Utilising clinical parameters to improve the selection of nerve biopsy candidates.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve biopsy is a valuable final diagnostic tool; however, histopathological results can be non-diagnostic. AIMS: We aim to identify quality improvement measures by evaluating the pre-biopsy assessment and diagnostic yield of specific histopathological diagnosis. METHODS: This was a retrospective study based on 10 years of experience with peripheral nerve biopsies at a single centre. Clinical data were obtained regarding pre-biopsy history, examination, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) investigations, neurophysiology and peripheral nerve imaging. Based upon a histopathological outcome, patients were grouped into vasculitis, granulomatous and infiltrative (diagnostic) group, or a comparison group of non-specific axonal neuropathy and normal (non-specific/normal) group. RESULTS: From a cohort of 64 patients, 21 (32.8%) were included in the diagnostic group and 30 (46.9%) in the non-specific/normal group. Clinical parameters associated with the diagnostic group were shorter history (mean 10.2 months vs 38.1), stepwise progression (81% vs 20%), neuropathic pain (85.7% vs 56.7%), vasculitic rash (23.8% vs 0%), mononeuritis multiplex (57.1% vs 10%), asymmetry (90.5% vs 60%), raised white cell count (47.6% vs 16.7%), myeloperoxidase antibody (19.1% vs 0%) and abnormal peripheral nerve imaging (33.3% vs 10%). CONCLUSION: Selection of patients undergoing nerve biopsy requires careful consideration of clinical parameters, including peripheral nerve imaging. Several quality improvement measures are proposed to improve yield of clinically actionable information from nerve biopsy.

Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as Guillain-Barré syndrome.

A 37-year-old woman developed progressive symmetrical weakness with areflexia, consistent with Guillain-Barré syndrome. After initially briefly responding to intravenous immunoglobulin, her weakness progressed markedly. Further investigation identified a new diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus with lupus nephritis. Following additional plasma exchange and corticosteroids, the lupus activity remitted and she made a complete neurological recovery.

Botulinum neurotoxin for the treatment of movement disorders.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is an exotoxin that causes neuromuscular weakness. BoNT serotypes A and B have been used for decades for the safe and effective treatment of various movement disorders, including some forms of focal dystonia. These conditions, such as cervical dystonia, hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm and spasmodic dysphonia, can have a substantial impact on patients' quality of life, but are often under-recognised. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to describe the usefulness of BoNT for the treatment of movement disorders, including a description of its mechanism of action, mode of administration, indications and evidence of benefit. DISCUSSION: General practitioners have a vital role in the identification of patients with potentially treatable movement disorders such as cervical dystonia. Treatment with BoNT can improve patients' function, reduce pain and improve workforce participation. Patients require ongoing periodic injections by a trained neurologist to obtain long-term benefits with minimal side effects.

Perioperative blood management programme reduces the use of allogenic blood transfusion in patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Optimisation of blood management in total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with improved patient outcomes. This study aimed to establish the effectiveness of a perioperative blood management programme in improving postoperative haemoglobin (Hb) and reducing the rate of allogenic blood transfusion. METHODS: This retrospective before and after study involves 200 consecutive patients undergoing elective TKA and THA before (Usual Care group) and after (Intervention group) the introduction of a blood management programme in an Australian teaching hospital. Patients in the Intervention group underwent preoperative treatment for anaemia and received intraoperative tranexamic acid (15 mg/kg). The primary outcomes were to compare postoperative Hb levels and the rate of blood transfusion. Secondary outcomes included measurements of total amount of allogenic blood transfused, transfusion-related complications, postoperative complications, need for inpatient rehabilitation and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: There were no differences between baseline characteristics between groups. The mean (SD) preoperative Hb was higher in the Intervention group compared to that in the Usual Care group: 138.7 (13.9) vs. 133.4 (13.9) g/L, p = 0.008, respectively. The postoperative day 1 Hb, lowest postoperative Hb and discharge Hb were all higher in the Intervention group (p < 0.001). Blood transfusion requirements were lower in the Intervention group compared to the Usual Care group (6 vs. 20 %, p = 0.003). There were no differences in any of the secondary outcomes measured. Patients who were anaemic preoperatively and who underwent Hb optimisation had higher Hb levels postoperatively (odds ratio 5.7; 95 % CI 1.3 to 26.5; p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a perioperative blood optimisation programme improved postoperative Hb levels and reduced the rate of allogenic blood transfusion.