Prospective Longitudinal Study Research Articles

Long-Term Neurologic Outcomes in Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke: The Impact of Age and Lesion Location.

The impact of age-at-stroke on outcome following pediatric arterial ischemic stroke remains controversial. We studied the interaction of age-at-stroke and infarct location and extent with long-term neurological outcomes. We conducted a longitudinal prospective outcome study of children with acute pediatric arterial ischemic stroke diagnosed from 1996 to 2016 at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores were dichotomized as normal or abnormal (ie, mild, moderate, or severe). Outcomes were analyzed by age-at-stroke (newborn: birth to 28 days; early childhood: 29 days to 5 years; middle/late childhood: >5-18 years), and infarct location, based on each of the following: model 1: circulation (anterior/posterior); model 2: cortical versus subcortical involvement; and model 3: specific arterial territory, including infarct extent (small [<50% arterial territory] or large [≥50%]). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. Among 285 children, the outcome at median 6.1 years was 43.5% abnormal. Controlling for infarct location, increasing age-at-stroke was associated with increasing abnormal outcome. Model 1 demonstrated that, compared with neonates, abnormal outcomes were increased in early childhood (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.91 [95% CI, 1.24-7.05]) and more so in middle/late childhood (aOR, 4.46 [95% CI, 1.71-12.13]). Outcomes were worse for combined locations, including anterior+posterior (model 1: aOR, 15.4 [95% CI, 4.49-64.63]) and cortical+subcortical (model 2: aOR, 10.7 [95% CI, 3.88-32.74]). Abnormal outcomes were also increased for anterior circulation (model 1: aOR, 14.91 [95% CI, 5.29-54.21]) and subcortical locations (model 2: aOR, 4.36 [95% CI, 1.37-14.95]). Among individual arterial territories, outcomes were best for superior division middle cerebral artery (100% normal) and worst for lateral lenticulostriate artery infarcts (47.4% abnormal; model 3: aOR, 14.2 [95% CI, 3.5-67.6]). Among survivors of pediatric stroke, abnormal long-term neurological outcome is increased with increasing age-at-stroke, supporting enhanced plasticity after focal injury to the newborn brain compared with older pediatric ages.

Sex-differences in the clinical features, managements and outcomes of early-onset atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in China

Abstract Background/Introduction There is an alarming rise in the incidence of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) among young adults, particularly in young women. Sex disparities of early-onset CAD in the context of contemporary cardiovascular practice are not well understood. Purpose We aimed to delineate the differences in clinical profiles and prognosis between young men and women with established early-onset CAD. Methods This is a nationwide, hospital-based, longitudinal prospective cohort study. Young patients (aged ≥18 years and ≤ 45 years) with angiographically confirmed severe atherosclerotic obstructive coronary arteries (luminal narrowing ≥ 70%) were included from 38 hospitals across China between May 2017 and May 2020. Coronary risk factors, clinical features and treatments were compared between men and women at baseline. Participants were followed for 3 years. The outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), unplanned revascularization, and ischemic stroke. The Cox regression analyses were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcome. Results There were 1524 patients (female: 4.4%) included in this study. The female patients were older than the male patients (41.1±4.0 years for females vs. 39.6±4.4 years for males, p=0.006). They showed a lower prevalence of hypertension, lipid disorders, and smoking or drinking (all p&amp;lt;0.01). The female patients were less likely to have at least 1 modifiable risk factors (female: n=45 (67.2%) vs. male: n=1382 [94.6 %], p&amp;lt;0.001); they showed more favorable laboratory results at baseline, including lipids, serum creatinine and uric acid (all p&amp;lt;0.05) as compared to male patients. Besides, young females presented more often with stable angina on admission, whereas young males tended to present with acute MI (p&amp;lt;0.001). There was no significant sex difference in Gensini Score (p=0.15). Female patients were less likely to undergo revascularization procedures than male patients (73.1% vs. 85.3%, p=0.01). During the 3 years of follow-up, female patients were at a significantly higher risk of MACE compared to their male counterparts (13.4% vs. 5.8%, adjusted HR: 3.07, 95% CI:1.36–6.94, p=0.007) after adjusting for age, smoking, drinking, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, diagnosis and revascularization. Conclusions Distinct sex disparities, unfavorable to young females, were documented among patients with early-onset CAD, with the largest gaps noted in the treatment and prognosis. Despite more favorable baseline profiles, young female patients had insufficient care and 3-fold greater risk for MACE compared to young males. These results highlight the need for strengthening the treatment strategies for this vulnerable disease entity.Figure 1

A sex-related analysis on the influence of lipoprotein(a) on primary cardiovascular disease prevention and its interplay with traditional lipid markers: results from a 20-year cohort study

Abstract Introduction Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels is an established risk factor mediating cardiovascular disease. Purpose The relationship between Lp(a) and the first fatal/non-fatal CVD incident over a 20-year period in males and females without CVD was assessed. Methods A longitudinal prospective study was conducted during 2002–2022. In 2002, a total of 3,042 CVD-free adults (1,514 males and 1,528 females) were enrolled. A follow-up was carried out after 20 years, in 2022, which included 2,169 participants. Out of these, 1,988 had comprehensive data for the occurrence of CVD. The recommended threshold of 50mg/dL was used to define abnormal Lp(a) status (≥50mg/dL). Results During the 2002-2022 period, 718 (i.e. 36%) of participants had a fatal or non-fatal CVD event. Twenty-year CVD-event rate was 35.8% and 40.0% in participants with normal and abnormal Lp(a) levels, respectively. For every mg/dL increase in Lp(a), the odds of having a CVD event within 20 years increases by approximately 0.36% (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.0036, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.001,1.007, p=0.048). When stratified by sex the relationship remained significant only in females (HR= 1.006, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.001,1.011, p=0.023). In the multivariate analysis, significance was lost after adjusting for low- and high-density lipoprotein (LDL-C, HDL-C) and triglycerides (HR= 1.0017, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.998,1.005, p=0.348). Conclusion Elevated Lp(a) levels are linked to higher CVD risk, particularly in females. Despite growing efforts to clarify Lp(a) as a risk-predicting marker in CVD, clinical guidelines still require definitive evidence, particularly from a sex-focused perspective.

Associations Between Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Domains of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome and Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Multicenter Cohort Study.

To explore associations between the physical, cognitive, and mental post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) health domains with changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following ICU admission. A longitudinal prospective multicenter cohort study. Patients (n = 4092) from seven Dutch ICUs. None. At ICU admission, 3 and 12 months post-ICU, patients completed validated questionnaires regarding physical health problems, cognitive health problems, mental health problems, and HRQoL. Composite scores were created for the physical health domain (physical problems and fatigue) and mental health domain (anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder). Adjusted multivariable linear regression analyses were performed, including covariables (e.g., patient characteristics, disease severity, pre-ICU HRQoL, etc.) to explore associations between the physical, cognitive, and mental health domains of PICS and changes in HRQoL at 3 and 12 months post-ICU. At 3 months (n = 3368), physical health problems (β = -0.04 [95% CI, -0.06 to 0.02]; p < 0.001), cognitive health problems (β = -0.05 [95% CI, -0.09 to -0.02]; p < 0.001), and mental health problems (β = -0.08 [95% CI, -0.10 to -0.05]; p < 0.001) were negatively associated with changes in HRQoL. Also, at 12 months (n = 2950), physical health problems (β = -0.06 [95% CI, -0.08 to -0.03]; p < 0.001), cognitive health problems (β = -0.04 [95% CI, -0.08 to -0.01]; p < 0.015), and mental health problems (β = -0.06 [95% CI, -0.08 to -0.03]; p < 0.001) were negatively associated with changes in HRQoL. PICS symptoms in the physical, cognitive, and mental domains are all negatively associated with changes in HRQoL at 3 and 12 months post-ICU. At 3 months, PICS symptoms in the mental domain seem to have the largest negative associations. At 12 months, the associations of PICS in the mental and physical domains are the same. This implies that daily ICU care and follow-up care should focus on preventing and mitigating health problems across all three PICS domains to prevent a decrease in HRQoL.

Extended-Release Lithium Treatment for Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder with or Without Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder: Protocol of a Longitudinal Prospective Naturalistic Study for the Assessment of Efficacy and Tolerability.

Background: Lithium is the gold-standard treatment for Bipolar Disorder (BD) in both adults and adolescents, effectively managing mood episodes and reducing suicide risk. While its efficacy in neurotypical youth is well established, its use in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and comorbid BD remains under-researched. Here, we present the protocol for a study aiming to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Extended-Release Lithium Salts in treating adolescents with BD and comorbid ASD compared to neurotypical BD patients. Methods: This longitudinal prospective naturalistic comparative study will enroll lithium-naïve adolescents aged 12-18 with BD, with or without comorbid ASD, from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology. Participants will be followed for six months while receiving Extended-Release Lithium Salts treatment. Primary outcomes will include mood instability, suicidality, emotional dysregulation, and aggression, assessed through a range of clinical rating scales and diagnostic tools at baseline, three months, and six months. Secondary outcomes will focus on the safety and tolerability of Extended-Release Lithium Salts, with measures including side effect ratings, physical exams, and laboratory tests. Results: We hypothesize that Extended-Release Lithium Salts will demonstrate non-inferiority in treating BD symptoms in adolescents with comorbid ASD compared to those without ASD. Conclusions: This study is poised to fill a significant gap in the literature by providing critical data on the use of lithium for adolescents with BD and ASD. Findings will inform clinical practice and future research, potentially guiding more personalized treatment approaches for this complex and vulnerable population.

Association of gut microbiota and gut metabolites and adverse outcomes in biliary atresia: A longitudinal prospective study

Association of gut microbiota and gut metabolites and adverse outcomes in biliary atresia: A longitudinal prospective study

Towards accurate screening and prevention for PTSD (2-ASAP): protocol of a longitudinal prospective cohort study

BackgroundEffective preventive interventions for PTSD rely on early identification of individuals at risk for developing PTSD. To establish early post-trauma who are at risk, there is a need for accurate prognostic risk screening instruments for PTSD that can be widely implemented in recently trauma-exposed adults. Achieving such accuracy and generalizability requires external validation of machine learning classification models. The current 2-ASAP cohort study will perform external validation on both full and minimal feature sets of supervised machine learning classification models assessing individual risk to follow an adverse PTSD symptom trajectory over the course of 1 year. We will derive these models from the TraumaTIPS cohort, separately for men and women.MethodThe 2-ASAP longitudinal cohort will include N = 863 adults (N = 436 females, N = 427 males) who were recently exposed to acute civilian trauma. We will include civilian victims of accidents, crime and calamities at Victim Support Netherlands; and who were presented for medical evaluation of (suspected) traumatic injuries by emergency transportation to the emergency department. The baseline assessment within 2 months post-trauma will include self-report questionnaires on demographic, medical and traumatic event characteristics; potential risk and protective factors for PTSD; PTSD symptom severity and other adverse outcomes; and current best-practice PTSD screening instruments. Participants will be followed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-trauma, assessing PTSD symptom severity and other adverse outcomes via self-report questionnaires.DiscussionThe ultimate goal of our study is to improve accurate screening and prevention for PTSD in recently trauma-exposed civilians. To enable future large-scale implementation, we will use self-report data to inform the prognostic models; and we will derive a minimal feature set of the classification models. This can be transformed into a short online screening instrument that is user-friendly for recently trauma-exposed adults to fill in. The eventual short online screening instrument will classify early post-trauma which adults are at risk for developing PTSD. Those at risk can be targeted and may subsequently benefit from preventive interventions, aiming to reduce PTSD and relatedly improve psychological, functional and economic outcomes.

Improvement of Bone Metabolism in Prepubertal Girls with Turner Syndrome Following Long-term Pegylated Growth Hormone Treatment.

The study aims to assess the improvement in bone metabolism in prepubertal girls with Turner Syndrome (TS) after long-term polyethylene glycol recombinant human Growth Hormone (PEG-rhGH) treatment. A 12-month longitudinal prospective study was conducted with 28 prepubertal girls diagnosed with TS. Participants were divided into two groups: 18 received PEG-rhGH therapy (0.1-0.25 mg/kg/week) and 10 did not. Anthropometric measurements, bone turnover markers (BTMs), and serum levels of IGF-1, calcium, and phosphate were collected at baseline and after 12 months. BTMs included bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), Type I collagen propeptide (CICP), Type I collagen telopeptide (CTX), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). After 12 months of PEG-rhGH therapy, the treatment group showed significant increases in growth velocity (GV) and height standard deviation scores (HtSDS). Serum IGF-1 levels increased rapidly within one month and remained elevated. BTMs indicated enhanced bone formation, significantly increasing BAP and CICP, while CTX levels remained low. FGF23 levels initially rose slightly but declined below baseline by 12 months. Elevated blood phosphate levels were observed. PEG-rhGH therapy in children with TS significantly improves linear growth and enhances bone formation markers, benefiting bone metabolism.

Associations of inflammation related prenatal adversities with neurodevelopment of offspring in one year: a longitudinal prospective birth cohort study

BackgroundThe recent Maternal Immune Activation (MIA) theory suggests maternal systemic inflammation may serve as a mediator in associations between prenatal maternal adversities and neurodevelopmental diseases in offspring. Given the co-exposure to multiple adversities may be experienced by pregnant person, it is unclear whether a quantitative index can be developed to characterize the inflammation related exposure level, and whether this index is associated with neurodevelopmental delays in offspring.MethodsBased on Jiangsu Birth Cohort (JBC), a total of 3051 infants were included in the analysis. Inflammation related Prenatal Adversity Index (IPAI) was constructed using maternal data. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition, screening test in one year. Multivariate linear regression and Poisson regression model were performed to analyze the associations between IPAI and neurodevelopment in offspring.ResultsCompared with “low IPAI” group, offspring with “high IPAI” have lower scores of cognition, receptive communication, expressive communication, and fine motor. The adjusted β were − 0.23 (95%CI: -0.42, -0.04), -0.47 (95%CI: -0.66, -0.28), -0.30 (95%CI: -0.49, -0.11), and − 0.20 (95%CI: -0.33, -0.06). Additionally, the elevated risk for noncompetent development of cognition and receptive communication among “high IPAI” group was observed. The relative risk [RR] and 95% confidence interval [CI] were 1.35 (1.01, 1.69) and 1.37 (1.09, 1.72).ConclusionsOur results revealed a significant association between higher IPAI and lower scores across cognition, receptive communication, expressive communication, and fine motor domains, and an increased risk of noncompetent development in the cognition and receptive communication domains.

Home, but Homebound After Traumatic Brain Injury: Risk Factors and Associations With Nursing Home Entry and Death

ObjectiveTo examine risk factors associated with homeboundness 1-year after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to explore associations between homebound status and risk of future mortality and nursing home entry. DesignSecondary analysis of a longitudinal prospective cohort study. SettingTBI Model Systems centers. ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling TBI Model Systems participants (n=6595) who sustained moderate-to-severe TBI between 2006 and 2016, and resided in a private residence 1-year postinjury. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresHomebound status (leaving home ≤1-2d per week), 5-year mortality, and 2- or 5-year nursing home entry. ResultsIn our sample, 14.2% of individuals were homebound 1-year postinjury, including 2% who never left home. Older age, having less than a bachelor's degree, Medicaid insurance, living in the Northeast or Midwest, dependence on others or special services for transportation, unemployment or retirement, and needing assistance for locomotion, bladder management, and social interactions at 1-year postinjury were associated with being homebound. After adjustment for potential confounders and an inverse probability weight for nonrandom attrition bias, being homebound was associated with a 1.69-times (95% confidence interval, 1.35-2.11) greater risk of 5-year mortality, and a nonsignificant but trending association with nursing home entry by 5 years postinjury (RR=1.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-3.87). Associations between homeboundness and mortality were consistent by age subgroup (±65y). ConclusionsThe negative long-term health outcomes among persons with TBI who rarely leave home warrants the need to re-evaluate home discharge as unequivocally positive. The identified risk factors for homebound status, and its associated negative long-term outcomes, should be considered when preparing patients and their families for discharge from acute and postacute rehabilitation care settings. Addressing modifiable risk factors for homeboundness, such as accessible public transportation options and home care to address mobility, could be targets for individual referrals and policy intervention.

Comparable results 5 years after one anastomosis gastric bypass compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a propensity-score matched analysis

BackgroundPrevious studies comparing one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are often limited by retrospective designs, or in randomized controlled trials, by small sample sizes or limited follow-up durations. ObjectivesThis study aims to compare OAGB and RYGB during 5years of follow-up in terms of weight loss, remission of comorbidities, and complications. SettingThis longitudinal prospective study includes all patients who underwent a primary OAGB or RYGB between 2015 and 2016 in the Netherlands, utilizing data from the nationwide registry, Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity. MethodsA 1:1 propensity-score matched (PSM) comparison between patients with OAGB and RYGB. ResultsAfter 1:1 PSM, 2 nearly identical cohorts of 860 patients were obtained. OAGB was associated with more intraoperative complications (2.0% versus .6%; P = .031). Conversely, RYGB had a higher rate of short-term complications (7.6% versus 3.8%; P < .001). Five-year data were available from 40.7% of the patients with OAGB and 34.9% with RYGB. No significant differences were observed in percentage total weight loss after 5years (30.0% after OAGB and 28.8% after RYGB; P = .099). The total remission rate of diabetes mellitus was 60.5% for OAGB and 69.4% for RYGB (P = .656). However, OAGB resulted in a significantly higher remission rate of hypertension compared to RYGB (60.2% versus 45.5%; P = .015). ConclusionsOAGB and RYGB yield comparable weight loss outcomes. However, OAGB had more intraoperative complications, while RYGB had more short-term complications. Both procedures show similar efficacy in diabetes mellitus remission, but OAGB is more effective in achieving hypertension remission.

Influence of Physical Activity on Self-Esteem and Anxiety during Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Prospective Study

Influence of Physical Activity on Self-Esteem and Anxiety during Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Prospective Study

Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease: Global Cognition, Cue Efficiency, and Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurofilament Light Values Predict Short-Term Conversion to Dementia.

Predicting which patients with prodromal AD (pAD) will imminently convert to dementia may be paramount in a memory clinical setting, especially with potential disease-modifying therapies on the horizon. To explore a practical tool for this prediction, combining cognitive tests and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. We designed a longitudinal prospective, observational, and multicenter study, enrolling patients with pAD. Inclusion criteria comprised memory complaints, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of≥22, memory impairment as indicated by the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test with Immediate Recall (FCSRT + IR) and/or TMA-93, Clinical Dementia Rating-Global Score (CDR-GS) of 0.5, and positive CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio (<0.095, Euroimmun). The primary outcome was the conversion to dementia (CDR-GS≥1) within the first year of follow-up, referred to as "short-term conversion". A multiple regression logistic model was adopted to design the "Predict Short-Term Conversion" (PSTC) score. Between 2020 and 2022, 83 patients were recruited. The median age was 74, with 49.4% being women. Twenty-five (30.1%) patients were classified as short-term converters. The PSTC score incorporated baseline scores on MMSE ( ≤24 = 3, >24 = 0) and FCSRT + IR Total Recall ( ≤14 = 4, >14 = 0), and CSF neurofilament light chains (NfLs) concentrations (β=0.001299). The PSTC score demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.67-0.90, p < 0.001), with a cutoff value of 5.14 presenting 76% sensitivity and 80% specificity. The PSTC score, comprising two relatively brief cognitive test scores and NfLs CSF concentrations, could be useful for predicting short-term converters among patients diagnosed with pAD.

Comparative study of the direct closure of surgical incision for external dacryocystorhinostomy using 6-0 Prolene versus Dermabond ®.

In this study, we aimed to compare closure of the incision for external dacryocystorhinostomy (ext-DCR) by suturing with 6-0 Prolene versus closure with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and assess the results in terms of the aesthetic and functional aspects of the scar, operating time, postoperative symptoms and complications, and the economic cost of the two techniques. Sixty-three patients with distal lacrimal obstruction and indication of ext-DCR were initially enrolled in a longitudinal prospective cohort study. Patients underwent ophthalmologic evaluations including lacrimal probing, external examination with photograph, measurement of the surgical wound, timing the cutaneous closure phase of the surgery, recording postoperative wound pain using visual analog scale (VAS), and recording the patient's and clinician's subjective satisfaction with the scar using Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) at 6 months postsurgery. The 63 eyes were divided into two groups: the wounds in group 1 were closed with 6-0 Prolene using continuous locking suture and the wounds in group 2 were closed with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate. There was no difference in baseline characteristics (age, sex, and race), and no statistically significant differences were found in wound length, POSAS score, VAS score, or serious complications of the wound between the two groups. There were differences in surgery time and economic cost for group 2 compared to group 1 of -2.39 min and -€5.37/operation, respectively. This is the first study in the literature that compares 6-0 Prolene versus Dermabond ® . The latter one presents advantages compared to Prolene, given that it reduces the length of surgery, reduces costs, and allows for greater flexibility in postoperative follow-up visits.

Patterns of Use and Withdrawal Syndrome in Dual Cannabis and Tobacco Users (DuCATA_GAM-CAT): Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

Approximately 1 in 6 cannabis users develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD) and the odds increase to 1 in 2 for daily users. The Dual use of Cannabis and Tobacco Monitoreing through a Gamified Web app (DuCATA_GAM-CaT) project aims to identify cannabis-tobacco patterns of use and withdrawal symptoms among individuals with CUD who are attending substance abuse programs. The project uses a mixed methods approach consisting of 3 studies. First, a participatory qualitative study involves focus groups comprising individuals with CUD, clinicians, project researchers, and an expert gamification company to co-design a gamified web app. Second, a longitudinal prospective study to follow up individuals over 6 weeks with CUD attending substance abuse programs . Participants report their cannabis-tobacco usage patterns, type and frequency of tobacco use, nicotine dependence, withdrawal symptoms, psychoemotional factors, and motivation to quit both substances. Predictive analysis techniques are used to analyze clinical, demographic, psychological, and environmental data to predict the probability of achieving abstinence. Third, homogeneous focus groups to explore participants' experiences during their CUD treatment. By June 2024, the project had completed the first study, defining eligible cannabis user profiles, developed the initial web app prototype, and initiated recruitment across 10 centers, with 74 participants enrolled, aiming to reach 150 participants in total. All participants are required to provide informed consent, and their information is kept confidential and anonymized following confidentiality rules. The research team is committed to disseminating the results obtained to professional and patient groups, as well as informing public health agents, to positively influence political and social decision makers and design programmers. Additionally, we aim to prioritize the publication of the results in high-impact journals specialized in drug abuse, public health, and health care services research. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05512091; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05512091. DERR1-10.2196/58335.

Association of MicroRNA Expression and Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels with Clinical and Radiological Findings in Multiple Sclerosis.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers for many diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). The neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a biomarker that can detect axonal damage in different neurological diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the expression profile of pre-selected miRNAs and NfL levels with clinical and radiological variables in MS patients. We conducted a 1-year longitudinal prospective study in MS patients with different clinical forms. We measured clinical disability using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetry baseline, and cognitive functioning using the processing speed test (PST) at baseline and 1 year later. Selected serum miRNAs and serum NfL (sNfL) levels were quantified. Seventy-three patients were recruited. MiR-126.3p correlated with EDSS and cognitive status at baseline and miR-126.3p and miR-9p correlated with cognitive deterioration at 1 year. Correlations with regional brain volumes were observed between miR-126.3p and the cortical gray matter, cerebellum, putamen, and pallidum; miR-146a.5p with the cerebellum and pallidum; miR-29b.3p with white matter and the pallidum; miR-138.5p with the pallidum; and miR-9.5p with the thalamus. sNfL was correlated with miR-9.5p. miR-146a.5p was also associated with the MS phenotype. These data justify future studies to further explore the utility of miRNAs (mirR-126.3p, miR-146.5p, and miR.9-5p) and sNfL levels as biomarkers of MS.

A Longitudinal Decline in Walking Speed Is Linked with Coexisting Hypertension and Arthritis in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Objective: The aim was to investigate the association between baseline coexistence of hypertension (HTN) and arthritis, HTN alone, or arthritis alone, and their impact on longitudinal physical function measures among community-dwelling older adults over 5 years of follow-up. Methods: Ours was a longitudinal prospective cohort study from the second wave (2010-2011) and third wave (2015-2016) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Data for older adults were used. Participants were categorized based on self-reported diagnoses into four groups: coexisting HTN and arthritis, HTN only, arthritis only, or neither. Physical performance measures included walking speed using the 3-Meter Walk Test and the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST). Multiple generalized estimating equations with linear regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI) educational level, pain severity, and baseline use of pain and hypertension medications. Results: Data for 1769 participants were analyzed. Slower walking speed was only associated with coexisting HTN and arthritis (B = -0.43, p < 0.001) after accounting for covariates. The coexisting HTN and arthritis group showed no significant association with FTSST (B = 0.80, p = 0.072) after accounting for covariates. Conclusions: The coexistence of baseline HTN and arthritis in older adults is associated with a gradual decline in only walking speed as a physical performance measure in older adults.

EP530 - Facial Features after Weight Loss (FACE-WL) Study: A Protocol for a 1- year Multicentre Longitudinal Prospective Study

Abstract Introduction Obesity is a pressing public health concern and various effective interventions have been implemented for weight loss in patients with obesity. The effect of weight loss is not restricted to only limbs and trunks but the changes in the anatomy of the face and facial structure have received limited attention. In view of the paucity of studies examining facial feature changes after weight loss, the FACE-WL study aims to examine the facial changes for patients post weight loss. Methods The FACE-WL study is a multicentre 1-year longitudinal prospective cohort study, within a real-world routine clinical care setting aiming to recruit 500 patients after losing weight via either conservative, medical or surgical management. Photos of patients’ faces would be taken pre-intervention (T0) and post intervention after 3 (T1), 6 (T2), 9 (T3) and 12 months (T4), coincide with normal follow-up care visits. Photographs will be analysed using the Emotrics software, which automatically identifies facial landmarks and computes differences in position. Participants’ sociodemographic data, health-related quality of life, clinical outcome, and surgical data if applicable will be completed by the study team at the baseline visit and subsequent follow-up visit. Ethics And Dissemination Its results will be disseminated through manuscripts in clinical/academic journals and presentations at professional conferences, and through participant and stakeholder communications.

Prospective Multi-Center Longitudinal Study to Validate Accuracy of the Global Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) Score in Predicting Major Acute Limb Events in Patients With Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia Undergoing Endovascular Intervention: The PROMOTE-GLASS Study Protocol.

Developed by the Global Vascular Guidelines committee, the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) is an angiographic scoring system used for quantifying infrainguinal disease extent and predicting treatment success with endovascular techniques (EVT). Currently, no other risk prediction model is available for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) undergoing EVT. GLASS' validation and adoption outside academic institutions for research are limited. Thus, this longitudinal multicenter prospective study aims to examine GLASS' validity and reliability in predicting major acute limb events and overall survival (OS) in patients with CLTI undergoing EVT. This prospective, international, multicenter, observational study will include patients with CLTI undergoing EVT (PROMOTE-GLASS) (ClinicalTrials.gov; ID: NCT06186544) identified through routine clinical referrals and emergency visits to vascular units in participating centers. Only patients who are referred for EVT will be recruited. The primary outcomes are immediate technical success, immediate technical failure, and 1-year limb base patency. The secondary outcomes are major adverse limb events, major lower limb amputation, and OS in patients presenting with CLTI who undergo EVT up to 1 year after the procedure. Clinical and imaging data will be analyzed at the end of follow-up to validate risk prediction. This protocol outlines our approach for identifying cases, GLASS score calculation, outcome measures assessment, and a statistical analysis plan. PROMOTE-GLASS holds significant implications and can potentially revolutionize clinical decision-making by assisting clinicians in identifying patients who are likely to benefit from EVT. Ultimately, reduce the need for more invasive procedures and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, PROMOTE-GLASS can provide useful information, including patient selection, for future randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating EVT for CLTI. PROMOTE-GLASS anticipated implications on the vascular community are rooted in its potential to improve patient care, inform future research, and address limitations in existing literature regarding CLTI treatment outcomes.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COGNITIVE DEFICITS AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Introduction: Schizophrenia is an endogenous psychotic disorder with a chronic course, which is characterized by dysfunction in multiple domains: perceptions, thinking, emotions, and cognition. Objective: The main aim of the study was to introduce the relationship between clinical characteristics and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: The research involved 53 randomly selected male and female respondents from 18 to 60 years of age, who suffer from schizophrenia according to the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Diseases – ICD 10, acute schizophrenia treated in the Psychiatric Hospital Skopje - Skopje. We used the following measuring instruments: the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS). Results: The results indicated that the acute schizophrenic patients had higher rating scores in the SCoRS assessment (M=45.736, SD=8.908) in the first week after psychosis onset. A high degree of positive and negative symptoms was a strong predictor of higher cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia. A positive relationship was observed between the PANSS-Positive and ScoRS level (F (53) =0.559, sig. =.001, p&lt;.01). At the same time, positive relationship was observed between the PANSS-Negative and ScoRS level (F (53) =0.283 sig. =.001, p&lt;.01). Conclusions: In the course of our longitudinal prospective study, we found that clinical characteristics of schizophrenia had a great impact on the cognitive dysfunction, whereby this is evident in the acute stage of the disease.