Neuropsychiatric Manifestations Research Articles

Micronized/ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide improves depression and fatigue in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may lead to neuropsychiatric sequelae. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective amide used in depressive syndromes. Here we investigate whether micronized/ultramicronized (m/um) PEA improves neuropsychiatric sequelae in COVID-19 survivors. Patients evaluated at our post-COVID-19 outpatient clinic between February and August 2021 and presenting neuropsychiatric manifestations (n = 98) were offered treatment with m/umPEA 600 mg twice daily for 3 months. Those accepting m/umPEA therapy (n = 57) were compared with those who did not (n = 41), in terms of depression, fatigue, chronic pain and subjective well-being, through validated scales administered pre- and posttreatment. The two groups did not differ in terms of demographics, comorbidities, psychiatric history, antidepressant therapy, acute COVID-19 severity and baseline neuropsychiatric status. Patients receiving m/umPEA showed a greater improvement in depression and fatigue (both P < 0.05). Conversely, no association was found with changes in chronic pain or subjective well-being. At multivariable logistic regression, m/umPEA predicted neuropsychiatric improvement independently of age, sex and baseline neuropsychiatric status. Worse pretreatment fatigue and subjective well-being identified those who most likely benefited from treatment. In conclusion, despite its retrospective nature, our study suggests that m/umPEA may improve depression and fatigue in COVID-19 survivors, justifying future research in this setting.

The simultaneous presence of demoralization, apathy, and depression has a detrimental impact on both cognitive function and motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is marked not only by motor symptoms but also by neuropsychiatric manifestations, including demoralization, apathy, and depression. Understanding the clinical distribution and characteristics of these co-occurring symptoms is crucial for improving quality of life of PD patients. This study enrolled 195 Chinese PD patients from Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The study involved analyzing the clinical characteristics related to the simultaneous presence of demoralization, apathy, and depression in PD patients. Linear regression was employed to elucidate the linear trend between the quantity of negative neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive function, as well as motor symptoms and motor complications. SPSS mediation models were utilized to investigate whether the severity of cognitive function mediated the connection between multiple negative neuropsychiatric symptoms and motor symptoms. Among PD patients, a notable 57.5% experience the presence of multiple concurrent negative neuropsychiatric symptoms. Our investigation unveiled a correlation where patients with more negative neuropsychiatric symptoms displayed heightened cognitive impairment (P=0.048) and more severe motor symptoms (P=0.024), following a linear trend with increasing symptom numbers. Additionally, cognitive impairment played a partial mediating role in the impact of multiple negative neuropsychiatric symptoms on motor symptoms (β=0.747; 95% bootstrap confidence interval: 0.195 to 1.532). The co-occurrence of these negative neuropsychiatric symptoms has the potential to worsen cognitive function and motor symptoms in PD patients. Moreover, cognitive impairment was identified as playing a partial mediating role in the relationship between multiple negative neuropsychiatric symptoms and motor symptoms.

Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Molecules Involved in Its Imunopathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an idiopathic chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any organ in the body, including the neurological system. Multiple factors, such as environmental (infections), genetic (many HLA alleles including DR2 and DR3, and genes including C4), and immunological influences on self-antigens, such as nuclear antigens, lead to the formation of multiple autoantibodies that cause deleterious damage to bodily tissues and organs. The production of autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA, anti-SS(A), anti-SS(B), anti-Smith, and anti-neuronal DNA are characteristic features of this disease. This autoimmune disease results from a failure of the mechanisms responsible for maintaining self-tolerance in T cells, B cells, or both. Immune complexes, circulating antibodies, cytokines, and autoreactive T lymphocytes are responsible for tissue injury in this autoimmune disease. The diagnosis of SLE is a rheumatological challenge despite the availability of clinical criteria. NPSLE was previously referred to as lupus cerebritis or lupus sclerosis. However, these terms are no longer recommended because there is no definitive pathological cause for the neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE. Currently, the treatment options are primarily based on symptomatic presentations. These include the use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytic medications for the treatment of psychiatric and mood disorders. Antiepileptic drugs to treat seizures, and immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil), are directed against inflammatory responses along with non-pharmacological interventions.

A new perspective on vitamin B12 deficiency in rheumatology: a case-based review.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency is common in patients with rheumatic diseases. Pernicious anemia is a well-known cause, but recent reports suggest that autoimmune-derived deficiency may not be limited to this cause alone. Symptoms of low vitamin B12 concentration are often deceptive, mimicking and overlapping with symptoms of other conditions. Neuropsychiatric manifestations, anemia, and fatigue are frequently attributed to a rheumatic disease without further evaluation. In this study, we present three cases of patients with neuropathic pain, depression, fatigue, and muscle weakness, initially attributed to a rheumatic disease, which almost completely resolved after implementing vitamin B12 supplementation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of current scientific reports regarding the potential use of cobalamin in rheumatology. Treatment of pain and neuropathy, often very challenging in long-lasting rheumatic diseases, can be more effective after a course of vitamin B12, even when no apparent deficiency is detected in laboratory tests. Considering recent research demonstrating vitamin B12's nerve-protecting properties, we recommend that physicians should assess vitamin B12 levels early in the diagnostic process of rheumatic diseases. In specific cases, physicians should consider cobalamin supplementation regardless of vitamin B12 serum concentration.

Interaction of 5-HTTLPR and SLE disease status on resting-state brain function

BackgroundNeuropsychiatric involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common clinical manifestation. In SLE patients, cerebral function is a more sensitive predictor of central nervous system damage, and abnormalities in cerebral function may be apparent before substantial neuropsychiatric symptoms occur. The 5-hydroxynyptamine(5-HT) system has the ability to interact with the majority of the neurochemical systems in the central nervous system (CNS), influencing brain function. Serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) is an essential element of the 5-HT system gene polymorphism and is directly related to the control of 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5-HTT)gene expression. The relationship between 5-HTTLPR and functional brain measurements in SLE patients requires more investigation because it is one of the most attractive imaging genetics targets for shedding light on the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric lupus.MethodsResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) images were collected from 51 SLE patients without obvious neuropsychiatric manifestations and 44 healthy volunteers. Regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) were selected as indicators for evaluating brain function. In accordance with the Anatomical Automatic Labeling template, the gray matter was divided into 116 regions. The mean ReHo value, mean ALFF value, and mean fALFF value of each brain region were extracted. 5-HTTLPR genotypes of all research objects were tested by polymerase chain reaction and agarose gel electrophoresis. Two-way analysis of covariance was used to investigate whether there is an interaction effect between SLE disease status and 5-HTTLPR genotype on resting-state brain function.ResultsIn SLE patients with S/S homozygosity, there were notably lower mean ReHo, mean ALFF, and mean fALFF values observed in the right parietal, inferior angular gyrus, and the right paracentral lobule compared to healthy controls. However, this distinction was not evident among carriers of the L allele. Within the S/S genotype, SLE patients exhibited decreased mean ReHo in the left posterior cingulate gyrus, reduced mean fALFF in the left caudate nucleus, and diminished mean ALFF in the left temporal pole: superior temporal gyrus, in contrast to the HC group. Conversely, no such differences were discerned among carriers of the L allele. Notably, among L allele carriers, SLE patients displayed a higher mean ReHo value in the right hippocampus compared to the HC group, while demonstrating a lower mean ALFF value in the left medial and paracingulate gyrus in contrast to the HC group. Conversely, these differences were not apparent among S/S homozygotes.ConclusionsBrain function in the right parietal and inferior angular gyrus and the right paracentral lobule is affected by the interaction effect of SLE disease status and 5-HTTLPR genotype.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19: a literature review

The recent emergence of COVID-19, associated with its rapid expansion and systemic involvement, leads to a lack of knowledge regarding the scope of manifestations resulting from the disease. Thus, post-COVID syndrome constitutes several persistent sequelae after the period of SARS-COV-2 infection, which have not yet been completely elucidated. This study, therefore, aims to review in the literature the conditions resulting from post-COVID syndrome in the nervous system and also psychiatric scope. Thus, psychiatric disorders, sleep disorders, cognitive deficits, neurovascular disorders, syndromes related to the central and peripheral nervous systems were observed in this condition and described in this study. Furthermore, it characterizes the risk factors related to greater involvement in certain populations, such as female sex and chronic diseases, and greater severity of COVID-19, which, in general, have a pathophysiological relationship based on the exacerbation of the inflammatory process of these conditions and that arising from SARS-COV-2 infection. It is worth highlighting the importance of the biopsychosocial aspect when observing the stressful nature generated by social isolation and its consequences.

Nutrition Status And Neuropsychiatric Disorders In Indonesian Childhood Lupus: Experience At A Single Tertiary Referral Center

NPSLE diagnosis is still challenging because of many SLE-related and non-SLE-related processes that can be presented in patient. The report of NPSLE in Indonesia is still limited. This study aim to describe the clinical features, nutrition status, and laboratory characteristics of Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE) and compared to non NPSLE case in Indonesian children. The study is a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from the complete medical record of Juvenile Systemic lupus Erythematosus (jSLE) patients 2016 - 2020 at the Allergy Immunology Outpatient clinic at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital. We include all patients with ages ranging from age 0-18 years old with a diagnosis of Systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The diagnosis fo SLE based on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria 1997 and Neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestations were classified using the standardized nomenclature and case definitions for the 19 NP manifestations linked to SLE developed in 1999 by the ACR ad hoc Committee. Disease activity SLE was defined according to the American Mexican-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (Mex-SLEDAI) criteria. Statistical analysis conducted in this study was descriptive analysis, paired T-test (NPSLE vs. non-NPSLE as the dependent variable), Fischer exact test, and Pearson Chi-square test using SPSS ver. 21. A total of 90 patients with juvenile SLE were enrolled, but only 71 patients were eligible as participants with complete medical records obtained. Mex-SLEDAI score was significantly higher on NPSLE compared to non-NPSLE (p=0.001).

Refractory systemic lupus erythematosus with neuropsychiatric manifestations successfully treated with anifrolumab

Refractory systemic lupus erythematosus with neuropsychiatric manifestations successfully treated with anifrolumab

Mild cognitive impairment in Huntington's disease: challenges and outlooks.

Although Huntington's disease (HD) has classically been viewed as an autosomal-dominant inherited neurodegenerative motor disorder, cognitive and/or behavioral changes are predominant and often an early manifestation of disease. About 40% of individuals in the presymptomatic period of HD meet the criteria for mild cognitive impairment, later progressing to dementia. The heterogenous spectrum of cognitive decline is characterized by deficits across multiple domains, particularly executive dysfunctions, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are still poorly understood. Investigating the pathophysiology of cognitive changes may give insight into important and early neurodegenerative events. Multimodal imaging revealed circuit-wide gray and white matter degenerative processes in several key brain regions, affecting prefronto-striatal/cortico-basal ganglia circuits and many other functional brain networks. Studies in transgenic animal models indicated early synaptic dysfunction, deficient neurotrophic transport and other molecular changes contributing to neuronal death. Synaptopathy within the cerebral cortex, striatum and hippocampus may be particularly important in mediating cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations of HD, although many other neuronal systems are involved. The interaction of mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) with tau and its implication for cognitive impairment in HD is a matter of discussion. Further neuroimaging and neuropathological studies are warranted to better elucidate early pathophysiological mechanisms and to develop validated biomarkers to detect patients' cognitive status during the early stages of the condition significantly to implement effective preventing or management strategies.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis in Rheumatological Diseases with Neuropsychiatric Complications and Manifestations: A Narrative Review

The analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) remains a valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of inflammatory and infectious conditions involving the brain, spinal cord, and meninges. Since many rheumatic inflammatory diseases can involve the central and peripheral nervous system, the aims of this narrative review were to summarize the latest evidence on the use of CSF analysis in the field of neuropsychiatric manifestations of rheumatic diseases. Routine CSF parameters were taken into consideration for this review: appearance; total protein and cellular content (pleocytosis); lactate and/or glucose; CSF/serum albumin quotient; intrathecal synthesis of IgG. Data regarding the role of CSF analysis in the clinical management of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and Behçet’s syndrome are presented. Although no disease-specific picture has been identified, CSF analysis remains a useful diagnostic tool to confirm the presence of a neuro-inflammatory state or, conversely, to exclude the concomitant presence of other inflammatory/infectious diseases affecting the CNS in the context of systemic rheumatologic conditions.

Implications of Inflammatory Processes on a Developing Central Nervous System in Childhood-Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is increasingly affecting pediatric and adult populations. Neuropsychiatric manifestations (ie, cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders) appear to occur with greater severity and poorer prognosis in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) versus adult-onset SLE, negatively impacting school function, self-management, and psychosocial health, as well as lifelong health-related quality of life. In this review, we describe pathogenic mechanisms active in cSLE, such as maladaptive inflammatory processes and ischemia, which are hypothesized to underpin central phenotypes in patients with cSLE, and the role of alterations in protective central nervous system (CNS) barriers (ie, the blood-brain barrier) are also discussed. Recent findings derived from novel neuroimaging approaches are highlighted because the methods employed in these studies hold potential for identifying CNS abnormalities that would otherwise remain undetected with conventional multiple resonance imaging studies (eg, T2-weighted or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences). Furthermore, we propose that a more robust presentation of neuropsychiatric symptoms in cSLE is in part due to the harmful impact of a chronic inflammatory insult on a developing CNS. Although the immature status of the CNS may leave patients with cSLE more vulnerable to harboring neuropsychiatric manifestations, the same property may represent a greater urgency to reverse the maladaptive effects associated with a proneuroinflammatory state, provided that effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies are available. Finally, considering the crosstalk among the CNS and other organ systems affected in cSLE, we postulate that a finer understanding of this interconnectivity and its role in the clinical presentation in cSLE is warranted.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Depression Overview

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory multisystem disorder that commonly affects females during their reproductive years. It is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies and immune complex deposition, the etiology is not known but the interaction of an environmental agent in a genetically susceptible individual is thought to be fundamental. SLE most frequently involves the skin, joints, lungs, heart, kidney, and neuropsychiatric manifestations that may occur during the course of the disease. Mood disorders among SLE patients, particularly depression, are common and important psychiatric manifestations of the disease, in addition to their high incidence and possible deleterious influence on disease progression, so early identification and treatment of depression may have a significant influence on the patient’s quality of life.

Neuropsychiatric Manifestations in Alzheimer's Disease Patients: Genetics and Treatment Options.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), which cause great misery to those with dementia and those who care for them and may lead to early institutionalization. The present systematic review aims to discuss the various aspects of Alzheimer's, including treatment options. The databases Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to collect data. Incipient cognitive deterioration is commonly accompanied by these early warning signals of neurocognitive diseases. The neurobiology of NPSs in Alzheimer's disease, as well as particular symptoms, including psychosis, agitation, apathy, sadness, and sleep disorders, will be examined in this review. For NPSs in Alzheimer's disease, clinical trial designs, as well as regulatory issues, were also addressed. A fresh wave of research, however, is helping to push the discipline ahead. For medication development and repurposing, we highlight the most recent results in genetics, neuroimaging, and neurobiology. Even though identifying and treating psychosis in adults with dementia is still a challenging endeavor, new options are coming up that give the field fresh focus and hope. It can be concluded from the complete literature survey that Alzheimer's-related psychosis as well as other symptoms that are not psychotic, have made significant progress in the last decade. These milestones in the development of safer, more effective treatments have been achieved as a consequence of great focus on non-pharmacological interventions like DICE or WHELD; the investigation into ways to improve existing drugs like aripiprazole, risperidone, amisulpride, and Escitalopram for safer precision-based treatment; and the development of a clinical trial program for pimavanserin.

A Rare Case of Sheehan’s Syndrome Presenting as Depression and Dyselectrolytaemia in a Multiparous Woman

Sheehan’s Syndrome (SS) is a rare endocrine condition that presents with complex features in women with intrapartum or Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) seen in clinical practice. The spectrum of symptoms is diverse, and early detection with prompt treatment of this endocrinopathy is facilitated by a high index of suspicion, sound clinical acumen, and an appropriate diagnostic strategy by an astute physician. SS, which manifests as a major depressive disorder, but not accompanied with dyselectrolytaemia, is an interesting finding in the present case study. In fact, most of the time, it presents with non specific symptoms that delays the diagnosis and management. Hereby, the authors present the case of a 39-year-old multiparous woman who was diagnosed with depression for two months by the psychiatrist. Later, she developed symptoms including anorexia, for which she presented to the Medicine Department. On detailed examination, her vitals were poor. Again, she was evaluated in detail for her obstetric history presented as a history of agalactia and early amenorrhoea two years ago. Followed by the history, laboratory investigation and imaging techniques were done, and found to have thinned pituitary gland and flattened against the sella floor. With this prompt examination, diagnosed with SS due to PPH. Yet, her laboratory investigation resulted in abnormal electrolytes made the final diagnosis as SS with dyselectrolytaemia and depression as neuropsychiatric manifestations. She was treated with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Due to her financial constraints, her treatment switched to oral drugs and discharged Against Medical Advice (AMA) with follow-up advice.

Source-based morphometry reveals structural brain pattern abnormalities in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is the most frequently occurring microdeletion in humans. It is associated with a significant impact on brain structure, including prominent reductions in gray matter volume (GMV), and neuropsychiatric manifestations, including cognitive impairment and psychosis. It is unclear whether GMV alterations in 22q11DS occur according to distinct structural patterns. Then, 783 participants (470 with 22q11DS: 51% females, mean age [SD] 18.2 [9.2]; and 313 typically developing [TD] controls: 46% females, mean age 18.0 [8.6]) from 13 datasets were included in the present study. We segmented structural T1-weighted brain MRI scans and extracted GMV images, which were then utilized in a novel source-based morphometry (SBM) pipeline (SS-Detect) to generate structural brain patterns (SBPs) that capture co-varying GMV. We investigated the impact of the 22q11.2 deletion, deletion size, intelligence quotient, and psychosis on the SBPs. Seventeen GMV-SBPs were derived, which provided spatial patterns of GMV covariance associated with a quantitative metric (i.e., loading score) for analysis. Patterns of topographically widespread differences in GMV covariance, including the cerebellum, discriminated individuals with 22q11DS from healthy controls. The spatial extents of the SBPs that revealed disparities between individuals with 22q11DS and controls were consistent with the findings of the univariate voxel-based morphometry analysis. Larger deletion size was associated with significantly lower GMV in frontal and occipital SBPs; however, history of psychosis did not show a strong relationship with these covariance patterns. 22q11DS is associated with distinct structural abnormalities captured by topographical GMV covariance patterns that include the cerebellum. Findings indicate that structural anomalies in 22q11DS manifest in a nonrandom manner and in distinct covarying anatomical patterns, rather than a diffuse global process. These SBP abnormalities converge with previously reported cortical surface area abnormalities, suggesting disturbances of early neurodevelopment as the most likely underlying mechanism.

Evaluation of Neurological Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are typical consequences in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is no apparent link between the clinical parameters of SLE patients and the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Objectives: to determine the incidence of neurological manifestations and the risks associated with them in SLE patients. Patients and Methods: This is a case-series study comprised 65 patients who visited the rheumatology Department at Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Medical City between January 2022 and February 2023. All patients' demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, disease duration, type and duration of treatment, general signs of the disease, and neurological and psychiatric manifestations of SLE, were collected. Laboratory data comprised plasma anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL), anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The cognitive dysfunction was assessed using the six-item cognitive impairment test (6CIT). Results: Out of 65 patients, 34 (52.3%) were found to have at least one neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) manifestation. Headache and depression were the most common NPSLE manifestation encountered in 36 patients (55.4%) followed by psychosis (21.5%), neuropathy (16.9%) and stroke and seizure (13.5%). In multivariate analysis, each of age &gt;35 years (OR= 2.92, 95%CI= 1.12-34.2, p= 0.10), disease duration &gt;5 years (4.45, 95%CI=1.23-28.43, p= 0.001), anti-phospholipid Abs (OR= 4.22, 95%CI= 1.17-89.38, p= 0.036), lupus nephritis (OR= 6.34, 95%CI= 1.27- 64.98, p= 0.029) and 6CIT&gt;3 (OR= 5.83, 95%CI= 1.55- 21.87, p= 0.009) are independent predictors for NPSLE in patients with SLE. Conclusions: Neuropsychiatric manifestations developed in more than half of the SLE cases studied within up to six-year of disease duration. Headache and depression, psychosis and neuropathy are the most common NPSLE manifestations. Older age and longer disease duration are risk factors for development of NPSLE. Clinically, anti-phospholipid antibodies, lupus nephritis and a high score of the six-item cognitive impairment test (&gt;8) are predictors for NPSLE. Received: May, 2023 Accepted: Sept., 2023 Published: Jan., 2024

Psychotic decompensation in the course of SARS-COV-2 infection - case report

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the group of coronaviruses. Among patients infected with the COVID virus, neuropsychiatric symptoms are observed, such as dizziness and headaches, anxiety, depression, as well as delusions and hallucinations. Psychotic symptoms have been observed in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 without a prior psychiatric history. Aim: The purpose of this study was to present a case of a patient with neuropsychiatric symptoms, most likely caused by a past COVID infection, and to present possible pathophysiological mechanisms explaining neuropsychiatric symptoms in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Material and methods: Literature review was carried out using electronic databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, using the following keywords: SARS-COV-2, neuropsychiatric symptoms, reactive psychosis, cytokine storm, limiting the search scope to 2019-2023. Publications in English were used. The patient's medical records, results of laboratory and imaging tests and descriptions of psychological tests were used to describe the case. Case description: A 27-year-old patient, not previously treated psychiatrically, with a recent COVID-19 infection, who developed acute, quickly passing psychotic symptoms in the form of persecutory delusions and visual and auditory hallucinations in a short period of time. Discussion: The effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the central nervous system is not fully understood - the literature presents several possible mechanisms underlying the neuropsychiatric manifestations of SARS-CoV-19 infection, which include viral infiltration into the central nervous system, dysregulation of the cytokine network and excitotoxicity and translocation of intestinal microbes. Keywords: SARS-COV-2, neuropsychiatric symptoms, reactive psychosis, cytokine storm

Approaches and Directions for the Physiotherapeutic Management of Patients with “Duchenne” Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) affects cardiac and skeletal muscles but represents a condition that causes numerous secondary pathologies. Although there is no curative treatment available, multidisciplinary approaches, centered on the needs of the patient, improve the quality and duration of life. Therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical activities, and respiratory physiotherapy, but also the management of cardiac, osteo-muscular, and neuro-psychiatric manifestations, are continuously developing, (as new data becomes available) and are the key to DMD management today. These multidisciplinary approaches can lead to good long-term outcomes by helping patients with muscular dystrophy reduce muscle damage, early detect and treat heart failure, and manage cognitive impairment as best they can.

The Guard, His Gauntlet and Goblet- An Atypical Presentation of Pellagra in a Chronic Alcoholic

Alcoholism a chronic condition affects multiple organ systems including skin. Dermatological markers of alcohol abuse are invaluable. Despite this, association of skin diseases and alcohol misuse maybe overlooked or physicians fail to explore. Pellagra is a multifactorial disease caused by Niacin/Tryptophan deficiency. It exhibits photodermatitis, gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Chronic alcoholics are at risk. Considering pellagra as differential diagnosis in chronic alcoholics with these symptoms is crucial. This disease is easily treatable but if missed proves fatal. Hence, its recognition is important in other clinical settings for comprehensive treatment. The pathognomonic presentation of Pellagra is the Casal necklace, but here we present a case of 34year old alcoholic with an atypical presentation of Pellagra. Chronic alcoholics need evaluation for Pellagra amongst other nutritional deficiencies which due to diverse presentation can be missed. Early diagnosis and treatment can avoid impending neuropsychiatric complications. Due to participation of numerous disciplines consultation liaison psychiatry is vital here. Keywords: Alcohol dependence, Alcohol cutaneous manifestations, Pellagra, Niacin deficiency, Alcohol biomarkers

Post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric manifestations: a suggested therapeutic approach to 'long COVID' with azithromycin.

The devastating effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may not end when the acute illness has terminated. A subset of COVID-19 patients may have symptoms that persist for months. This condition has been described as 'long COVID'. From a historical perspective, it has been recognized that serious long-term neurological sequelae have been associated with RNA viruses such as influenza viruses and coronaviruses. A potential intervention for early post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric impairment may be the commonly employed, readily available, reasonably priced macrolide antibiotic, azithromycin. We have observed a favourable clinical response with azithromycin in three patients with neurological symptoms associated with long COVID-19. We recommend considering formal clinical trials using azithromycin for patients with post-COVID-19 infection neurological changes including 'COVID fog' or the more severe neurological symptoms that may later develop.