Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Arabic version of HIT-6 questionnaire in patients with migraine indicated for preventive therapy: A multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: The Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) is an important patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) in migraine prevention trials. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to (i) assess the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of HIT-6 in Arabic-speaking patients experiencing migraine, and (ii) evaluate the responsiveness of HIT-6 following migraine preventive therapy. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with migraine (n = 145) were requested to fill out a headache diary, the Arabic version of HIT-6, and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) at two time points (baseline and 3 months after initiation of prophylactic treatment). Some respondents (n = 73) were requested to fill out HIT-6 again 1 week from the baseline for test-retest reliability. The intensity of migraine headache attacks was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). An anchor-based method was used to establish the minimal important change (MIC) value and responsiveness of HIT-6. RESULTS: The total scores of HIT-6 were significantly correlated to a fair degree with MIDAS (r = 0.41), as well as VAS (r = 0.53), and monthly migraine days (r = 0.38) at the baseline while at the follow-up (after 3 months), the correlations were of moderate degree with MIDAS scores (r = 0.62) and monthly migraine days (r = 0.60; convergent validity). Reliability estimates of the Arabic HIT-6 were excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.91 at baseline and 0.89 at follow-up). The average measure interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value for the test-retest reliability was 0.96 (95% confidence interval = 0.94-0.98, p < 0.001). The HIT-6 total score is sensitive to change, being significantly reduced after prophylactic treatment compared to before (effect size = 1.5, standardized response mean = 1.3). A reduction from baseline of 4.5 on HIT-6 showed the highest responsiveness to predict improvement with an area under the curve equal to 0.66, sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 45%, and significance at 0.021. Changes in the HIT-6 total score were positively correlated with changes in monthly migraine days (r = 0.40) and VAS scores (r = 0.69) but not with changes in the score of MIDAS (r = 0.07). CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of HIT-6 is valid, reliable, and sensitive to detect clinical changes following migraine prophylactic treatment with a MIC of 4.5 points.

Assessment of amblyopic children undergoing occlusion therapy by pattern visual evoked potentials and contrast sensitivity tests.

Background: Amblyopia is a case where one or less commonly, both eyes have impaired visual performance, even with the best optical correction and no visible disease of the visual system. Objectives: To assess contrast sensitivity tests (CST) and pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEP) results in amblyopic children who have already started occlusion therapy for durations ranging from 6 to 12 months. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 eyes of 50 patients with monocular amblyopia and 50 age and sex matched controls. Both patients and controls underwent ophthalmological assessment, PVEP, and CST. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the results of P100 latencies of qualitative PVEP in amblyopic eyes compared to non-amblyopic eyes and control eyes, while the qualitative CST showed a highly statistically significant difference, being affected in 98% of amblyopic eyes compared to unaffected eyes (4%) and control eyes (4%). The maximum contrast level and minimal contrast level of quantitative CST were significantly lower in amblyopic eyes compared to non-amblyopic and control eyes. The cutoff value of maximal contrast level at mean frequencies of 2.5 ± 0.9 Hz, and a range of (1.1-4.1) for amblyopic eyes is ≤21 dB, while the cutoff value of minimal contrast level at mean frequencies of 13.4 ± 2.6 Hz, and a range of (6.7-18) for amblyopic eyes is ≤12 dB. Conclusion: Detection of amblyopia by CST is a noninvasive and easy procedure, which represents a promising tool to support the diagnosis of amblyopia.

Neurological Manifestations in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients with COVID-19: A Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has reached over 276 million people globally with 5.3 million deaths as of 22nd December 2021. COVID-19-associated acute and long-term neurological manifestations are well recognized. The exact profile and the timing of neurological events in relation to the onset of infection are worth exploring. The aim of the current body of work was to determine the frequency, pattern, and temporal profile of neurological manifestations in a cohort of Egyptian patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted on 582 hospitalized COVID-19 patients within the first two weeks of the diagnosis of COVID-19 to detect any specific or non-specific neurological events. RESULTS: The patients' mean (SD) age was 46.74 (17.26) years, and 340 (58.42%) patients were females. The most commonly encountered COVID-19 symptoms were fever (90.72%), cough (82.99%), and fatigue (76.98%). Neurological events (NE) detected in 283 patients (48.63%) and were significantly associated with a severe COVID-19 at the onset (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 2.18-4.51; p < 0.0001) and with a higher mortality (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.48-5.46; p = 0.019). The most frequently reported NEs were headaches (n = 167) and myalgias (n = 126). Neurological syndromes included stroke (n = 14), encephalitis (n = 12), encephalopathy (n = 11), transverse myelitis (n = 6) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (n = 4). CONCLUSIONS: Neurological involvement is common (48.63%) in COVID-19 patients within the first two weeks of the illness. This includes neurological symptoms such as anosmia, headaches, as well as a constellation of neurological syndromes such as stroke, encephalitis, transverse myelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Severity of acute COVID-19 illness and older age are the main risk factors.

Impact of Ramadan fasting on disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The safety of Ramadan fasting for Muslim patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) is still a matter of debate. This work aimed to study the clinical course of MS during Ramadan fasting and to clarify the predictors of relapses and symptoms exacerbation. METHODS: This retrospective study included 153 Muslim patients with MS. Data related to the disease course before Ramadan were obtained from patients' files, whereas data related to the disease activity during Ramadan, were collected from patients over the two months following Ramadan. RESULTS: Patients with MS who experienced relapses, exacerbation of symptoms and development of new symptoms during Ramadan had a statistically significant longer disease duration compared to those who did not experience (P < 0.001, <0.001, 0.01 respectively). Also, patients who experienced relapses, exacerbation of symptoms and development of new symptoms during Ramadan had a statistically significant higher expanded disability status scale (EDSS) compared to those who did not experience (P <0.001, <0.001,0.01, respectively). The occurrence of relapses, exacerbation of symptoms and development of new symptoms during Ramadan, were significantly higher in patients who experienced relapses in the preceding year compared to those who did not (P= 0.002, 0.002, 0.01, respectively). Binary logistic regression revealed that each score elevation of EDSS increased the odds of relapse during Ramadan by 1.02 (P-value = 0.04). Also, each month's increase in disease duration increased the odds of relapse during Ramadan by 1.87 (P-value = 0.046). CONCLUSION: High EDSS and long disease duration are independent predictors of relapse during Ramadan.

The MuSC-19 study: The Egyptian cohort.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to report the severity of COVID-19 in a cohort of Egyptian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with particular attention on the impact of disease modifying drugs (DMDs). METHODS AND STUDY POPULATION: We included 119 MS patients recruited from two centers, Ain-Shams university and Cairo university with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 during the period from May to September 2020 as a part of the MuSC-19 project. Univariate logistic regression was fitted to assess risk factors for severe COVID-19 (at least one outcome among hospitalization, ICU admission and death). RESULTS: Females were 77%, mean age was 34 years, mean duration of MS was 5.28 years, median EDSS was 3, most of the patients (83%) had RRMS, while 15% and 2% had respectively SPMS and PPMS. Only eleven patients (9% of study population) had a severe outcome and 3 patients (3%) died. Headache was the only symptom significantly associated with the severity of COVID-19 (OR=10.85, P = 0.001). There was no association between any of the DMDs and severe COVID-19 outcome. CONCLUSION: This study showed an acceptable safety profile of DMDs in Egyptian MS patients who developed COVID-19, as 91% of the cohort had a favorable outcome. Headache as a symptom associated with severe outcome in Egyptian patients' needs further validation.

Management Strategies of Patients with Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic Era.

The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health emergency of international concern and has affected management plans of many autoimmune disorders. Immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapies are pivotal in the management of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), potentially placing patients at an increased risk of contracting infections such as COVID-19. The optimal management strategy of NMOSD during the COVID-19 era remains unclear. Here, however, we examined the evidence of NMOSD disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) use during the present period and highlighted different scenarios including treatment of relapses as well as initiation and maintenance of DMTs in order to optimize care of NMOSD patients in the COVID-19 era.

Managing Disease-Modifying Therapies and Breakthrough Activity in Multiple Sclerosis Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Toward an Optimized Approach.

The emergence of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health challenge of global concern since December 2019, when the virus was recognized in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province in China and epicenter of the COVID-19 epidemic. Given the novelty of COVID-19 and the lack of specific anti-virus therapies, the current management is essentially supportive. There is an absence of consensus on guidelines or treatment strategies for complex disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), in which the risk of infections is higher than in the general population. This is due to the overall impairment of the immune system typical of autoimmune diseases, in addition to accumulation of disabilities, and the iatrogenic effect generated by corticosteroids and the recommended disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). DMTs have different modes of action, but all modulate and interfere with the patient's immune response, thereby raising concerns about adverse effects, such as an increased susceptibility to infections. In this review, we analyze the evidence for use of DMTs during the current critical period and ratify an algorithmic approach for management to optimize care between keeping DMTs, with their infection hazards, or coming off them, with the risk of disease activation. We also provide an algorithmic approach to the management of breakthrough activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interferon-Beta-Induced Headache in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Frequency and Characterization.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that interferon-beta (IFN-ß) treatment is associated with headaches in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Headaches can affect quality of life and overall function of patients with MS. We examined the frequency, relationships, patterns, and characteristics of headaches in response to IFN-ß in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a prospective, longitudinal analysis with 1-year follow-up. The study comprised 796 patients with RRMS treated with IFN-ß (mean age 30.84±8.98 years) at 5 tertiary referral center outpatient clinics in Egypt between January 2015 and December 2017. Headaches were diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders ICHD-3 (beta version), and data were collected through an interviewer-administered Arabic-language-validated questionnaire with an addendum specifically designed to investigate the temporal relationship between commencement of interferon treatment, and headache onset and characteristics. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-six patients had pre-existing headaches, and 356 experienced de novo headaches. Of 122 patients who experienced headaches before IFN-ß treatment, 55 reported headaches that worsened following onset of IFN-ß treatment. In patients with post-IFN-ß headaches, 329 had headaches that persisted for >3 months, 51 had chronic headaches, and 278 had episodic headaches, and 216 of these patients required preventive therapies. Univariate analysis showed a >6- and an approximately 5-fold increased risk of headache among those treated with intramuscular (IM) INF-ß-1a (OR 6.51; 95% CI: 3.73-10.01; P-value <0.0001) and 44 µg of SC INF-ß-1a (OR 5.44; 95% CI: 3.15-9.37; P-value <0.0001), respectively, compared with that in patients who received 22 µg of SC INF-ß-1a. CONCLUSION: Interferon-ß therapy aggravated pre-existing headaches and caused primary headaches in patients with MS. Headache risk was greater following treatment with IM INF-ß-1a and 44 µg SC INF-ß-1a.

Timing to start anticoagulants after acute ischemic stroke with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify timing for initiation of anticoagulation therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with non-valvular AF as regards safety and efficacy by detecting the rate of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and recurrent ischemic symptoms (RIS) during follow-up. METHODS: This is a prospective observational cohort study conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University including 120 patients with AIS/TIAs from July 2016 till July 2018. We compared patients who received anticoagulants 1-6 days (Group I (45.83%), 7-14 days, Group II (35%), and > 14 days after the ischemic event (Group III (19.17%). Follow-up was at least 3 months and included identifying ICH or RIS. RESULT: ICH has occurred in 26.67% (n = 32) patients with a highly statistically significant association with time of treatment (P-value = .01) being higher in group I (n = 17) compared to only 1 case in group III. Subgroup analyses on the ICH patients (n = 32) has revealed statistical significant association with higher NIHSS score (P = .001). Also, the type of anticoagulants used between three groups pointed to an association existence (p = .02), however, the direction of this association cannot be determined. There was no statistical significant association between RIS (occurred in 4.16% (n = 5) with time of treatment (P = .754). Functional outcome at 3-6 months measured by mRS did not differ between 3 groups (worst mRS in group I). CONCLUSION: Early initiation of anticoagulation after stroke, especially in cases of large infarction, is associated with significant risk of ICH. This risk is highest with warfarin and lowest with DOAC.

The effect of cortical versus sacral repetitive magnetic stimulation on lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis.

75% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have lower urinary tract symptoms. Moreover, up to 80% of asymptomatic patients show abnormalities on urodynamic examination. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of repetitive magnetic stimulation on the motor cortex versus sacral roots in MS patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). 40 MS patients with LUTD were divided according to urodynamic studies (UDS) into two groups (20 patients each): Group A (overactive bladder) and Group B (underactive bladder). Each group was further subdivided into Subgroup (A-I) and (B-I) which received cortical magnetic stimulation and Subgroup (A-II) and (B-II) which received sacral magnetic stimulation. UDS, pelvic ultrasound as well as Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) questionnaire were compared before and after magnetic stimulation sessions in each group as well as between groups. UDS showed significant reduction in bladder capacity, improvement in bladder contractility in all groups and subgroups. Moreover, it showed improvement of urine flow rate only in Group B. Reduction of post-void residual urine was noted in all subgroups except in (Group A-II). I-QOL questionnaire showed improvement in patients with underactive bladder only. Intergroup comparison between A and B showed no difference. Cortical as well as sacral magnetic stimulation showed significant effect on lower urinary tract dysfunction that led to improvement in symptoms in MS patients with underactive bladder, rather than those with overactive bladder.

High prevalence of obesity among infants presenting with intussusception: Findings in an Egyptian cohort.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Intussusception is a life-threatening illness, with incompletely understood aetiology, although some predisposing factors are known. Intussusception frequently occurs in well-nourished chubby infants. We aimed to determine whether patients presenting with intussusception have a high prevalence of obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted in 100 infants presenting with intussusception aged ≤2 years at the Paediatric Surgery Department. Anthropometric measures, history of recent upper respiratory tract infection, timing and type of intervention were recorded. A near median split divided the population into younger (aged < 8 months, N = 47) and older (8-24 months, N = 53) groups. Obesity was defined as having a body weight for length ≥ 97.7th centile on WHO growth charts. RESULTS: The study comprised 58 boys and 42 girls, 31% of whom had upper respiratory infection in the preceding month. Obesity was present in 18% of patients, based on WHO growth charts. There was a trend towards higher percentage of obese infants within the younger (25%) compared to older age groups (12%, P = 0.085), but no gender difference. Obesity did not influence the rate of success of hydrostatic reduction. Based on Egypt-specific growth charts, the percentage of infants with a weight-for-age centile ≥ 85th was 42%, of whom 7% were ≥ 97.7th centile. The corresponding percentages for the weight-for-length were 29% and 15% of patients respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of obesity in infants presenting with intussusception, particularly under 8 months of age. The mechanistic link between obesity and the pathogenesis of intussusception deserves investigation.

Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis in Egypt: a multi-center registry of 186 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Although the frequency of pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) has increased in recent decades, it is still highly uncommon, which creates a need for the involvement of more registries from various clinical centers. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the demographic, clinical, and paraclinical features of Egyptian patients with POMS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review study was undertaken on 237 Egyptian patients with demyelinating events which started before the age of 18 years who attended one of five tertiary referral centers in Cairo, Egypt. RESULTS: Multiple sclerosis was diagnosed in 186 patients, 47 (25.27%) patients had disease onset before the age of 12 years; "early-onset pediatric multiple sclerosis (EOPMS)". The mean age of disease onset was (14.13±2.49 years), with a female:male ratio of 1.62:1, none of the enrolled patients had a primary progressive course (PPMS), whereas 10 patients (5.38%) had a secondary progressive form. Approximately two-thirds of the patients had monofocal disease onset, and less than 10% presented with encephalopathy; most of them had EOPMS. Motor weakness was the presenting symptom in half of the patients, whereas cerebellar presentation was detected in 34.95%, mainly in EOPMS. Seizures (not related to encephalopathy) were more frequent in those with EOPMS. Initial brain magnetic resonance images were positive in all patients, with detected atypical lesions in 29.03%, enhanced lesions in 35.48%, black holes in 13.98%, and infratentorial in 34.41%. Cervical cord involvement was found in 68.28%. More than two-thirds of the patients received either immunomodulatory or immunosuppressant (IS) treatment throughout their disease course, and about half of them received their treatment within the first year from symptoms onset, with a more favorable outcome, and patients with highly active disease received natalizumab, fingolimod, or other IS. CONCLUSION: The results from this registry - the largest for MS in the Arab region to date - are comparable to other registries. Immunomodulatory therapies in POMS are well tolerated and efficacious and they can improve the long-term outcome in children.

Postepidural Spinal Intradural Arachnoid Cyst: A Rare Case Report.

Compression of the neural structures in spine by an intradural arachnoid cyst is a rare entity. At times such a cyst is an incidental finding. Spinal epidural injection is one of the few rare etiological factors for its development. Symptomatic cysts can present with variable neurological manifestations depending on the spinal level involved. This includes back pain, lower limb weakness, and sphincteric dysfunction. If asymptomatic, they can be followed radiologically. Surgical decompression along with a histological diagnosis is reserved for cysts that are enlarging, symptomatic or the ones for whom the diagnosis is uncertain. Incomplete excision of cyst wall or simple fenestration and decompression mandates close follow-up, clinically and radiologically for further recurrences.

Characteristics and predictors of progression in an Egyptian multiple sclerosis cohort: a multicenter registry study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune disease with a heterogeneous presentation and diverse disease course. Recent studies indicate a rising prevalence of MS in the Middle East. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the demographics and disease features of Egyptian patients attending four tertiary referral MS centers in Cairo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study on 1,581 patients between 2001 and 2015. Medical records were reviewed and data were identified and extracted in a standardized electronic registry. RESULTS: The mean age of disease onset was 26.6±7.8 years, with the majority being female (2.11:1). Relapsing-remitting MS was the most common type (75.1%). The main presenting symptom was motor weakness (43.9%), which was also the most frequent symptom during the disease course. Family history of MS was found in 2.28%. Higher initial Expanded Disability Status Scale score, black holes, and infratentorial lesions on initial magnetic resonance imaging were independent factors for disease progression by univariate analysis (OR 3.87 [95% CI 1.84-6.51], 4.14 [95% CI 3.08-5.58], 4.07 [95% CI 3.21-4.99], respectively); however, in multivariate analysis, only infratentorial lesions were an independent risk for disease progression (OR 6, 95% CI 2.99-12.02; P=0.0005). CONCLUSION: The results from this registry - the largest for MS in the Arab region to date - are comparable to other registries with slight differences.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Antimicrobial Therapy and Resistance Among Physicians in Alexandria University Teaching Hospitals and the Associated Prescription Habits.

Irresponsible prescription of antimicrobials (AMs) is the driving factor for the growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. In this study, we assessed the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs regarding AMs and AMR together with the prescription habits of physicians in three University hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt. A 40-question survey was used. Physicians were stratified into residents and practicing staff members, and further into various departments. Clinical pharmacists at the University main hospital were included for comparative purposes. A total of 319 questionnaires were completed (response rate = 91.4%). Participants demonstrated fair average knowledge about AMs (4.71 ± 1.29 out of 7), with no significant difference between residents and staff members, whereas clinical pharmacists scored significantly higher on knowledge questions (p < 0.005). Participants showed poor awareness regarding local AMR patterns of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13% and 23%, respectively). AMR was perceived as a global (95%), national (97%), and local (85%) problem. High confidence regarding use of AMs was noticed with significantly higher levels among staff members (70.3% vs. 86.7%, p < 0.05). Most participants agreed that the patients' demands (78.5%) and socioeconomic statuses (76.3%) do influence their choices. The most significant knowledge deficit was regarding dosage adjustment in renal patients, and the survey highlighted poor engagement in educational activities, limited awareness of local resistance patterns, and neglect in explaining the side-effects to patients. Patients' demands and socioeconomic statuses were also shown to influence the physicians' decisions.

Motor cortex rTMS improves dexterity in relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

The motor cortex (MC) receives an excitatory input from the cerebellum which is reduced in patients with cerebellar lesions. High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) induces cortical facilitation which can counteract the reduced cerebellar drive to the MC. Our study included 24 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) patients with dysmetria. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A received two sessions of real MC rTMS and Group B received one session of real rTMS and one session of sham rTMS. Ten healthy volunteers formed group C. Evaluation was carried out using the nine-hole pegboard task and the cerebellar functional system score (FSS) of the expanded disability status scale (EDSS). Group A patients showed a significant improvement in the time required to finish the pegboard task (P = 0.002) and in their cerebellar FSS (P = 0.000) directly after the second session and 1 month later. The RRMS patients showed more improvement than the SPMS patients. Group B patients did not show any improvement in the pegboard task or the cerebellar FSS. These results indicate that MC rTMS can be a promising option in treating both RRMS or SPMS patients with cerebellar impairment and that its effect can be long-lasting.

Role of serum TRAIL level and TRAIL apoptosis gene expression in multiple sclerosis and relation to brain atrophy.

One of the presumed pathological mechanisms of multiple sclerosis (MS) is the failure of apoptosis of autoreactive T lymphocytes. This study aimed to determine the relationship of the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) mRNA gene expression ratio and serum TRAIL levels with MS and brain atrophy. This study was conducted on 53 relapsing-remitting Egyptian MS patients and 25 matched healthy volunteers. The expression of TRAIL in peripheral blood lymphocytes was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, serum levels of soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and brain MRI measured "black holes" and the bicaudate ratio as a measure of brain atrophy in all patients. The serum TRAIL level was lower in MS patients compared to controls but no difference was seen in the TRAIL mRNA gene expression ratio. No significant correlation was detected between the serum TRAIL level and the TRAIL mRNA expression ratio in either group. No statistically significant correlation was found between serum TRAIL levels or the TRAIL mRNA expression ratio with the number of black holes or the bicaudate ratio on MRI. Apoptosis of T lymphocytes is decreased in MS patients, which could be useful when designing treatments. There was no difference in the TRAIL mRNA gene expression ratio between MS patients and controls.

Sleep-related breathing disorders in cerebrovascular stroke and transient ischemic attacks: a comparative study.

Sleep-related breathing disorders are said to be common in patients with established cerebrovascular accidents. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and characteristics of sleep-related breathing disorders in ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks. All patients were subjected to neurologic assessment, Berlin questionnaire (Arabic version), brain computed tomographic scan, and polysomnography along 6 to 8 hours overnight with special emphasis to apnea/hypopnea indices. All assessments were done for 30 patients who had stroke and transient ischemic attacks as well as 20 age- and sex-matched controls. Overall, 13.3% of patients had mild sleep apnea (apnea/hypopnea index, >5), 13.3% had moderate sleep apnea (apnea/hypopnea index, >15), and 34% had severe sleep apnea (apnea/hypopnea index, >30). The sensitivity and specificity of Berlin questionnaire for obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis were 55% and 100%, respectively, for mild sleep apnea, 56.3% and 85.7% for moderate sleep apnea, 66.7% and 83.3% for severe condition. Berlin questionnaire is a moderate sensitive but highly specific screening test for sleep apnea in cerebrovascular diseases. Those who scored high risk should consider polysomnography to specify the type and severity of apnea.

Role of interleukin 6 and alpha-globulins in differentiating Alzheimer and vascular dementias.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory mechanisms and immune activation have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of age-associated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. PURPOSE: The evaluation of inflammatory markers in patients with dementia, and to determine whether these markers can be used to differentiate between vascular dementia (VD) and Alzheimer's dementia (AD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty demented patients (10 AD and 10 VD) and 20 non-demented controls were subjected to clinical evaluation, MRI brain scans and laboratory tests, including interleukin (IL) 6, C-reactive protein and serum protein electrophoresis. RESULTS: The results of this study revealed that serum levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein were significantly elevated among patients with both types of dementia compared to normal elderly subjects. Although the mean IL-6 level was higher in patients with AD compared to patients with VD, this difference was not significant. The cutoff value at which the serum level of IL-6 gave maximum sensitivity and specificity was 14.25 pg/ml. Moreover, α1- and α2-globulins were able to discriminate between AD and VD (being significantly higher in AD). CONCLUSION: IL-6 levels could be used to differentiate dementia from normal aging. Moreover, α1- and α2-globulins could differentiate between AD and VD. It can be concluded that inflammation plays an important role in both types of dementia.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha gene -376 polymorphism and susceptibility to multiple sclerosis: an Egyptian study.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha, a proinflammatory cytokine, plays an important role in the clinical activity of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and the development of progression. Dysregulation in the expression of tumor necrosis factor gene had been suggested in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between tumor necrosis factor α-376 polymorphism with disease susceptibility and course of multiple sclerosis in Egyptian patients. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism were carried out on 36 primary progressive multiple sclerosis patients, 36 age- and sex-matched remitting relapsing multiple sclerosis patients (diagnosed according to McDonald's Diagnostic criteria) and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The GG genotype and the guanine allele (G) were detected significantly more often in the primary progressive (p = 0.02; p = 0.004, respectively) and remitting relapsing (p = 0.015; p = 0.024, respectively) multiple sclerosis groups as compared with the healthy control group. The G allele in the examined position in tumor necrosis factor alpha might have a role as regards susceptibility in both remitting relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis.