Outcome of COVID-19-Associated Acute Stroke: A Study from South India.

Background and Objective: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection is prevalent worldwide. COVID-19 infection can lead to various neurological disorders including acute stroke. We investigated the functional outcome and its determinants among our patients with acute stroke associated with COVID-19 infection in the present setup. Materials and Methods: This study is a prospective study in which we recruited acute stroke patients with COVID-19 positivity. Data on duration of COVID-19 symptoms and type of acute stroke were recorded. All patients underwent stroke subtype workup and measurement of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin, interleukin-6, and ferritin levels. Poor functional outcome was defined by modified Rankin score (mRS) ≥3 at 90 days. Results: During the study period, 610 patients were admitted for acute stroke, of whom 110 (18%) tested positive for COVID-19 infection. Majority (72.7%) were men with a mean age of 56.5 years and mean duration of COVID-19 symptoms for 6.9 days. Acute ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were observed in 85.5% and 14.5% patients, respectively. Poor outcome was observed in 52.7%, including in-hospital mortality in 24.5% patients. COVID-19 symptoms ≤5 days (odds ratio [OR]: 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-2.99), CRP positivity (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.41-4.87), elevated levels of D-dimer (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.51-5.61), interleukin-6 (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.04-4.74), and serum ferritin (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.02-6.07), and cycle threshold (Ct) value ≤25 (OR: 8.8, 95% CI: 6.52-12.21) were independent predictors of poor outcome. Conclusion: Poor outcomes were relatively higher among acute stroke patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection. In the present study, we established the independent predictors of poor outcome to be onset of COVID-19 symptoms (<5 days) and elevated levels of CRP, D-dimer, interleukin-6, ferritin, and Ct value ≤25 in acute stroke.

Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease Presenting as Intracranial Hypertension: A Case Report.

The production of autoantibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) can cause a spectrum of autoimmune disorders, including optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, brainstem encephalitis, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. In this study, we present the case of a 19-year-old woman with an unusual clinical presentation of intracranial hypertension (IH) and bilateral papilledema. The patient presented with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, which followed a relapsing, remitting course over several months. Serial CSF studies showed an increased opening pressure during clinical relapses. The CSF and serum tested positive for MOG immunoglobulin G antibodies. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the brain showed mild meningeal enhancement in the left parietal region with subtle underlying cortical hyperintensities, indicating possible fluid-attenuated inversion recovery variable unilateral enhancement of the leptomeninges. The patient responded well to immunosuppressive therapy using rituximab. The presentation of MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) as IH without optic neuritis is rare. This report presents the first description of a relapsing remitting course presenting each time with only symptoms of raised intracranial pressure, without developing any typical clinical manifestations of MOGAD.

The Spectrum of Neuro-COVID: A Study of a Comprehensively Investigated Large Cohort from India.

Background: Though reports of neurological manifestations of COVID-19 have emerged from various parts of the world, the cohorts reported are from the West and mostly derived from electronic databases. Much remains unknown regarding neuro-COVID in developing countries. India is the second-worst affected country, and this study reports the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in a comprehensively evaluated cohort. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the range of neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in India with an emphasis on the risk factors, laboratory and imaging findings and short-term outcome. Methods: Retrospective review of hospital records of all confirmed COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations, receiving inpatient care in two neurology referral hospitals were done. All demographic, clinical details, investigations, and treatment were analysed. Results: A total of 120 confirmed COVID-19 cases presenting with neurological symptoms were included. The mean age of illness and duration of illness was 48.03 ± 17.3 years and 10.9 ± 17.3 days respectively. New onset of neurological symptoms occurred in 100 cases while 20 patients had worsening of pre-existing neurological illness. Stroke was the commonest neurological disorder (43%), followed by encephalopathy (23%) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (10%). Other unusual neurological manifestations included new-onset headache (7%), seizures including denovo status epilepticus (5%) and meningo-encephalitis (5%). Nearly half of the patients had preceding COVID-19 symptoms. Poor outcome at discharge was seen in 40% and mortality occurred in 15%. Conclusion: Stroke and encephalopathy constitute the most common neurological manifestations. The absence of preceding COVID-19 symptoms in nearly half the cases is striking. Poor outcome was seen in nearly 50% despite early recognition and management.

Role of Autoantibodies in Neurodegenerative Dementia: An Emerging Association.

OBJECTIVE: In the background of an emerging role for immune dysregulation in neurodegenerative dementias, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between systemic autoimmunity and dementia. The objective was to study the frequency and profile of disease-specific autoantibodies in Alzheimer's dementia (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). METHODS: Immunological testing was performed in a large cohort of neurodegenerative dementia diagnosed based on standard clinical and imaging criteria. Patients were evaluated for the presence of autoantibodies specific for systemic autoimmune diseases that included anti-extractable nuclear antibody profile, rheumatoid factor antibody (RA), perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p-ANCA), and cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA) in serum. RESULTS: Of 174 patients with degenerative dementia (FTD = 114, AD = 53, and DLB = 7) evaluated with immunological testing, 18.9% (n = 33) were seropositive for autoantibodies. The common antibodies detected were anti-Scl-70 (25%), anti-Ro-52 (18.7%), anti-nRNP-Sm (12.5%), and anti-CENP-B (9.3%). There were no significant systemic complaints in the majority of patients. A wider range of antibodies were positive in FTD compared to AD and DLB. While no difference was observed in the mean age, sex, or duration of illness between seropositive and negative patients, family history of dementia was more frequent among seronegative patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate an emerging role for immune dysregulation in patients with classical neurodegenerative dementias, especially those with FTD. These autoantibodies could play a role in immune degradation of protein aggregates that characterize neurodegeneration. Study findings emphasize the need to explore the complex relationship between systemic autoimmunity and neurodegenerative dementia.

Association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with primary hypertension: a study from south India.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Recent studies have identified an association between low vitamin D levels and hypertension. We investigated the association between vitamin D levels and hypertension in the general population. We recruited 400 hypertensive subjects and compared them with 400 age- and sex-matched normotensive subjects. This study was carried out at Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad, India from January 2015 to December 2017. Both groups underwent risk factor evaluation, estimation of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and liver function tests. Out of the 400 hypertensive subjects, 164 (40.2%) had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency, compared with 111 (27.7%) normotensive subjects (p = 0.0001). Deficiency of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in hypertensive subjects was significantly associated with CRP positivity, low levels of mean serum calcium, low levels of mean serum phosphorous, high levels of mean alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.0001), and abnormal alanine transaminase (ALT) (p = 0.0015) compared with the same parameters in the normotensive subjects. After adjustment in the multiple logistic regression analysis, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency (odds: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.31-2.41), CRP positivity (odds: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.48-2.32) and abnormal ALT (odds: 1.2; 95% CI: 0.98-1.94) were significantly associated with hypertension. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with hypertension.

Successful Use of Ketamine for Burst Suppression in Super Refractory Status Epilepticus Following Substance Abuse.

Status epilepticus is frequently encountered in neuro Intensive Care Units. It is a medical emergency and if not treated promptly can lead to severe brain damage and even death. Here, we present the case of a 18-year-old male with uncontrolled and unrelenting seizures with a rare etiology requiring ketamine infusion for burst suppression as it was resistant to thiopentone and midazolam infusions. The management of this case is presented in detail.

Association of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency in Pediatric Epileptic Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder requiring long-term therapy using antiepileptic medications. Reports have incriminated long-term antiepileptic drugs use in deficiency of vitamin D and bone diseases in all age groups. We aimed to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and pediatric epilepsy in Indian patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: We prospectively recruited 100 pediatric epilepsy patients, on monotherapy for minimum one-year duration, and 50 age and sex matched controls. This study was carried out at Yashoda Hospital, India from 2011-2014. All cases and controls underwent tests for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, alkaline phosphatase, serum calcium and phosphorus levels. RESULTS: Patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency were significantly higher among cases (45%) than controls (24%). Mean alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in cases and mean serum calcium was significantly lower (8.3±1.5) in cases. Amongst antiepileptic drugs, carbamazepine and sodium valproate were significantly associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency. Risk of vitamin D deficiency was highest with sodium valproate usage (odds:4.0;95%CI 1.4-11.6) followed by carbamazepine use (odds: 2.7; 95%CI 1.0-6.8). After adjustment using multiple logistic regression, antiepileptic drugs showed independent association with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency (odds:2.2;95%CI 0.9-4.5). CONCLUSION: 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with use of carbamazepine and sodium valproate in pediatric epilepsy.

Bilingualism delays the onset of behavioral but not aphasic forms of frontotemporal dementia.

Bilingualism has been found to delay onset of dementia and this has been attributed to an advantage in executive control in bilinguals. However, the relationship between bilingualism and cognition is complex, with costs as well as benefits to language functions. To further explore the cognitive consequences of bilingualism, the study used Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) syndromes, to examine whether bilingualism modifies the age at onset of behavioral and language variants of Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) differently. Case records of 193 patients presenting with FTD (121 of them bilingual) were examined and the age at onset of the first symptoms were compared between monolinguals and bilinguals. A significant effect of bilingualism delaying the age at onset of dementia was found in behavioral variant FTD (5.7 years) but not in progressive nonfluent aphasia (0.7 years), semantic dementia (0.5 years), corticobasal syndrome (0.4 years), progressive supranuclear palsy (4.3 years) and FTD-motor neuron disease (3 years). On dividing all patients predominantly behavioral and predominantly aphasic groups, age at onset in the bilingual behavioral group (62.6) was over 6 years higher than in the monolingual patients (56.5, p=0.006), while there was no difference in the aphasic FTD group (60.9 vs. 60.6 years, p=0.851). The bilingual effect on age of bvFTD onset was shown independently of other potential confounding factors such as education, gender, occupation, and urban vs rural dwelling of subjects. To conclude, bilingualism delays the age at onset in the behavioral but not in the aphasic variants of FTD. The results are in line with similar findings based on research in stroke and with the current views of the interaction between bilingualism and cognition, pointing to advantages in executive functions and disadvantages in lexical tasks.

Association Between Chlamydia pneumoniae and Migraine: A Study from a Tertiary Center in India.

AIMS: To investigate the association between circulating Chlamydia pneumoniae (C pneumoniae) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody and migraine in Indian patients. METHODS: A total of 300 migraine patients and 150 age-matched and sex-matched controls were recruited from the Department of Neurology at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad, India, during the study period between August 2011 and July 2013. All patients and controls were assessed for the presence of the C pneumoniae IgG antibody and also C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as for depression, which was assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). RESULTS: Of the patients with migraine, 69% were female and the mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 45.8 ± 4.8 years (range 18 to 62 years). The C pneumoniae IgG antibody was present in 151 of the patients (50.3%; P < .0001), CRP in 180 (60%; P < .0001), depression in 270 (90%; P < .0001), and history of sleep disturbances in 70 (23.3%; P < .0001); all measurements were significantly higher in migraine patients compared with controls. After adjustment for multiple logistic regression analyses, C pneumoniae IgG antibody positivity (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3 to 3.7), CRP positivity (OR 6.2; 95% CI = 3.3 to 11.6), mild depression (OR 16.9; 95% CI = 6.5 to 39.4), and history of sleep disturbance (OR 2.1; 95% CI = 1.1 to 3.1) were independently associated with migraine. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the presence of C pneumoniae IgG antibody was independently associated with migraine in Indian patients.

Impact of Bilingualism on Cognitive Outcome After Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bilingualism has been associated with slower cognitive aging and a later onset of dementia. In this study, we aimed to determine whether bilingualism also influences cognitive outcome after stroke. METHODS: We examined 608 patients with ischemic stroke from a large stroke registry and studied the role of bilingualism in predicting poststroke cognitive impairment in the absence of dementia. RESULTS: A larger proportion of bilinguals had normal cognition compared with monolinguals (40.5% versus 19.6%; P<0.0001), whereas the reverse was noted in patients with cognitive impairment, including vascular dementia and vascular mild cognitive impairment (monolinguals 77.7% versus bilinguals 49.0%; P<0.0009). There were no differences in the frequency of aphasia (monolinguals 11.8% versus bilinguals 10.5%; P=0.354). Bilingualism was found to be an independent predictor of poststroke cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that bilingualism leads to a better cognitive outcome after stroke, possibly by enhancing cognitive reserve.

Outcome of acute ischemic stroke after intra-arterial thrombolysis: A study from India.

Background: Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the currently standard treatment of acute ischemic stroke within 4.5 hours of the onset of stroke. Recent studies have looked at the benefits of administration of intra-arterial (IA) rt-PA within 8 hours onset of symptoms. Our objective was to assess the outcome of stroke after administration of IA rt-PA in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We recruited 10 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with onset of stroke from 4.5 hours to 6.5 hours. The present study was conducted at Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad, India, between January 2008 and December 2013. All patients underwent stroke subtyping and were administered rt-PA. We measured the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score after thrombolysis and functional outcomes at time of admission, after 24 hours, 30, 60, and 90 days. A good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 after 90 days. Results: Out of 10 patients 9 were men, mean age 56.3 ± 1.8 years and age range from 35-68 years. On stroke subtyping, 6 (60%) patients had large artery atherosclerosis, 3 (30%) had a stroke of indeterminate etiology and 1 (10%) had a stroke of other etiologies. Mean time of recanalization was 6.2 ± 0.5 hours, 7 (70%) patients showed major neurological improvement with a mRS score of ≤ 2 at 90 days and one patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Our study established good outcome at 90 days after administration of IA thrombolysis rt-PA in acute ischemic stroke.

The Indian consensus guidance on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: An emphasis on practical use of nonvitamin K oral anticoagulants.

The last ten years have seen rapid strides in the evolution of nonvitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). For the preparation of this consensus, a comprehensive literature search was performed and data on available trials, subpopulation analyses, and case reports were analyzed. This Indian consensus document intends to provide guidance on selecting the right NOAC for the right patients by formulating expert opinions based on the available trials and Asian/Indian subpopulation analyses of these trials. A section has been dedicated to the current evidence of NOACs in the Asian population. Practical suggestions have been formulated in the following clinical situations: (i) Dose recommendations of the NOACs in different clinical scenarios; (ii) NOACs in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD); (iii) Monitoring anticoagulant effect of the NOACs; (iv) Overdose of NOACs; (v) Antidotes to NOACs; (vi) Treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with AF using NOACs; (vii) NOACs dose in elderly, (viii) Switching between NOACs and vitamin K antagonists (VKA); (ix) Cardioversion or ablation in NOAC-treated patients; (x) Planned/emergency surgical interventions in patients currently on NOACs; (xi) Management of bleeding complications of NOACs; (xii) Management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in AF with NOACs; (xiii) Management of acute ischemic stroke while on NOACs.

Association of plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels in acute ischemic stroke subtypes and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is believed to be a diagnostic marker for cardiovascular diseases, including atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent studies have incriminated BNP as a marker of cardioembolic stroke. We aimed at investigating association of plasma BNP levels in acute ischemic stroke subtypes and their outcome in Indian patients. METHODS: We recruited 270 acute ischemic stroke patients within 48 hours of symptom onset and compared with 110 age- and sex-matched control subjects. This study was carried out at Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad, India between April 2011 and March 2013. Serum BNP levels were estimated in stroke patients and control subjects. Good functional outcome at 3 months was defined as modified Rankin score (mRS) 2 or less. RESULTS: Elevated BNP levels was significantly more in patients with acute ischemic stroke patients 119 (44%) compared with controls 4 (3.6%; P < .0001). Among stroke subtypes, elevated BNP levels were observed in 75% of cardioembolic strokes, 45.8% of small artery disease, 43.1% of larger artery atherosclerosis, and 34.5% of stroke of undetermined etiology. On multiple logistic regression analysis, elevated BNP levels were significantly associated with acute ischemic stroke (odds ratio [OR], 13.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.1-15.4). Among stroke subtypes, significant association was seen with cardioembolic stroke (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.2-7.2). Elevated BNP levels were independently associated with poor outcome (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2-13.7; P < .0001) and higher mortality (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2-13.7; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated BNP level is an independent marker for cardioembolic stroke and poor outcome at 90 days follow-up. No significant association was seen with other stroke subtypes.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d deficiency in ischemic stroke and subtypes in Indian patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vitamin D deficiency is common across all age groups and may contribute to cardiovascular diseases. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency causing ischemic stroke has been documented in recent reports. AIM: To investigate the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency with ischemic stroke and subtypes. METHODS: We recruited 250 consecutive ischemic stroke patients and 250 age and sex matched controls attending the Department of Neurology, at Yashoda hospital, Hyderabad, India, from January 2011 to December 2012. All ischemic stroke patients underwent stroke subtyping. We measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D by chemiluminescence test, serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in cases and controls. RESULTS: Out of 250 stroke patients, 190 (76%) were men and mean age was 58.4±11.1 years (age range-26-89 years). 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was observed in 122 (48.8%) stroke patients and 79 (31.6%) controls (P=0.001). Among stroke patients, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was found in 54.9% (50/91) of patients with large artery atherosclerosis, 54% (20/37) in cardioembolic stroke, 44.4% (20/45) in small artery diseases, 42.8% (15/35) in stroke of other determined etiology and 40.4% (17/42) in stroke of un-determined etiology. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an independent association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency with ischemic stroke (odds ratio: 1.6; 95% CI 1.2-2.8). The association was strongest with large artery atherosclerosis (odds ratio: 2.4; 95% CI 1.6-3.5) and cardioembolic stroke (odds ratio: 2.0; 95% CI 1.0-3.2). CONCLUSIONS: We found that 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency had an independent association with ischemic stroke. The association was established in large artery arthrosclerosis and cardioembolic stroke.

Dementia in developing countries: Does education play the same role in India as in the West?

Evidence suggests that education protects from dementia by enhancing cognitive reserve. However, this may be influenced by several socio-demographic factors. Rising numbers of dementia in India, high levels of illiteracy and heterogeneity in socio-demographic factors provide an opportunity to explore this relationship. OBJECTIVE: To study the association between education and age at dementia onset, in relation to socio-demographic factors. METHODS: Association between age at dementia onset and literacy was studied in relationship to potential confounding factors such as gender, bilingualism, place of dwelling, occupation, vascular risk factors, stroke, family history of dementia and dementia subtypes. RESULTS: Case records of 648 dementia patients diagnosed in a specialist clinic in a University hospital in Hyderabad, India were examined. All patients were prospectively enrolled as part of an ongoing longitudinal project that aims to evaluate dementia subjects with detailed clinical, etiological, imaging, and follow-up studies. Of the 648 patients, 98 (15.1%) were illiterate. More than half of illiterate skilled workers were engaged in crafts and skilled agriculture unlike literates who were in trade or clerical jobs. Mean age at onset in illiterates was 60.1 years and in literates 64.5 years (p=0.0002). Factors independently associated with age at dementia onset were bilingualism, rural dwelling and stroke, but not education. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that in India, rural dwelling, bilingualism, stroke and occupation modify the relationship between education and dementia.

Evidências sugerem que a educação protége de demência pelo fortalecimento da reserva cognitiva. Todavia, pode ser influenciado por vários fatores socioeconômicos. O aumento no número de demência na Índia, altos índices de analfabetismo e heterogeneidade de fatores sociodemográficos fornecem uma oportunidade para explorar estas relações. OBJETIVO: Estudar a associação entre educação e idade no início da demência em relação aos fatores sociodemográficos. MÉTODOS: A associação entre idade de início da demência e alfabetismo foi estudado em relação aos potenciais fatores confundidores, como gênero, bilinguismo, local de moradia, ocupação, fatores de risco vasculares, acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), história familiar de demência e subtipos de demência. RESULTADOS: Arquivos de 648 pacientes com demência, diagnosticados numa clínica especializada no Hospital Universitário em Hyderabad, foram avaliados. Todos os pacientes foram prospectivamente incluídos num projeto de acompanhamento longitudinal cujo objetivo é avaliar indivíduos com demência através de estudo de detalhado de acompanhamento clínico, etiológico e de imagem. Dos 648 pacientes, 98 (15%) eram analfabetos. Mais da metade dos analfabetos estavam envolvidos em trabalhos manuais ao contrário dos alfabetizados, envolvidos em comércio ou escritórios. A idade média de início em analfabetos foi de 60,1 anos e entre alfabetizados 64,5 anos de idade (p=0,0002). Os fatores independentemente associados à idade de início da demência foram bilinguismo, AVC, moradia rural, mas não educação. CONCLUSÃO: Nosso estudo demonstra que na Índia, moradia rural, bilinguismo, AVC e ocupação modificam a relação entre educação e demência.

Bilingualism delays age at onset of dementia, independent of education and immigration status.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine the association between bilingualism and age at onset of dementia and its subtypes, taking into account potential confounding factors. METHODS: Case records of 648 patients with dementia (391 of them bilingual) diagnosed in a specialist clinic were reviewed. The age at onset of first symptoms was compared between monolingual and bilingual groups. The influence of number of languages spoken, education, occupation, and other potentially interacting variables was examined. RESULTS: Overall, bilingual patients developed dementia 4.5 years later than the monolingual ones. A significant difference in age at onset was found across Alzheimer disease dementia as well as frontotemporal dementia and vascular dementia, and was also observed in illiterate patients. There was no additional benefit to speaking more than 2 languages. The bilingual effect on age at dementia onset was shown independently of other potential confounding factors such as education, sex, occupation, and urban vs rural dwelling of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study so far documenting a delayed onset of dementia in bilingual patients and the first one to show it separately in different dementia subtypes. It is the first study reporting a bilingual advantage in those who are illiterate, suggesting that education is not a sufficient explanation for the observed difference. The findings are interpreted in the context of the bilingual advantages in attention and executive functions.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in Acute Ischemic Stroke and subtypes: A study from a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a heterogeneous disease with several risk factors. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that high hsCRP level is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. The objective of our study was to investigate the association of high hsCRP (> 3 mg/L) levels with ischemic stroke and its subtypes in Indian patients. METHODS: We recruited 210 consecutive acute stroke patients and 150 age and sex matched controls. Stroke patients were admitted within 72 hours of onset, at Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad, India. The study period was from January 2011 to December 2012. All patients underwent tests as per standard protocol for stroke workup. Serum hsCRP level was assessed in all stroke patients and controls on the day of admission. RESULTS: The mean hsCRP was significantly higher in stroke patients (3.8 ± 2.5) than controls (1.8 ± 1.5) (P < 0.001). High hsCRP had higher frequency in stroke patients 130 (61.9%) compared to controls 10 (6.6%), P < 0.001. High hsCRP level was more prevalent in the stroke subtypes of cardioembolic stroke (83.3%) and large artery atherosclerosis (72%). High hsCRP level was significantly associated with hypercholesterolemia (P = 0.001), age (P = 0.01), and mortality (0.04). After adjustment of regression analysis it was observed that high level hsCRP is independently associated with acute ischemic stroke (Odds 4.5; 95% CI: 2.5-12.2); especially the stroke subtypes of cardioembolic stroke, (odds ratio 3.4, 95% CI: 1.9-10.5) and large artery atherosclerosis (odds ratio 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-3.8). CONCLUSION: High hsCRP level is strongly associated with and an independent predictor of acute ischemic stroke. The association was found in all ischemic stroke subtypes.

Deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin d and dyslipidemia in Indian subjects.

Background. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread throughout the world. Several reports have incriminated vitamin D deficiency as the cause of rickets, osteomalacia, and other chronic diseases. Recent studies have suggested a possible link between deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and dyslipidemia. Aim. To investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and dyslipidemia in Indian subjects. Methodology. We recruited 150 asymptomatic consecutive subjects from patients' attendees at the Departments of Neurology and Medicine in Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad, India. Study period was from October 2011 to March 2012. All subjects underwent 25-hydroxyvitamin D assay by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, fasting blood sugar and lipid profile, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results. Out of 150 subjects, men were 82 (54.6%), and mean age was 49.4 (±15.6) years. Among risk factors, hypertension was noted in 63/150 (42%), 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in 59/150 (39.3%), diabetes in 45/150 (30%), dyslipidemia in 60 (40%), smoking in 35/150 (23.3%), and alcoholism in 27/150 (18%). Deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly associated with dyslipidemia (P = 0.0001), mean serum glucose (P = 0.0002) mean CRP (P = 0.04), and mean alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was independently associated with dyslipidemia (odds ratio: 1.9; 95% CI : 1.1-3.5). Conclusions. We found that deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was independently associated with dyslipidemia in Indian subjects.

Molecular analysis of CAG repeats at five different spinocerebellar ataxia loci: correlation and alternative explanations for disease pathogenesis.

Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are caused by expansion of (CAG)n triplet repeats. These repeats occur as polymorphic forms in general population; however, beyond a threshold size they become pathogenic. The sizes and distributions of repeats at the SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA7 and DRPLA loci were assessed by molecular analysis of 124 unrelated ataxia patients and 44 controls, and the association of larger normal (LN) alleles with disease prevalence was evaluated. Triplet repeat expansions in the disease range were detected in 8% (10/124) of the cases, with the majority having expansion at the SCA1 locus. Normal allele ranges in the cohort studied were similar to the Caucasian and North Indian populations but differed from the Korean and Japanese populations at various loci. The percentage of individuals with LN alleles at the SCA1 and SCA2 loci was higher than reported in Indians, Japanese and Caucasians. LN alleles showed a good correlation with the incidence of SCA1, indicating that SCA1 is the most prevalent ataxia in our population. The majority of cases with clinical symptoms of SCA could not be diagnosed by established CAG repeat criteria, suggesting that there may be an alternative basis for disease pathogenesis: (i) Repeats lower than the normal range may also result in abnormal phenotypes (ii) LN alleles at different loci in the same individual may contribute to symptoms (iii) Exogenous factors may play a role in triggering disease symptoms in individuals with LN alleles (iv) Triplet repeats may reach the disease range in the brain but not in the blood.