Diagnostic value of intereye difference metrics for optic neuritis in aquaporin-4 antibody seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: The novel optic neuritis (ON) diagnostic criteria include intereye differences (IED) of optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters. IED has proven valuable for ON diagnosis in multiple sclerosis but has not been evaluated in aquaporin-4 antibody seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (AQP4+NMOSD). We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of intereye absolute (IEAD) and percentage difference (IEPD) in AQP4+NMOSD after unilateral ON >6 months before OCT as compared with healthy controls (HC). METHODS: Twenty-eight AQP4+NMOSD after unilateral ON (NMOSD-ON), 62 HC and 45 AQP4+NMOSD without ON history (NMOSD-NON) were recruited by 13 centres as part of the international Collaborative Retrospective Study on retinal OCT in Neuromyelitis Optica study. Mean thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) were quantified by Spectralis spectral domain OCT. Threshold values of the ON diagnostic criteria (pRNFL: IEAD 5 µm, IEPD 5%; GCIPL: IEAD: 4 µm, IEPD: 4%) were evaluated using receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve (AUC) metrics. RESULTS: The discriminative power was high for NMOSD-ON versus HC for IEAD (pRNFL: AUC 0.95, specificity 82%, sensitivity 86%; GCIPL: AUC 0.93, specificity 98%, sensitivity 75%) and IEPD (pRNFL: AUC 0.96, specificity 87%, sensitivity 89%; GCIPL: AUC 0.94, specificity 96%, sensitivity 82%). The discriminative power was high/moderate for NMOSD-ON versus NMOSD-NON for IEAD (pRNFL: AUC 0.92, specificity 77%, sensitivity 86%; GCIP: AUC 0.87, specificity 85%, sensitivity 75%) and for IEPD (pRNFL: AUC 0.94, specificity 82%, sensitivity 89%; GCIP: AUC 0.88, specificity 82%, sensitivity 82%). CONCLUSIONS: Results support the validation of the IED metrics as OCT parameters of the novel diagnostic ON criteria in AQP4+NMOSD.

Aquaporin-4 antibody-positive myelitis initially biopsied for suspected spinal cord tumors: diagnostic considerations.

Two patients with longitudinally extensive myelopathy were initially biopsied for suspected spinal cord tumors. Both patients were later diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) supported by their AQP4-seropositivity. Pathological review of both biopsies revealed demyelinated lesions with thickened vessel walls and tissue rarefaction. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated findings compatible with acute NMOSD lesions in one case while the other case exhibited findings consistent with chronic NMOSD lesions. A pre-biopsy differential diagnosis of longitudinally extensive spinal cord tumors should include NMOSD. Specific biopsy features, such as cystic changes with vascular wall thickening and astrocyte injury, should raise suspicion for NMOSD.

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in key cities of Brazil: a study in Passo Fundo, Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: To improve the comparability of multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence across Brazilian regions, the Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in MS has implemented a standardized approach to assess the prevalence of the disease in five key cities, which were deemed representative of their regions in terms of socio-geographical features and where in-person revision of each case was feasible. OBJECTIVE: To report the point-prevalence of MS in Passo Fundo, one of the key cities in Southern Brazil. METHODS: We sought to identify all MS patients who were living in Passo Fundo on July 1st, 2015. The primary source for case ascertainment was records from the offices of neurologists and neurosurgeons practicing in the city. Multiple secondary sources were used to maximize identification of cases. All patients underwent in-person review of the diagnosis by a panel of neurologists with experience in MS. RESULTS: We identified 52 MS patients living in Passo Fundo on July 1st, 2015. The point-prevalence rate for MS was 26.4/100,000 population (95% confidence interval, 19.7 to 34.6/100,000). Among the MS cases, 42 (80.8%) were female, for a sex ratio of 4.2:1. Forty-six cases (88.5%) were categorized as relapsing-remitting MS, and the remaining 6 cases, as secondary progressive MS (11.5%). Other epidemiological and clinical features were comparable to national and international MS populations. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MS in Passo Fundo is one of the highest reported in Brazil so far. Studies in other key Brazilian cities, using the same methodology, are currently being carried out.

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in key cities of Brazil. A study in Joinville, Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (BCTRIMS) has launched an initiative to determine the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Brazil, based on key cities deemed representative of their regions in terms of demographic and environmental features. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence rate of MS in Joinville. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all patients who lived in Joinville and met the 2010 McDonald's diagnostic criteria revised for MS on the prevalence day (March 11, 2016). Potential MS patients included individuals treated by all practicing neurologists in the city and the ones found in patients' association and the database of the Municipal Department of Health. Advertisements about the survey were also broadcast on radio and television. Patients who were not living in Joinville on the prevalence day were excluded. All potential MS patients were invited to an in-person diagnostic review, carried out by a panel of experienced neurologists with special expertise in MS on March 11, 2016. RESULTS: The MS prevalence rate was 13.5 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 12.9-14.0/100,000). A total of 51 (66.2%) participants were females, and 26 (33.7%) were males (female to male ratio=1.9:1). Out of the 77 patients, 73 (94.8%) were Caucasians, and four (5.1%) were mixed-race. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its latitude location and European colonization, the prevalence rate was below expectation. The intense internal migration from regions with lower MS prevalence rates to Joinville may have played a role in attenuating the increased risk of MS associated with latitude gradient and European ancestry. Prevalence studies in other cities from Southern Brazil with no significant internal migration and taking part in this broad project may clarify this issue.

Evaluation of diagnosis and treatment practices of Brazilian neurologists among patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Recent changes to the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) and new medications have had a major impact on the way in which specialists manage the disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors considered by Brazilian neurologists in managing MS, and to identify how these contribute to diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: Potential participants were selected by a steering committee (MS experts who developed this survey). Only MS specialists were included in the study (neurologists who had completed a neuroimmunology fellowship or who were treating more than 30 MS patients). Links to the online questionnaire were distributed between March 2019 and January 2020. This questionnaire was composed of sections with hypothetical MS scenarios. RESULTS: Neurologists from 13 Brazilian states responded to the survey (n = 94). In the clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) scenario, the respondents agreed to treat patients with a high risk of MS diagnosis, whereas in the radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) half of the respondents opted not to treat, even among high-risk patients. In cases of low-activity relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), the choice of treatment was distributed among interferon beta, glatiramer acetate and teriflunomide, which were changed to fingolimod and natalizumab, as RRMS severity increased. The topics in which disagreement was found included practices regarding use of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for pregnant patients and the washout period required for some DMTs. CONCLUSIONS: This study enabled identification of areas of agreement and disagreement about MS treatment among Brazilian neurologists, which can be used to update future protocols and improve patient management.

Patients and neurologists have different perceptions of multiple sclerosis symptoms, care and challenges.

BACKGROUND: Basic steps in the management of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), such as good patient understanding of the disease and active participation in its management are extremely important, as they directly influence treatment adherence and success. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the perception of MS patients and neurologists pertaining to the most common disease symptoms, disabilities that impact on quality of life, and patient concerns and difficulties during medical visits, as information that can be used to improve the doctor-patient relationship. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving two groups: the first composed of neurologists and the second of patients. Participants of the first group were selected by a Steering Committee (15 predetermined neurologists representing each region of Brazil and specialized in MS and neuroimmunological disorders, who also assumed the role of creating the survey and questionnaire). Participants of the second group were selected following dissemination of a questionnaire on the AME's social networks (Amigos Múltiplos pela Esclerose, a non-governmental organization to support patients with MS). Questions about sociodemographic data, disease impact on quality of life, symptoms perception, and concerns and issues regarding disease care were put to both groups. RESULTS: A total of 317 patients and 182 neurologists answered the questionnaires. Significant divergences were found between the perceptions of patients and neurologists in relation to orientation and information given during medical appointments, and also regarding patient participation in treatment and therapy choice. Considering the topic assessing impact on quality of life, more than 70% of neurologists perceived that autonomy to work and travel, and future planning were aspects that most affected patient lives, however, almost 50% of patients reported that disease monitoring did not affect their life in any way. Analysis of data regarding MS symptoms revealed neurologists to consider physical symptoms, such as ambulation issues, imbalance, falls and urinary incontinence, to be those most interfering with patient quality of life, whereas patients considered non-physical symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, cognitive and memory problems to be more significant. Patients with primary progressive MS complained more about ambulation issues, imbalance and falls (p<0.05), when compared to patients with other disease phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in disease perception were found in this study. While neurologists tended to overestimate the consequences and symptoms of the disease, for most patients, the disease impact on activities did not appear to be as significant, with more complaints regarding non-physical symptoms. Although neurologists described involving patients in treatment decisions and providing them with appropriate orientation during medical appointments, the opposite was reported by patients. These results may help to improve treatment adherence and disease outcomes by redefining the doctor-patient relationship.

Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography in Neuromyelitis Optica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To determine optic nerve and retinal damage in aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG)-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) in a large international cohort after previous studies have been limited by small and heterogeneous cohorts. METHODS: The cross-sectional Collaborative Retrospective Study on retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) in neuromyelitis optica collected retrospective data from 22 centers. Of 653 screened participants, we included 283 AQP4-IgG-seropositive patients with NMOSD and 72 healthy controls (HCs). Participants underwent OCT with central reading including quality control and intraretinal segmentation. The primary outcome was thickness of combined ganglion cell and inner plexiform (GCIP) layer; secondary outcomes were thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and visual acuity (VA). RESULTS: Eyes with ON (NMOSD-ON, N = 260) or without ON (NMOSD-NON, N = 241) were assessed compared with HCs (N = 136). In NMOSD-ON, GCIP layer (57.4 ± 12.2 µm) was reduced compared with HC (GCIP layer: 81.4 ± 5.7 µm, p < 0.001). GCIP layer loss (-22.7 µm) after the first ON was higher than after the next (-3.5 µm) and subsequent episodes. pRNFL observations were similar. NMOSD-NON exhibited reduced GCIP layer but not pRNFL compared with HC. VA was greatly reduced in NMOSD-ON compared with HC eyes, but did not differ between NMOSD-NON and HC. DISCUSSION: Our results emphasize that attack prevention is key to avoid severe neuroaxonal damage and vision loss caused by ON in NMOSD. Therapies ameliorating attack-related damage, especially during a first attack, are an unmet clinical need. Mild signs of neuroaxonal changes without apparent vision loss in ON-unaffected eyes might be solely due to contralateral ON attacks and do not suggest clinically relevant progression but need further investigation.

Cohort profile: a collaborative multicentre study of retinal optical coherence tomography in 539 patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (CROCTINO).

PURPOSE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) captures retinal damage in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Previous studies investigating OCT in NMOSD have been limited by the rareness and heterogeneity of the disease. The goal of this study was to establish an image repository platform, which will facilitate neuroimaging studies in NMOSD. Here we summarise the profile of the Collaborative OCT in NMOSD repository as the initial effort in establishing this platform. This repository should prove invaluable for studies using OCT to investigate NMOSD. PARTICIPANTS: The current cohort includes data from 539 patients with NMOSD and 114 healthy controls. These were collected at 22 participating centres from North and South America, Asia and Europe. The dataset consists of demographic details, diagnosis, antibody status, clinical disability, visual function, history of optic neuritis and other NMOSD defining attacks, and OCT source data from three different OCT devices. FINDINGS TO DATE: The cohort informs similar demographic and clinical characteristics as those of previously published NMOSD cohorts. The image repository platform and centre network continue to be available for future prospective neuroimaging studies in NMOSD. For the conduct of the study, we have refined OCT image quality criteria and developed a cross-device intraretinal segmentation pipeline. FUTURE PLANS: We are pursuing several scientific projects based on the repository, such as analysing retinal layer thickness measurements, in this cohort in an attempt to identify differences between distinct disease phenotypes, demographics and ethnicities. The dataset will be available for further projects to interested, qualified parties, such as those using specialised image analysis or artificial intelligence applications.

Devic's neuromyelitis optica: a critical review.

Devic's neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating and necrotizing disease characterized by predominant involvement of the optic nerves and spinal cord. In Asian countries relapsing NMO has been known as opticospinal multiple sclerosis. It has long been debated if NMO is a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS) or a distinct disease. Recent studies have shown that NMO has more frequently a relapsing course, and results from attack to aquaporin-4 which is the dominant water channel in the central nervous system, located in foot processes of the astrocytes. Distinctive pathological features of NMO include perivascular deposition of IgG and complement in the perivascular space, granulocyte and eosinophil infiltrates and hyalinization of the vascular walls. These features distinguish NMO from other demyelinating diseases such as MS and acute demyelinating encephalomyelopathy. An IgG-antibody that binds to aquaporin-4, named NMO-IgG has high sensitivity and specificity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have revealed that more frequently there is a long spinal cord lesion that extends through three or more vertebral segments in length. Brain MRI lesions atypical for MS are found in the majority of cases. Treatment in the acute phase includes intravenous steroids and plasma exchange therapy. Immunosupressive agents are recommended for prophylaxis of relapses.

Normative values of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests in a Brazilian population sample: discrete and regression-based norms.

Objective Cognitive dysfunction is common in multiple sclerosis. The Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N) was developed to assess cognitive functions most-frequently impaired in multiple sclerosis. However, normative values are lacking in Brazil. Therefore, we aimed to provide continuous and discrete normative values for the BRB-N in a Brazilian population sample. Methods We recruited 285 healthy individuals from the community at 10 Brazilian sites and applied the BRB-N version A in 237 participants and version B in 48 participants. Continuous norms were calculated with multiple-regression analysis. Results Mean raw scores and the 5th percentile for each neuropsychological measure are provided, stratified by age and educational level. Healthy participants' raw scores were converted to scaled scores, which were regressed on age, sex and education, yielding equations that can be used to calculate predicted scores. Conclusion Our normative data allow a more widespread use of the BRB-N in clinical practice and research.

Brazilian Consensus for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: Brazilian Academy of Neurology and Brazilian Committee on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis.

The expanding therapeutic arsenal in multiple sclerosis (MS) has allowed for more effective and personalized treatment, but the choice and management of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) is becoming increasingly complex. In this context, experts from the Brazilian Committee on Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis and the Neuroimmunology Scientific Department of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology have convened to establish this Brazilian Consensus for the Treatment of MS, based on their understanding that neurologists should be able to prescribe MS DMTs according to what is better for each patient, based on up-to-date evidence and practice. We herein propose practical recommendations for the treatment of MS, with the main focus on the choice and management of DMTs, as well as present a review of the scientific rationale supporting therapeutic strategies in MS.

Bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis.

Bipolar disorder may be overrepresented in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Although research in this area is limited, studies assessing the nature of this association have focused on genetic aspects, adverse reaction to drugs and brain demyelinating lesions. Herein we report three patients with MS that also presented bipolar disorder. The coexistence of neurological and psychiatric symptoms in most MS relapses highlights the relevance of biological factors in the emergence of mood disorders in these patients.

Hypovitaminosis D association with disease activity in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in Brazil.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) onset is believed to result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. A prevailing theory addresses the influence of hypovitaminosis D in the development of MS. This research aimed to study the association between vitamin D serum levels and MS, as a prognostic and risk factor for the development and progression of the disease. A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (n=67), according to the revised McDonald criteria (2010), accompanied in three MS centers in different Brazilian states. A control group consisted of healthy volunteers (n=61). Blood collections were carried out in late summer and late winter. This seems to be the first study of this kind in Latin America. The vitamin D serum levels for MS patients (29.63±8.08) in summer were similar to the controls (29.71±8.28); however, in winter they were lower than the healthy individuals (24.05±7.47 vs 26.56±8.01). No significant difference between the three cities was observed. No association was noted between vitamin D serum levels and gender, race and age, nor correlation of these levels with the EDSS or disease duration. In contrast, a significant association was seen between deficient vitamin D serum levels in late winter with disease activity, characterized by the onset of relapses (19.73±5.69 vs 25.30±6.22) or Gd+ lesions (17.22±3.11 vs 22.79±7.22).

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in key cities of Brazil: a study in Passo Fundo, Southern Brazil / Prevalência de esclerose múltipla em cidades-chave do Brasil: um estudo em Passo Fundo, no sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Background: To improve the comparability of multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence across Brazilian regions, the Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in MS has implemented a standardized approach to assess the prevalence of the disease in five key cities, which were deemed representative of their regions in terms of socio-geographical features and where in-person revision of each case was feasible. Objective: To report the point-prevalence of MS in Passo Fundo, one of the key cities in Southern Brazil. Methods: We sought to identify all MS patients who were living in Passo Fundo on July 1st, 2015. The primary source for case ascertainment was records from the offices of neurologists and neurosurgeons practicing in the city. Multiple secondary sources were used to maximize identification of cases. All patients underwent in-person review of the diagnosis by a panel of neurologists with experience in MS. Results: We identified 52 MS patients living in Passo Fundo on July 1st, 2015. The point-prevalence rate for MS was 26.4/100,000 population (95% confidence interval, 19.7 to 34.6/100,000). Among the MS cases, 42 (80.8%) were female, for a sex ratio of 4.2:1. Forty-six cases (88.5%) were categorized as relapsing-remitting MS, and the remaining 6 cases, as secondary progressive MS (11.5%). Other epidemiological and clinical features were comparable to national and international MS populations. Conclusions: The prevalence of MS in Passo Fundo is one of the highest reported in Brazil so far. Studies in other key Brazilian cities, using the same methodology, are currently being carried out.

RESUMO Introdução: Para melhor comparar a prevalência de esclerose múltipla (EM) nas diferentes regiões do Brasil, o Comitê Brasileiro para Tratamento e Pesquisa em Esclerose Múltipla implementou uma abordagem padronizada para avaliar a prevalência da doença em 5 cidades-chave, consideradas representativas de suas regiões em termos de características sociogeográficas e nas quais seria viável revisar cada caso pessoalmente. Objetivos: Descrever a prevalência pontual de EM em Passo Fundo, uma das cidades-chave, localizada no Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Buscamos identificar todos os pacientes com EM que viviam em Passo Fundo no dia 1( de julho de 2015. A fonte primária para identificação de casos foi os registros de consultórios de neurologistas e neurocirurgiões da cidade. Múltiplas fontes secundárias foram usadas para maximizar a identificação de casos. Todos os pacientes tiveram o diagnóstico revisado pessoalmente por um painel de neurologistas com experiência em EM. Resultados: Identificamos 52 pacientes com EM que viviam em Passo Fundo em 1( de julho de 2015. Assim, a prevalência pontual bruta de EM foi 26,4/100.000 habitantes (intervalo de confiança de 95%, 19,7 a 34,6/100.000). Entre os casos de EM, 42 (80,8%) eram mulheres, (razão de sexos: 4,2:1). Quarenta e seis casos (88,5%) foram categorizados como EM remitente-recorrente, e os 6 casos restantes como EM secundariamente progressiva (11,5%). As demais características epidemiológicas e clínicas foram comparáveis a populações de EM internacionais. Conclusões: A prevalência de EM em Passo Fundo é uma das maiores já relatadas no Brasil. Estudos em outras cidades-chave brasileiras, usando a mesma metodologia, estão em andamento.

Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in key cities of Brazil. A study in Joinville, Southern Brazil / Prevalência de esclerose múltipla em cidades-chave do Brasil. Estudo em Joinville, Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Background: The Brazilian Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (BCTRIMS) has launched an initiative to determine the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Brazil, based on key cities deemed representative of their regions in terms of demographic and environmental features. Objective: To investigate the prevalence rate of MS in Joinville. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all patients who lived in Joinville and met the 2010 McDonald's diagnostic criteria revised for MS on the prevalence day (March 11, 2016). Potential MS patients included individuals treated by all practicing neurologists in the city and the ones found in patients' association and the database of the Municipal Department of Health. Advertisements about the survey were also broadcast on radio and television. Patients who were not living in Joinville on the prevalence day were excluded. All potential MS patients were invited to an in-person diagnostic review, carried out by a panel of experienced neurologists with special expertise in MS on March 11, 2016. Results: The MS prevalence rate was 13.5 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 12.9-14.0/100,000). A total of 51 (66.2%) participants were females, and 26 (33.7%) were males (female to male ratio=1.9:1). Out of the 77 patients, 73 (94.8%) were Caucasians, and four (5.1%) were mixed-race. Conclusions: Despite its latitude location and European colonization, the prevalence rate was below expectation. The intense internal migration from regions with lower MS prevalence rates to Joinville may have played a role in attenuating the increased risk of MS associated with latitude gradient and European ancestry. Prevalence studies in other cities from Southern Brazil with no significant internal migration and taking part in this broad project may clarify this issue.

RESUMO Introdução: O Comitê Brasileiro de Tratamento e Pesquisa em Esclerose Múltipla (EM) (BCTRIMS) lançou uma iniciativa para determinar a prevalência da EM no Brasil, com base em cidades-chave, consideradas representativas de suas regiões em termos de características demográficas e ambientais. Objetivo: Investigar a taxa de prevalência de EM na cidade de Joinville. Métodos: Foram revisados os prontuários médicos dos pacientes residentes de Joinville e que atendiam aos critérios de diagnóstico McDonald's 2010 revisados para EM no dia da prevalência (11 de março de 2016). Os pacientes em potencial com EM incluíam todos os neurologistas em atividade na cidade, a associação de pacientes e o banco de dados da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde. Anúncios sobre a pesquisa também foram veiculados no rádio e na televisão. Foram excluídos os pacientes que não moravam em Joinville no dia do estudo. Todos os casos potenciais de EM foram convidados para uma revisão presencial do diagnóstico clínico realizada por um painel de neurologistas experientes em EM no dia 11 de março de 2016. Resultados: A prevalência da EM foi de 13,5 por 100.000 habitantes (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 12,9-14,0/100.000). 51 pacientes (66,2%) eram do sexo feminino e 26 pacientes (33,7%) do sexo masculino (razão mulher:homem de 1,9:1). Dos 77 pacientes com EM, 73 (94,8%) eram caucasianos e 4 (5,1%) se declararam como pardos. Conclusões: Apesar da colonização europeia, a taxa de prevalência foi abaixo da expectativa, possivelmente devido à elevada taxa de imigração interna associada ao perfil econômico de Joinville. Estudos de prevalência em outras cidades da região sul do Brasil sem imigração interna significativa, e como parte desse amplo projeto, podem esclarecer essa questão.

Oligoclonal Bands in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Black Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Genetic susceptibility is a well-recognized factor in the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of oligoclonal bands (OCB) restricted to the cerebrospinal fluid, in an ethnically mixed group of MS patients in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Techniques used to detect OCB consisted of isoelectric focusing followed by immunoblotting. OCB were found in 49 (54.4%) out of 90 patients with clinically definite MS; out of the 23 brown/black patients, 17 (73.9%) were OCB+; out of the 66 white patients, 32 (48.5%) were OCB+; and the only patient yellow was OCB+ (p = 0.05). Analysis of the IgG index was also consistent with the findings, but with lower statistical significance. The data presented in our study show that the ethnic differences in MS extend to the immune response.

Interferon beta-1a-induced depression and suicidal ideation in multiple sclerosis.

Depression and suicide have been reported in association with multiple sclerosis (MS). Some studies show that interferon beta may increase the depression rate. We report a case of depression and suicidal ideation in coincidence with the start of increased doses of interferon beta-1a and their complete reversal following the drug withdrawal. The patient was a 21-year-old man with MS and no past history of affective disorders who was given interferon beta-1a in the dose of 11 microgram three times per week. As a new relapse occurred the dose of interferon beta-1a was increased to 22 microgram three times a week. The patient then observed increased worry, irritability and a sense of discouragement as well as recurring suicidal thoughts. His mood was rapidly restored following interferon beta-1a withdrawal. This case suggests that patients with MS may develop depression and suicidal thoughts when treated with high doses of interferon beta-1a.

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis mimicking herpes simplex encephalitis: case report.

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is a more severe form of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) characterized by a fulminant clinical course and the presence of hemorrhagic necrosis of the white matter. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman who developed delirium following a respiratory infection. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain disclosed signal abnormalities in the frontal and temporal lobes, usually found in herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). Gram stain, India ink and acid-fast bacilli staining were all negative in CSF as was a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for herpes simplex virus. A diagnosis of AHLE was made and the patient was treated with i.v. methylprednisolone 1g/day for 5 days. Despite treatment, the patient developed several neurological sequelae compatible with the severity of her illness.

[Development of the Brazilian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite Measure (MSFC-BCTRIMS): pilot study]. / Desenvolvimento da versão Brasileira da Multiple Sclerosis Funcional Composite Measure (MSFC-BCTRIMS): estudo piloto.

Initial efforts are reported to develop and validate a Brazilian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite Measure (MSFC-BCTRIMS). MSFC is an outcome measure in multiple sclerosis (MS) which assesses motor functions of legs and arms/hands besides cognitive function. MSFC was designed to have better sensitivity and sounder psychometric foundations than traditional measures in detecting therapeutic benefits of disease-modifying agents. Results from the pilot study indicate that the MSFC-BCTRIMS discriminates between MS individuals and a control group. An initial approach to construct validation, intercorrelating the MSFC-BCTRIMS scores with several other measures, suggests speed of information processing is important for both arm/hand and cognitive function.