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial followed by an open-label phase. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1666-1676. [PMID: 37977335 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease for which no curative treatment is currently available. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether cortico-spinal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could mitigate symptoms in ALS patients via a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, followed by an open-label phase. METHODS Thirty-one participants were randomized into two groups for the initial controlled phase. At baseline (T0), Group 1 received placebo stimulation (sham tDCS), while Group 2 received cortico-spinal stimulation (real tDCS) for five days/week for two weeks (T1), with an 8-week (T2) follow-up (randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled phase). At the 24-week follow-up (T3), all participants (Groups 1 and 2) received a second treatment of anodal bilateral motor cortex and cathodal spinal stimulation (real tDCS) for five days/week for two weeks (T4). Follow-up evaluations were performed at 32-weeks (T5) and 48-weeks (T6) (open-label phase). At each time point, clinical assessment, blood sampling, and intracortical connectivity measures using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were evaluated. Additionally, we evaluated survival rates. RESULTS Compared to sham stimulation, cortico-spinal tDCS significantly improved global strength, caregiver burden, and quality of life scores, which correlated with the restoration of intracortical connectivity measures. Serum neurofilament light levels decreased among patients who underwent real tDCS but not in those receiving sham tDCS. The number of completed 2-week tDCS treatments significantly influenced patient survival. CONCLUSIONS Cortico-spinal tDCS may represent a promising therapeutic and rehabilitative approach for patients with ALS. Further larger-scale studies are necessary to evaluate whether tDCS could potentially impact patient survival. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04293484.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Benussi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Cantoni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Medical and Genomic Statistics Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilenia Libri
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Tarantino
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Medical and Genomic Statistics Unit, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Abhishek Datta
- Research & Development, Soterix Medical, Inc., New York, USA
| | - Chris Thomas
- Research & Development, Soterix Medical, Inc., New York, USA
| | - Nadine Huber
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sari Kärkkäinen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sanna-Kaisa Herukka
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Neurology, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Neurology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Annakaisa Haapasalo
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Massimiliano Filosto
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; NeMo-Brescia Clinical Center for Neuromuscular Diseases, Gussago, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Padovani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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34
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Narayan MS, Sameer M, Viburajah V. Hip Fracture in a Patient with Overlap Syndrome - Conundrums Involved in the Management - A Case Report. J Orthop Case Rep 2023; 13:106-111. [PMID: 38025370 PMCID: PMC10664231 DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2023.v13.i11.4024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative condition producing symptoms of varying severity depending on the extent and progression of the disease pathology most importantly respiratory insufficiency and pulmonary complications. Myasthenia gravis (MG) on the other hand is an autoimmune condition due to the pathology involving failure of neuromuscular transmission causing muscle weakness exacerbated by activity and involvement of the respiratory muscles leading to respiratory failure. Overlap syndrome is a condition wherein both motor neuron disease (MND) and MG are present in the same patient. The safety of using muscle-relaxing agents in patients with MG undergoing major surgical procedures has so far been assessed as insufficient. There have been many concerns regarding anesthetic management in relation to complications with respiratory function in patients with ALS, with regional anesthesia being considered slightly safer. Case Report An 81-year-old female presented with a closed injury to her left hip, and she was diagnosed to have a left neck of femur fracture. She was also a known case of bulbar MND with an overlap syndrome of MG. She was hypertensive and controlled with regular medication. She was planned for a left hip bipolar arthroplasty. Anesthetic requirements and management of these patients require a high degree of expertise and anesthesia in patients undergoing surgery is prone to more complications and mortality. In addition, as the patient had an overlap of both MG and MND, more meticulous assessment and management strategies were necessary. Conclusion The importance and purpose of this study are to highlight a case of overlap syndrome of MND and MG patients who sustained a left neck femur fracture and underwent bipolar arthroplasty highlighting the anesthetic considerations in the patient for the procedure. We concluded that the choice of mode of anesthesia needs to be individualized based on each patient's requirements after careful analysis of the risk-benefit ratio of general versus regional. Regional anesthesia was successfully administered for this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sriman Narayan
- Department of Orthopedics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohamed Sameer
- Department of Orthopedics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vidarshna Viburajah
- Department of Anaesthesia, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Dubbioso R, Provitera V, Pacella D, Santoro L, Manganelli F, Nolano M. Autonomic dysfunction is associated with disease progression and survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a prospective longitudinal cohort study. J Neurol 2023; 270:4968-4977. [PMID: 37358634 PMCID: PMC10511550 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11832-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among non-motor symptoms, autonomic disturbances have been described in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and reported as mild to moderate in up to 75% of patients. However, no study has systematically investigated autonomic symptoms as prognostic factors. OBJECTIVES The main aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the association of autonomic dysfunction with disease progression and survival in ALS. METHODS We enrolled newly diagnosed ALS patients and a healthy control group (HC). Time from disease onset to disease milestone (King's stage 4) and death were calculated to assess disease progression and survival. Autonomic symptoms were assessed by a dedicated questionnaire. Longitudinal evaluation of parasympathetic cardiovascular activity was performed by the heart rate variability (HRV). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models on the risk of the disease milestone and death were used. A mixed-effect linear regression model was used to compare autonomic dysfunction with a HC group as well as its impairment over time. RESULTS A total of 102 patients and 41 HC were studied. ALS patients, compared with HC, complained of more autonomic symptoms, especially in bulbar onset patients. Autonomic symptoms occurred in 69 (68%) patients at diagnosis and progressed over time (post-6: p = 0.015 and post-12: p < 0.001). A higher autonomic symptom burden was an independent marker of faster development of King's stage 4 (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.00-1.11; p = 0.022); whereas, urinary complaints were independent factors of a shorter survival (HR 3.12; 95% CI 1.22-7.97; p = 0.018). Moreover, HRV in ALS patients was lower than in HC (p = 0.018) and further decreased over time (p = 0.003), implying a parasympathetic hypofunction that progressed over time. CONCLUSION Autonomic symptoms occur in most of the ALS patients at diagnosis and progress over time, implying that autonomic dysfunction represents an intrinsic non-motor feature of the disease. A higher autonomic burden is a poor prognostic factor, associated with a more rapid development of disease milestones and shorter survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurological Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037, Telese Terme, Benevento, Italy
| | - Daniela Pacella
- Department of Public Health, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucio Santoro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Fiore Manganelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Nolano
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurological Rehabilitation Unit of Telese Terme Institute, 82037, Telese Terme, Benevento, Italy
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Gonçalves F, Teixeira MI, Magalhães B. The role of spirituality in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their caregivers: Scoping review. Palliat Support Care 2023; 21:914-924. [PMID: 36464916 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522001511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few studies evaluating the role of spirituality and the role of spiritually integrated interventions in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS) and their caregivers. OBJECTIVES A scoping review was conducted to examine the nature and breadth of peer-reviewed literature on the role of spirituality, interventions integrating spirituality, and outcomes for PALS and their caregivers. METHODS A literature review was performed, following the methods from the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers, based on all articles published between January 2006 and April 2022, identified in the CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, MedicLatina, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and SPORTDiscus with full-text databases using key terms. Extracted data included research aims, study design, population and characteristics, theme description, and measures or type of intervention. RESULTS A total of 18 articles were included in this study: 14 qualitative, 3 quantitative, and 1 protocol of a quantitative study. Eight studies were based in Europe. The search identified different main themes related to spirituality for caregivers and patients, 2 spiritual measure scales, and one intervention. However, many studies were limited in sample size, generalizability, and transferability and used less sophisticated research designs. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESULTS This scoping review illustrates the importance given to spirituality by caregivers and PALS and reveals a very heterogeneous response. Thus, experimental studies in the area of spirituality are needed to systematically explore the impact of spiritual interventions, and the results of these studies could advance practice and policy by enhancing the quality of life for PALS and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Gonçalves
- APELA - Portuguese Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of A Coruña (UdC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Margarida I Teixeira
- APELA - Portuguese Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno Magalhães
- Oncology Nursing Research Unit, IPo-Porto Research (CI-POP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto. CCC) & Rise@Ci-IPOP (Health Research Network), Porto, Portugal
- School of Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (ESS-UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
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Fay A. Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A (Now) Treatable Neurodegenerative Disease. Pediatr Clin North Am 2023; 70:963-977. [PMID: 37704354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive disease of the lower motor neurons associated with recessive loss of the SMN1 gene, and which leads to worsening weakness and disability, and is fatal in its most severe forms. Over the past six years, three treatments have emerged, two drugs that modify exon splicing and one gene therapy, which have transformed the management of this disease. When treated pre-symptomatically, many children show normal early motor development, and the benefits extend from the newborn period to adulthood. Similar treatment approaches are now under investigation for rare types of SMA associated with genes beyond SMN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Fay
- University of California, San Francisco, 1875 4th Street., Suite 5A, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Wiesenfarth M, Huppertz HJ, Dorst J, Lulé D, Ludolph AC, Müller HP, Kassubek J. Structural and microstructural neuroimaging signature of C9orf72-associated ALS: A multiparametric MRI study. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 39:103505. [PMID: 37696099 PMCID: PMC10500452 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ALS patients with hexanucleotide expansion in C9orf72 are characterized by a specific clinical phenotype, including more aggressive disease course and cognitive decline. Computerized multiparametric MRI with gray matter volumetry and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to analyze white matter structural connectivity is a potential in vivo biomarker. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to develop a multiparametric MRI signature in a large cohort of ALS patients with C9orf72 mutations. The aim was to investigate how morphological features of C9orf72-associated ALS differ in structural MRI and DTI compared to healthy controls and ALS patients without C9orf72 mutations. METHODS Atlas-based volumetry (ABV) and whole brain-based DTI-based analyses were performed in a cohort of n = 51 ALS patients with C9orf72 mutations and compared with both n = 51 matched healthy controls and n = 51 C9orf72 negative ALS patients, respectively. Subsequently, Spearman correlation analysis of C9orf72 ALS patients' data with clinical parameters (age of onset, sex, ALS-FRS-R, progression rate, survival) as well as ECAS and p-NfH in CSF was performed. RESULTS The whole brain voxel-by-voxel comparison of fractional anisotropy (FA) maps between C9orf72 ALS patients and controls showed significant bilateral alterations in axonal structures of the white matter at group level, primarily along the corticospinal tracts and in fibers projecting to the frontal lobes. For the frontal lobes, these alterations were also significant between C9orf72 positive and C9orf72 negative ALS patients. In ABV, patients with C9orf72 mutations showed lower volumes of the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobe, with the lowest values in the gray matter of the superior frontal and the precentral gyrus, but also in hippocampi and amygdala. Compared to C9orf72 negative ALS, the differences were shown to be significant for cerebral gray matter (p = 0.04), especially in the frontal (p = 0.01) and parietal lobe (p = 0.01), and in the thalamus (p = 0.004). A correlation analysis between ECAS and averaged regional FA values revealed significant correlations between cognitive performance in ECAS and frontal association fibers. Lower FA values in the frontal lobes were associated with worse performance in all cognitive domains measured (language, verbal fluency, executive functions, memory and spatial perception). In addition, there were significant negative correlations between age of onset and atlas-based volumetry results for gray matter. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a distinct pattern of DTI alterations of the white matter and ubiquitous volume reductions of the gray matter early in the disease course of C9orf72-associated ALS. Alterations were closely linked to a more aggressive cognitive phenotype. These results are in line with an expected pTDP43 propagation pattern of cortical affection and thus strengthen the hypothesis that an underlying developmental disorder is present in ALS with C9orf72 expansions. Thus, multiparametric MRI could contribute to the assessment of the disease as an in vivo biomarker even in the early phase of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Johannes Dorst
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany; German Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | - Dorothée Lulé
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany; German Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany; German Centre of Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm, Germany.
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Signoria I, van der Pol WL, Groen EJN. Innovating spinal muscular atrophy models in the therapeutic era. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050352. [PMID: 37787662 PMCID: PMC10565113 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe, monogenetic, neuromuscular disease. A thorough understanding of its genetic cause and the availability of robust models has led to the development and approval of three gene-targeting therapies. This is a unique and exciting development for the field of neuromuscular diseases, many of which remain untreatable. The development of therapies for SMA not only opens the door to future therapeutic possibilities for other genetic neuromuscular diseases, but also informs us about the limitations of such treatments. For example, treatment response varies widely and, for many patients, significant disability remains. Currently available SMA models best recapitulate the severe types of SMA, and these models are genetically and phenotypically more homogeneous than patients. Furthermore, treating patients is leading to a shift in phenotypes with increased variability in SMA clinical presentation. Therefore, there is a need to generate model systems that better reflect these developments. Here, we will first discuss current animal models of SMA and their limitations. Next, we will discuss the characteristics required to future-proof models to assist the field in the development of additional, novel therapies for SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Signoria
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - W. Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ewout J. N. Groen
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Hamad AA, Attia AN, Al-Dardery NM, Mohamed SF, Meshref M. Safety and efficacy of lithium in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:3029-3036. [PMID: 37069469 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06814-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the safety and efficacy of lithium in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Your Journals@Ovid were searched up to 9 December 2022. RCTs investigating lithium, either alone or with any supplement, in ALS patients were included. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan and results are presented in forest plot. RESULTS Four RCTs with 469 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in our study. Lithium doses varied among the included studies and one study used a combined therapy of lithium with valproate. Meta-analysis showed no difference between lithium and placebo regarding severe adverse events (odds ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval: 0.73 to 1.75, P = 0.58). No significant differences were observed with regard to survival rate between the two groups (hazard ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval: 0.65 to 1.37, P = 0.77). There were also no significant differences between the two groups with regard to average changes of revised amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale (P = 0.35) and forced vital capacity percentage predicted (P = 0.73). Subgroup analysis showed no significant differences regarding all investigated outcomes either for lithium alone or lithium with valproate. CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests a safety profile with no benefit of lithium for ALS. However, given the limited number of RCTs and the safety findings, we recommend further well-designed RCTs to investigate lithium and valproate in ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Ashraf Hamad
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt.
- Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Amir N Attia
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt
- Kasr Alainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nada Mostafa Al-Dardery
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Shrouk F Mohamed
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Meshref
- Medical Research Group of Egypt (MRGE), Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Tahedl M, Tan EL, Siah WF, Hengeveld JC, Doherty MA, McLaughlin RL, Hardiman O, Finegan E, Bede P. Radiological correlates of pseudobulbar affect: Corticobulbar and cerebellar components in primary lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Sci 2023; 451:120726. [PMID: 37421883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) is a distressing symptom of a multitude of neurological conditions affecting patients with a rage of neuroinflammatory, neurovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. It manifests in disproportionate emotional responses to minimal or no contextual stimulus. It has considerable quality of life implications and treatment can be challenging. METHODS A prospective multimodal neuroimaging study was conducted to explore the neuroanatomical underpinnings of PBA in patients with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). All participants underwent whole genome sequencing and screening for C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions, a comprehensive neurological assessment, neuropsychological screening (ECAS, HADS, FrSBe) and PBA was evaluated by the emotional lability questionnaire. Structural, diffusivity and functional MRI data were systematically evaluated in whole-brain (WB) data-driven and region of interest (ROI) hypothesis-driven analyses. In ROI analyses, functional and structural corticobulbar connectivity and cerebello-medullary connectivity alterations were evaluated separately. RESULTS Our data-driven whole-brain analyses revealed associations between PBA and white matter degeneration in descending corticobulbar as well as in commissural tracts. In our hypothesis-driven analyses, PBA was associated with increased right corticobulbar tract RD (p = 0.006) and decreased FA (p = 0.026). The left-hemispheric corticobulbar tract, as well as functional connectivity, showed similar tendencies. While uncorrected p-maps revealed both voxelwise and ROI trends for associations between PBA and cerebellar measures, these did not reach significance to unequivocally support the "cerebellar hypothesis". CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm associations between cortex-brainstem disconnection and the clinical severity of PBA. While our findings may be disease-specific, they are consistent with the classical cortico-medullary model of pseudobulbar affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Tahedl
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ee Ling Tan
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - We Fong Siah
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Mark A Doherty
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Orla Hardiman
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eoin Finegan
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Bede
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland; Department of Neurology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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Castro J, Swash M, de Carvalho M. The cutaneous silent period as a measure of upper motor neuron dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neurophysiol Clin 2023; 53:102843. [PMID: 36716610 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2022.102843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the cutaneous silent period (CutSP) as a measure of upper motor neuron (UMN) dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. METHODS The onset latency, duration, and amount of EMG suppression of the CutSP were compared with clinical UMN signs in 24 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). UMN signs were quantified using a clinical index and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Central motor conduction time (CMCT), cortical motor threshold and motor evoked potential amplitudes were assessed as measures of UMN dysfunction. CutSP was studied in abductor digit minimi (ADM) and tibialis anterior (TA) EMG recordings following stimulation of the 5th finger and sural nerves respectively. Non-parametric tests and binomial logistic regression were applied to evaluate the data. RESULTS CutSP onset latency was increased in ALS patients, compared to healthy controls, both for ADM and TA muscles. In limbs with clinical UMN signs or abnormal TMS findings, the CutSP onset latency was particularly increased. There was a significant positive correlation between CutSP onset latency and the UMN score in both upper and lower limbs. In TA muscles there was also a negative correlation between CutSP onset latency and EMG suppression. The logistic regression model based on CutSP parameters correctly classified more than 70% of the cases regarding the presence of clinical signs of UMN lesion, in both upper and lower limbs. The results were not significant for TMS. CONCLUSION We conclude that upper limb CutSP changes associates with UMN lesion in ALS. This neurophysiological measurement merits further investigation in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Castro
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Michael Swash
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Mamede de Carvalho
- Instituto de Fisiologia, Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisbon, Portugal
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Gould RL, Rawlinson C, Thompson B, Weeks K, Gossage-Worrall R, Cantrill H, Serfaty MA, Graham CD, McCracken LM, White D, Howard RJ, Bursnall M, Bradburn M, Al-Chalabi A, Orrell R, Chhetri SK, Noad R, Radunovic A, Williams T, Young CA, Dick D, Lawrence V, Goldstein LH, Young T, Ealing J, McLeod H, Williams N, Weatherly H, Cave R, Chiwera T, Pagnini F, Cooper C, Shaw PJ, McDermott CJ. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for people living with motor neuron disease: an uncontrolled feasibility study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:116. [PMID: 37420261 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01354-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motor neuron disease (MND) is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive weakening and wasting of limb, bulbar, thoracic and abdominal muscles. Clear evidence-based guidance on how psychological distress should be managed in people living with MND (plwMND) is lacking. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychological therapy that may be particularly suitable for this population. However, to the authors' knowledge, no study to date has evaluated ACT for plwMND. Consequently, the primary aim of this uncontrolled feasibility study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of ACT for improving the psychological health of plwMND. METHODS PlwMND aged ≥ 18 years were recruited from 10 UK MND Care Centres/Clinics. Participants received up to 8 one-to-one ACT sessions, developed specifically for plwMND, plus usual care. Co-primary feasibility and acceptability outcomes were uptake (≥ 80% of the target sample [N = 28] recruited) and initial engagement with the intervention (≥ 70% completing ≥ 2 sessions). Secondary outcomes included measures of quality of life, anxiety, depression, disease-related functioning, health status and psychological flexibility in plwMND and quality of life and burden in caregivers. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS Both a priori indicators of success were met: 29 plwMND (104%) were recruited and 76% (22/29) attended ≥ 2 sessions. Attrition at 6-months was higher than anticipated (8/29, 28%), but only two dropouts were due to lack of acceptability of the intervention. Acceptability was further supported by good satisfaction with therapy and session attendance. Data were possibly suggestive of small improvements in anxiety and psychological quality of life from baseline to 6 months in plwMND, despite a small but expected deterioration in disease-related functioning and health status. CONCLUSIONS There was good evidence of acceptability and feasibility. Limitations included the lack of a control group and small sample size, which complicate interpretation of findings. A fully powered RCT to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of ACT for plwMND is underway. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was pre-registered with the ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN12655391).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Gould
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK.
| | - Charlotte Rawlinson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Ben Thompson
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kirsty Weeks
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Rebecca Gossage-Worrall
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Hannah Cantrill
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Marc A Serfaty
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK
- Priory Hospital North London, London, UK
| | - Christopher D Graham
- Strathclyde Psychology, Department of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - David White
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robert J Howard
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Wing B, 6th Floor Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, London, W1T 7NF, UK
| | - Matt Bursnall
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, 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
| | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Orrell
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Suresh K Chhetri
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Lancashire, UK
| | - Rupert Noad
- Department of Neuropsychology, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Tim Williams
- The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - David Dick
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Vanessa Lawrence
- Health Services & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tracey Young
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - John Ealing
- Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Hamish McLeod
- Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicola Williams
- Primary Care Clinical Trials Unit, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Richard Cave
- Language and Cognition, University College London, London, UK
| | - Theresa Chiwera
- Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Cindy Cooper
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Pamela J Shaw
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Rich KA, Pino MG, Yalvac ME, Fox A, Harris H, Balch MHH, Arnold WD, Kolb SJ. Impaired motor unit recovery and maintenance in a knock-in mouse model of ALS-associated Kif5a variant. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 182:106148. [PMID: 37164288 PMCID: PMC10874102 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A) is an essential, neuron-specific microtubule-associated motor protein responsible for the anterograde axonal transport of various cellular cargos. Loss of function variants in the N-terminal, microtubule-binding domain are associated with hereditary spastic paraplegia and hereditary motor neuropathy. These variants result in a loss of the ability of the mutant protein to process along microtubules. Contrastingly, gain of function splice-site variants in the C-terminal, cargo-binding domain of KIF5A are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease involving death of upper and lower motor neurons, ultimately leading to degradation of the motor unit (MU; an alpha motor neuron and all the myofibers it innervates) and death. These ALS-associated variants result in loss of autoinhibition, increased procession of the mutant protein along microtubules, and altered cargo binding. To study the molecular and cellular consequences of ALS-associated variants in vivo, we introduced the murine homolog of an ALS-associated KIF5A variant into C57BL/6 mice using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing which produced mutant Kif5a mRNA and protein in neuronal tissues of heterozygous (Kif5a+/c.3005+1G>A; HET) and homozygous (Kif5ac.3005+1G>A/c.3005+1G>A; HOM) mice. HET and HOM mice appeared normal in behavioral and electrophysiological (compound muscle action potential [CMAP] and MU number estimation [MUNE]) outcome measures at one year of age. When subjected to sciatic nerve injury, HET and HOM mice have delayed and incomplete recovery of the MUNE compared to wildtype (WT) mice suggesting an impairment in MU repair. Moreover, aged mutant Kif5a mice (aged two years) had reduced MUNE independent of injury, and exacerbation of the delayed and incomplete recovery after injury compared to aged WT mice. These data suggest that ALS-associated variants may result in an impairment of the MU to respond to biological challenges such as injury and aging, leading to a failure of MU repair and maintenance. In this report, we present the behavioral, electrophysiological and pathological characterization of mice harboring an ALS-associated Kif5a variant to understand the functional consequences of KIF5A C-terminal variants in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A Rich
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Megan G Pino
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mehmet E Yalvac
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashley Fox
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hallie Harris
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maria H H Balch
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - W David Arnold
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, MO, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, MO, USA
| | - Stephen J Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Pashin KP, Sekhar TC. Treating neurodegenerative disease: Nusinersen and other therapeutic strategies for improved motor function. Brain Dev 2023; 45:360-361. [PMID: 37003866 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine P Pashin
- School of Humanities and Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tejas C Sekhar
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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46
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Donohue C, Carnaby G, Reilly MC, Colquhoun RJ, Lacomis D, Garand KLF. A meta-analysis of post-exercise outcomes in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. eNeurologicalSci 2023; 31:100452. [PMID: 36875937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2023.100452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To systematically evaluate post-exercise outcomes related to function and quality of life in people with ALS. Methods PRISMA guidelines were used for identifying and extracting articles. Levels of evidence and quality of articles were judged based on The Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence and the QualSyst. Outcomes were analyzed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2 software, random effects models, and Hedge's G. Effects were examined at 0-4 months, up to 6 months, and > 6 months. Pre-specified sensitivity analyses were performed for 1) controlled trials vs. all studies and 2) ALSFRS-R bulbar, respiratory, and motor subscales. Heterogeneity of pooled outcomes was computed with the I2 statistic. Results 16 studies and seven functional outcomes met inclusion for the meta-analysis. Of the outcomes explored, the ALSFRS-R demonstrated a favorable summary effect size and had acceptable heterogeneity and dispersion. While FIM scores demonstrated a favorable summary effect size, heterogeneity limited interpretations. Other outcomes did not demonstrate a favorable summary effect size and/or could not be reported due to few studies reporting outcomes. Conclusions This study provides inconclusive guidance regarding exercise regimens to maintain function and quality of life in people with ALS due to study limitations (e.g., small sample size, high attrition rate, heterogeneity in methods and participants, etc.). Future research is warranted to determine optimal treatment regimens and dosage parameters in this patient population.
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Key Words
- 25FWT, (25 Feet Walk Test)
- 6MWT, (6 Minute Walk Test)
- ALS, (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
- ALSFRS-R, (ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- DIGEST, (Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity)
- EAT-10, (Eating Assessment Tool)
- EMST, (Expiratory muscle strength training)
- Exercise
- FAC, (Functional Ambulation Categories)
- FIM, (Functional Independence Measurement)
- FOIS, (Functional Oral Intake Scale)
- FSS, (Fatigue Severity Scale)
- FVC, (forced vital capacity)
- IMST, (Inspiratory muscle strength training)
- ITT, (intention-to-treat)
- KEMS, (knee extension muscle strength)
- MEP, (maximum expiratory pressure)
- MIP, (maximum inspiratory pressure)
- MND, (motor neuron disease)
- MVIC, (maximum voluntary isometric contraction)
- Motor neuron disease
- Outcome measures
- PAS, (Penetration Aspiration Scale)
- PEF, (peak expiratory flow)
- PRISMA-2009, (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)
- RCTs, (randomized controlled trials)
- RPE, (rating of perceived exertion)
- Rehabilitation
- SNIP, (sniff nasal inspiratory pressure)
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47
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Maier PM, Iggena D, Meyer T, Finke C, Ploner CJ. Memory-guided navigation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11753-8. [PMID: 37154895 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11753-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results about hippocampal involvement in non-demented patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We hypothesized that testing of memory-guided spatial navigation i.e., a highly hippocampus-dependent behaviour, might reveal behavioural correlates of hippocampal dysfunction in non-demented ALS patients. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of spatial cognition in 43 non-demented ALS outpatients (11f, 32 m, mean age 60.0 years, mean disease duration 27.0 months, mean ALSFRS-R score 40.0) and 43 healthy controls (14f, 29 m, mean age 57.0 years). Participants were tested with a virtual memory-guided navigation task derived from animal research ("starmaze") that has previously been used in studies of hippocampal function. Participants were further tested with neuropsychological tests of visuospatial memory (SPART, 10/36 Spatial Recall Test), fluency (5PT, five-point test) and orientation (PTSOT, Perspective Taking/Spatial Orientation Test). RESULTS Patients successfully learned and navigated the starmaze from memory, both in conditions that forced memory of landmarks (success: patients 50.7%, controls 47.7%, p = 0.786) and memory of path sequences (success: patients 96.5%, controls 94.0%, p = 0.937). Measures of navigational efficacy (latency, path error and navigational uncertainty) did not differ between groups (p ≥ 0.546). Likewise, SPART, 5PT and PTSOT scores did not differ between groups (p ≥ 0.238). CONCLUSIONS This study found no behavioural correlate for hippocampal dysfunction in non-demented ALS patients. These findings support the view that the individual cognitive phenotype of ALS may relate to distinct disease subtypes rather than being a variable expression of the same underlying condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia M Maier
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Philosophy, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Deetje Iggena
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Philosophy, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Finke
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Philosophy, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph J Ploner
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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Fisher EM, Greensmith L, Malaspina A, Fratta P, Hanna MG, Schiavo G, Isaacs AM, Orrell RW, Cunningham TJ, Arozena AA. Opinion: more mouse models and more translation needed for ALS. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:30. [PMID: 37143081 PMCID: PMC10161557 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00619-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a complex disorder most of which is 'sporadic' of unknown origin but approximately 10% is familial, arising from single mutations in any of more than 30 genes. Thus, there are more than 30 familial ALS subtypes, with different, often unknown, molecular pathologies leading to a complex constellation of clinical phenotypes. We have mouse models for many genetic forms of the disorder, but these do not, on their own, necessarily show us the key pathological pathways at work in human patients. To date, we have no models for the 90% of ALS that is 'sporadic'. Potential therapies have been developed mainly using a limited set of mouse models, and through lack of alternatives, in the past these have been tested on patients regardless of aetiology. Cancer researchers have undertaken therapy development with similar challenges; they have responded by producing complex mouse models that have transformed understanding of pathological processes, and they have implemented patient stratification in multi-centre trials, leading to the effective translation of basic research findings to the clinic. ALS researchers have successfully adopted this combined approach, and now to increase our understanding of key disease pathologies, and our rate of progress for moving from mouse models to mechanism to ALS therapies we need more, innovative, complex mouse models to address specific questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M.C. Fisher
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Linda Greensmith
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Pietro Fratta
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Michael G. Hanna
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Giampietro Schiavo
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Adrian M. Isaacs
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, WC1E 6BT UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Richard W. Orrell
- UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Thomas J. Cunningham
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Courtauld Building, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF UK
| | - Abraham Acevedo Arozena
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, ITB-ULL and CIBERNED, La Laguna, 38320 Spain
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49
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Kühlwein JK, Ruf WP, Kandler K, Witzel S, Lang C, Mulaw MA, Ekici AB, Weishaupt JH, Ludolph AC, Grozdanov V, Danzer KM. ALS is imprinted in the chromatin accessibility of blood cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:131. [PMID: 37095391 PMCID: PMC10126052 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04769-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a complex and incurable neurodegenerative disorder in which genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of all forms of ALS. The interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental footprints generates epigenetic signatures in the cells of affected tissues, which then alter transcriptional programs. Epigenetic modifications that arise from genetic predisposition and systemic environmental footprints should in theory be detectable not only in affected CNS tissue but also in the periphery. Here, we identify an ALS-associated epigenetic signature ('epiChromALS') by chromatin accessibility analysis of blood cells of ALS patients. In contrast to the blood transcriptome signature, epiChromALS includes also genes that are not expressed in blood cells; it is enriched in CNS neuronal pathways and it is present in the ALS motor cortex. By combining simultaneous ATAC-seq and RNA-seq with single-cell sequencing in PBMCs and motor cortex from ALS patients, we demonstrate that epigenetic changes associated with the neurodegenerative disease can be found in the periphery, thus strongly suggesting a mechanistic link between the epigenetic regulation and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia K Kühlwein
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang P Ruf
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Kandler
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Simon Witzel
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Christina Lang
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Medhanie A Mulaw
- Medical Faculty, University of Ulm, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Arif B Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Clinic Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Jochen H Weishaupt
- Division for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Neurology Department, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Albert C Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Veselin Grozdanov
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Karin M Danzer
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 89081, Ulm, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.
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50
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Tahedl M, Tan EL, Chipika RH, Hengeveld JC, Vajda A, Doherty MA, McLaughlin RL, Siah WF, Hardiman O, Bede P. Brainstem-cortex disconnection in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: bulbar impairment, genotype associations, asymptomatic changes and biomarker opportunities. J Neurol 2023:10.1007/s00415-023-11682-6. [PMID: 37022479 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11682-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bulbar dysfunction is a cardinal feature of ALS with important quality of life and management implications. The objective of this study is the longitudinal evaluation of a large panel imaging metrics pertaining to bulbar dysfunction, encompassing cortical measures, structural and functional cortico-medullary connectivity indices and brainstem metrics. METHODS A standardised, multimodal imaging protocol was implemented with clinical and genetic profiling to systematically appraise the biomarker potential of specific metrics. A total of 198 patients with ALS and 108 healthy controls were included. RESULTS Longitudinal analyses revealed progressive structural and functional disconnection between the motor cortex and the brainstem over time. Cortical thickness reduction was an early feature on cross-sectional analyses with limited further progression on longitudinal follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic analyses of the panel of MR metrics confirmed the discriminatory potential of bulbar imaging measures between patients and controls and area-under-the-curve values increased significantly on longitudinal follow-up. C9orf72 carriers exhibited lower brainstem volumes, lower cortico-medullary structural connectivity and faster cortical thinning. Sporadic patients without bulbar symptoms, already exhibit significant brainstem and cortico-medullary connectivity alterations. DISCUSSION Our results indicate that ALS is associated with multi-level integrity change from cortex to brainstem. The demonstration of significant corticobulbar alterations in patients without bulbar symptoms confirms considerable presymptomatic disease burden in sporadic ALS. The systematic assessment of radiological measures in a single-centre academic study helps to appraise the diagnostic and monitoring utility of specific measures for future clinical and clinical trial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Tahedl
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Room 5.43, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ee Ling Tan
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Room 5.43, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rangariroyashe H Chipika
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Room 5.43, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Alice Vajda
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark A Doherty
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - We Fong Siah
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Room 5.43, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Room 5.43, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Bede
- Computational Neuroimaging Group (CNG), Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Room 5.43, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Neurology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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