Telemedicine in the management of patients with headache: current situation and recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unexpected boost to telemedicine. We analyse the impact of the pandemic on telemedicine applied in Spanish headache consultations, review the literature, and issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in consultations.

METHOD

The study comprised 3 phases: 1) review of the MEDLINE database since 1958 (first reported experience with telemedicine); 2) Google Forms survey sent to all members of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group (GECSEN); and 3) online consensus of GECSEN experts to issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in Spain.

RESULTS

COVID-19 has increased waiting times for face-to-face consultations, increasing the use of all telemedicine modalities: landline telephone (from 75% before April 2020 to 97% after), mobile telephone (from 9% to 27%), e-mail (from 30% to 36%), and video consultation (from 3% to 21%). Neurologists are aware of the need to expand the availability of video consultations, which are clearly growing, and other e-health and m-health tools.

CONCLUSIONS

The GECSEN recommends and encourages all neurologists who assist patients with headaches to implement telemedicine resources, with the optimal objective of offering video consultation to patients under 60-65 years of age and telephone calls to older patients, although each case must be considered on an individual basis. Prior approval and advice must be sought from legal and IT services and the centre's management. Most patients with stable headache and/or neuralgia are eligible for telemedicine follow-up, after a first consultation that must always be held in person.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide in migraine: from pathophysiology to treatment

INTRODUCTION

It has been observed in recent years that levels of such molecules as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and, to a lesser extent, the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide are elevated during migraine attacks and in chronic migraine, both in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the serum. Pharmacological reduction of these proteins is clinically significant, with an improvement in patients' migraines. It therefore seems logical that one of the main lines of migraine research should be based on the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of this entity.

DEVELOPMENT

The Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group decided to draft this document in order to address the evidence on such important issues as the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of migraine and the mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies and gepants; and to critically analyse the results of different studies and the profile of patients eligible for treatment with monoclonal antibodies, and the impact in terms of pharmacoeconomics.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical development of gepants, which are CGRP antagonists, for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, and CGRP ligand and receptor monoclonal antibodies offer promising results for these patients.

AB0356 THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING: STANDARDIZATION OF PROMONITOR QUICK IFX AND PROMONITOR QUICK ADL POINT OF CARE TESTS WITH WHO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF INFLIXIMAB AND ADALIMUMAB IN WHOLE BLOOD AND SERUM

Background

Promonitor Quick IFX and Promonitor Quick ADL are rapid point of care lateral flow tests (LFT) based on a sandwich immunoassay for the quantification of infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADL), respectively, in human whole blood (finger prick or venous) or serum. These tests are to be used as an aid in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of rheumatic and inflammatory bowel disease patients under anti-TNFα therapy. The international standards (IS) developed by World Health Organization (WHO) for IFX and ADL allow harmonization and comparability among different assays.

Objectives

The aim of this study, was to show that Promonitor Quick IFX and Promonitor Quick ADL can measure either reference or biosimilar drugs, as well as to evaluate the agreement of Promonitor Quick IFX and Promonitor Quick ADL tests and the WHO IS.

Methods

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute EP10-A3 guidelines were followed to estimate the bias of Promonitor Quick assays when used to quantify IFX or ADL in samples containing the reference drugs, biosimilars or the WHO IS. Briefly, whole blood was spiked with four known concentrations of IFX or ADL, including current clinical decision levels. Ten replicates were measured of each level along two days.

Promonitor Quick IFX was evaluated using the reference drug, SB2 and CT-P13 biosimilars, and the WHO IS (NIBSC 16/170).

Promonitor Quick ADL was evaluated using the reference drug, ABP501 and SB5 biosimilars, and the WHO IS (NIBSC 17/236).

Results were obtained in combination with the automated portable reader PQreader.

Results

Bias was estimated by comparing the observed concentration of drug spiked whole blood samples. Each biosimilar was compared to the reference at the different drug levels tested. Results showed that Promonitor Quick IFX and Promonitor Quick ADL are able to measure equivalently any molecule (see Table 1).

Table 1.Promonitor Quick IFX bias results in whole blood samples. Each molecule was compared to the reference drug.IFX concentration (μg/mL)Bias (%)CT-P13SB2GP1111WHO IS314%3%4%8%79%0%5%15%101%5%6%8%Promonitor Quick ADL bias results in whole blood samples.Each molecule was compared to the reference drug.ADL concentration (μg/mL)Bias (%)ABP501SB5WHO IS317%2%3%513%3%12%82%2%7%10517%2%

Similar results were obtained when serum matrix was used.

The accuracy or closeness of the agreement between the result provided by Promonitor Quick IFX and Promonitor Quick ADL and the true value of the measurand was assessed by measuring the IS developed by the WHO (see Table 1).

Conclusion

Promonitor Quick IFX and Promonitor Quick ADL allow monitoring of patients treated with IFX and ADL, respectively, with just a finger prick sample. Both tests can quantify reference and biosimilar drugs with equivalent results. Moreover, comparable results were obtained with the WHO IS, and thus, demonstrate that Promonitor Quick tests are suited to accurately determine drug levels at the clinical decision points in both whole blood and serum, proving to be an effective and valuable tool in TDM and immediate decision making in the doctor office or hospitals.

Disclosure of Interests

Amagoia Ametzazurra Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Javier Pascual Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Lorena Del Rio Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Ane Urigoitia Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Daniel Nagore Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, M. Begoña Ruiz-Argüello Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols

AB0369 CORRELATION OF THE FIRST LATERAL FLOW-BASED POINT OF CARE TEST TO QUANTIFY INFLIXIMAB AND ANTI-INFLIXIMAB ANTIBODIES IN A FINGER PRICK SAMPLE WITH THE REFERENCE ELISA TECHNIQUE

Background

Current techniques to monitor clinical response may require several days and centralised facilities, which may cause delays in effective therapeutic decisions. Therefore, the use of a rapid decentralized test will facilitate patient management and improve patient care.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to validate the use of capillary blood in a real point-of-care (POC) setting for rheumatic patients under infliximab treatment by using Promonitor Quick lateral flow (LF) tests. Results were compared to the Promonitor ELISA reference technique in serum samples used by centralised laboratories.

Methods

A prospective, observational study was designed to evaluate the performance of a rapid LF test (Promonitor Quick IFX, Progenika, Spain). 160 infliximab treated rheumatology consecutive patients (400 samples) were recruited in two hospitals in Galicia, Spain. Prior to the infusion, a finger prick sample was obtained and analysed. Anti-infliximab antibodies were also determined with Promonitor Quick ANTI-IFX1-4. Results were read with the automated portable PQreader instrument. Additionally, a serum sample was collected for subsequent comparative analysis with either LF or ELISA tests.

Qualitative (positive (PPA) and negative (NPA) agreements) and quantitative (Pearson correlation and bias) performance of the LF test was compared to ELISA, as well as between different specimens following CLSI EP09-A3.

Results

Overall agreement between Promonitor Quick IFX finger prick and ELISA test was 91% (88% PPA; 100% NPA). The quantitative comparison showed a good correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.85 and observed bias: 25%) (Table 1).

Table 1.Performance results: infliximab drugQualitative ComparisonN*PPANPAoverallPOC finger prick vs ELISA27488%100%91%POC serum vs ELISA28198%100%98%Quantitative ComparisonN*Pearson correlationBiasPOC finger prick vs ELISA1650.8525%POC serum vs ELISA1810.916%*Only samples in the common measurement range for both methods considered.Performance results: anti-infliximab anti-drug antibodiesQualitative ComparisonN*PPANPAoverallPOC finger prick visual vs. PQreader396100%99%99%POC serum visual vs PQreader398100%100%100%POC finger prick PQreader vs ELISA39390%99%98%POC serum PQreader vs ELISA39589%100%99%

Similar results were also observed when serum was used with either the LF or the ELISA tests (98% overall agreement, 0.91 correlation coefficient; 6% bias) (Table 1).

Overall agreements for visual and automated (PQreader) interpretations with Promonitor Quick ANTI-IFX were 99% and 100% for finger prick and serum specimens, respectively (Table 1).

Conclusion

Promonitor Quick can be used to reliably quantify infliximab in capillary blood samples and results are comparable to those obtained with the reference ELISA technique. The use of the rapid POC test with finger prick will allow clinicians to monitor their patients in a fully decentralized mode to aid in the decision making process. PQreader is a sensitive portable equipment to report drug as well as antibody levels in the patient samples.

References

[1]Atreya, R. et al. J Crohns Colitis. 2019;13:S391

[2]Ametzazurra, A. et al. J Crohns Colitis. 2017;11:S335-S336

[3]Fiorino, G. et al. J Crohns Colitis. 2017;11:S388

[4]Facchin, A. et al. J Crohns Colitis. 2019;13:S349- S350

Disclosure of Interests

M. Begoña Ruiz-Argüello Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Javier Pascual Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Lorena Del Rio Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Ane Urigoitia Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Cristina Balo-Farto: None declared, Carlos Fernández-López: None declared, ANTONIO MERA VARELA: None declared, Francisco Javier de-Toro-Santos: None declared, Daniel Nagore Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Amagoia Ametzazurra Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols

AB0354 THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING: PERFORMANCE OF THE FIRST LATERAL FLOW-BASED POINT OF CARE TEST FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF INFLIXIMAB IN A FINGER PRICK

Background

Promonitor Quick IFX is a lateral flow test (LFT) for the quantification of infliximab (IFX) in human whole blood (finger prick or venous) or serum in 20 minutes. This LFT is based on a sandwich immunoassay to quantify either the reference IFX or biosimilars.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to perform the required analytical studies to establish the specifications of the product.

Methods

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines were followed for the evaluation of the analytical specifications of the LFT in whole blood and serum matrices: Linearity (EP-06-A), Detection capability (EP17-A2), Interfering substances (EP07, 3rd Edition) and Intermediate precision (EP05-A3). Results were obtained in combination with the automated portable reader PQreader. A Datamatrix provided with each Promonitor Quick IFX kit contains the calibration information required for the PQreader to measure the Control and Test lines and report the IFX concentration.

Results

The linear assay range was determined to be 1-58 µg/mL in whole-blood and 0.6-67 µg/mL in serum according to the processes indicated in the Package Insert. The Limit of Blank is 0.8 μg/mL, the Limit of Detection and Lower Limit of Quantification (LLoQ) are 1.1 μg/mL, and the Upper Limit of Quantification (ULoQ) is 15.4 μg/mL.

There was no effect on assay performance when each of the following substances were added to samples with 0, 3, and 7 μg/mL of IFX: Haemoglobin (>1000 mg/dL), Bilirubin (>40 mg/dL), Triglycerides (>1500 mg/dL), HAMA (160 AU/mL), Rheumatoid factor (200 IU/mL), EDTA (5.4 mg/mL), Heparin (51 U/mL), Citrate (11.4%), Vedolizumab (60 μg/mL) and Adalimumab (20.25 μg/mL).

Repeatability and within-device precision results obtained for the positive samples are shown in Table 1.

Table 1.IFX theoretical concentration (μg/mL)Whole blood samplesSerum samplesMean observed IFX concentration (μg/mL)RepeatabilityWithin-device precisionMean observed IFX concentration (μg/mL)RepeatabilityWithin-device precisionSDCV%SDCV%SDCV%SDCV%33.20.6180.8253.60.5150.617771.3181.7248.31.4161.821109.81.8182.72810.91.8162.321

The negative samples showed a negative result in all the measurements.

Conclusion

Promonitor Quick IFX is the first LFT available for true Point of Care testing of patients treated with IFX with just a finger prick sample. It provides quick turnaround time to facilitate therapeutic drug monitoring and aid immediate decision making in the doctor office or hospitals with an excellent analytical performance.

Disclosure of Interests

Amagoia Ametzazurra Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Javier Pascual Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Lorena Del Rio Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Ainara Maguregui Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, Daniel Nagore Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols, M. Begoña Ruiz-Argüello Employee of: Employee of Progenika Biopharma - Grifols

Calcitonin gene-related peptide in migraine: from pathophysiology to treatment

INTRODUCTION

It has been observed in recent years that levels of such molecules as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and, to a lesser extent, the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide are elevated during migraine attacks and in chronic migraine, both in the cerebrospinal fluid and in the serum. Pharmacological reduction of these proteins is clinically significant, with an improvement in patients' migraines. It therefore seems logical that one of the main lines of migraine research should be based on the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of this entity.

DEVELOPMENT

The Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group decided to draft this document in order to address the evidence on such important issues as the role of CGRP in the pathophysiology of migraine and the mechanism of action of monoclonal antibodies and gepants; and to critically analyse the results of different studies and the profile of patients eligible for treatment with monoclonal antibodies, and the impact in terms of pharmacoeconomics.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical development of gepants, which are CGRP antagonists, for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, and CGRP ligand and receptor monoclonal antibodies offer promising results for these patients.

1st Post-European Headache Federation Meeting: a review of the latest developments presented at the 2020 European Headache Federation Congress

INTRODUCTION

After the European Headache Federation (EHF) Congress, renowned Spanish neurologists specialised in migraine presented the most significant latest developments in research in this field at the Post-EHF Meeting.

DEVELOPMENT

The main data presented concerning the treatment of chronic and episodic migraine were addressed, with attention paid more specifically to those related to preventive treatments and real-life experience in the management of the disease. An important review was carried out of the new therapeutic targets and the possibilities they offer in terms of understanding the pathophysiology of migraine and its treatment. An update was also presented of the latest developments in the treatment of migraine with fremanezumab, a monoclonal antibody recently authorised by the European Medicines Agency. Participants were also given an update on the latest developments in basic research on the pathology, as well as an overview of the symptoms of migraine and COVID-19. Finally, the repercussions of migraine in terms of its burden on the care and economic resources of the health system were addressed, along with its impact on society.

CONCLUSIONS

The meeting summarised the content presented at the 14th EHF Congress, which took place in late June/early July 2020.

Headache as main reason for consultation to a hospital Emergency Department in Spain: a prospective study

INTRODUCTION

Headache is common in the general population and a frequent reason for medical consultation.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the characteristics of patients attending the Emergency Department (ED) for headache.

METHODS

A descriptive study with prospective collection of 100 consecutive patients over 15 years old who attended our ED due to headache as the main complaint.

RESULTS

Headache accounted for 1,4% of ED visits. The most common age range is between 31 and 45 years and the majority of the patients are females (61%). We diagnosed 67 primary and 33 secondary headaches. The most frequent diagnosis was migraine, with 36% of cases. One out of 3 patients had a history of headache and 4 out of 5 consulted by their own decision. Only a small percentage of patients were admitted as inpatients (12%), and 3 out of 5 were referred to Primary Care. Complementary tests were performed on 84% of the patients. One CT scan was performed for every 3 patients. A total of 80% patients was correctly diagnosed by the ED physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Headache is a frequent complaint in the ED, where primary headaches are the most common with migraine being the most frequent reason for consultation. In our setting, there is a good screening and diagnosis of headaches, as well as an adequate use of the available resources in the ED for their diagnosis and management.

Late vascular complications after cranial radiotherapy: A report of two illustrative cases

Cranial radiotherapy (CRT) is used to treat a large variety of benign and malignant disorders. We present two cases of late neurological complications after CRT and briefly discuss its diagnosis and their shared pathophysiological aspects. The first case is a patient with cognitive impairment associated to mineralizing microangiopathy ten years after CRT for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the second one is a woman with Stroke-like Migraine Attacks after Radiation Therapy (SMART) syndrome two years after CRT for anaplastic meningioma. Nowadays, higher survival rates might cause an increase in appearance of late neurological complications after CTR. These reported cases show that late complications can mimic a wide variety of neurological conditions and the importance of magnetic resonance image (MRI) to get a diagnosis.

Telemedicine in the management of patients with headache: current situation and recommendations of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unexpected boost to telemedicine. We analyse the impact of the pandemic on telemedicine applied in Spanish headache consultations, review the literature, and issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in consultations.

METHOD

The study comprised 3 phases: 1) review of the MEDLINE database since 1958 (first reported experience with telemedicine); 2) Google Forms survey sent to all members of the Spanish Society of Neurology's Headache Study Group (GECSEN); and 3) online consensus of GECSEN experts to issue recommendations for the implementation of telemedicine in Spain.

RESULTS

COVID-19 has increased waiting times for face-to-face consultations, increasing the use of all telemedicine modalities: landline telephone (from 75% before April 2020 to 97% after), mobile telephone (from 9% to 27%), e-mail (from 30% to 36%), and video consultation (from 3% to 21%). Neurologists are aware of the need to expand the availability of video consultations, which are clearly growing, and other e-health and m-health tools.

CONCLUSIONS

The GECSEN recommends and encourages all neurologists who assist patients with headaches to implement telemedicine resources, with the optimal objective of offering video consultation to patients under 60-65 years of age and telephone calls to older patients, although each case must be considered on an individual basis. Prior approval and advice must be sought from legal and IT services and the centre's management. Most patients with stable headache and/or neuralgia are eligible for telemedicine follow-up, after a first consultation that must always be held in person.

[Real need for headache services and their resource consumption: a retrospective observational study on a cohort in Cantabria]

INTRODUCTION

Headache services arise out of a need to improve care for patients with different types of headache; however, some important aspects of clinical management that demonstrate their efficiency remain unknown.

AIM

To estimate the need for headache services in our area.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study in two phases: identification of the first visits due to headache during three consecutive months and collection of care data during one year. The care criteria in headache services considered were: chronic migraine, rare headaches, need for special techniques and headaches with poor therapeutic response.

RESULTS

Of the 1,418 first visits, in 298 cases (20.38%) the reason for seeking medical attention was headache. Of these, 82.9% were from primary care. The distribution of the diagnoses was: 54%, migraine; 11%, tension-type headache; and 35%, other headaches. Altogether 108 patients met the criteria for referral to headache services: 63 for chronic migraine; 13 for nerve blocks; 9 for frequent migraine; 8 for trigeminal-autonomic cephalgias; 5 due to a need for botulinum toxin; and 10 for other reasons. The patients attended by headache services went to the emergency department less often than those who visited the general outpatient department, had fewer brain scans and more botulinum toxin was indicated.

CONCLUSION

Headache services are justified because they offer better management of patients with the most severe variants of headache. In our country, at least two visits a week are needed to cover an area of 350,000 users of the Spanish National Health System.

[Specialised headache units, a feasible alternative in Spain]

INTRODUCTION

Visits due to headaches are the most frequent cause of demand for neurological treatment in primary care and neurology services. Headache units improve the quality of care, reduce waiting lists, facilitate access to new treatments of proven efficacy and optimise healthcare expenditure. However, these units have not been implemented on a widespread basis in Spain due to the relatively low importance attributed to the condition and also the assumption that such units have a high cost.

AIM

To define the structure and minimum requirements of a headache unit with the intention of contributing to their expansion in hospitals in Spain.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We conducted a consensus study among professionals after reviewing the literature on the structure, functions and resources required by a headache unit designed to serve an area with 350,000 inhabitants.

RESULTS

Eight publications were taken as a reference for identifying the minimum resources needed for a headache unit. The panel of experts was made up of 12 professionals from different specialties. The main resource required to be able to implement these units is the professional staff (both supervisory and technical), which can mean an additional cost for the first year of around 107,287.19 euros.

CONCLUSIONS

If we bear in mind the direct and indirect costs due to losses in labour productivity per patient and compare them with the estimated costs involved in implementing these units and their expected results, everything points to the need for headache units to become generalised in Spain.

eLearning Technologies on the follow-up of Young People with Chronic Diseases

Introduction Non-communicable diseases are increasing worldwide due mainly to rapidly changing lifestyles and socio-economic status affecting the well-being and the lives of young people along their whole life. Hence, there is a need to provide adequate and useful measures to support patients living with those diseases in order to foster youth emotional and physical health and improve their daily life.

Objectives The aim of this presentation is to demonstrate the use of eLearning content to empower families, communities and young patients in dealing with the daily routine of chronic diseases.

Methodology Based on a human centred design, 176 youngsters with asthma, obesity, and diabetes aged between 3-16 years old were assessed to gather information about perceived needs and preferences in relation to disease management. Ineffective communication, lack of knowledge/skills, poor adherence to treatment and low acceptance of the disease were the main aspects highlighted. Based on those results, participants were fully involved participating in the iterative development of eLearning package to face these needs, gathering specific information about its content, design and usability.

Results The project has generated eLearning modules, using Articulate technologies, providing practical information and learning content in three languages, in partnership with health research centres, hospitals and patient associations in Portugal, Spain and France. There are lots of packages: obesity, respiratory diseases and diabetes. In each of these, the content is provided using gamification strategies and role models. eLearning is one of the components of the follow up process, being complemented by a mobile application with an interactive support chat and fun games.

Conclusion ELearning tools, along with other online tools, contribute to generate a more positive perspective on the control of the disease and to support families and patients to get reliable information and connect with medical assistance.

[Is there a relationship between white matter lesions associated with migraine and patent foramen ovale? Analysis of a series of patients with chronic migraine]

INTRODUCTION

White matter lesions are more prevalent in migraine patients than in the general population, especially those with a high frequency of attacks. A patent foramen ovale has been described as a possible link between migraine and white matter lesions.

AIM

To determine the existence of a possible relationship between a patent foramen ovale and white matter lesions in a series of patients with chronic migraine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Observational, single-centre, case-control study. Eighty-nine women with chronic migraine were selected. The persistence and characteristics of the patent foramen ovale were assessed by means of a transcranial Doppler study. The patent foramen ovale was classified as small, moderate or massive. Those detected at rest were considered permanent, and the others were classified as latent. The MRI protocol included T1-enhanced sagittal images, FLAIR-T2-enhanced axial images, and a proton density and T2-FSE combined sequence. The white matter lesions were classified as deep, periventricular or both.

RESULTS

The prevalence of patent foramen ovale (53.6% versus 48.5%; p = 0.80) and the proportion of massive, permanent patent foramen ovale were similar among patients with and without white matter lesions. Neither was there any difference in the prevalence (55.6% versus 52.6%; p = 1.00) or the characteristics of the patent foramen ovale as a function of the distribution of white matter lesions.

CONCLUSION

The results do not suggest that a patent foramen ovale intervenes in the pathophysiology of the white matter lesions observed in patients with migraine.

A giant exoplanet orbiting a very-low-mass star challenges planet formation models

Surveys have shown that super-Earth and Neptune-mass exoplanets are more frequent than gas giants around low-mass stars, as predicted by the core accretion theory of planet formation. We report the discovery of a giant planet around the very-low-mass star GJ 3512, as determined by optical and near-infrared radial-velocity observations. The planet has a minimum mass of 0.46 Jupiter masses, very high for such a small host star, and an eccentric 204-day orbit. Dynamical models show that the high eccentricity is most likely due to planet-planet interactions. We use simulations to demonstrate that the GJ 3512 planetary system challenges generally accepted formation theories, and that it puts constraints on the planet accretion and migration rates. Disk instabilities may be more efficient in forming planets than previously thought.

Targeting the PI3-kinase pathway in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterised by poor outcomes and a historical lack of targeted therapies. Dysregulation of signalling through the phosphoinositide 3 (PI3)-kinase and AKT signalling pathway is one of the most frequent oncogenic aberrations of TNBC. Although mutations in individual genes occur relatively rarely, combined activating mutations in PIK3CA and AKT1, with inactivating mutations in phosphatase and tensin homologue, occur in ∼25%‒30% of advanced TNBC. Recent randomised trials suggest improved progression-free survival (PFS) with AKT-inhibitors in combination with first-line chemotherapy for patients with TNBC and pathway genetic aberrations. We review the evidence for PI3K pathway activation in TNBC, and clinical trial data for PI3K, AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in TNBC. We discuss uncertainty over defining which cancers have pathway activation and the future overlap between immunotherapy and pathway targeting.

CALCA and TRPV1 genes polymorphisms are related to a good outcome in female chronic migraine patients treated with OnabotulinumtoxinA

Background

Some variables have been proposed as predictors of efficacy of OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine patients, but data available are inconclusive. We aimed to analyse the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the response to OnabotulinumtoxinA.

Methods

We included 156 female patients treated with OnabotulinumtoxinA accordingly to PREEMPT paradigm in three headache units. OnabotulinumtoxinA was offered to patients that had not responded to topiramate and at least one other preventative. Age at first procedure was 43.7 ± 11.8 years (16–74). Patients with a reduction of at least 50% in the number of migraine days after two OnabotulinumtoxinA procedures were considered as responders. We analysed 25 polymorphisms selected for their relevance regarding migraine pathophysiology and their association with migraine according to previously published genome-wide association studies. Genotyping was performed using KASP probes and a LightCycler-480 (Roche-Diagnostics). Allelic, genotypic frequencies and dominance/recesivity hypothesis of the allelic variants were compared between responders and non-responders by Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Response to treatment with OnabotulinumtoxinA was achieved in 120 patients (76,9%). Two polymorphisms showed differences: CALCA rs3781719, where allele C represents 26.9% in responders and 40.9% in non-responders (p = 0.007, OR = 3.11 (1.33–7.26)); and TRPV1 rs222749, where allele A represents 4.17% in responders and 12.5% in non-responders (p = 0.013, OR = 3.29 (1.28–8.43)). No significant differences in rest of polymorphisms or clinical or demographic variables were found.

Conclusions

Polymorphic variations of CALCA and TRPV1 genes might play a role as prognostic markers of efficacy of OnabotulinumtoxinA in chronic migraine female patients in our population.

[Portfolio of services and basic table of quality indicators for Headache Units: a consensus study]

AIM

To develop a proposal for a portfolio of services and a set of indicators for Headache Units.

DEVELOPMENT

Qualitative study that applied techniques of consensus with the participation of 15 professionals who are experts in the treatment of headaches (experience of 15 years) and in quality assurance. The description of the indicators included: statement, definition, standard, type of indicator, dimension, source, level of evidence, and clarification of terms. The proposal for a portfolio of services included the following areas: clinical management, patient-centered care, community involvement, knowledge management, translational research, and social dissemination. The proposal converged in 13 indicators exploring five dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

This proposal contributes to ensure and assess the level of quality of a Headache Unit or outpatient clinic.

High-dose benznidazole in a 62-year-old Bolivian kidney transplant recipient with Chagas central nervous system involvement

There is little published data on benznidazole dosing, or levels in cerebrospinal fluid. In this report, we describe the clinical course of an immunosuppressed patient with Chagas central nervous system involvement. He was treated successfully with larger benznidazole doses than are recommended, in order to reach therapeutically effective concentrations in the brain.

Hemodynamic and Cardiac Effects of Erythropoietin in Patients on Regular Dialysis

The long-term impact of erythropoietin (EPO) treatment on cardiac structures and function was prospectively studied in eight hypertensive (Group I) and seven normotensive (Group II) patients on hemodialysis (HD). Doppler-echocardiograms were done before EPO and at two and twelve months of treatment. Mean hemoglobin (± SD) before EPO was 6.4 ± 0.9; it rose significantly up to two months and then remained constant. At two months, cardiac index (CI) had significantly decreased, while peripheral vascular resistances increased. Five patients required increased antihypertensive drug treatment. No changes were seen in myocardial parameters at this short follow-up. After one year, left ventricular mass index (LVMi) decreased (p < 0.05) in both groups concomitantly with a decrease in diastolic diameter and septum and posterior wall thicknesses. Basal LVMi was higher in Group I than in Group II, and after one year the regression was more marked in Group II. Left cardiac work showed prompt and steady improvement in both groups. Maintained partial correction of anemia with EPO during one year was associated with a return to normal of high CI, decreased left cardiac work and impressive regression of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Blood Pressure after three Different forms of Correction of Anemia in Hemodialysis

It is not known whether recombinant human erythropoietin has a direct, clinically apparent pressor effect in hemodialysis patients or whether hypertension developing or aggravated in these patients merely reflects increased hematocrit. We compared blood pressure after three different methods of partial correction of anemia in hemodialysis patients with similar baseline hematocrits (erythropoietin n=12, intravenous iron alone n=10, androgens n=9). Shortly after the start of treatment and with a minimally increased hematocrit, the need for antihypertensive medication increased in the erythropoietin group. No such pressor effect was observed with iron or androgens. These data suggest a direct hypertensive effect of erythropoietin in some patients on hemodialysis.

Predicting seizure by modeling synaptic plasticity based on EEG signals - a case study of inherited epilepsy

This paper explores the internal dynamical mechanisms of epileptic seizures through quantitative modeling based on full brain electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Our goal is to provide seizure prediction and facilitate treatment for epileptic patients. Motivated by an earlier mathematical model with incorporated synaptic plasticity, we studied the nonlinear dynamics of inherited seizures through a differential equation model. First, driven by a set of clinical inherited electroencephalogram data recorded from a patient with diagnosed Glucose Transporter Deficiency, we developed a dynamic seizure model on a system of ordinary differential equations. The model was reduced in complexity after considering and removing redundancy of each EEG channel. Then we verified that the proposed model produces qualitatively relevant behavior which matches the basic experimental observations of inherited seizure, including synchronization index and frequency. Meanwhile, the rationality of the connectivity structure hypothesis in the modeling process was verified. Further, through varying the threshold condition and excitation strength of synaptic plasticity, we elucidated the effect of synaptic plasticity to our seizure model. Results suggest that synaptic plasticity has great effect on the duration of seizure activities, which support the plausibility of therapeutic interventions for seizure control.

Circulating ACE2 in Cardiovascular and Kidney Diseases

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is a homologue of ACE that catalyzes the conversion of Angiotensin (Ang) II into Ang1-7, which induces vasodilation, anti-fibrotic, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects. Given that ACE2 counterbalances the effects of Ang II, it has been proposed as a biomarker in kidney disease patients. Circulating ACE2 has been studied in human and experimental studies under physiological and pathological conditions and different techniques have been assessed to determine its enzymatic activity. In patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease circulating ACE2 has been shown to be increased. In addition, hypertensive and diabetic patients have also shown higher circulating ACE2 activities. A study in type 1 diabetes patients found a negative association between circulating ACE2 and estimated glomerular filtration rate in male and female patients. Recently, it has been demonstrated that circulating ACE2 is increased in male patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and that it is independently associated with other classical CV risk factors, such as advanced age and diabetes. Furthermore, circulating ACE2 has been shown to be associated with silent atherosclerosis and CV outcomes in CKD patients. In diabetic nephropathy, experimental studies have demonstrated an increase in circulating ACE2 activity both at early and late stages of the disease, as well as a direct association with increased urinary albumin excretion, suggesting that it may be increased as a renoprotective mechanism in these patients. In this paper we will review the measurement of circulating ACE2 and its role in kidney disease, as well as its potential role as a renal and CV biomarker.

Bone density, microarchitecture, and material strength in chronic kidney disease patients at the time of kidney transplantation

Bone health is assessed by bone mineral density (BMD). Other techniques such as trabecular bone score and microindentation could improve the risk of fracture's estimation. Our chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients presented worse bone health (density, microarchitecture, mechanical properties) than controls. More than BMD should be done to evaluate patients at risk of fracture.

INTRODUCTION

BMD measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is used to assess bone health in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Recently, trabecular bone score (TBS) and microindentation that can measure microarchitectural and mechanical properties of bone have demonstrated better correlation with fractures than DXA in different populations. We aimed to characterize bone health (BMD, TBS, and strength) and calcium/phosphate metabolism in a cohort of 53 ESRD patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KT) and 94 controls with normal renal function.

METHODS

Laboratory workout, lumbar spine/hip BMD measurements (using DXA), lumbar spine TBS, and bone strength were carried out. The latter was assessed with an impact microindentation device, standardized as percentage of a reference value, and expressed as bone material strength index (BMSi) units. Multivariable linear regression was used to study differences between cases and controls adjusted by age, gender, and body mass index.

RESULTS

Among cases, serum calcium was 9.6 ± 0.7 mg/dl, phosphorus 4.4 ± 1.2 mg/dl, and intact parathyroid hormone 214 pg/ml [102-390]. Fourteen patients (26.4%) had prevalent asymptomatic fractures in spinal X-ray. BMD was significantly lower among ESRD patients compared to controls: lumbar 0.966 ± 0.15 vs 0.982 ± 0.15 (adjusted p = 0.037), total hip 0.852 ± 0.15 vs 0.902 ± 0.13 (adjusted p < 0.001), and femoral neck 0.733 ± 0.15 vs 0.775 ± 0.12 (adjusted p < 0.001), as were TBS (1.20 [1.11-1.30] vs 1.31 [1.19-1.43] (adjusted p < 0.001)) and BMSi (79 [71.8-84.2] vs 82. [77.5-88.9] (adjusted p = 0.005)).

CONCLUSIONS

ESRD patients undergoing transplant surgery have damaged bone health parameters (density, microarchitecture, and mechanical properties) despite acceptably controlled hyperparathyroidism. Detecting these abnormalities may assist in identifying patients at high risk of post-transplantation fractures.

Early Conversion From Calcineurin Inhibitor- to Everolimus-Based Therapy Following Kidney Transplantation: Results of the Randomized ELEVATE Trial

In a 24-month, multicenter, open-label, randomized trial, 715 de novo kidney transplant recipients were randomized at 10-14 weeks to convert to everolimus (n = 359) or remain on standard calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) therapy (n = 356; 231 tacrolimus; 125 cyclosporine), all with mycophenolic acid and steroids. The primary endpoint, change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from randomization to month 12, was similar for everolimus versus CNI: mean (standard error) 0.3(1.5) mL/min/1.73² versus -1.5(1.5) mL/min/1.73² (p = 0.116). Biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) at month 12 was more frequent under everolimus versus CNI overall (9.7% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.014) and versus tacrolimus-treated patients (2.6%, p < 0.001) but similar to cyclosporine-treated patients (8.8%, p = 0.755). Reporting on de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) was limited but suggested more frequent anti-HLA Class I DSA under everolimus. Change in left ventricular mass index was similar. Discontinuation due to adverse events was more frequent with everolimus (23.6%) versus CNI (8.4%). In conclusion, conversion to everolimus at 10-14 weeks posttransplant was associated with renal function similar to that with standard therapy overall. Rates of BPAR were low in all groups, but lower with tacrolimus than everolimus.

Reflections on bird and mammal risk assessment for plant protection products in the European Union: Past, present, and future

The use of plant protection products on agricultural crops can result in exposure of birds and mammals to toxic chemicals. In the European Union, the risks from such exposures are assessed under the current (2009) guidance document from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), designed to increase the realism of the theoretical risk assessments in comparison to its predecessor (SANCO/4145/2000). Since its adoption over 7 yr ago, many plant protection products have been evaluated successfully using the 2009 EFSA guidance document. However, there are still significant areas of improvement recommended for future revisions of this guidance. The present Focus article discusses experiences to date with the current scheme, including levels of conservatism in input parameters and interpretation by regulatory authorities together with proposals for how the guidance document could be improved when it is revised in the not too distant future. Several areas for which further guidance is recommended have been identified, such as the derivation of ecologically relevant bird and mammal reproductive endpoints and the use of modeling approaches to contextualize risk assessments. Areas where existing databases could be improved were also highlighted, including the collation of relevant focal species across Europe and expansion of the residue database for food items. To produce a realistic and useable guidance document in the future, it is strongly recommended that there is open and constructive communication between industry, regulatory authorities, and the EFSA. Such collaboration would also encourage harmonization between member states, thus reducing workloads for both industry and regulatory authorities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:565-575. © 2017 SETAC.

Combined Therapy for Migraine Prevention? Clinical Experience with A β-Blocker Plus Sodium Valproate in 52 Resistant Migraine Patients

The aim was to explore whether combining a β-blocker and sodium valproate could lead to an advantage in efficacy in patients with migraine previously resistant to the two medications in monotherapy. Fifty-two patients (43 women) with a history of episodic migraine with or without aura, and previously unresponsive to β-blockers and sodium valproate in monotherapy, were treated with a combination of propranolol or nadolol and sodium valproate in an open-label fashion. Eight patients (15%) discontinued due to adverse events. Fifteen (29%) did not respond. The remaining 29 cases (56%) showed response (>50% reduction in migraine days). The response was excellent in nine (17%). From this open trial, combination therapy with a β-blocker and sodium valproate appears to be a good migraine preventative in some previously resistant migraine cases. Controlled trials are now necessary to determine the true advantage in efficacy of this combination in difficult to treat migraineurs.

Clinical Presentation and Determinants of Mortality of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Multinational Cohort Study

The prognostic factors and optimal therapy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) after kidney transplantation (KT) remain poorly studied. We included in this multinational retrospective study 112 recipients diagnosed with probable (75.0% of cases) or proven (25.0%) IPA between 2000 and 2013. The median interval from transplantation to diagnosis was 230 days. Cough, fever, and expectoration were the most common symptoms at presentation. Bilateral pulmonary involvement was observed in 63.6% of cases. Positivity rates for the galactomannan assay in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were 61.3% and 57.1%, respectively. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most commonly identified species. Six- and 12-week survival rates were 68.8% and 60.7%, respectively, and 22.1% of survivors experienced graft loss. Occurrence of IPA within the first 6 months (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.29; p-value = 0.027) and bilateral involvement at diagnosis (HR: 3.00; p-value = 0.017) were independent predictors for 6-week all-cause mortality, whereas the initial use of a voriconazole-based regimen showed a protective effect (HR: 0.34; p-value = 0.007). The administration of antifungal combination therapy had no apparent impact on outcome. In conclusion, IPA entails a dismal prognosis among KT recipients. Maintaining a low clinical suspicion threshold is key to achieve a prompt diagnosis and to initiate voriconazole therapy.

Survival Benefit From Kidney Transplantation Using Kidneys From Deceased Donors Aged ≥75 Years: A Time-Dependent Analysis

Patients with end-stage renal disease have longer survival after kidney transplantation than they would by remaining on dialysis; however, outcome with kidneys from donors aged ≥75 years and the survival of recipients of these organs compared with their dialysis counterparts with the same probability of obtaining an organ is unknown. In a longitudinal mortality study, 2040 patients on dialysis were placed on a waiting list, and 389 of them received a first transplant from a deceased donor aged ≥75 years. The adjusted risk of death and survival were calculated by non-proportional hazards analysis with being transplanted as a time-dependent effect. Projected years of life since placement on the waiting list was almost twofold higher for transplanted patients. Nonproportional adjusted risk of death after transplantation was 0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.32; p < 0.001) in comparison with those that remained on dialysis. Stratifying by age, adjusted hazard ratios for death were 0.17 (95% CI 0.47-0.06; p = 0.001) for those aged <65 years, 0.56 (95% CI 0.92-0.34; p = 0.022) for those aged 65-69 years and 0.82 (95% CI 1.28-0.52; p = 0.389) for those aged ≥70 years. Although kidney transplantation from elderly deceased donors is associated with reduced graft survival, transplanted patients have lower mortality than those remaining on dialysis.

Risk Factors Associated With Early Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Results From a Multinational Matched Case-Control Study

Risk factors for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) after kidney transplantation have been poorly explored. We performed a multinational case-control study that included 51 kidney transplant (KT) recipients diagnosed with early (first 180 posttransplant days) IPA at 19 institutions between 2000 and 2013. Control recipients were matched (1:1 ratio) by center and date of transplantation. Overall mortality among cases was 60.8%, and 25.0% of living recipients experienced graft loss. Pretransplant diagnosis of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD; odds ratio [OR]: 9.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-90.58; p = 0.041) and delayed graft function (OR: 3.40; 95% CI: 1.08-10.73; p = 0.037) were identified as independent risk factors for IPA among those variables already available in the immediate peritransplant period. The development of bloodstream infection (OR: 18.76; 95% CI: 1.04-339.37; p = 0.047) and acute graft rejection (OR: 40.73, 95% CI: 3.63-456.98; p = 0.003) within the 3 mo prior to the diagnosis of IPA acted as risk factors during the subsequent period. In conclusion, pretransplant COPD, impaired graft function and the occurrence of serious posttransplant infections may be useful to identify KT recipients at the highest risk of early IPA. Future studies should explore the potential benefit of antimold prophylaxis in this group.