Concordance rate between oligoclonal bands and the Kappa index in patients with suspected multiple sclerosis (MS).

BACKGROUND: Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and Kappa free light chains (FLCs) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are sensitive markers of intrathecal immunoglobulin (Ig)G synthesis in patients with multiple sclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the concordance rate between OCBCs and the Kappa index (KI) in patients with suspected multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Patients with suspected MS were referred to a specialized CSF laboratory as part of their diagnostic investigation. Paired CSF and serum samples were collected and submitted to detection of OCBs and determination of the KI. Positive and negative results were determined with both methods, and the percentage of agreement between them was established. RESULTS: In total, 171 serum and CSF samples from 171 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients was of 40 ± 14.2 years; 18.9% of them were male, and 81.1% were female. The OCBs and KI presented concordant results in 161 (94.2%) samples: in 74 (43.3%), both were positive, and in 87 (50.9%), both were negative. In 10 cases, the results were discrepant: KI positive/OCB negative in 8 and OCB positive/KI negative in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: The KI and OCBs presented high concordance level. Currently, the detection of OCBs in the CSF is the standard method for MS diagnosis, but it is time-consuming, and its visual interpretation can be difficult. The results suggest that the KI is a good alternative for the detection of intrathecal immunoproduction in cases of suspected MS.

ANTECEDENTES: Bandas oligoclonais (BOCs) e cadeias leves de imunoglobulina (free light chains, FLCs, em inglês) Kappa no líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) são marcadores sensíveis da síntese intratecal de imunoglobulina (Ig)G em pacientes com esclerose múltipla (EM). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a taxa de concordância entre BOCs e o índice Kappa (IK) em pacientes com suspeita de EM. MéTODOS: Pacientes com suspeita de EM foram encaminhados a um laboratório especializado em LCR como parte de sua investigação diagnóstica. Amostras pareadas de LCR e soro foram coletadas e investigadas quanto à presença de BOCs e submetidas à determinação do IK. Resultados positivos e negativos foram determinados com ambos os métodos, e estabeleceu-se o percentual de concordância entre eles. RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 171 amostras de soro e LCR de 171 pacientes foram incluídas na análise. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 40 ± 14,2 anos; 18,9% deles eram do sexo masculino, e 81,1%, do sexo feminino. Resultados concordantes entre as BOCs e o IK foram observados em 161 (94,2%) amostras: em 74 (43,3%), ambos foram positivos, e em 87 (50,9%), ambos foram negativos. Em 10 casos, os resultados foram discrepantes: IK positivo/BOC negativo em 8, e BOC positivo/IK negativo em 2. CONCLUSãO: Observou-se alto nível de concordância entre o IK e as BOCs. A detecção de BOCs no LCR é atualmente o método padrão para o diagnóstico de EM, mas é demorado, e sua interpretação visual pode ser difícil. Os resultados sugerem que o IK pode ser uma alternativa para a detecção de imunoprodução intratecal em casos de suspeita de EM.

Evaluation of enterovirus concentration, species identification, and cerebrospinal fluid parameters in patients of different ages with aseptic meningitis in São Paulo, Brazil.

Human enteroviruses (EV) are the most common cause of aseptic meningitis worldwide. Data on EV viral load in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and related epidemiological studies are scarce in Brazil. This study investigated the influence of EV viral load on CSF parameters, as well as identifying the involved species. CSF samples were collected in 2018-2019 from 140 individuals at The Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo. The EV viral load was determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while EV species were identified by 5'UTR region sequencing. Median viral load was 5.72 log10 copies/mL and did not differ by subjects' age and EV species. Pleocytosis was observed in 94.3% of cases, with the highest white blood cell (WBC) counts in younger individuals. Viral load and WBC count were correlated in children (p = 0.0172). Elevated lactate levels were observed in 60% of cases and correlated with the viral load in preteen-teenagers (p = 0.0120) and adults (p = 0.0184). Most individuals had normal total protein levels (70.7%), with higher in preteen-teenagers and adults (p < 0.0001). By sequencing, 8.2% were identified as EV species A and 91.8% as species B. Age-specific variations in CSF characteristics suggest distinct inflammatory responses in each group.

Needle caliber and design are associated with the risk of post-dural puncture headache after diagnostic lumbar puncture / O calibre e o design da agulha estão associados ao risco de cefaleia pós-punção dural após punção lombar diagnóstica

Introduction:Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is defined as an orthostatic headache that develops within the first few days after performing a spinal tap and it is related to extravasation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the epidural space, resulting in CSF hypovolemia and hypotension. The risk factors for PDPH are not yet fully understood. Objective:To evaluate the risk of spontaneously reported PDPH according to the size and type of spinal tap needle. Methods:A total of 4589 patients undergoing outpatient lumbar puncture (LP) were included. All CSF collections were performed at Senne Liquor Diagnostico, a laboratory specialized in CSF collection and analysis. Patients were instructed to report by telephone if they had orthostatic headache during the first 7 days after LP to the medical team of the laboratory. Patients with previous headache were instructed to report any change in the headache pattern during the same period. Needle gauge was classified into two groups: 1) 25 G or less and 2) greater than 25 G. Two types of needles were used and compared: 1) Pencil point and 2) Quincke. Comparisons of the percentages of spontaneous reports of PDPH were made using the chi-square test. Results:141 patients (3.07%) reported PDPH to the laboratory's medical team. Needles of 25G gauge or less were used in 31.8% of cases. The percentage of patients reporting PHD in the group of 25G or less needles was 1.9% versus 3.6% in the group of larger than 25G needles (p=0.003). Pencil point needles were used in 10.6% of cases. The percentage of PHD among pencil point group was 1.4% versus 3.2% in Quincke group (p=0.026). Conclusion:25 G or finer gauge needles as well as pencil point type needles significantly reduced the risk of spontaneously reported PHD.

Introdução: A cefaleia pós-punção dural (CPPD) é definida como uma cefaleia ortostática que se desenvolve nos primeiros dias após a realização de uma punção lombar e está relacionada ao extravasamento de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) para o espaço peridural, resultando em hipovolemia do LCR e hipotensão. Os fatores de risco para CPPD ainda não são totalmente compreendidos. Objetivo:Avaliar o risco de CPPD relatada espontaneamente de acordo com o tamanho e tipo de agulha de punção lombar. Métodos: Foram incluídos 4.589 pacientes submetidos à punção lombar (PL) ambulatorial. Todas as coletas de LCR foram realizadas no Senne Liquor Diagnostico, laboratório especializado em coleta e análise de LCR. Os pacientes foram orientados a relatar por telefone à equipe médica do laboratório se apresentassem cefaleia ortostática nos primeiros 7 dias após a PL. Pacientes com cefaleia prévia foram orientados a relatar qualquer alteração no padrão de cefaleia durante o mesmo período. O calibre da agulha foi classificado em dois grupos: 1) 25 G ou menos e 2) maior que 25 G. Dois tipos de agulhas foram utilizados e comparados: 1) ponta de lápis e 2) Quincke. As comparações dos percentuais de notificações espontâneas de CPPD foram feitas por meio do teste do qui-quadrado. Resultados:141 pacientes (3,07%) relataram CPPD à equipe médica do laboratório. Agulhas de calibre 25G ou menos foram utilizadas em 31,8% dos casos. A porcentagem de pacientes que relataram HDP no grupo de agulhas 25G ou menos foi de 1,9% versus 3,6% no grupo de agulhas maiores que 25G (p=0,003). Agulhas com ponta de lápis foram utilizadas em 10,6% dos casos. O percentual de DPH no grupo ponta de lápis foi de 1,4% versus 3,2% no grupo Quincke (p=0,026). Conclusão: Agulhas de calibre 25 G ou mais fino, bem como agulhas tipo ponta de lápis reduziram significativamente o risco de HP relatado espontaneamente.

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in patients with COVID-19-associated central nervous system manifestations: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system (CNS) symptoms may occur in patients with acute COVID-19. The role of CSF examination in these patients remains to be established. OBJECTIVE: A systematic review of CSF findings relating to COVID-19 was carried out. METHODS: CSF parameters, including cytological and biochemical analyses, SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and other CSF markers, were recorded and analyzed among patients with acute COVID-19 and one of the following CNS syndromes: stroke, encephalopathy, encephalitis, inflammatory syndromes, seizure, headache and meningitis. RESULTS: Increased white blood cells and/or increased protein concentration were found in 52.7% of the patients with encephalitis, 29.4% of the patients with encephalopathy and 46.7% of the patients with inflammatory syndromes (P < 0.05). CSF RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 17.35% of the patients with encephalitis and less than 3.5% of the patients with encephalopathy or inflammatory syndromes (P < 0.05). Intrathecal production of immunoglobulins was found in only 8% of the cases. More than 85% of the patients had increased CSF cytokines and chemokines. Increased CSF neurofilament light chain (NfL) and CSF Tau were found in 71% and 36% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Non-specific inflammatory CSF abnormalities were frequently found in patients with COVID-19 CNS syndromes. The increase in neurodegeneration biomarkers suggests that neuronal damage occurs, with long-term consequences that are still unknown.

Diagnosis of neurosyphilis with cerebrospinal fluid pcr: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background Neurosyphilis is difficult to be diagnosed. CSF VDRL is the gold standard, but its sensitivity is low. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PCR for the detection of Treponema pallidum DNA has been evaluated; however, its diagnostic value is still poorly understood. Methods Here we performed a systematic review including articles that assessed the diagnostic sensitivity of CSF PCR in patients with syphilis and neurosyphilis. The CSF PCR sensitivity and specificity of different PCR assays was assessed in patients with neurosyphilis with or without HIV coinfection and in patients with syphilis with no central nervous system (CNS) manifestations. Results Eighteen studies evaluating 703 patients were included. The PCR sensitivity for neurosyphilis was 73.9% among HIV negative and 37.5% among HIV infected patients, having varied from 62.2% to 100% with different PCR assays. The sensitivity of CSF VDRL CSF was 68% in the same population. The specificity of CSF PCR was 93%. CSFPCR was positive in16.4% of the patients with primary and secondary syphilisand 28.9% of patients with latent syphilis. None of the syphilis cases without neurological manifestations were positive with CSF VDRL. Conclusion CSF PCR seems to be at least as sensitive as CSF VDRL, with good specificity. In addition, CSF PCR may potentially reveal early neuroinvasion in patients withsyphilis with no CNS symptoms. Future studies are still needed to assess the potential clinical value of detecting T. pallidum DNA in CSF in syphilis cases prior to the development of CNS symptoms.

Decreased Neurofilament L Chain Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Tolerogenic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Natalizumab-Treated Multiple Sclerosis Patients - Brief Research Report.

BACKGROUND: Neurofilament Light (NfL) chain levels in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum have been correlated with the reduction of axonal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients treated with Natalizumab (NTZ). However, little is known about the function of plasmacytoid cells in NTZ-treated MS patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate CSF NfL, serum levels of soluble-HLA-G (sHLA-G), and eventual tolerogenic behavior of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in MS patients during NTZ treatment. METHODS: CSF NfL and serum sHLA-G levels were measured using an ELISA assay, while pDCs (BDCA-2+) were accessed through flow cytometry analyses. RESULTS: CSF levels of NfL were significantly reduced during NTZ treatment, while the serum levels of sHLA-G were increased. Moreover, NTZ treatment enhanced tolerogenic (HLA-G+, CD274+, and HLA-DR+) molecules and migratory (CCR7+) functions of pDCs in the peripheral blood. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that NTZ stimulates the production of molecules with immunoregulatory function such as HLA-G and CD274 programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) which may contribute to the reduction of axonal damage represented by the decrease of NfL levels in patients with MS.

Cerebrospinal fluid findings in patients with hematologic neoplasms and meningeal infiltration.

Neoplastic cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS) is a serious complication of hematological neoplasms. Cytomorphology (CM) and flow cytometry (FC) have been used to detect meningeal infiltration. The association between CSF findings with the results of CM and FC is still poorly understood. We retrospectively evaluated CSF findings in 72 patients with hematological neoplasm and meningeal infiltration detected either by CM or FC. We compared CSF cell count, total protein concentration, and lactate concentration according to the type of hematological neoplasm. We also compared these CSF findings according to the FC and CM results (FC + CM + , FC + CM-, and FC-CM +). The proportion of patients with positive FC was higher than with CM (FC - 91.7%; CM - 63.9%). Thirty-five (48.6%) patients with meningeal infiltration had normal CSF cell count, normal total protein concentration, and normal lactate concentration. The proportion of cases in which these CSF parameters were normal did not differ according to the type of hematological neoplasm. The positivity of CM was significantly higher in patients with > 3 cell/mm3 (P = 0.015) but the positivity of FC was not significantly different between patients with > 3 cell/mm3 or ≤ 3 cells/mm3. Patients with positive CM had more CSF cells (P = 0.0005) and higher lactate concentration (P = 0.0165) than patients with negative CM. The absence of CSF changes in cell count and total protein and lactate concentrations does not exclude the presence of meningeal infiltration. Although CM is considered the gold standard, the probability of positive CM is low in patients without CSF abnormalities in these parameters. Patients with hematological neoplasm with suspected meningeal infiltration should be investigated with both methods.

FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) panel in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis

ABSTRACT The precise diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is essential. Cytological and biochemical examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are not specific. Conventional methods for bacterial meningitis lack sensitivity or take too long for a final result. Therefore, other methods for rapid and accurate diagnosis of central nervous system infections are required. FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel is a PCR multiplex for simultaneous and rapid identification of 14 pathogens, including 6 bacteria, 7 viruses, and Cryptococcus. We evaluated 436 CSF samples submitted to FilmArray ME Panel. Among them, 25 cases were positive for bacteria, being Streptococcus pneumonia the most frequent (48 %). Among positive cases for bacteria, 60 % were positive only with FilmArray. All the bacterial meningitis cases in which the only positive test was FilmArray had CSF findings suggestive of bacterial meningitis, including neutrophilic pleocytosis, increased CSF protein and lactate, and decreased CSF glucose. These findings suggest that FilmArray may increase the diagnostic sensitivity for bacterial meningitis.

FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) panel in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.

The precise diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is essential. Cytological and biochemical examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are not specific. Conventional methods for bacterial meningitis lack sensitivity or take too long for a final result. Therefore, other methods for rapid and accurate diagnosis of central nervous system infections are required. FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel is a PCR multiplex for simultaneous and rapid identification of 14 pathogens, including 6 bacteria, 7 viruses, and Cryptococcus. We evaluated 436 CSF samples submitted to FilmArray ME Panel. Among them, 25 cases were positive for bacteria, being Streptococcus pneumonia the most frequent (48 %). Among positive cases for bacteria, 60 % were positive only with FilmArray. All the bacterial meningitis cases in which the only positive test was FilmArray had CSF findings suggestive of bacterial meningitis, including neutrophilic pleocytosis, increased CSF protein and lactate, and decreased CSF glucose. These findings suggest that FilmArray may increase the diagnostic sensitivity for bacterial meningitis.

Neurofilament light chain in the assessment of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, and degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Axonal degeneration is triggered by inflammation and is the pathological substrate of progressive disability in patients with MS. Therapeutic interventions can reduce inflammatory activity, thus delaying neurodegeneration and the progression of disability. Disease activity and neurodegeneration are assessed mainly through clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging. These measures lack sensitivity and accuracy, so new biomarkers are necessary. Several markers have been studied and to date the most promising is neurofilament light (NfL), a component of the axonal cytoskeleton, which is released into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following axonal damage. In the present study, we review the current knowledge about CSF NfL determination in MS, clinically isolated syndrome, and radiologically isolated syndrome, and critically discuss how CSF NfL measurement may contribute to therapeutic decision-making in these patients.

Neurofilament light chain in the assessment of patients with multiple sclerosis / Neurofilamento de cadeia leve na avaliação de pacientes com esclerose múltipla

ABSTRACT Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory, and degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Axonal degeneration is triggered by inflammation and is the pathological substrate of progressive disability in patients with MS. Therapeutic interventions can reduce inflammatory activity, thus delaying neurodegeneration and the progression of disability. Disease activity and neurodegeneration are assessed mainly through clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging. These measures lack sensitivity and accuracy, so new biomarkers are necessary. Several markers have been studied and to date the most promising is neurofilament light (NfL), a component of the axonal cytoskeleton, which is released into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following axonal damage. In the present study, we review the current knowledge about CSF NfL determination in MS, clinically isolated syndrome, and radiologically isolated syndrome, and critically discuss how CSF NfL measurement may contribute to therapeutic decision-making in these patients.

RESUMO A esclerose múltipla (EM) é uma doença autoimune, inflamatória e degenerativa do sistema nervoso central. A degeneração axonal é deflagrada pelo processo inflamatório e é o substrato patológico da incapacidade na EM. As intervenções terapêuticas reduzem a inflamação retardando a neurodegeneração e a progressão da incapacidade. A neurodegeneração é avaliada pelo quadro clínico e pela ressonância magnética. Estas mensurações não suficientemente acuradas, havendo necessidade de novos biomarcadores. Diversos biomarcadores têm sido estudados e, até o presente, o mais promissor é o neurofilamento de cadeia leve (NfL). O mesmo é um componente do citoesqueleto que é liberado no líquido cefalorraquidiano após injúria axonal. No presente estudo nós revisamos o conhecimento atual acerca do NfL na EM, síndrome clinica isolada e síndrome radiológica isolada, discutindo criticamente como a determinação deste biomarcador pode contribuir na tomada de decisões clínicas.

Assessment of cytological and biochemical parameters stability in cerebrospinal fluid / Avaliação da estabilidade de parâmetros citológicos e bioquímicos do liquor

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability, in 12 hours, of cytological and biochemical parameters of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were aliquoted into five different tubes and stored at room temperature. The first aliquot was immediately analyzed and the others analyzed after 2, 4, 6 and 12 hours. For cytological analysis, samples of at least 20 leukocytes/mm3 were included. Analysis of variance of the results and the comparison of the clinical interpretation of the results at the different times were performed. Results: There was no significant decrease in the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The clinical interpretation of the cytology did not result in different results in any of the evaluated times. There was no significant variation in the biochemical parameters. Conclusion: The results suggest that the storage of CSF samples for 12 hours at room temperature does not significantly compromise clinical interpretation. Future studies are still required in order to evaluate the behavior of these parameters in samples of cell counts closer to boundered values.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la estabilidad, en 12 horas, de parámetros citológicos y bioquímicos del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Métodos: Muestras del LCR fueron alicuotadas en cinco viales diferentes y almacenadas a temperatura ambiente. La primera alícuota fue inmediatamente analizada y las demás, analizadas tras 2, 4, 6 y 12 horas. Para la evaluación citológica, se incluyeron muestras con al menos 20 leucocitos/mm3. Se realizó el análisis de la varianza (ANOVA) de los resultados y la comparación de su interpretación clínica en los diferentes tiempos. Resultados: No hubo reducción significativa en el número de leucocitos y hematíes por ANOVA. La interpretación clínica de la citología no mostró resultados diferentes en ningún de los tiempos evaluados. No hubo variación significativa de los parámetros bioquímicos. Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que el almacenamiento de muestras de LCR por 12 horas a temperatura ambiente no compromete significativamente la interpretación clínica. Nuevos ensayos deben evaluar el comportamiento de eses parámetros en muestras con recuentos de células más cercanas a los valores limítrofes.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estabilidade, em 12 horas, de parâmetros citológicos e bioquímicos do liquor. Métodos: Amostras de líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) foram aliquotadas em cinco diferentes tubos e armazenadas em temperatura ambiente. A primeira alíquota foi imediatamente analisada e as demais, analisadas após 2, 4, 6 e 12 horas. Para avaliação citológica, foram incluídas amostras com pelo menos 20 leucócitos/mm3. Foi realizada análise de variância dos resultados e a comparação da interpretação clínica dos resultados nos diferentes tempos. Resultados: Não houve redução significativa no número de leucócitos e hemácias por análise de variância (ANOVA). A interpretação clínica da citologia não resultou em resultados diferentes em nenhum dos tempos avaliados. Não houve variação significativa dos parâmetros bioquímicos. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que o armazenamento de amostras de LCR por 12 horas em temperatura ambiente não compromete significativamente a interpretação clínica. Estudos futuros deverão avaliar o comportamento desses parâmetros em amostras com contagens de células mais próximas aos valores limítrofes.

Performance of lactate in discriminating bacterial meningitis from enteroviral meningitis.

The cytological and biochemical examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been used for the presumed diagnosis of bacterial meningitis until the final microbiological results are achieved. We assessed the ability of CSF lactate in comparison with other CSF parameters to discriminate bacterial and enteroviral community acquired meningitis. We included 1,187 CSF samples of acute community-acquired meningitis, being 662 cases of bacterial and 525 of enteroviral meningitis. Lactate concentration (mg/dL), leukocyte count/mm3, protein (mg/dL), and glucose (mg/dL) were compared between bacterial and viral meningitis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess diagnostic performance. CSF leukocytes, CSF protein and CSF lactate were significantly higher in bacterial meningitis cases (P<0.0001). CSF glucose was significantly lower in bacterial meningitis cases (P<0.0001). CSF lactate showed the best predictive ability with an area under the curve of 0.944 (95% CI 0.929 - 0.959). Considering a cut off of CSF lactate of 30 mg/dL, the sensitivity and specificity for bacterial meningitis were 84.1% and 99%, respectively. In the cytological and biochemical CSF analysis, CSF lactate was the most accurate marker for bacterial meningitis.

Serum levels of adiponectin, CCL3/MIP-1α, and CCL5/RANTES discriminate migraine from tension-type headache patients.

OBJECTIVES: Inflammatory molecules and neurotrophic factors are implicated in pain modulation; however, their role in primary headaches is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of serum biomarkers in migraine and tension-type headache. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. We measured serum levels of adiponectin, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors in patients with migraine and tension-type headache. Depression and anxiety symptoms, headache impact and frequency, and allodynia were recorded. RESULTS: We included sixty-eight patients with migraine and forty-eight with tension-type headache. Cutaneous allodynia (p = 0.035), CCL3/MIP-1α (p = 0.041), CCL5/RANTES (p = 0.013), and ADP (p = 0.017) were significantly higher in migraine than in tension-type headache. The differences occurred independently of anxiety and depressive symptoms, frequency and impact of headache, and the presence of pain. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed higher CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL5/RANTES, and ADP levels in migraine in comparison with tension-type headache. Our findings suggest distinctive roles of these molecules in the pathophysiology of these primary headaches.

Lumbar puncture in patients using anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.

The use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents has largely increased. Diagnostic lumbar puncture in patients taking these drugs represents a challenge considering the opposing risks of bleeding and thrombotic complications. To date there are no controlled trials, specific guidelines, nor clear recommendations in this area. In the present review we make some recommendations about lumbar puncture in patients using these drugs. Our recommendations take into consideration the pharmacology of these drugs, the thrombotic risk according to the underlying disease, and the urgency in cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Evaluating such information and a rigorous monitoring of neurological symptoms after lumbar puncture are crucial to minimize the risk of hemorrhage associated neurological deficits. An individualized patient decision-making and an effective communication between the assistant physician and the responsible for conducting the lumbar puncture are essential to minimize potential risks.

Lumbar puncture in patients using anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents / Punção lombar em pacientes usando anticoagulantes e agentes antiplaquetários

ABSTRACT The use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents has largely increased. Diagnostic lumbar puncture in patients taking these drugs represents a challenge considering the opposing risks of bleeding and thrombotic complications. To date there are no controlled trials, specific guidelines, nor clear recommendations in this area. In the present review we make some recommendations about lumbar puncture in patients using these drugs. Our recommendations take into consideration the pharmacology of these drugs, the thrombotic risk according to the underlying disease, and the urgency in cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Evaluating such information and a rigorous monitoring of neurological symptoms after lumbar puncture are crucial to minimize the risk of hemorrhage associated neurological deficits. An individualized patient decision-making and an effective communication between the assistant physician and the responsible for conducting the lumbar puncture are essential to minimize potential risks.

RESUMO O uso de anticoagulantes e de agentes antiplaquetários tem aumentado nos últimos anos. A realização de punção lombar diagnóstica em pacientes utilizando tais medicamentos representa um desafio, em função dos riscos de complicações hemorrágicas ou trombóticas, estas últimas em pacientes que interrompem o tratamento para a realização do procedimento. Não há ainda estudos controlados nem diretrizes específicas nesta área. Neste artigo de revisão, algumas recomendações são feitas, levando-se em conta aspectos farmacológicos destas medicações, o risco de complicações trombóticas de acordo com a doença de base, e a urgência na coleta do líquor. A avaliação cuidadosa destas informações e uma monitorização neurológica rigorosa visando a detecção e o tratamento precoce de complicações podem reduzir o risco de sequelas neurológicas decorrentes de hemorragia. Uma decisão individualizada e uma efetiva comunicação entre o médico assistente e o responsável pela realização da punção lombar é essencial para minimizar potenciais riscos.

Serum levels of adiponectin, CCL3/MIP-1α, and CCL5/RANTES discriminate migraine from tension-type headache patients / Níveis séricos de adiponectina, CCL3/MIP-1α, and CCL5/RANTES discriminam pacientes com migrânea e cefaleia do tipo tensional

ABSTRACT Objectives Inflammatory molecules and neurotrophic factors are implicated in pain modulation; however, their role in primary headaches is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of serum biomarkers in migraine and tension-type headache. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. We measured serum levels of adiponectin, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors in patients with migraine and tension-type headache. Depression and anxiety symptoms, headache impact and frequency, and allodynia were recorded. Results We included sixty-eight patients with migraine and forty-eight with tension-type headache. Cutaneous allodynia (p = 0.035), CCL3/MIP-1α (p = 0.041), CCL5/RANTES (p = 0.013), and ADP (p = 0.017) were significantly higher in migraine than in tension-type headache. The differences occurred independently of anxiety and depressive symptoms, frequency and impact of headache, and the presence of pain. Conclusions This study showed higher CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL5/RANTES, and ADP levels in migraine in comparison with tension-type headache. Our findings suggest distinctive roles of these molecules in the pathophysiology of these primary headaches.

RESUMO Objetivos Moléculas inflamatórias e fatores neurotróficos estão implicados na modulação dolorosa, contudo, seu papel nas cefaleias primárias não é claro. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar níveis de biomarcadores séricos na migrânea e cefaleia do tipo tensional. Métodos Este foi um estudo transversal, no qual foram avaliados níveis de adiponectina, quimiocinas e fatores neurotróficos em pacientes com migrânea e cefaleia do tipo tensional. Sintomas depressivos e ansiosos, o impacto e a frequência da cefaleia e alodínea foram registrados. Resultados Foram incluídos 68 pacientes com migrânea e 48 pacientes com cefaleia do tipo tensional. A alodínia cutânea (p = 0.035), CCL3/MIP-1α (p = 0.041), CCL5/RANTES (p = 0.013), e adiponectina (p = 0.017) foram maiores na migrânea, independentemente de sintomas depressivos e ansiosos, frequência e impacto da cefaleia. Conclusões Níveis de CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL5/RANTES e adiponectina foram maiores na migrânea do que na cefaleia do tipo tensional, sugerindo papeis distintos destas moléculas na fisiopatologia destas duas cefaleias primárias.

Improving the diagnosis of meningitis due to enterovirus and herpes simplex virus I and II in a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: Enterovirus and herpes simplex viruses are common causes of lymphocytic meningitis. The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of the use molecular testing for Enteroviruses and Herpes simplex viruses I and II in all suspected cases of viral meningitis. METHODS: From November 18, 2008 to November 17, 2009 (phase II, intervention), all patients admitted with suspected viral meningitis (with pleocytosis) had a CSF sample tested using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Data collected during this period were compared to those from the previous one-year period, i.e. November 18, 2007 to November 17, 2008 (phase I, observational), when such tests were available but not routinely used. RESULTS: In total, 2,536 CSF samples were assessed, of which 1,264 were from phase I, and 1,272 from phase II. Of this total, a NAAT for Enterovirus was ordered in 123 cases during phase I (9.7% of the total phase I sample) and in 221 cases in phase II (17.4% of the total phase II sample). From these, Enterovirus was confirmed in 35 (28.5%, 35/123) patients during phase I and 71 (32.1%, 71/221) patients during phase II (p = 0.107). The rate of diagnosis of meningitis by HSV I and II did not differ between the groups (13 patients, 6.5% in phase I and 13, 4.7% in phase II) (p = 1.0), from 200 cases in phase I and 274 cases in phase II. CONCLUSIONS: The number of cases diagnosed with enteroviral meningitis increased during the course of this study, leading us to believe that the strategy of performing NAAT for Enterovirus on every CSF sample with pleocytosis is fully justified.