Delayed B cell repopulation after rituximab treatment in multiple sclerosis patients with expanded adaptive natural killer cells.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate whether adaptive NKG2C+ natural killer (NK) cells, characterized by enhanced antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC), may influence time to B cell repopulation after rituximab treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of MS patients treated with rituximab monitoring peripheral B cells for repeated doses. B cell repopulation was defined as CD19+ cells above 2% of total lymphocytes, classifying cases according to the median time of B cell repopulation as early or late (≤9 months, >9 months, respectively). Basal NK cell immunophenotype and in vitro ADCC responses induced by rituximab were assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: B cell repopulation in 38 patients (24 relapsing-remitting MS [RRMS]; 14 progressive MS) was classified as early (≤9 months, n = 19) or late (>9 months, n = 19). RRMS patients with late B cell repopulation had higher proportions of NKG2C+ NK cells compared to those with early repopulation (24.7% ± 16.2% vs. 11.3% ± 10.4%, p < 0.05), and a direct correlation between time to B cell repopulation and percentage of NKG2C+ NK cells (R 0.45, p < 0.05) was observed. RRMS cases with late repopulation compared with early repopulation had a higher secretion of tumor necrosis factor α and interferon γ by NK cells after rituximab-dependent NK cell activation. The NK cell immunophenotype appeared unrelated to B cell repopulation in progressive MS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adaptive NKG2C+ NK cells in RRMS may be associated with delayed B cell repopulation after rituximab, a finding probably related to enhanced depletion of B cells exerted by NK-cell-mediated ADCC, pointing to the use of personalized regimens with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy in some patients.

A Road Map for Remote Digital Health Technology for Motor Neuron Disease.

Despite recent and potent technological advances, the real-world implementation of remote digital health technology in the care and monitoring of patients with motor neuron disease has not yet been realized. Digital health technology may increase the accessibility to and personalization of care, whereas remote biosensors could optimize the collection of vital clinical parameters, irrespective of patients' ability to visit the clinic. To facilitate the wide-scale adoption of digital health care technology and to align current initiatives, we outline a road map that will identify clinically relevant digital parameters; mediate the development of benefit-to-burden criteria for innovative technology; and direct the validation, harmonization, and adoption of digital health care technology in real-world settings. We define two key end products of the road map: (1) a set of reliable digital parameters to capture data collected under free-living conditions that reflect patient-centric measures and facilitate clinical decision making and (2) an integrated, open-source system that provides personalized feedback to patients, health care providers, clinical researchers, and caregivers and is linked to a flexible and adaptable platform that integrates patient data in real time. Given the ever-changing care needs of patients and the relentless progression rate of motor neuron disease, the adoption of digital health care technology will significantly benefit the delivery of care and accelerate the development of effective treatments.

Clinical guide for the diagnosis and follow-up of myotonic dystrophy type 1, MD1 or Steinert's disease. / Guía clínica para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la distrofia miotónica tipo 1, DM1 o enfermedad de Steinert.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Steinert's disease or myotonic dystrophy type 1 (MD1), (OMIM 160900), is the most prevalent myopathy in adults. It is a multisystemic disorder with dysfunction of virtually all organs and tissues and a great phenotypical variability, which implies that it has to be addressed by different specialities with experience in the disease. The knowledge of the disease and its management has changed dramatically in recent years. This guide tries to establish recommendations for the diagnosis, prognosis, follow-up and treatment of the complications of MD1. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consensus guide developed through a multidisciplinary approach with a systematic literature review. Neurologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, neuropaediatricians and geneticists have participated in the guide. RECOMMENDATIONS: The genetic diagnosis should quantify the number of CTG repetitions. MD1 patients need cardiac and respiratory lifetime follow-up. Before any surgery under general anaesthesia, a respiratory evaluation must be done. Dysphagia must be screened periodically. Genetic counselling must be offered to patients and relatives. CONCLUSION: MD1 is a multisystemic disease that requires specialised multidisciplinary follow-up.

[Review of the model of vertical gaze control]. / Revisión del modelo del control de la mirada vertical.

INTRODUCTION: The main structures involved in the control of vertical gaze, both saccades, smooth pursuit and oculovestibular reflexes, are the rostral interstitial nucleus of medial longitudinal fasciculus, posterior commissure, interstitial nucleus of Cajal, oculomotor complex and trochlear nerve nucleus. Despite knowing the functions of these nuclei, and their main interconnections, afferents and efferents, there is no definitive and contrasted model of vertical gaze control in humans. AIM: Through the description of three cases, and as described in scientific literature, our aim is to review the models described to date. DEVELOPMENT: The control of vertical saccades generates in the rostral interstitial nucleus of medial longitudinal fasciculus, projecting to the pertinent oculomotor nuclei ipsilaterally for the inferior gaze, and bilaterally for the superior gaze. CONCLUSIONS: The double cross-innervation of the nuclei responsible for superior gaze, implies that unilateral lesions predominantly affect the inferior gaze.