Neurological Symptoms In Patients Research Articles

Manifestaciones neurológicas de enfermedades sistémicas: aspectos claves para el clínico

The nervous system interacts with all other systems in the human body on a continuous ba-sis. It’s not uncommon for a disease to exhibit neurological symptoms that are not solely at-tributable to a primary nervous system disorder, but, rather, to the intricate relationships the nervous system has with other organs. This article reviews how diverse gastrointesti-nal, endocrine, rheumatic, kidney, heart, and other affections manifest in the neurological system. Key points, frequent symptoms, and signs are thus summarized to provide a com-prehensive understanding of the relationship between systemic diseases and neurological symptoms. Emphasizing the clinical presentation of a selected group of conditions, it is hoped that clinicians can better recognize the potential for neurological symptoms in pa-tients with systemic diseases, and the potential for systemic diseases in patients exhibiting neurological symptoms, leading to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence postoperative outcomes: a case series of 350 repairs

BackgroundSuperior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD) is a dehiscence of the otic capsule which normally lies over the superior semicircular canal. This database constitutes the largest series of SSCD patients to date.ObjectiveTo determine what preoperative factors, if any, contribute to postoperative outcomes and evaluate symptom resolution in a large SSCD patient cohort.MethodsA single-institution, retrospective chart review collected patient demographics, intraoperative findings, and pre-and postoperative symptoms. Fisher's exact t-test was performed for unpaired categorical variables, with a significance level of p < 0.05.Results350 SSCD repairs were performed. The median age was 52 years (range: 17—86 years, ± 6.4 years), and the median follow-up duration was 4.6 months (range: 0.03—59.5 months, ± 6.8 months). Preoperative hearing loss was significantly associated with female sex (p = 0.0028). The most reported preoperative symptoms were tinnitus (77.4%), dizziness (74.0%), autophony (66.3%), amplification (63.7%), and disequilibrium (62.6%). Between patients who received unilateral versus bilateral SSCD repair, the greatest postoperative symptomatic resolution was seen in autophony (74.9%, p < 0.001), amplification (77.3%, p = 0.00027), hyperacusis (77.4%, p = 0.023), hearing (62.9%, p = 0.0063), and dizziness (54.6%, p < 0.001) for patients with unilateral SSCD repair.ConclusionSurgical repair via the middle cranial fossa approach can significantly resolve auditory, vestibular, and neurological symptoms of patients with SSCD. Although this is one of the largest single-institution SSCD studies to date, future multi-institutional, prospective studies would be beneficial to validate these results.

Multiple sclerosis presenting with paroxysmal symptoms: Patients at the limitations of current diagnostic criteria.

Paroxysmal neurological symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have long been acknowledged. However, consideration of whether such symptoms are a clinical attack and sufficient for fulfillment of MS diagnostic criteria has varied as criteria have evolved over time. Previous studies and anecdotal reports indicate that some patients with MS first present with syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia, Lhermitte's phenomenon, tonic spasm, and seizure years before an attack typical of MS such as optic neuritis or myelitis. We discuss four patients with presumed MS who initially presented with these syndromes with evidence of a corresponding central nervous system (CNS) lesion who, were these symptoms considered an attack, could have been diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS or clinically isolated syndrome. This case series aims to highlight the unmet need for data for such patient presentations and for clinical guidance from future MS diagnostic criteria to optimize care.

Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Recurrence with Bing–Neel Syndrome Presentation

Bing–Neel syndrome (BNS) is a rare condition that may occur in patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and is caused by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration into the central nervous system. BNS is an extramedullary manifestation of WM which may present with various neurological signs and symptoms that make the diagnosis difficult to achieve. We present a case of BNS in a 60-year-old patient diagnosed 6 years after recovering from Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. We observed the patient for a secondary generalized focal motor seizure. Unenhanced brain CT revealed slight hyperdensity of left parietal subarachnoid spaces. The MRI of the brain and spinal cord showed leptomeningeal enhancement in both parietal lobes. The presence of monoclonal bands (light chain k and IgM) was found in cerebrospinal fluid, leading to the diagnosis of BNS. The patient started treatment with ibrutinib and remains clinically stable during a 1-year follow-up. However, the MRI showed the appearance of a new subcortical left parietal lesion. BNS is an extremely rare presentation of WM that should be recognized and considered early in the presence of unexplained neurological symptoms in patients with a history of WM, even if the patient appears to have recovered.

Myelin basic protein antagonizes the SARS-CoV-2 protein ORF3a-induced autophagy inhibition

Inhibition of autophagy is one of the hallmarks of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently it was reported that SARS-CoV-2 protein ORF3a inhibits fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes via interaction with VPS39 thus preventing binding of homotypic fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex to RAB7 GTPase. Here we report that myelin basic protein (MBP), a major structural component of the myelin sheath, binds ORF3a and is colocalized with it in mammalian cells. Co-expression of MBP with ORF3a restores autophagy in mammalian cells, inhibited by viral protein. Our data suggest that basic charge of MBP drives suppression of ORF3a-induced autophagy inhibition as its deaminated variants lost ability to bind ORF3a and counteract autophagy blockade. These results together with our recent findings, indicating that MBP interacts with structural components of the vesicle transport machinery-synaptosomal-associated protein 23 (SNAP23), vesicle-associated membrane protein 3 (VAMP3) and Sec1/Munc18-1 family members, may suggest protective role of the MBP in terms of the maintaining of protein traffic and autophagosome–lysosome fusion machinery in oligodendrocytes during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, our data may indicate that deimination of MBP observed in the patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) may contribute to the previously reported worser outcomes of COVID-19 and increase of post-COVID-19 neurologic symptoms in patients with MS.

Multilevel Spinal Canal Stenosis with Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum in an Achondroplastic Patient : A Case Report

Achondroplasia is the most common form of dwarfism in humans. There are abnormalities of intracartilaginous ossification caused by mutation of FGFR 3 gene resulting in a narrow spinal canal accompanied by neurological impairements in some patients. The neurological impairements could be caused by ossification of ligamentum flavum, disc degeneration, kyphosis of lumbar spine, bony spurs, thickened laminae and facet joints. We reported a case of 23-year-old Indonesian male with achondroplasia, spinal canal stenosis accompanied by ossification of ligamentum flavum presented with progressive myelopathy and neurogenic claudication. Spinal canal stenosis with OLF was observed at L2-L5 level of lumbar spine. Laminectomy with decompression and removal of the OLF was performed at L2-L5. There was an improvement on patient's neurological symptoms and function after the surgery. In this report, we describe a rare case of achondroplasia with OLF presenting with neurological symptoms from multiple level of spinal canal stenosis. We perfromed decompressive wide laminectomy and resection of adherent OLF followed by fusion with instrumentation resulted in the improvement of patient's neurological symptoms and function.

QLTI-07. DOSE-EFFECT RELATIONSHIP OF DEXAMETHASONE ON OUTCOMES OF BRAIN METASTASES

Abstract BACKGROUND Dexamethasone is commonly used to manage peritumoral edema and alleviate neurologic symptoms in patients with intracranial tumors. The optimal dexamethasone dose for brain metastases is unknown and widely variable. Recent literature reports the most common regimen is 4 mg four times daily. However, the half-life of dexamethasone is 35-54 hours, suggesting that such frequent dosing may be unnecessary. We explored the dose-effect relationship of dexamethasone on brain metastases patient outcomes to improve quality of care. METHODS We retrospectively identified 100 patients (1/1/2016 – 12/31/2022) with brain metastases who were treated with dexamethasone and had adequate follow-up. All patients received standard oncologic care including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or surgical intervention. We evaluated the association between dexamethasone dosing regimens (&amp;lt; 4 mg twice daily versus &amp;gt; 4 mg three times daily), clinical outcomes (performance status, clinical and radiographic response to corticosteroids, survival), and dexamethasone adverse effects during the acute presentation and at first neuro-oncologic follow-up. RESULTS Seventy-two patients received less frequent dexamethasone dosing (&amp;lt; 4 mg twice daily), while 28 received more frequent dexamethasone dosing (&amp;gt; 4 mg three times daily). Patients with higher frequency dexamethasone dosing were more likely to have radiographic evidence of midline shift (p &amp;lt; 0.001), compression of ventricles (p &amp;lt; 0.001), and herniation (p = 0.0020) at presentation. Those with more frequent dosing more often demonstrated radiographic response to dexamethasone (67.9% vs. 45.8%, p = 0.0323), but there were no differences in symptomatic improvement, Karnofsky Performance Status, seizure reduction, survival, or the frequency of adverse events (e.g., hyperglycemia, hypertension, infection, psychosis) between the two cohorts. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that for most patients with brain metastases, less frequent dexamethasone dosing may lead to clinical outcomes that are similar to those patients who received more frequent dosing. However, higher doses of dexamethasone can be considered for those with more concerning radiologic features.

Brain response in asthma: the role of "lung-brain" axis mediated by neuroimmune crosstalk.

In addition to typical respiratory symptoms, patients with asthma are frequently accompanied by cognitive decline, mood disorders (anxiety and depression), sleep disorders, olfactory disorders, and other brain response manifestations, all of which worsen asthma symptoms, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate the burden on families and society. Therefore, studying the mechanism of neurological symptoms in patients with asthma is necessary to identify the appropriate preventative and therapeutic measures. In order to provide a comprehensive reference for related research, we compiled the pertinent literature, systematically summarized the latest research progress of asthma and its brain response, and attempted to reveal the possible "lung-brain" crosstalk mechanism and treatment methods at the onset of asthma, which will promote more related research to provide asthmatic patients with neurological symptoms new hope.

A weighted cranial diffusion-weighted imaging scale for Wilson's disease.

Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be a crucial tool for the assessment for neurological symptoms in patients with Wilson's disease (WD). Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) hyperintensity reflects the acute brain injuries, which mainly occur in specific brain regions. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a weighted cranial DWI scale for patients with WD, with special focus on specific brain regions. In total, 123 patients with WD were enrolled, 118 of whom underwent 1.5 T-MRI on admission. The imaging score was calculated as described previously and depended on the following sequences: one point was acquired when abnormal intensity occurred in the T1, T2, and fluid-attenuation inversion recovery sequences, and two points were acquired when DWI hyperintensity were found. Consensus weighting was conducted based on the symptoms and response to treatment. Intra-rater agreement were good (r = 0.855 [0.798-0.897], p < 0.0001). DWI hyperintensity in the putamen was a high-risk factor for deterioration during de-copper therapy (OR = 8.656, p < 0.05). The high-risk factors for readmission for intravenous de-copper therapies were DWI hyperintensity in the midbrain (OR = 3.818, p < 0.05) and the corpus callosum (OR = 2.654, p < 0.05). Both scoring systems had positive correlation with UWDRS scale (original semi-quantitative scoring system, r = 0.35, p < 0.001; consensus semi-quantitative scoring system, r = 0.351, p < 0.001.). Compared to the original scoring system, the consensus scoring system had higher correlations with the occurrence of deterioration (OR = 1.052, 95%CI [1.003, 1.0103], p < 0.05) and readmission for intravenous de-copper therapy (OR = 1.043, 95%CI [1.001, 1.086], p < 0.05). The predictive performance of the consensus semi-quantitative scoring system for cranial MRI was improved to guide medication, healthcare management, and prognosis prediction in patients with WD. For every point increase in the neuroimaging score, the risk of exacerbations during treatment increased by 5.2%, and the risk of readmission to the hospital within 6 months increased by 4.3%.

Dexamethasone induces p21cip1/waf1 expression via FoxO3a independently of the Lamin A/C-HDAC2 interaction in Ataxia Telangiectasia.

Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T) is a very rare autosomal recessive multisystemic disorder which to date is still uncurable. The use of glucocorticoid analogs, such as dexamethasone (dex), can improve neurological symptoms in patients, but the molecular mechanism of action of these analogs remains unclear. Here, we report the effects of dex in regulating the interaction between Lamin A/C and HDAC2 in WT and A-T cells. Upon administration of dex to A-T cells, we first observed that the accumulation of HDAC2 on the CDKN1A promoter did not exert a repressive role on p21cip1/waf1 expression, and second, we established that HDAC2 accumulation was not dependent on Lamin A/C. Both of these results are contrary to previous reported outcomes in other cellular models. Furthermore, large amounts of LAP2α and FoxO3a were found to occupy the CDKN1A promoter with matched p21cip1/waf1 overexpression. Hence, in A-T cells p21 could be activated as a result of a dex-induced rearrangement of a multicomponent complex, composed of Lamin A/C, HDAC2, LAP2α, pRb, E2F1, and FoxO3a, at the CDKN1A gene promoter.

Evaluating the frequency of neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients: A cross-sectional study.

Due to the recent emergence of COVID-19, the exact pathology of this disease has not been determined. Therefore, this study evaluated the frequency of neurological symptoms in patients with COVID-19. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2200 in patients with COVID-19 who were selected from an educational hospital in Sanandaj, Iran, from April 2020 to March 2021. The research samples were selected by census, all patients with COVID-19 were admitted to the hospital. The data collection tool was a checklist of the studied variables (dizziness, headache, and impaired consciousness) prepared by the researchers based on the specialists' opinions. The researcher completed these checklists based on the patients' hospitalization records. The data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistical tests using SPSS Software Version 20. The quantitative variables were compared using the independent t-test. The χ 2 test was also used to compare qualitative variables. A pValue of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the patients was 57.41 years old, of whom 53.1% were male. The average blood oxygen level of the patients was 88.10%, and most disease symptoms were related to shortness of breath and cough, with a frequency of 24.3%. In addition, 20.8% of patients needed hospitalization in intensive care unit. The highest frequency of central and peripheral nervous system manifestations was related to headache, ageusia (loss of sense of taste), hyposmia (A decreased sense of smell and anosmia (The complete loss of smell). Finally, 15.3% of patients died, and 84.7% recovered. The analytical findings showed a significant relationship between the disease outcome and patients' dizziness, consciousness disorder, seizure and ageusia. There was a significant relationship between gender and headache in patients. There was a significant difference between the mean age and oxygen level with central and peripheral nervous system manifestations (dizziness, headache, impaired consciousness, smell disorder) and the disease outcome in patients. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 virus infection involving the central nervous system is not fully understood. Neurological symptoms of this virus include delirium, headache, decreased level of consciousness, and seizures. Identifying the symptoms and mechanisms of neurological complications of COVID-19 is necessary for proper screening and complete treatment because a patient infected by COVID-19 may not show respiratory failure signs but may be a carrier. A complete and accurate knowledge of the symptoms and complications of this infection for proper screening of patients to prevent transmission and spread of this disease is critically needed.

Trastuzumab emtansine vs lapatinib and capecitabine in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer brain metastases: A real-world study.

Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) has demonstrated improvements in survival and neurological symptoms in patients with breast cancer with brain metastases (BCBM). This real-world study investigated the effectiveness of T-DM1 versus lapatinib plus capecitabine (LC) in patients with BCBM. This retrospective, observational study evaluated patients with HER2-positive BCBM using a real-world database. Eligible patients had initiated T-DM1 or LC with a prior diagnosis of brain metastasis and ≥1 prior metastatic breast cancer treatment. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS); secondary endpoints were time to next relevant treatment or death (TTNT) and real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS). An inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) approach was used to account for differences in potential baseline characteristics between treatment groups. Outcomes were described using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the average treatment effect of initiating T-DM1 versus LC was estimated using weighted Cox proportional hazard models and hazard ratio (HR). A total of 214 patients were available for analysis (T-DM1, n=161; LC, n=53). Demographics and baseline characteristics were generally well-balanced between treatment groups after weighting. After weighting, median OS was 17.7 (T-DM1) versus 9.6 (LC) months (HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.34-0.89]; P=0.013). Median TTNT was 9.0 (T-DM1) versus 6.0 (LC) months (HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.36-0.85]; P=0.005). After weighting, median rwPFS was 6.0 (T-DM1) versus 4.0 (LC) months (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.36-0.69]; P<0.001). These results support the superior effectiveness and clinical relevance of T-DM1 versus LC in patients with HER2-positive BCBM in the real world.

A Prospective Study to Evaluate the Clinical and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Correlation in Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy.

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging findings frequently do not correlate with the symptoms of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Diffusion-weighted imaging can reveal important details about the microstructure of tissues. This study assessed the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DTI) in LDH with radiculopathy and explored the relationship between DTI values and clinical scores. Forty-five patients with LDH with radiculopathy were evaluated via DTI at the intraspinal (IS), intraforaminal (IF), and extraforaminal (EF) levels. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used for low back and leg pain. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were used for functional evaluation. There was a statistically significantly (p<0.05) difference between the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values on the affected side compared with those on contralateral normal side. The VAS score had a weak positive correlation with RMDQ score (r=0.279, P=0.050). The JOA score had a moderate negative correlation with RMDQ score (r=-0.428, P=0.002), whereas the ODI score had a moderate positive correlation with RMDQ score (r=0.554, P<0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between ADC values at the IF level and the RMDQ score on the affected side (r=0.310, P=0.029). There was no correlation between FA values and JOA score. ODI had a significantly positive correlation with the contralateral normal side FA values at the IF (r=0.399, P=0.015), EF (r=0.368, P=0.008) and IS (r=0.343, P=0.015) levels. RMDQ had a weak positive correlation with the contralateral normal side FA values at the IF (r=0.311, P=0.028), IS (r=0.297, P=0.036) and EF (r=0.297, P=0.036) levels. The decrease in FA values and the increase in ADC values are useful markers of compression. ADC correlates well with the patient's neurological symptoms and functional status. Conversely, FA correlates well with the patient's neurological symptoms, but is not correlated well with the functional status.

The Case Files

The Case Files

Scurvy presenting with difficulties to walk and weakness in pediatric patients; 2 case reports. (P11-9.009)

<h3>Objective:</h3> Vitamin deficiency should be considered during differential diagnosis of neurological symptoms in patients presenting with subacute progressive gait instability and weakness. <h3>Background:</h3> Despite the perception that scurvy is a rare disorder (1,2), clinicians should have a high index of suspicion in patients at risk for nutritional deficiencies including picky eater, behavioral or sensory issues. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We report 2 patients of ascorbic acid deficiency who presented with subacute progressive gait instability and weakness. <h3>Results:</h3> Case 1 is a 12-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder who presented with 3 weeks of progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness resulting in wheelchair dependence. Cranial nerves, deep tendon reflexes, and sensory exam were normal. Motor exam notable for proximal &gt; distal lower extremity weakness. Skin and mucosal examination revealed gingival bleeding and corkscrew hair. Detailed dietary history revealed a severely restricted diet. He was found also to have low vitamin D. Patient treated empirically with vitamin C supplementation resulted in marked improvement within 24 hours, so no additional work up was recommended. Ascorbic acid level was extremely low confirming the diagnosis. Case 2 is a 4-year-old with history of mild hypotonia who presented with subacute progressive lower extremities weakness exacerbated by physical activity. Cranial nerves, deep tendon reflexes, and sensory exam were normal. Motor exam notable for proximal &gt; distal lower extremity weakness, waddling gait, and positive Gowers maneuver. Dietary history revealed restricted diet for the last 3 months. CK normal. Supplementation with Vitamin C resulted in minimal symptoms improvement so additional neuroimaging was recommended such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain, spine and thigh/leg as well as lumbar puncture (LP) all unremarkable. Ascorbic acid level was low confirming the diagnosis. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Dietary restriction and subacute progressive weakness should raise concern for nutritional myopathies. Refusal to bear weight is a frequent presentation of ascorbic acid deficiency (3). <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Railean has nothing to disclose. Dr. Martindale has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Tourette Association of America. The institution of Dr. Martindale has received research support from Tourette Association of America.

E033 The evolution of neurosarcoidosis on infliximab: a case report

Abstract Background/Aims We report a case of neurosarcoidosis (NS) 16 years after initial diagnosis of systemic sarcoidosis in a patient treated with methotrexate, infliximab and corticosteroids. Methods In 2015 a 47-year-old male presented with florid synovitis in MCPs, PIPs, in a pattern reminiscent of rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies were negative; CRP 46g/l). Previously in 2006 a diagnosis of sarcoidosis had been made due to systemic symptoms, arthralgia, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy (BHL) and confirmed on biopsy of bone and mediastinal nodes, for which he was currently prescribed prednisolone 10mg. So in 2015, considering this to be an inflammatory arthritis (IA), in the presence of sarcoid, methotrexate 15mg subcutaneously was added with good response initially. Though his BHL had regressed and he has was systemically well his IA subsequently flared, and after liaising with his respiratory consultant, adalimumab was added in 2017. Subsequently, as he was well, prednisolone was weaned to 3mg daily. In May 2020 his IA flared again, this time with DIP involvement and dactylitis (his father has psoriasis). Adalimumab was switched to baricitinib, and prednisolone increased to 15mg daily. Baricitinib was inefficacious and linked to recurrent sinusitis so this was switched to infliximab in January 2022 and methotrexate increased to 25mg weekly with resolution of his IA. The patient presented in September 2022 with confusion, slurred speech and unsteady gait with a background of recurrent headaches for six months since starting infliximab. Results Routine blood tests were normal: full blood count, biochemistry, serum ACE, calcium and CRP 2mg/L. Chest X-ray was normal. Neuroimaging: MRI (non-contrast) and CT head were normal. CSF fluid: protein 1.75(0.15-0.4)g/l; glucose 1.8(2.2-3.9)mmol/L; Lymphocytes 98cmm; bacterial and viral culture negative. A diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis was made. Prednisolone was increased to 30mg daily with resolution of neurological symptoms and headache. Conclusion In the UK the incidence of NS is 1/100,000. NS is reported in 5-10% of patients with sarcoidosis and typically presents within 2 years of diagnosis. Presentation of NS includes: cranial neuropathies (50-75%), aseptic meningitis (10-20%), parenchymal disease (&amp;lt;50%), hydrocephalus (10%), sellar disease (2-8%), myopathy (10%), myelopathy (5-26%), neuropsychiatric illness (depression 60%, psychosis 20%) and peripheral neuropathy (2-86%). Typical CSF examinations in NS are: a mild to moderate pleocytosis (usually &amp;lt;100cells/μL), with lymphocyte predominance and elevated protein. Though Infliximab is reported as a treatment option for NS, we reflect that anti-TNF alpha therapies, though they reduce systemic inflammation, do not cross the blood brain barrier. We speculate that introduction of infliximab unmasked NS in this patient. This case also highlights the importance of probing and investigating neurological symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis. Disclosure H.S. Jayasekera: None. S.A. Tabassum: None. K.M.J. Douglas: None.

Pleiotropic Effects of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an urgent problem due to its widespread prevalence and disability of patents in result of macro- and microvascular complications. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) considerably impairs the quality of life of patients. Use of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) prevents the development of oxidative stress and improves oxidation of fatty acids.&#x0D; AIM: To study the influence of alpha-lipoic acid on the variability of glycemia, lipid spectrum, positive and negative neurological symptoms in patients with DM2 and DN.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 39 patients with DM2 and DN in the clinical stage: patients of group 1 (n = 20) were administered intravenous drip infusion of ALA 600 mg once a day for 2 weeks in hospital conditions followed by intake of 600 mg once a day per os for 2.5 months on an outpatient basis; patients of group 2 (n = 19) did not receive ALA preparations. In all the patients, parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were studied, pain, tactile, temperature, vibration sensitivity and muscle strength of lower extremities were evaluated.&#x0D; RESULTS: In patients of group 1, after 12 weeks of using ALA, decrease in positive symptoms in the lower legs and feet, improvement in vibration (0.6 0.5 points, p = 0.0095), tactile (0.7 0.6 points, p = 0.037), temperature sensitivity (0.2 0.4 points, p = 0.027), and also decrease in the average value of glycemia (8.7 [7.4; 9.2] mmol/l, p = 0.0078), decrease in glycated hemoglobin with the achievement of the target value (7.5 0.1%, p = 0.046) and improvement of lipid spectrum (total cholesterol 5.9 0.1 mmol/ l, p = 0.043) were recorded; low density lipoproteins 3.6 0.1 mmol/l, p = 0.0076; high density lipoproteins 1.2 0.1 mmol/l, p = 0.034).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic neuropathy in the clinical stage who received preparations of alpha-lipoic acid in complex treatment, reduction of neurologic deficit, of positive neurologic symptoms was achieved in 12 weeks; with that, improvement of lipid spectrum and of glycemic control was found, which may be considered as pleiotropic effects associated with acceleration of mitochondrial biosynthesis.

Changes in range of motion and neurological symptoms in patients with thoracolumbar junction syndrome treated with spinal manipulations

Changes in range of motion and neurological symptoms in patients with thoracolumbar junction syndrome treated with spinal manipulations

Analysis of risk factors for neurological symptoms in patients with purely hepatic Wilson’s disease at diagnosis

ObjectiveTo analyze and explore the risk factors for neurological symptoms in patients with purely hepatic Wilson's disease (WD) at diagnosis.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of the Guangdong Pharmaceutical University on 68 patients with purely hepatic WD aged 20.6 ± 7.2 years. The physical examinations, laboratory tests, color Doppler ultrasound of the liver and spleen, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain were performed.ResultsThe elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels and 24-h urinary copper level were higher in the purely hepatic WD who developed neurological symptoms (NH-WD) group than those in the purely hepatic WD (H-WD) group. Adherence to low-copper diet, and daily oral doses of penicillamine (PCA) and zinc gluconate (ZG) were lower in the NH-WD group than those in the H-WD group. Logistic regression analysis showed that insufficient doses of PCA and ZG were associated with the development of neurological symptoms in patients with purely hepatic WD at diagnosis.ConclusionThe development of neurological symptoms in patients with purely hepatic WD was closely associated with insufficient doses of PCA and ZG, and the inferior efficacy of copper-chelating agents. During the course of anti-copper treatment, the patient's medical status and the efficacy of copper excretion should be closely monitored.

Leptomeningeal metastases in prostate cancer: A systematic review.

53 Background: Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) is a rare complication of prostate cancer (PCa) that involves spread of malignant disease to the meninges and carries a poor prognosis. This review aimed to assess the clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes of LM cases reported in the literature. Methods: We performed a literature search for case reports in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect from database inception to June 2022 using keywords “leptomeningeal carcinomatosis AND prostate cancer” and “leptomeningeal metastases AND prostate cancer.” The reference lists of previously published reviews were also searched to identify additional articles. Results: We included 41 patients with a mean age (±SD, range) at diagnosis of 67.5 (8.4, 46-87) years. The most common presenting symptoms were headache (32%), leg weakness (24%), nausea (22%), vomiting (20%), vision complaints (17%), sensory abnormalities (17%), back pain (12%), and confusion (12%). The median time from initial PCa to LM diagnosis was 36 months (range 0-252) and was reported in 37 patients (90%). The median time of survival from LM to death was 1.7 months (range 4 days – 14 months) and was reported in 28 patients (68%). Four patients (13%) were still alive when the reports were written, including one who was alive at 16 months and another at 252 months. The median serum PSA (±SD, range) at time of diagnosis was 137.5 (507.9, 3.1-1500) ng/mL. The most common diagnostic tests were a combination of neuroimaging and CSF analysis (41%), neuroimaging only (32%), and autopsy only (12%). The most common imaging modalities used to aid diagnosis were MRI (65%) and CT (32%). CSF cytology was positive for malignant cells in 55% of 22 cases (54%) that reported cytology results. Thirty-four cases (83%) reported treatments, and the most common treatments were radiation (56%), steroids (32%), surgery (26%), hormonal therapy (21%), and chemotherapy (21%). Conclusions: LM is expected to become more prevalent with the overall increasing incidence of PCa with therapeutic advancements, yet it remains difficult to diagnose and treat. The findings of this review suggest that neurological symptoms in patients with advanced PCa should prompt providers to obtain neuroimaging to investigate possible LM.