Does stereotactic thrombolysis with alteplase for intracerebral haemorrhage alter intraventricular haematoma volume? A secondary analysis of the MISTIE-III trial.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic thrombolysis reduces intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) volume in patients with spontaneous ICH. Whether intrahaematomal alteplase administration is associated with a change in intraventricular haemorrhage volume (deltaIVH) and functional outcomes is unknown. METHODS: Post hoc secondary analysis of the Minimally Invasive Surgery plus Alteplase for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Evacuation Phase III (MISTIE-III) trial in patients with IVH on the stability CT scan. Exposure was minimally invasive surgery plus alteplase (MIS+alteplase). Primary outcome was deltaIVH defined as IVH volume on end-of-treatment CT minus IVH volume on stability CT scan. Secondary outcomes were favourable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-3) and mortality at 365 days. We assessed the relationship between MIS+alteplase and deltaIVH in the primary analysis using multivariable linear regression, and between deltaIVH and functional outcomes in secondary analyses using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 499 patients in MISTIE-III, 310 (62.1%) had IVH on stability scans; mean age (SD) was 61.2±12.3 years. A total of 146 (47.1%) received the MISTIE procedure and 164 (52.9%) standard medical care (SMC) only. The MIS+alteplase group had a greater mean reduction in IVH volume compared with the SMC group (deltaIVH: -2.35 (5.30) mL vs -1.15 (2.96) mL, p=0.02). While IVH volume decreased significantly in both treatment groups, in the primary analysis, MIS+alteplase was associated with greater deltaIVH in multivariable linear regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders (ß -0.80; 95% CI -1.37 to -0.22, p=0.007). Secondary analysis demonstrated no associations between IVH reduction and functional outcomes (adjusted OR (aOR) for poor outcome 1.02; 95% CI 0.96 to 1.08, p=0.61; aOR for mortality 0.99; 95% CI 0.92 to 1.06, p=0.77). CONCLUSIONS: Alteplase delivered into the ICH in MISTIE-III subjects with IVH was associated with a small reduction in IVH volume. This reduction did not translate into a significant benefit in mortality or functional outcomes at 365 days. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01827046.

Outcome of epilepsy surgery in lesional epilepsy: Experiences from a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to report the postoperative seizure outcome and associated factors in patients with lesional epilepsy, in a low-income setting. METHODS: This longitudinal prospective study included patients who underwent epilepsy surgery at Kashani Comprehensive Epilepsy Center between 2014 and 2019. Post-surgical outcomes were reported according to the Engel score, and patients were classified into two groups of seizure free (SF) and not-seizure free (NSF). RESULTS: A total of 148 adult patients, with a mean age of 30.45 ±â€¯9.23 years were included. The SF outcome was reported in 86.5% of patients and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were reduced or discontinued in 45.9%. The mean follow-up duration was 26.7 ±â€¯14.9 months. Temporal lobe lesions (76.3%) and mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) (56.7%) were the most frequent etiologies. Temporal lesion (Incidence relative risk (IRR): 1.76, 95% CI [1.08-2.87], p = 0.023), prior history of CNS infection (IRR:1.18, 95% CI [1.03-1.35], p = 0.019), use of intra-operative ECoG (IRR:1.73, 95% CI [1.06-2.81], p = 0.028), and absence of IEDs in postoperative EEG (IRR: 1.41, 95% CI [1.18-1.70], p < 0.001) were positive predictors for a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Many patients with drug-resistant lesional epilepsy showed a favorable response to surgery. We believe that resective epilepsy surgery in low-income settings is a major treatment option. The high frequency of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy in developing countries is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Hence, strategies to increase access to epilepsy surgery in these settings are urgently needed.

Prenatal and perinatal factors associated with developing multiple sclerosis later in life: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Both genetic and environmental factors play roles in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) etiopathogenesis. The relationship between prenatal/perinatal factors/exposures and future MS occurrence in the offspring remains controversial. Here, we aimed to review the available evidence on prenatal/perinatal factors associated with later MS occurrence. METHOD: We performed systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from inception to October 2020. We included original observational studies conducted on human participants addressing the association between prenatal/perinatal factors and MS occurrence. Data were extracted according to the PRISMA guideline. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered as the desired effect size. The heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran's Q and I2 and the publication bias was assessed. We excluded gestational/neonatal vitamin D level, season of birth, and latitude because of recently published systematic reviews/meta-analyses on these subjects. RESULTS: Overall, 2306 records were identified in the primary search. After excluding irrelevant studies, we evaluated 34 studies with contributing data on 100 prenatal/perinatal factors associated with an increased or decreased risk of MS occurrence. In the meta-analyses, we found no statistically significant associations between later MS occurrence in offspring and prenatal smoking exposure (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.77-1.34), mode of delivery (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.52-1.56), birth order (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.72-1.00), and maternal age (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.88-2.04). Paternal age and parents' marital status at the time of childbirth, maternal preeclampsia/ toxemia, forceps use, birth weight, plurality, and preterm birth were the other most studied factors, and none reported to affect MS risk. CONCLUSION: We found that prenatal smoking exposure, mode of delivery, birth order, and maternal age do not affect risk of future MS development. Moreover, most of the other investigated factors were reported not to affect MS risk in the offspring.

Outcome of lesional epilepsy surgery: Report of the first comprehensive epilepsy program in Iran.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the utility of epilepsy surgery and postoperative outcome in patients with lesional epilepsy in Iran, a relatively resource-poor setting. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study was conducted during 2007-2017 in Kashani Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Isfahan, Iran. Patients with a diagnosis of intractable focal epilepsy, with MRI lesions, who underwent epilepsy surgery and were followed up ≥ 24 months, were included and evaluated for postoperative outcome. RESULTS: A total of 214 patients, with a mean age of 26.90 ± 9.82 years (59.8% men) were studied. Complex partial seizure was the most common type of seizure (85.9%), and 54.2% of the cases had auras. Temporal lobe lesions (75.2%) and mesial temporal sclerosis (48.1%) were the most frequent etiologies. With a mean follow-up of 62.17 ± 19.33 months, 81.8% of patients became seizure-free postoperatively. Anticonvulsants were reduced in 86% of the cases and discontinued in 40.7%. In keeping with previous studies, we found that seizure freedom rates were lower among patients with longer follow-up periods. CONCLUSIONS: We found high rates of seizure freedom after surgery in lesional epilepsy patients despite limited facilities and infrastructure; antiepileptic medications were successfully tapered in almost half of the patients. Considering the favorable outcome of epilepsy surgery in our series, we believe that it is a major treatment option, even in less resource-intensive settings, and should be encouraged. Strategies to allow larger scale utility of epilepsy surgery in such settings in the developing world and dissemination of such knowledge may be considered an urgent clinical need, given the established mortality and morbidity in refractory epilepsy.

Evaluation of dual pathology among drug-resistant epileptic patients with hippocampal sclerosis.

PURPOSE: Dual pathology (DP) is defined as simultaneous presence of hippocampal sclerosis (HS) and any other pathology in the brain. Since this is a less probed concept, we aimed to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of DP among drug-resistant epileptic patients with HS. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted during 2007-2016 in Kashani Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Isfahan, Iran. Patients with diagnosis of drug-resistant epilepsy and HS were enrolled in the study, and demographic data, seizure semiology, EEG findings, and MRI findings were collected. We compared these variables between three groups of DP, unilateral HS, and bilateral HS. RESULTS: Of the 200 enrolled cases, 29 patients (14.5%) had DP and 21 patients (10.5%) had bilateral HS; the remaining patients had unilateral HS. The average age of patients with DP was 30.03, and 65.5% of them were male. Patients with DP had more EEG discharges from regional and multi-focal sites compared to unilateral HS (P value < 0.001). Also, complex partial seizure (CPS) was more commonly presented in patients with unilateral HS (96.8%). Comparison of disease characteristics between DP and bilateral HS showed no difference in most categories (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found DP among 14.5% of our drug-resistant epileptic patients with HS. DP patients mostly presented with CPS and had high proportion of ictal and interictal EEG discharges from regional and multi-focal areas. Gliosis and focal cortical dysplasia were the most common pathologies among DP patients. Patients with DP showed a similar behavior to bilateral HS in many features.

Cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma in a multiple sclerosis patient receiving Fingolimod.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports of cutaneous neoplastic lesions secondary to Fingolimod treatment among multiple sclerosis patients. OBJECTIVE: Reporting a case of cutaneous large cell lymphoma in a multiple sclerosis patient during Fingolimod treatment. METHOD: Case study. RESULT: Our patient developed CD30+ cutaneous large cell lymphoma two years after initiation of Fingolimod treatment and her symptoms regressed following the cessation of treatment. CONCLUSION: This report indicates that cutaneous lymphoid neoplasms should be considered a possible side effect among patients receiving Fingolimod.

Evaluating the effect of adding Fish oil to Fingolimod on TNF-α, IL1ß, IL6, and IFN-γ in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Fish oil is claimed to improve outcome in multiple sclerosis (MS) through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by reducing cytokines including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL6, and IL-1ß. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adding fish oil to Fingolimod on these serum cytokines. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This double-blind randomized trial was conducted during April 2015 to September 2016 in Isfahan, Iran. Patients with diagnosis of relapsing remitting MS, aged 18-45years old and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) ≤5 were enrolled in the study. The experimental group received 1g/day of fish oil. Serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL6, and IL-1ß were measured before intervention, 6 months, and 12 months after intervention as the primary outcome. Also, EDSS was evaluated before and at the end of study. RESULTS: 50 patients were recruited initially and nine of them left the study. We found no difference between serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL6, and IL-1ß at three time-points between two groups (P-value >0.05). Also, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean EDSS between the experimental group and the control group after 12 months of intervention (P-value=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of fish oil did not lower the serum levels of TNF-α, IL1ß, IL6, and IFN-γ compared to placebo. Similarly, it did not improve the disability in patients.

Attitudes Toward Cancer and Cancer Patients in an Urban Iranian Population.

BACKGROUND: Because of the significant incidence and mortality of cancer in Iran, a Comprehensive National Cancer Control Program for the prevention and early detection of cancer was launched in 2007. However, cancer awareness and screening rates in Iran did not improve. This study aimed to evaluate public attitudes toward cancer and cancer patients in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 953 non-institutionalized individuals in Isfahan, Iran, from November 2014 to February 2015. We collected data on attitudes toward cancer in three domains (impossibility of recovery, cancer stereotypes, and discrimination), as well as questions on willingness to disclose a cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: Among all participants, 33.9% agreed that it is very difficult to regain one's health after a cancer diagnosis, 17.4% felt uncomfortable with a cancer patient, and 26.9% said that they would avoid marrying people whose family members had cancer. While 88.9% of study participants said that cancer patients deserve to be protected in society, 53.3% and 48.4% of participants agreed that they would not disclose a cancer diagnosis to neighbors and coworkers, respectively. CONCLUSION: Negative attitudes with respect to impossibility of recovery and discrimination toward cancer and cancer patients were common among urban Iranians. Most people would not disclose a cancer diagnosis to others in spite of advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment, reflecting unfavorable attitudes toward cancer and cancer patients in society. Successful implementation of cancer awareness and prevention programs in Iran may require social changes based on adequate information on cancer and cancer patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Public attitudes toward cancer and cancer patients are an important factor affecting cancer control programs as well as quality of life and recovery of cancer patients. The issue has not been studied in Iran and the surrounding countries in the Middle East. This is the first report presented on the subject. These findings can be used by health policy makers, health managers, and clinicians for better practice.

An Undiagnosed Case of Hypothalamic Hamartoma with a Rare Presentation.

Background. Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) are rare tumor-like malformations that may present with complex partial seizures refractory to anticonvulsants in adulthood. The condition may be misdiagnosed because of rarity. Case Presentation. We report a 25-year-old man with complaint of seizures presented by falling, tonic spasm of limbs, oral automatism, vocalization, and hypermotor activities. His seizures started at the age of one month and presented as eye deviation and upper limbs myoclonic jerk, followed by frequent seizures with variable frequency. The patient had delayed developmental milestones and was mentally retarded. He was hospitalized and underwent video-EEG monitoring and neuroimaging, and the diagnosis of HH was made. The patient became candidate for surgery after that. Conclusion. In this case, the underlying etiology of seizures was diagnosed after 25 years. HH is a rare condition and neurologists may encounter very small number of these cases during their practice. Therefore, they should consider it in patients who present with suspected signs and symptoms.

Etiology and outcome in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Study on 4747 patients in the central region of Iran.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a threatening condition leading to urgent hospitalization. This study aims to investigate etiology and outcome in UGIB patients in Iran. METHODS: Medical records of GIB patients admitted to Alzahra referral hospital (in Isfahan) during 2010-2015 were retrospectively reviewed for demographic data, comorbidities, history of smoking and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), presenting symptoms, endoscopic findings, therapeutic endoscopy, blood products' infusion, surgical intervention, rebleeding, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 4747 patients were enrolled in the study (69.2% men, mean age = 55.46 ± 21.98 years). Hematemesis was the most frequent presenting symptom (63.5%). Peptic ulcer (duodenal ulcer in most cases) was seen as the main reason for UGIB (42.4%). Rebleeding (present in 16.5% of patients) was found to be more frequent in patients with older age, presenting sign of hematochezia and hypotension, history of taking NSAIDs and smoking, presence of comorbidities, history of bleeding because of UGI tract neoplasm and esophageal varices, history of needing blood products' infusion, and history of therapeutic endoscopy or surgical intervention (P < 0.005). We found that mortality (5.5% in total) was also higher in the same group of patients that were seen to have a higher tendency for rebleeding (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Peptic ulcers are the most common cause of UGIB. Comorbidities, hemodynamic instability, high-risk endoscopic stigmata, history of smoking and taking NSAIDs, gastric and esophageal malignancies, may be important predisposing factors for rebleeding and mortality in patients with UGIB.