Occurrence of area postrema syndrome during follow-up: phenotype and influence over NMOSD activity in LATAM in real-world settings.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess the frequency, duration, and severity of area postrema syndrome (APS) during follow-up in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients, as well as its association with inflammatory activity and prognostic factors of APS severity in a real-world setting. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study on a cohort of Latin American (LATAM) NMOSD patients who had experienced APS during their follow-up. Patients from Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Chile and Argentina patients who met 2015 NMOSD criteria were included. We evaluated data on symptom type (nausea, vomiting and/or hiccups), frequency, duration, severity (measured by APS severity scale), association with other NMOSD core relapses, and acute treatments (symptomatic and immunotherapy or plasmapheresis). Logistic regression was conducted to evaluate factors associated with APS severity (vs. mild-moderate). RESULTS: Out of 631 NMOSD patients, 116 (18.3%) developed APS during their follow-up. The most common APS phenotype was severe. Inflammatory activity (i.e., relapses) significantly decreased after the onset of APS. Half of the patients experienced isolated APS with a median duration of 10 days, and the most frequently used acute treatment was IV steroids. All three symptoms were present in 44.6% of the patients. APS symptoms resolved following immunotherapy. Logistic regression did not identify independent factors associated with the severity of APS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that 18.3% of NMOSD patients developed APS during the follow-up period, with most patients fulfilling criteria for severe APS. The inflammatory activity decreased after the onset of APS compared to the previous year.

Diagnostic Utility of MOG Antibody Testing in Cerebrospinal Fluid.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG-IgG) testing. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients for CSF MOG-IgG testing from January 1, 1996, to May 1, 2023, at Mayo Clinic and other medical centers that sent CSF MOG-IgG for testing including: controls, 282; serum MOG-IgG positive MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), 74; serum MOG-IgG negative high-risk phenotypes, 73; serum false positive MOG-IgG with alternative diagnoses, 18. A live cell-based assay assessed CSF MOG-IgG positivity (IgG-binding-index [IBI], ≥2.5) using multiple anti-human secondary antibodies and end-titers were calculated if sufficient sample volume. Correlation of CSF MOG-IgG IBI and titer was assessed. RESULTS: The pan-IgG Fc-specific secondary was optimal, yielding CSF MOG-IgG sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 98% (Youden's index 0.88). CSF MOG-IgG was positive in: 4/282 (1.4%) controls; 66/74 (89%) serum MOG-IgG positive MOGAD patients; and 9/73 (12%) serum MOG-IgG negative patients with high-risk phenotypes. Serum negative but CSF positive MOG-IgG accounted for 9/83 (11%) MOGAD patients, and all fulfilled 2023 MOGAD diagnostic criteria. Subgroup analysis of serum MOG-IgG low-positives revealed CSF MOG-IgG positivity more in MOGAD (13/16[81%]) than other diseases with false positive serum MOG-IgG (3/15[20%]) (p = 0.01). CSF MOG-IgG IBI and CSF MOG-IgG titer (both available in 29 samples) were correlated (Spearman's r = 0.64, p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: CSF MOG-IgG testing has diagnostic utility in patients with a suspicious phenotype but negative serum MOG-IgG, and those with low positive serum MOG-IgG results and diagnostic uncertainty. These findings support a role for CSF MOG-IgG testing in the appropriate clinical setting. ANN NEUROL 2024.

Clinical and paraclinical profile of neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder in a peruvian cohort.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disorder of the Central Nervous System that typically involves the spinal cord and the optic nerves. Recently, the clinical and radiological spectrum of NMOSD has been increasing in Latin America. In Peru, there have only been a few clinical reports on NMOSD published. For this reason, we aimed to assess the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of patients with NMOSD from a tertiary-level neurological center in Lima-Peru. METHODS: This is a descriptive study. We assessed medical reports of patients with NMOSD based on the 2015 diagnostic criteria attended in a goverment institute (Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurologicas) from Peru between 2013-2019. Those patients who met diagnostic criteria were selected and analyzed. We analyzed continuous data among groups (AQP4-IgG seropositive and AQP4-IgG seronegative/unknow). RESULTS: We identified 58 clinical records that met the selection criteria and were included in the study. The highest percentage of patients (53%) were born in the north of Peru (from parallel 0°01'48''S - 6°56'38''S). NMOSD were more prevalent in women (86%), the male:female ratio was 1:6, the mean age at diagnosis was 50 years. AQP4-IgG antibodies were tested in (63.8%), 62% of whom were seropositive and 38% seronegative. The frequency of EO-NMO and LO-NMO was 34.8% and 65.2% in AQP4-IgG seropositive patients, respectively. Unknown AQP4-IgG was found 21 patients. In LO-NMOSD group, AQP4-IgG seropositive was found in a higher percentage. Optic neuritis was the first clinical event at 40% . In the patients who presented myelitis as the first clinical event, 18.2% were AQP4-IgG seropositive, while only 4.8% was found in the rest of the patients. 17% had other associated autoimmune diseases and 16% had anti-nuclear antibodies. 79% of patients had low vitamin D-25(OH) levels (<30ng/ml). Orbit MRI showed unilateral optic neuritis in 46.6%. Spinal cord MRIs showed extensive longitudinal myelitis in 52% of patients and the thoracic segment was the most frequently affected (47%). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study of a peruvian NMOSD cohort, we found a higher frequency of unilateral optic neuritis cases, and a higher percentage of AQP4-IgG seropositive patients among those older than 50.

Consenso peruano para el uso de la resonancia magnética en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple / Peruvian consensus for the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with Multiple Sclerosis

RESUMEN El uso de la resonancia magnética (RM) en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM) ha optimizado el cuidado de los pacientes afectados. Diversos grupos internacionales de trabajo han intentado clarificar y normatizar el uso global de la RM pero, en muchas ocasiones, se extrapolan datos de otras regiones que no contemplan la realidad de cada lugar o son difíciles de implementar. Objetivo: Consensuar aspectos relacionados con el uso de RM en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de pacientes con EM en el Perú. Material y Métodos: Un grupo de expertos peruanos, conformado por neurólogos y radiólogos, condujo la elaboración del consenso mediante metodología de ronda de encuestas a la distancia. Resultados: Las recomendaciones, basadas en la evidencia publicada y en el criterio de los expertos, enfocaron tanto el rol de las técnicas convencionales de RM como el de la medición de la atrofia cerebral en pacientes con EM al momento del diagnóstico y durante el periodo de seguimiento. Conclusiones: Las recomendaciones del consenso podrán potencialmente homogenizar y optimizar el cuidado y seguimiento de pacientes con EM en nuestro país.

SUMMARY The use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has optimized the care of the affected patients. Several international working groups have tried to clarify and standardize the global use of MRI but, on many occasions, data are extrapolated from other regions, do not contemplate local realities or are difficult to implement. Objective: To reach a consensus on aspects related to the use of MRI in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with MS in Peru. Material and Methods: A group of Peruvian experts (neurologists and radiologists) worked on the elaboration of the consensus using a remote survey round methodology. Results: The recommendations, established on the basis of published evidence and on the experts' criteria, focused on the role of both, the conventional MRI techniques and the measurement of brain atrophy in MS patients both at the time of diagnosis and during the follow-up period Conclusions: The consensual recommendations could potentially assist in the standardization and optimization of the care and follow-up of patients with MS in our country.

Brainstem syndrome at onset is related to an early MS diagnosis in Peru: A national referral center cohort.

BACKGROUND: MS is unpredictable regarding clinical symptoms; however, certain symptoms represent the preferred localization of white matter lesions such as brainstem, spinal cord; or optic nerve. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and imaging characteristics of MS patients in a national referral center in Peru, and to evaluate whether the type of symptom at onset relates with the time to making an MS diagnosis. METHODS: Retrospective study of MS patients at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas between January 2010 and December 2018. Four different syndromes were selected for analysis as symptom onset (optic neuritis, brainstem syndrome, myelitis, and others). RESULTS: we identified 268 patients for whom a diagnosis of MS had been given; after excluding misdiagnosed patients (33 Neuromyelitis optica), lost or incomplete records, 121 patients were included. The majority of patients (46.6%) were born in Lima. Female to male ratio was 1.37 to 1, mean age at diagnosis was 31 years. At onset, myelitis was present in 35% of RRMS patients, followed by brainstem syndrome (25%) and optic neuritis (18%). Brainstem syndrome was statistically significant predictor for earlier diagnosis (adjusted HR: 2.09; p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Brainstem syndrome as an initial presentation of MS in Peru is related to an earlier diagnosis.

Clinical Pathway for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A First Proposal for the Peruvian Population.

Background: Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is a subtype of degenerative inflammatory demyelinating disease of multifactorial origin that affects the central nervous system and leads to multifocal neurological impairment. Objectives: To develop a clinical pathway (CP) for the management of Peruvian patients with RRMS. Methods: First, we performed a literature review using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Science direct. Then, we structured the information as an ordered and logical series of five topics in a defined timeline: (1) How should MS be diagnosed? (2) How should a relapse be treated? (3) How should a DMT be initiated? (4) How should each DMT be used? and (5) How should the patients be followed? Results: The personnel involved in the care of patients with RRMS can use a series of flowcharts and diagrams that summarize the topics in paper or electronic format. Conclusions: We propose the first CP for RRMS in Peru that shows the essential steps for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring RRMS patients based on an evidence-based medicine method and local expert opinions. This CP will allow directing relevant clinical actions to strengthen the multidisciplinary management of RRMS in Peru.

Autoimmune neurology: Co-occurrence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and anti-MOG associated disease, report of a case.

We report the case of a patient with symptoms of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and anti-MOG associated disease simultaneously, in whom the identification of antibodies guided to a more aggressive treatment strategy, resulting in a good clinical outcome. MRI is an important tool to diagnose this kind of patients. The co-occurrence of both diseases in infrequent, but atypical symptoms should increase our awareness of the possibility of an overlap syndrome.

Status of the neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is an increasing diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in Latin America (LATAM). Despite the heterogeneity of this population, ethnic and socioeconomic commonalities exist, and epidemiologic studies from the region have had a limited geographic and population outreach. Identification of some aspects from the entire region are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To determine ethnic, clinical characteristics, and utilization of diagnostic tools and types of therapy for patients with NMOSD in the entire Latin American region. METHODS: The Latin American Committee for Treatment and Research in MS (LACTRIMS) created an exploratory investigational survey addressed by Invitation to NMOSD Latin American experts identified through diverse sources. Data input closed after 30 days from the initial invitation. The questionnaire allowed use of absolute numbers or percentages. Multiple option responses covering 25 themes included definition of type of practice; number of NMOSD cases; ethnicity; utilization of the 2015 International Panel criteria for the diagnosis of Neuromyelitis optica (IPDN); clinical phenotypes; methodology utilized for determination of anti-Aquaporin-4 (anti- AQP4) antibodies serological testing, and if this was performed locally or processed abroad; treatment of relapses, and long-term management were surveyed. RESULTS: We identified 62 investigators from 21 countries reporting information from 2154 patients (utilizing the IPDN criteria in 93.9% of cases), which were categorized in two geographical regions: North-Central, including the Caribbean (NCC), and South America (SA). Ethnic identification disclosed Mestizos 61.4% as the main group. The most common presenting symptoms were concomitant presence of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis in 31.8% (p=0.95); only optic neuritis in 31.4% (more common in SA), p<0.001); involvement of the area postrema occurred in 21.5% and brain stem in 8.3%, both were more frequent in the South American cases (p<0.001). Anti-AQP4 antibodies were positive in 63.9% and anti-Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies in 4.8% of total cases. The specific laboratorial method employed was not known by 23.8% of the investigators. Acute relapses were identified in 81.6% of cases, and were treated in 93.9% of them with intravenous steroids (IVS); 62.1% with plasma exchange (PE), and 40.9% with intravenous immunoglobulin-G (IVIG). Therapy was escalated in some cases due to suboptimal initial response. Respondents favored Rituximab as long-term therapy (86.3%), whereas azathioprine was also utilized on 81.8% of the cases, either agent used indistinctly by the investigators according to treatment accessibility or clinical judgement. There were no differences among the geographic regions. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study including all countries of LATAM and the largest cohort reported from a multinational specific world area. Ethnic distributions and phenotypic features of the disease in the region, challenges in access to diagnostic tools and therapy were identified. The Latin American neurological community should play a determinant role encouraging and advising local institutions and health officials in the availability of more sensitive and modern diagnostic methodology, in facilitating the the access to licensed medications for NMOSD, and addressing concerns on education, diagnosis and management of the disease in the community.

Clinical characteristics and plasma exchange response in Guillain-Barré patients. / Características clínicas y respuesta al recambio plasmático terapéutico en los pacientes con síndrome de Guillain Barré.

The objective of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment response and possible associated factors of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome at the National Institute of Neurological Sciences. A descriptive study on hospital discharges was conducted during the period 2017-2019. Treatment response was evaluated based on Hughes' disability scale. From 31 patients 61.3% were males and the mean age was 50 years. At admission, 87.1% of patients were on grade 3 or 4 of Hughes scale, most of them with axonal compromise which was associated to disability. Only 22 patients received plasma exchange; 6 months thereafter, 90.9% of patients decreased by at least one degree in Hughes scale and 42.8% were left without disability. In conclusion, a male and axonal subtype predominance was found, been the latter associated to disability.

El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características clínicas, la respuesta al tratamiento y posibles factores asociados de los pacientes con síndrome de Guillain Barré en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre egresos hospitalarios durante el periodo 2017-2019. La respuesta al tratamiento se evaluó mediante la escala de discapacidad de Hughes. De los 31 pacientes el 61,3% eran varones, y la edad promedio fue de 50 años. Al ingreso, el 87,1% de pacientes se encontraban en el grado 3 o 4 de la escala de Hughes, la mayoría con compromiso axonal, el cual estuvo asociado a discapacidad. Solo 22 pacientes recibieron recambio plasmático; luego de seis meses el 90,9% disminuyó al menos en un grado en la escala de Hughes y el 42,8% quedaron sin discapacidad. En conclusión, se encontró un predominio del sexo masculino y del compromiso axonal, este último asociado a discapacidad.

Alteraciones atípicas del líquido cefalorraquídeo en el Síndrome de Guillain-Barré: Reporte de casos / Atypical Alterations of cerebrospinal fluid in Guillain Barré Syndrome: Cases Reports

RESUMEN El síndrome de Guillain-Barré se caracteriza por presentar una disociación albúmino-citológica en la mayoría de pacientes. La presencia de pleocitosis o hipoglucorraquia puede alejar el diagnóstico, por lo que se recomienda descartar, principalmente, causas infecciosas. Se presentan tres casos cuyos estudios de líquido cefalorraquídeo mostraron pleocitosis linfocítica e hiperproteinorraquia persistente y uno de ellos, además, hipoglucorraquia; fue solamente en análisis posteriores que los tres pacientes presentaron la clásica disociación albuminocitológica. El estudio neurofisiológico en todos ellos demostró asimismo un compromiso axonal. Las alteraciones atípicas en el contexto de parálisis flácida aguda justificarían repetir el análisis de líquido cefalorraquídeo y descartar otras etiologías, pero sin posponer en modo alguno el tratamiento.

SUMMARY Guillain-Barré syndrome shows a cyto-albuminologic dissociation in most patients. Pleocytosis or hypoglycorrhachia may defer the diagnosis, a reason for which an infectious etiology must be ruled out. Three cases of Guillain-Barré are described, whose cerebrospinal fluid tests showed limphocytic pleocytosis and persistently elevated protein concentration, while one of the cases also showed hypoglycorrhachia, and the classic cyto-albuminologic dissociation was only demonstrated in subsequent analysis. The neurophysiologic evaluation revealed an axonal disruption in all the patients. The atypical alterations in the context of acute flaccid paralysis warrant a retesting of the cerebrospinal fluid in order to rule out other etiologies, but without postponing the start of treatment.

Características clínicas y respuesta al recambio plasmático terapéutico en los pacientes con síndrome de Guillain Barré / Clinical characteristics and plasma exchange response in Guillain-Barré patients

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características clínicas, la respuesta al tratamiento y posibles factores asociados de los pacientes con síndrome de Guillain Barré en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre egresos hospitalarios durante el periodo 2017-2019. La respuesta al tratamiento se evaluó mediante la escala de discapacidad de Hughes. De los 31 pacientes el 61,3% eran varones, y la edad promedio fue de 50 años. Al ingreso, el 87,1% de pacientes se encontraban en el grado 3 o 4 de la escala de Hughes, la mayoría con compromiso axonal, el cual estuvo asociado a discapacidad. Solo 22 pacientes recibieron recambio plasmático; luego de seis meses el 90,9% disminuyó al menos en un grado en la escala de Hughes y el 42,8% quedaron sin discapacidad. En conclusión, se encontró un predominio del sexo masculino y del compromiso axonal, este último asociado a discapacidad.

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment response and possible associated factors of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome at the National Institute of Neurological Sciences. A descriptive study on hospital discharges was conducted during the period 2017-2019. Treatment response was evaluated based on Hughes' disability scale. From 31 patients 61.3% were males and the mean age was 50 years. At admission, 87.1% of patients were on grade 3 or 4 of Hughes scale, most of them with axonal compromise which was associated to disability. Only 22 patients received plasma exchange; 6 months thereafter, 90.9% of patients decreased by at least one degree in Hughes scale and 42.8% were left without disability. In conclusion, a male and axonal subtype predominance was found, been the latter associated to disability.

Características clínicas y respuesta al recambio plasmático terapéutico en los pacientes con síndrome de Guillain Barré / Clinical characteristics and plasma exchange response in Guillain-Barré patients

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características clínicas, la respuesta al tratamiento y posibles factores asociados de los pacientes con síndrome de Guillain Barré en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre egresos hospitalarios durante el periodo 2017-2019. La respuesta al tratamiento se evaluó mediante la escala de discapacidad de Hughes. De los 31 pacientes el 61,3% eran varones, y la edad promedio fue de 50 años. Al ingreso, el 87,1% de pacientes se encontraban en el grado 3 o 4 de la escala de Hughes, la mayoría con compromiso axonal, el cual estuvo asociado a discapacidad. Solo 22 pacientes recibieron recambio plasmático; luego de seis meses el 90,9% disminuyó al menos en un grado en la escala de Hughes y el 42,8% quedaron sin discapacidad. En conclusión, se encontró un predominio del sexo masculino y del compromiso axonal, este último asociado a discapacidad.

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment response and possible associated factors of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome at the National Institute of Neurological Sciences. A descriptive study on hospital discharges was conducted during the period 2017-2019. Treatment response was evaluated based on Hughes' disability scale. From 31 patients 61.3% were males and the mean age was 50 years. At admission, 87.1% of patients were on grade 3 or 4 of Hughes scale, most of them with axonal compromise which was associated to disability. Only 22 patients received plasma exchange; 6 months thereafter, 90.9% of patients decreased by at least one degree in Hughes scale and 42.8% were left without disability. In conclusion, a male and axonal subtype predominance was found, been the latter associated to disability.

Knowledge and Attitudes for the Management of Behavioral Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia.

Background: The diagnosis of the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) can be especially challenging and is relatively underdiagnosed. There is scarce information on training and attitudes from care providers facing bvFTD in settings with limited resources. We aim to describe clinical knowledge and attitudes facing bvFTD from neurologists, psychiatrists, and residents in Peru. Methods: Potential participants received invitations by email to complete an online questionnaire. In addition, we reviewed 21 curricula from undergraduate medical schools' programs offered by the main schools of medicine in Peru during 2020 and 2021. Results: A total of 145 participants completed the survey. The responders were neurologists (51%), psychiatrists (25%), and residents in neurology or psychiatry (24%). Only 26% of the respondents acknowledged receiving at least one class on bvFTD in undergraduate medical training, but 66.6% received at least some training during postgraduate study. Participants identified isolated supportive symptoms for bvFTD; however, only 25% identified the possible criteria and 18% the probable bvFTD criteria. They identified MoCA in 44% and Frontal Assessment Battery (39%) as the most frequently used screening test to assess bvFTD patients. Memantine and Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were incorrectly indicated by 40.8% of participants. Seventy six percentage of participants indicated that they did not provide education and support to the caregiver. The dementia topic was available on 95.2%, but FTD in only 19%. Conclusion: Neuropsychiatry medical specialists in Peru receive limited training in FTD. Their clinical attitudes for treating bvFTD require appropriate training focused on diagnostic criteria, assessment tools, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management.

Neuromyelitis optica in patients with myasthenia gravis: Two case-reports.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myasthenia gravis (MG) are disorders that affect the central nervous system and the neuromuscular junction respectively. Although both conditions are rare, reports of the coexistence of these two pathologies are increasing worldwide. Rarely, patients with MG develop aggressive forms of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) after thymectomy. Here, we describe two Peruvian patients with the association of MG and NMO.

Actualización en Miastenia gravis: An Update / Myasthenia gravis

La miastenia gravis (MG) es una enfermedad autoinmune, caracterizada por fatiga y debilidad muscular localizada o generalizada, a predominio proximal y de curso fluctuante; los síntomas provienen del bloqueo post-sináptico de la transmisión neuromuscular por anticuerpos contra los receptores de acetilcolina y otras proteínas de la membrana post-sináptica. La incidencia es de 8 a 10 casos por millón de personas y la prevalencia, de 150 a 250 por millón; estas cifras, sin embargo, varían en las diferentes poblaciones estudiadas. El diagnóstico de MGse basa en el cuadro clínico y resultados positivos de tests tales como anticuerpos específicos, test neurofisiológicos o prueba terapéutica. La búsqueda de patologías asociadas es un paso importante en la evaluación. El tratamiento se sustenta en tres pilares: tratamiento con fármacos inhibidores de la acetilcolinesterasa (piridostigmina), inmunoterapia (corticoides o inmunosupresores/inmunomoduladores) e intervención quirúrgica (timectomia).

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by fatigue and localized or generalized muscle weakness, with proximal predominance and fluctuating course; these symptoms stem from the post-synaptic blockade of neuromuscular transmission by antibodies against anti-acetylcholine antibodies and other post-synaptic membrane proteins. The incidence is 8 to 10 cases per million people, and the prevalence of 150 to 250 cases per million; however these figures vary in the different populations studied. The diagnosis of MG is based on the clinical manifestations and positive results of tests such as specific antibodies, neurophysiological tests or therapeutic interventions. The search for associated pathologies should be an important component of the evaluation. The treatment is based on three pillars: use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (pyridostigmine), immunotherapy (corticosteroids or immunosuppressants / immunomodulators) and surgical management (thymectomy).

Características clínicas y radiológicas de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple del Hospital Nacional L.N.S.-P.N.P. 2000-2010 / Clinical and radiological characteristics of the patients with multiple sclerosis at the National Hospital L.N.S.-P.N.P. 2000-2010

Introducción: La Esclerosis Múltiple (EM) es la primera causa de discapacidad neurológica en adultos jóvenes. Sobre 1 millón de personas alrededor del mundo están afectadas de EM, las cifras en Perú no son conocidas, se tiene una estimación de prevalencia de aproximadamente 7,4 casos por 100'000 habitantes. Los estudios epidemiológicos en el país son escasos. La investigación sobre esta patología permitirá no sólo mayor conocimientos sino también alcanzar a las personas que lo sufran una mejor oportunidad de llevar un desempeño apropiado en sus actividades de la vida diaria, lo que redunda sobre su calidad de vida. Material y métodos: El presente estudio es un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y de corte transversal. La población de estudio consta de las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes con el diagnóstico de Esclerosis Múltiple en el Hospital Nacional "L.N.S." - P.N.P. en el periodo comprendido entre los años 2000 y 2010. Resultados: Se encontró una predominancia del sexo femenino (52.38 por ciento), con una edad promedio de presentación de 42 años y un rango etario de 24 a 75 años. Las manifestaciones motoras fueron las más frecuentes (80.95 por ciento), seguidas de manifestaciones sensitivas (71.42 por ciento), destacando como tercera manifestación en frecuencia la fatiga (42.85 por ciento). Las características radiológicas mostraron presencia de placas en los hemisferios cerebrales en 100 por ciento de los casos, en tronco en 33.33 por ciento, en cerebelo en 19.04 por ciento y en la médula espinal en el 23.8 por ciento de los casos. Conclusiones: Las características clínicas de los pacientes con Esclerosis Múltiple en nuestro hospital son similares a las descritas por otros autores y en otras regiones. Las características radio lógicas de los pacientes diagnosticados con Esclerosis Múltiple son también similares a las que se describen a nivel mundial por diversos autores.

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the first cause of neurological deterioration in young adults. Over 1 million people around the world are affected with Multiple Sclerosis, in Peru the actual number of people affected is not known. There is an estimation of prevalence of approximately 7,4 cases per 100'000 inhabitants. Epidemiological studies in our country are limited. The investigation about this pathology will provide better understanding of the disease, and also a better opportunity for the patients to have a better performance in everyday activities. Methods: The present is a descriptive, retrospective and transversal study. The study population was the clinical reports of all the patients with the diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis in the National Hospital "L.N.S." - P.N.P. between the years 2000 and 2010. Results: We found a female predominance (52.38 per cent), with an average age of presentation of 42 years old, and a range of 24 to 75 years. The motor manifestations were more frequent (80.95 per cent), followed by sensory manifestations (71.42 per cent), the third clinical manifestation in frequency were fatigue (42.85 per cent). The radiological characteristics show presence of demyelination plaques in brain hemispheres in 100 per cent of cases, in brainstem in 33.33 per cent, in the cerebellum in 19.04 per cent and in the spinal cord in 23.8 per cent of the cases. Conclusions: The clinical characteristics of the patients with Multiple Sclerosis in our hospital are similar to the ones described by others and in other regions. The radiological characteristics of the patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis are also similar to the ones described worldwide by other authors.