Predictors of Mechanical Ventilation in Guillain-Barré Syndrome with Axonal Subtypes.

BACKGROUND: The early clinical predictors of respiratory failure in Latin Americans with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have scarcely been studied. This is of particular importance since Latin America has a high frequency of axonal GBS variants that may imply a worse prognosis. METHODS: We studied 86 Mexican patients with GBS admitted to the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, a referral center of Mexico City, to describe predictors of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). RESULTS: The median age was 40 years (interquartile range: 26-53.5), with 60.5% men (male-to-female ratio: 1.53). Most patients (65%) had an infectious antecedent (40.6% gastrointestinal). At admission, 38% of patients had a Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score <30. Axonal subtypes predominated (60.5%), with acute motor axonal neuropathy being the most prevalent (34.9%), followed by acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (32.6%), acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) (25.6%), and Fisher syndrome (7%). Notably, 15.1% had onset in upper limbs, 75.6% dysautonomia, and 73.3% pain. In all, 86% received either IVIg (9.3%) or plasma exchange (74.4%). IMV was required in 39.5% patients (72.7% in AMSAN). A multivariate model without including published prognostic scores yielded the time since onset to admission <15 days, axonal variants, MRC sum score <30, and bulbar weakness as independent predictors of IMV. The model including grading scales yielded lower limbs onset, Erasmus GBS respiratory insufficiency score (EGRIS) >4, and dysautonomia as predictors. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EGRIS is a good prognosticator of IMV in GBS patients with a predominance of axonal electrophysiological subtypes, but other early clinical data should also be considered.

Neurologic manifestations in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic entity that frequently implies neurologic features at presentation and complications during the disease course. We aimed to describe the characteristics and predictors for developing in-hospital neurologic manifestations in a large cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Mexico City. METHODS: We analyzed records from consecutive adult patients hospitalized from March 15 to June 30, 2020, with moderate to severe COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtRT-PCR) for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Neurologic syndromes were actively searched by a standardized structured questionnaire and physical examination, confirmed by neuroimaging, neurophysiology of laboratory analyses, as applicable. RESULTS: We studied 1,072 cases (65% men, mean age 53.2±13 years), 71 patients had pre-existing neurologic diseases (diabetic neuropathy: 17, epilepsy: 15, history of ischemic stroke: eight, migraine: six, multiple sclerosis: one, Parkinson disease: one), and 163 (15.2%) developed a new neurologic complication. Headache (41.7%), myalgia (38.5%), dysgeusia (8%), and anosmia (7%) were the most common neurologic symptoms at hospital presentation. Delirium (13.1%), objective limb weakness (5.1%), and delayed recovery of mental status after sedation withdrawal (2.5%), were the most common new neurologic syndromes. Age, headache at presentation, preexisting neurologic disease, invasive mechanical ventilation, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥9 were independent predictors of new in-hospital neurologic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Even after excluding initial clinical features and pre-existing comorbidities, new neurologic complications in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are frequent and can be predicted from clinical information at hospital admission.

Clinical and neurophysiological description of patients with POEMS syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes) is a monoclonal gammopathy with polyneuropathy as a mandatory criterion. OBJECTIVE: To describe potential associations between clinical expression and electrodiagnostic patterns in POEMS syndrome. METHOD: Observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study of cases cared for in a referral center, diagnosed with POEMS syndrome from 2009 to 2019. RESULTS: Eleven patients (8 men) were analyzed. Median age at diagnosis was 40 years (range: 31-51; mean: 37.19 ± 15.67 years). Mean latency at diagnosis was 9.7 ± 8.37 months. In all subjects, initial clinical manifestation was polyneuropathy. Most patients had an axonal pattern (n = 5), followed by demyelinating (n = 4) and mixed patterns (n = 2). Monoclonal gammopathy was observed in all (6 l and 5 k cases; immunoglobulin [Ig] G: 72 %; IgA: 18 %; IgM: 9 %). Medical Research Council sum score was lower in the axonal pattern (median: 37.00 vs. 45.5; p = 0.024). There were no differences in systemic involvement between electrophysiological patterns. CONCLUSION: Electrophysiological patterns are unlikely to have a clear extra-neurological clinical correspondence; however, this will have to be definitively proven with a larger sample size.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El síndrome POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes) es una gammapatía monoclonal con polineuropatía como criterio obligatorio. OBJETIVO: Describir las potenciales asociaciones entre la expresión clínica y los patrones de electrodiagnóstico en el síndrome POEMS. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y transversal de los casos atendidos en un centro de referencia con diagnóstico de síndrome de POEMS de 2009 a 2019. RESULTADOS: Se analizó a 11 pacientes (8 hombres). La mediana de la edad al diagnóstico fue de 40 años (rango: 31-51, media: 37.19 ± 15.67 años). La latencia media al diagnóstico fue de 9.7 ± 8.37 meses. En todos la manifestación clínica inicial fue la polineuropatía. La mayoría de los pacientes presentaron un patrón axonal (n = 5), seguido del desmielinizante (n = 4) y mixto (n = 2). La gammapatía monoclonal se observó en todos (6 casos l y 5 k, inmunoglobulina [Ig] G: 72%, IgA: 18%, IgM: 9%). El Medical Research Council sum score fue menor en el patrón axonal (medianas: 37.00 vs. 45.5, p = 0.024). No se presentaron diferencias en la afección sistémica entre patrones electrofisiológicos. CONCLUSIÓN: Es poco probable que los patrones electrofisiológicos tengan una correspondencia clínica extraneurológica clara, sin embargo, esto deberá probarse de forma definitiva con un mayor tamaño de muestra.

Enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa y enfermedad de sustancia blanca en sujetos sin historia de infarto cerebral o isquemia cerebral transitoria.

INTRODUCTION: Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease (CAD) is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association of major vascular risk factors with atherosclerotic CAD and white matter disease (WMD) in patients without a history of ischemic stroke. METHOD: Risk factors were assessed with carotid examination using Doppler duplex ultrasound. Cases with a history cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack were not included. Subjects had brain magnetic resonance imaging scans available and those with large-artery ischemic lesions were excluded. Multivariate models were constructed for the prediction of atherosclerotic CAD, significant carotid stenosis, atheroma burden and WMD. RESULTS: One-hundred and forty-five subjects were assessed (60.7% were females, mean age was 73 years). Atherosclerotic CAD was documented in 54.5%, carotid stenosis ≥ 50% in 9.0%, > 6 atheroma plaques in 7.6%, and periventricular or subcortical WMD in 28.3% (20.6% had atherosclerotic CAD and WMD concurrently). Risk factors independently associated with atherosclerotic CAD were age and hypertension; hypertension was associated with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis; age was associated with > 6 atheroma plaques; and age, diabetes and hypertension were associated with WMD. Obesity was not associated with any of the analyzed independent variables. CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic subjects without a history of ischemic stroke, age and hypertension were the most important risk factors for macrovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus was associated with microvascular disease. Obesity alone was not a major determinant of CAD or WMD.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa (ECA) es un factor de riesgo importante para enfermedad vascular cerebral. OBJETIVO: Analizar la asociación entre factores de riesgo vascular mayores con ECA y leucopatía cerebral en pacientes sin historia de ictus isquémico. MÉTODO: Se evaluaron factores de riesgo en sujetos con exploración de carótidas mediante ultrasonografía Doppler dúplex. No se incluyeron casos con historia de infarto cerebral o ataque isquémico transitorio. Los sujetos contaron con resonancia magnética cerebral y se excluyeron aquellos con lesiones isquémicas de grandes vasos. Se construyeron modelos multivariable para la predicción de ECA, estenosis carotídea significativa, carga de ateromas y leucopatía cerebral. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 145 sujetos (60.7 % mujeres, edad de 73 años). Se documentó ECA en 54.5 %, estenosis carotídea ≥ 50 % en 9 %, carga de placas de ateroma > 6 en 7.6 % y leucopatía periventricular o subcortical en 28.3 % (20.6 % tenían concurrentemente ECA y leucopatía). Los factores asociados independientemente con ECA fueron edad e hipertensión; con estenosis ≥ 50 %, hipertensión; con cargas de ateromas > 6 placas, edad; con leucopatía, edad, diabetes e hipertensión. La obesidad no se asoció con las variables independientes analizadas. CONCLUSIONES: En los sujetos asintomáticos sin historia de ictus isquémico, la edad y la hipertensión fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes para enfermedad macrovascular. La diabetes mellitus se asoció con enfermedad microvascular. La obesidad por sí sola no fue un determinante mayor de ECA o leucopatía cerebral.

Enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa y enfermedad de sustancia blanca en sujetos sin historia de infarto cerebral o isquemia cerebral transitoria / Atherosclerotic Carotid Disease and White Matter Disease in Subjects Without a History of Cerebral Infarction or Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa (ECA) es un factor de riesgo importante para enfermedad vascular cerebral. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre factores de riesgo vascular mayores con ECA y leucopatía cerebral en pacientes sin historia de ictus isquémico. Método: Se evaluaron factores de riesgo en sujetos con exploración de carótidas mediante ultrasonografía Doppler dúplex. No se incluyeron casos con historia de infarto cerebral o ataque isquémico transitorio. Los sujetos contaron con resonancia magnética cerebral y se excluyeron aquellos con lesiones isquémicas de grandes vasos. Se construyeron modelos multivariable para la predicción de ECA, estenosis carotídea significativa, carga de ateromas y leucopatía cerebral. Resultados: Se estudiaron 145 sujetos (60.7 % mujeres, edad de 73 años). Se documentó ECA en 54.5 %, estenosis carotídea ≥ 50 % en 9 %, carga de placas de ateroma > 6 en 7.6 % y leucopatía periventricular o subcortical en 28.3 % (20.6 % tenían concurrentemente ECA y leucopatía). Los factores asociados independientemente con ECA fueron edad e hipertensión; con estenosis ≥ 50 %, hipertensión; con cargas de ateromas > 6 placas, edad; con leucopatía, edad, diabetes e hipertensión. La obesidad no se asoció con las variables independientes analizadas. Conclusiones: En los sujetos asintomáticos sin historia de ictus isquémico, la edad y la hipertensión fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes para enfermedad macrovascular. La diabetes mellitus se asoció con enfermedad microvascular. La obesidad por sí sola no fue un determinante mayor de ECA o leucopatía cerebral.

Abstract Introduction: Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease (CAD) is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. Objective: To analyze the association of major vascular risk factors with atherosclerotic CAD and white matter disease (WMD) in patients without a history of ischemic stroke. Method: Risk factors were assessed with carotid examination using Doppler duplex ultrasound. Cases with a history cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack were not included. Subjects had brain magnetic resonance imaging scans available and those with large-artery ischemic lesions were excluded. Multivariate models were constructed for the prediction of atherosclerotic CAD, significant carotid stenosis, atheroma burden and WMD. Results: One-hundred and forty-five subjects were assessed (60.7% were females, mean age was 73 years). Atherosclerotic CAD was documented in 54.5%, carotid stenosis ≥ 50% in 9.0%, > 6 atheroma plaques in 7.6%, and periventricular or subcortical WMD in 28.3% (20.6% had atherosclerotic CAD and WMD concurrently). Risk factors independently associated with atherosclerotic CAD were age and hypertension; hypertension was associated with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis; age was associated with > 6 atheroma plaques; and age, diabetes and hypertension were associated with WMD. Obesity was not associated with any of the analyzed independent variables. Conclusions: In asymptomatic subjects without a history of ischemic stroke, age and hypertension were the most important risk factors for macrovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus was associated with microvascular disease. Obesity alone was not a major determinant of CAD or WMD.

Randomized Trial of Thymectomy in Myasthenia Gravis.

BACKGROUND: Thymectomy has been a mainstay in the treatment of myasthenia gravis, but there is no conclusive evidence of its benefit. We conducted a multicenter, randomized trial comparing thymectomy plus prednisone with prednisone alone. METHODS: We compared extended transsternal thymectomy plus alternate-day prednisone with alternate-day prednisone alone. Patients 18 to 65 years of age who had generalized nonthymomatous myasthenia gravis with a disease duration of less than 5 years were included if they had Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America clinical class II to IV disease (on a scale from I to V, with higher classes indicating more severe disease) and elevated circulating concentrations of acetylcholine-receptor antibody. The primary outcomes were the time-weighted average Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score (on a scale from 0 to 39, with higher scores indicating more severe disease) over a 3-year period, as assessed by means of blinded rating, and the time-weighted average required dose of prednisone over a 3-year period. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients underwent randomization between 2006 and 2012 at 36 sites. Patients who underwent thymectomy had a lower time-weighted average Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score over a 3-year period than those who received prednisone alone (6.15 vs. 8.99, P<0.001); patients in the thymectomy group also had a lower average requirement for alternate-day prednisone (44 mg vs. 60 mg, P<0.001). Fewer patients in the thymectomy group than in the prednisone-only group required immunosuppression with azathioprine (17% vs. 48%, P<0.001) or were hospitalized for exacerbations (9% vs. 37%, P<0.001). The number of patients with treatment-associated complications did not differ significantly between groups (P=0.73), but patients in the thymectomy group had fewer treatment-associated symptoms related to immunosuppressive medications (P<0.001) and lower distress levels related to symptoms (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Thymectomy improved clinical outcomes over a 3-year period in patients with nonthymomatous myasthenia gravis. (Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and others; MGTX ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00294658.).

Intermittent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation: associations with daytime alertness in obese sleep apnea patients living at moderate altitude.

BACKGROUND: Although obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has long been associated with daytime sleepiness, far less is known about its association with the ability to remain awake. The aim of this study was to examine the relative importance of inter-correlated measures of OSA severity (eg, various indices of oxygen saturation and sleep fragmentation) in the ability to stay alert as measured objectively by the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), defined by a mean sleep latency of ≥12 min. METHODS: Seventy-eight obese women and men of similar age and body mass index living at altitude (Mexico City) underwent standard polysomnography, MWT, and completed validated sleep-related questionnaires. RESULTS: Men had more severe sleep apnea than women (p = 0.002) and were also less alert on MWT (p = 0.022). Logistic regression models indicated that measures of desaturation consistently predicted MWT-defined alertness, whereas varied measures of sleep fragmentation did not. Nearly a third of the variance (r(2) = 0.304) in MWT-defined alertness was accounted for by the number of desaturations per hour of sleep (p = 0.003), which is considerably higher than other studies have reported in different populations. CONCLUSION: The ability to remain awake in obese patients is best accounted for by hypoxemia rather than sleep fragmentation. Whether the size of this effect reflects differences in the population under study (eg, extent of obesity, racial background, residence at moderate altitude) and/or is a function of the measurement of alertness with the MWT remains uncertain.

[Myasthenia gravis in adults of institutions pertaining to the Mexican public health system: an analysis of hospital discharges during 2010]. / Miastenia gravis (MG) en adultos de instituciones pertenecientes al sistema público sanitario mexicano: un análisis de egresos hospitalarios durante el año 2010.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies on myasthenia gravis (MG) in Mexico is mainly derived from experiences in referral centers. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of hospital discharges during 2010 with the diagnosis of MG in adults hospitalized in the Mexican public health system. METHODS: We consulted the database of hospital discharges during 2010 of the National Health Information System (Ministry of Health, IMSS, IMSS oportunidades, ISSSTE, PEMEX, and the Ministry of Defense). The MG records were identified by the code G70.0 of the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision. RESULTS: During 2010 there were 5,314,132 hospital discharges (4,254,312 adults). Among them, 587 (0.01%) were adults with MG (median age: 47 years, 60% women). Women with MG were significantly younger than men (median age: 37 vs. 54 years, respectively; p < 0.001). The median hospital stay was six days. The case fatality rate was 3.4%, without gender differences. Age was associated with the probability of death. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the bimodal age-gender distribution in MG. The in-hospital case fatality rate in Mexico is consistent with recent reports around the world.

[Characterisation of factors associated with carotid stenosis in a population at high risk]. / Caracterizacion de factores asociados con estenosis carotidea en una poblacion de alto riesgo.

INTRODUCTION: Moderate to severe stenosis is the less prevalent among the forms of carotid atherosclerotic disease), but it carries a high risk of ischaemic stroke. AIM: To characterise factors associated with moderate to severe carotid stenosis in a high-risk population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed an analysis on traditional risk factors associated with carotid stenosis ≥50% in 533 patients who received Doppler ultrasound due to a history of stroke (34%) or who had = 2 of the risk factors: age ≥55 years (86%), hypertension (65%), dyslipidemia (52%), obesity (42%), diabetes (40%) or smoking (40%). RESULTS: The prevalence of carotid stenosis ≥50% was 7.1%, symptomatic (associated with stroke in congruent territory) in 5.6%, bilateral in 2.1% and bilateral symptomatic in 1.5%. A 36.8% of patients had moderate to severe load (≥4) of atherosclerotic plaques (25.9% moderate: 4-6 plaques, and 10.9% severe: ≥7 plaques). By multivariate analysis we identified the age ≥75 years, dyslipidemia, and smoking as factors independently associated with carotid stenosis ≥50%, and hypertension and smoking with symptomatic stenosis. The number of risk factors was strongly associated with the prevalence of carotid stenosis. Notably, neither diabetes nor obesity explained the degree of moderate to severe carotid stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: As forms of carotid atherosclerotic disease, moderate to severe stenosis is less frequent than a high burden of atherosclerotic plaques. Advanced age, smoking, dyslipidemia and hypertension are the main traditional risk factors associated with the degree of carotid stenosis.

TITLE: Caracterizacion de factores asociados con estenosis carotidea en una poblacion de alto riesgo.Introduccion. La estenosis moderada a grave es la forma de enfermedad carotidea aterosclerosa menos prevalente, pero que implica un alto riesgo de ictus isquemico. Objetivo. Caracterizar los factores asociados con la estenosis carotidea moderada a grave en una poblacion de alto riesgo. Pacientes y metodos. Realizamos un analisis de los factores de riesgo tradicionales asociados a estenosis carotidea >= 50% en 533 pacientes que recibieron evaluacion mediante ultrasonograma Doppler por historia de ictus (34%), o que contaban con al menos dos de los factores de riesgo: edad >= 55 años (86%), hipertension (65%), dislipidemia (52%), obesidad (42%), diabetes (40%) o tabaquismo (40%). Resultados. La prevalencia de estenosis carotidea >= 50% fue del 7,1%, sintomatica (asociada a ictus en territorio congruente) en el 5,6%, bilateral en el 2,1% y sintomatica bilateral en el 1,5%. Un 36,8% de los pacientes presento carga moderada a grave (>= 4) de placas de ateroma (25,9%, moderada: 4-6 placas; y 10,9%, grave: >= 7 placas). Mediante analisis multivariable se identifico la edad >= 75 años, la dislipidemia y el tabaquismo como factores asociados con estenosis >= 50%, y la hipertension arterial y el tabaquismo con estenosis sintomatica. El numero de factores de riesgo se asocio fuertemente con la prevalencia de estenosis carotidea. Notablemente, ni la diabetes ni la obesidad explicaron el grado de estenosis moderada a grave. Conclusiones. Como formas de enfermedad carotidea aterosclerosa, la frecuencia de estenosis moderada a grave es menor que una carga alta de placas de ateroma. La edad avanzada, el tabaquismo, la dislipidemia y la hipertension son los principales factores tradicionales que se asocian con el grado de estenosis carotidea.

Caracterización de factores asociados con estenosis carotídea en una población de alto riesgo / Characterisation of factors associated with carotid stenosis in a population at high risk

Introducción. La estenosis moderada a grave es la forma de enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa menos prevalente, pero que implica un alto riesgo de ictus isquémico. Objetivo. Caracterizar los factores asociados con la estenosis carotídea moderada a grave en una población de alto riesgo. Pacientes y métodos. Realizamos un análisis de los factores de riesgo tradicionales asociados a estenosis carotídea ≥ 50% en 533 pacientes que recibieron evaluación mediante ultrasonograma Doppler por historia de ictus (34%), o que contaban con al menos dos de los factores de riesgo: edad ≥ 55 años (86%), hipertensión (65%), dislipidemia (52%), obesidad (42%), diabetes (40%) o tabaquismo (40%). Resultados. La prevalencia de estenosis carotídea ≥ 50% fue del 7,1%, sintomática (asociada a ictus en territorio congruente) en el 5,6%, bilateral en el 2,1% y sintomática bilateral en el 1,5%. Un 36,8% de los pacientes presentó carga moderada a grave (≥ 4) de placas de ateroma (25,9%, moderada: 4-6 placas; y 10,9%, grave: ≥ 7 placas). Mediante análisis multivariable se identificó la edad ≥ 75 años, la dislipidemia y el tabaquismo como factores asociados con estenosis ≥ 50%, y la hipertensión arterial y el tabaquismo con estenosis sintomática. El número de factores de riesgo se asoció fuertemente con la prevalencia de estenosis carotídea. Notablemente, ni la diabetes ni la obesidad explicaron el grado de estenosis moderada a grave. Conclusiones. Como formas de enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa, la frecuencia de estenosis moderada a grave es menor que una carga alta de placas de ateroma. La edad avanzada, el tabaquismo, la dislipidemia y la hipertensión son los principales factores tradicionales que se asocian con el grado de estenosis carotídea (AU)

Introduction. Moderate to severe stenosis is the less prevalent among the forms of carotid atherosclerotic disease), but it carries a high risk of ischaemic stroke. Aim. To characterise factors associated with moderate to severe carotid stenosis in a high-risk population. Patients and methods. We performed an analysis on traditional risk factors associated with carotid stenosis ≥ 50% in 533 patients who received Doppler ultrasound due to a history of stroke (34%) or who had ≥ 2 of the risk factors: age ≥ 55 years (86%), hypertension (65%), dyslipidemia (52%), obesity (42%), diabetes (40%) or smoking (40%). Results. The prevalence of carotid stenosis ≥ 50% was 7.1%, symptomatic (associated with stroke in congruent territory) in 5.6%, bilateral in 2.1% and bilateral symptomatic in 1.5%. A 36.8% of patients had moderate to severe load (≥ 4)of atherosclerotic plaques (25.9% moderate: 4-6 plaques, and 10.9% severe: ≥ 7 plaques). By multivariate analysis we identified the age ≥ 75 years, dyslipidemia, and smoking as factors independently associated with carotid stenosis ≥ 50%, and hypertension and smoking with symptomatic stenosis. The number of risk factors was strongly associated with the prevalence of carotid stenosis. Notably, neither diabetes nor obesity explained the degree of moderate to severe carotid stenosis. Conclusions. As forms of carotid atherosclerotic disease, moderate to severe stenosis is less frequent than a high burden of atherosclerotic plaques. Advanced age, smoking, dyslipidemia and hypertension are the main traditional risk factors associated with the degree of carotid stenosis (AU)

Mortalidad asociada al diagnóstico de síndrome de Guillain-Barré en adultos ingresados en instituciones del sistema sanitario mexicano / Mortality associated with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults of Mexican health institutions

Introducción. El síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB) es una urgencia neurológica que constituye la principal causa de parálisis flácida en el mundo, y que afecta a todos los grupos etarios. Se desconocen notablemente las características epidemiológicas esenciales del SGB en la mayor parte de los países de América Latina. Objetivo. Determinar la mortalidad asociada con el diagnóstico de SGB en altas hospitalarias efectuadas durante el año 2010 en instituciones de la Secretaría de Salud, México. Pacientes y métodos. Se analizó la base de datos de altas hospitalarias de instituciones que pertenecen a la Secretaría de Salud. Se identificaron los casos de SGB mediante el código G61.0 de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, 10.ª revisión (CIE-10). Se excluyeron los registros de pacientes menores de 18 años y los casos sin información demográfica completa. Resultados. Durante el año 2010 se registraron 2.634.339 altas de hospitales que pertenecen a la Secretaría de Salud. Se identificó un total de 467 hospitalizaciones por SGB en adultos (mediana de edad: 41 años; 62,1% hombres) de 121 instituciones sanitarias de los 32 estados federados de México. Durante el verano y otoño se registró la mayor frecuencia de hospitalizaciones por SGB. La mediana de la estancia hospitalaria fue de 8 días y la tasa de mortalidad hospitalaria, del 10,5%. La probabilidad de muerte se asoció directamente con la edad, sin una tendencia particular respecto al sexo, hospital de atención o entidad federativa. Conclusiones. En 2010, la mortalidad hospitalaria por SGB en esta parte del sistema sanitario mexicano fue más alta de la que se informa en estudios contemporáneos. Se observó una asociación estacional con la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones por SGB (AU)

Introduction. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological emergency representing the main cause of flaccid paralysis around the world, affecting all age groups. Little is known about the essential epidemiology of GBS in most Latin American countries. Aim. To determine the mortality associated with the diagnosis of GBS in hospital discharges during 2010 in hospitals of the Ministry of Health, Mexico. Patients and methods. We analyzed the database of hospital discharges of institutions pertaining to the Ministry of Health. Study cases were identified by the code G61.0 of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10). We excluded records of patients younger than 18 years and patients without complete demographic information. Results. During the year 2010 there were 2,634,339 discharges from hospitals of the Ministry of Health. We identified a total of 467 hospitalizations due to GBS in adults (median age: 41 years; 62.1% male) from 121 health institutions of the 32 Republic States. The highest frequency of GBS hospitalizations occurred during summer and fall. The median hospital stay was 8 days. The hospital mortality rate was 10.5%. The probability of death was directly associated with age, without a particular trend regarding gender, hospital care or state. Conclusions. In 2010 GBS hospital mortality in this part of the Mexican health system was higher than that reported in contemporary studies. A seasonal association was observed regarding the frequency of hospitalizations for GBS (AU)

[Mortality associated with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults of Mexican health institutions]. / Mortalidad asociada al diagnóstico de síndrome de Guillain-Barré en adultos ingresados en instituciones del sistema sanitario Mexicano.

INTRODUCTION: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a neurological emergency representing the main cause of flaccid paralysis around the world, affecting all age groups. Little is known about the essential epidemiology of GBS in most Latin American countries. AIM: To determine the mortality associated with the diagnosis of GBS in hospital discharges during 2010 in hospitals of the Ministry of Health, Mexico. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed the database of hospital discharges of institutions pertaining to the Ministry of Health. Study cases were identified by the code G61.0 of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10). We excluded records of patients younger than 18 years and patients without complete demographic information. RESULTS: During the year 2010 there were 2,634,339 discharges from hospitals of the Ministry of Health. We identified a total of 467 hospitalizations due to GBS in adults (median age: 41 years; 62.1% male) from 121 health institutions of the 32 Republic States. The highest frequency of GBS hospitalizations occurred during summer and fall. The median hospital stay was 8 days. The hospital mortality rate was 10.5%. The probability of death was directly associated with age, without a particular trend regarding gender, hospital care or state. CONCLUSIONS: In 2010 GBS hospital mortality in this part of the Mexican health system was higher than that reported in contemporary studies. A seasonal association was observed regarding the frequency of hospitalizations for GBS.

TITLE: Mortalidad asociada al diagnostico de sindrome de Guillain-Barre en adultos ingresados en instituciones del sistema sanitario mexicano.Introduccion. El sindrome de Guillain-Barre (SGB) es una urgencia neurologica que constituye la principal causa de paralisis flacida en el mundo, y que afecta a todos los grupos etarios. Se desconocen notablemente las caracteristicas epidemiologicas esenciales del SGB en la mayor parte de los paises de America Latina. Objetivo. Determinar la mortalidad asociada con el diagnostico de SGB en altas hospitalarias efectuadas durante el año 2010 en instituciones de la Secretaria de Salud, Mexico. Pacientes y metodos. Se analizo la base de datos de altas hospitalarias de instituciones que pertenecen a la Secretaria de Salud. Se identificaron los casos de SGB mediante el codigo G61.0 de la Clasificacion Internacional de Enfermedades, 10.ª revision (CIE-10). Se excluyeron los registros de pacientes menores de 18 años y los casos sin informacion demografica completa. Resultados. Durante el año 2010 se registraron 2.634.339 altas de hospitales que pertenecen a la Secretaria de Salud. Se identifico un total de 467 hospitalizaciones por SGB en adultos (mediana de edad: 41 años; 62,1% hombres) de 121 instituciones sanitarias de los 32 estados federados de Mexico. Durante el verano y otoño se registro la mayor frecuencia de hospitalizaciones por SGB. La mediana de la estancia hospitalaria fue de 8 dias y la tasa de mortalidad hospitalaria, del 10,5%. La probabilidad de muerte se asocio directamente con la edad, sin una tendencia particular respecto al sexo, hospital de atencion o entidad federativa. Conclusiones. En 2010, la mortalidad hospitalaria por SGB en esta parte del sistema sanitario mexicano fue mas alta de la que se informa en estudios contemporaneos. Se observo una asociacion estacional con la frecuencia de hospitalizaciones por SGB.

Validación de la prueba de hielo en oftalmoparesia por miastenia grave / Validation of the ice pack test in ophthalmoparesis due to myasthenia gravis

Introducción. La miastenia grave es una enfermedad autoinmune de la unión neuromuscular que se presenta clínicamente como debilidad fluctuante de los músculos estriados, como los de la región ocular (miastenia ocular). Objetivo. Demostrar que la sensibilidad y la especificidad de la prueba de hielo son altas en el diagnóstico diferencial de la oftalmoparesia y ptosis palpebral por miastenia grave y miastenia ocular. Sujetos y métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico, no aleatorizado, de una muestra de 43 sujetos, 21 con miastenia grave y 22 controles. A todos los pacientes se les aplicó un guante con hielo sobre sus párpados superiores afectados durante dos minutos, después de los cuales se evaluó el grado de mejoría de la ptosis palpebral y la oftalmoparesia. Todos tenían estudio de estimulación nerviosa repetitiva. Resultados. Se analizaron 36 pacientes, 18 con miastenia grave u ocular y 18 controles. Todos presentaron ptosis palpebral y sólo 20 de ellos oftalmoparesia. La prueba de hielo para la oftalmoparesia mostró una sensibilidad del 83%, especificidad del 100%, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) del 100% y valor predictivo negativo (VPN) del 80% en el diagnóstico de la miastenia grave. Para la ptosis palpebral, se determinó una sensibilidad del 89%, especificidad del 100%, VPP del 100% y VPN del 90%. Para la estimulación nerviosa repetitiva se calculó una sensibilidad del 61%, especificidad del 83%, VPP del 79% y VPN del 68%. Conclusión. La prueba de hielo es sencilla, segura, económica, rápida y fiable para utilizarse de rutina en pacientes con sospecha de ptosis u oftalmoparesia por miastenia grave, ya que tiene una alta validez, seguridad y reproducibilidad como prueba diagnóstica (AU)

Introduction. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction that presents clinically asn fluctuating weakness of skeletal muscles, as of the ocular region (myasthenia ocular). Aim. To demonstrate that the sensitivity and specificity of the ice pack test are high, in the differential diagnosis of palpebral ptosis and ophthalmoparesis for myasthenia gravis and myasthenia ocular. Subjects and methods. Observational, analytical, and non-randomized study of 43 subjects, 21 with myasthenia gravis and 22 controls. All patients received a glove with ice on your upper eyelids affected for 2 minutes, after which we assessed the degree of improvement in palpebral ptosis and ophthalmoparesis. All patients had repetitive nerve stimulation study. Results. We analyzed 36 patients, 18 patients with myasthenia gravis or myasthenia ocular and 18 controls. All patients had palpebral ptosis but ophthalmoparesis only 20 of them. Ice pack test for ophthalmoparesis showed a sensitivity of 83%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 80% in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. Ice pack test for palpebral ptosis was determined a sensitivity of 89%, specificity 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 90%. For repetitive nerve stimulation was calculated a sensitivity of 61%, specificity of 83%, PPV of 79% and NPV of 68%. Conclusion. Ice pack test, both palpebral ptosis and ophthalmoparesis is a simple test, safe, cheap, fast and reliable to be used routinely in patients suspected of palpebral ptosis and/or ophthalmoparesis due to myasthenia gravis, and which has a high validity, safety, and reproducibility as a diagnostic test (AU)

[Validation of the ice pack test in ophthalmoparesis due to myasthenia gravis]. / Validacion de la prueba de hielo en oftalmoparesia por miastenia grave.

INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction that presents clinically as fluctuating weakness of skeletal muscles, as of the ocular region (myasthenia ocular). AIM: To demonstrate that the sensitivity and specificity of the ice pack test are high, in the differential diagnosis of palpebral ptosis and ophthalmoparesis for myasthenia gravis and myasthenia ocular. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Observational, analytical, and non-randomized study of 43 subjects, 21 with myasthenia gravis and 22 controls. All patients received a glove with ice on your upper eyelids affected for 2 minutes, after which we assessed the degree of improvement in palpebral ptosis and ophthalmoparesis. All patients had repetitive nerve stimulation study. RESULTS: We analyzed 36 patients, 18 patients with myasthenia gravis or myasthenia ocular and 18 controls. All patients had palpebral ptosis but ophthalmoparesis only 20 of them. Ice pack test for ophthalmoparesis showed a sensitivity of 83%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 80% in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. Ice pack test for palpebral ptosis was determined a sensitivity of 89%, specificity 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 90%. For repetitive nerve stimulation was calculated a sensitivity of 61%, specificity of 83%, PPV of 79% and NPV of 68%. CONCLUSION: Ice pack test, both palpebral ptosis and ophthalmoparesis is a simple test, safe, cheap, fast and reliable to be used routinely in patients suspected of palpebral ptosis and/or ophthalmoparesis due to myasthenia gravis, and which has a high validity, safety, and reproducibility as a diagnostic test.

TITLE: Validacion de la prueba de hielo en oftalmoparesia por miastenia grave.Introduccion. La miastenia grave es una enfermedad autoinmune de la union neuromuscular que se presenta clinicamente como debilidad fluctuante de los musculos estriados, como los de la region ocular (miastenia ocular). Objetivo. Demostrar que la sensibilidad y la especificidad de la prueba de hielo son altas en el diagnostico diferencial de la oftalmoparesia y ptosis palpebral por miastenia grave y miastenia ocular. Sujetos y metodos. Estudio observacional, analitico, no aleatorizado, de una muestra de 43 sujetos, 21 con miastenia grave y 22 controles. A todos los pacientes se les aplico un guante con hielo sobre sus parpados superiores afectados durante dos minutos, despues de los cuales se evaluo el grado de mejoria de la ptosis palpebral y la oftalmoparesia. Todos tenian estudio de estimulacion nerviosa repetitiva. Resultados. Se analizaron 36 pacientes, 18 con miastenia grave u ocular y 18 controles. Todos presentaron ptosis palpebral y solo 20 de ellos oftalmoparesia. La prueba de hielo para la oftalmoparesia mostro una sensibilidad del 83%, especificidad del 100%, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) del 100% y valor predictivo negativo (VPN) del 80% en el diagnostico de la miastenia grave. Para la ptosis palpebral, se determino una sensibilidad del 89%, especificidad del 100%, VPP del 100% y VPN del 90%. Para la estimulacion nerviosa repetitiva se calculo una sensibilidad del 61%, especificidad del 83%, VPP del 79% y VPN del 68%. Conclusion. La prueba de hielo es sencilla, segura, economica, rapida y fiable para utilizarse de rutina en pacientes con sospecha de ptosis u oftalmoparesia por miastenia grave, ya que tiene una alta validez, seguridad y reproducibilidad como prueba diagnostica.

Perfil cognoscitivo de adultos mayores de 60 años con y sin deterioro cognoscitivo / Cognitive profile of adults over 60 years with and without cognitive impairment

Introducción: En el envejecimiento, las funciones cognoscitivas se caracterizan por un decremento y variabilidad en sus procesos, discernir si se trata de un envejecimiento normal o un deterioro patológico es clínicamente difícil; los límites no son precisos, además, intervienen variables como la edad, escolaridad y las diferencias poblacionales. Con el objetivo de caracterizar el perfil neuropsicológico de adultos mayores de 60 años con y sin deterioro cognoscitivo se estudió una muestra de 536 adultos mayores de 60 años con queja subjetiva o de familiares en los proceso de memoria, los cuales, fueron pacientes del Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán” de la Ciudad de México, entre los años 2006 a 2010. Por consenso interdisciplinario de especialistas con énfasis en la evaluación neuropsicológica, se dividió la muestra en: Envejecimiento Normal (EN), Deterioro cognitivo Leve (DCL), Enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA), Demencia Vascular (DV) y Demencia Mixta (DM). Con puntajes Z se calculó estadística descriptiva y un ANOVA de medidas repetidas. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias estadísticas en el rendimiento de la evaluación neuropsicológica entre los grupos. El 29 por ciento de la muestra fue EN que no presenta alteraciones objetivas de funciones cognoscitivas. El más alto porcentaje fue el 46 por ciento del grupo DCL, que mostraron alteraciones en memoria y atención. La EA con el 12 por ciento, presenta alteraciones severas en memoria, funciones ejecutivas y lenguaje. El 7 por ciento del grupo DV la atención, la visuoconstructivo, el cálculo y la coordinación motora fueron las funciones afectadas. Por su parte, en el perfil de DM que representa el 6 por ciento, mostro mayor severidad en las alteraciones cognoscitivas afectadas.

Introduction: During aging cognitive function processes may decrease and fluctuate. This makes the task of distinguishing between normal aging and pathological deterioration clinically difficult. Variables such as age, academic level and social demographics combine to impede an objective analysis. The goal of the study was to characterize the neuropsychological profile of Mexican senior citizens who expressed a subjective complaint regarding memory. Method: A sample of 536 people over the age of 60 was studied. Each had reported memory issues between2006 and 2010 at the Salvador Zubiran National Institute of Medical Science and Nutrition. For interdisciplinary consensus the sample was divided into: Normal Aging (NA), Slight Cognitive Deterioration (SCD), Alzheimer Disease (AL), Vascular Dementia (VA) and Mixed Dementia (MD). Z points were used to calculate ANOVA with repeated measurements. Results: The population yielded statistical differences stemming from neuropsychological evaluations. 29 percent of the sample were classified NA with no current objective alterations in cognitive functions. The largest group, 46 percent, were classified as SCD, manifesting some alterations in memory and attention. AL was found in 12 percent with severe alterations in memory, executive functions and language. A similar cognitive profile was shared with the 6 percent of the group with MD, with only difference in the severity of cognitive alterations. Those with a VA profile manifested affected functions for attention, visual construction, calculation and motor coordination.

Familial amyloidosis with polyneuropathy associated with TTR Ser50Arg mutation.

BACKGROUND: The phenotypic heterogeneity of transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) familial polyneuropathy may be linked to the type of mutation and to the environmental factors. A gender difference in relation to the severity of the disease has been suspected. More than 100 different pathogenic variants of hereditary transthyretin (TTR) mutations have been reported. OBJECTIVE: To describe 32 patients with confirmed TTR Ser50Arg mutation from the same geographical origin. METHODS: Seven families with up to four affected generations underwent genetic testing and prospective clinical and laboratory evaluations. RESULTS: The mutation was confirmed in seven patients from different families with clinical symptoms compatible with ATTR amyloidosis, and in 25 (62%) of the 40 direct relatives tested. Of the 32 patients with positive test results, 18 (56%) were men. Only 5 (16%) subjects were disease-free at the time of the genetic test (mean age: 20, range: 18-30-year-old). The rest developed symptoms at a young age, between ages 36 and 41. Symptomatic, histologically positive patients were older than carriers and symptomatic patients without a confirmatory biopsy. The later generation displayed symptoms at a younger age. Initial manifestations in the 27 symptomatic patients were neuropathic in 19 (70%), gastrointestinal in 6 (22%) and autonomic in 1 (4%). Significant differences were demonstrated among genders, where men had a considerably worse outcome. CONCLUSION: ATTR Ser50Arg mutation was associated with an early onset, an unbalanced male to female ratio, a more aggressive course in males and possibly displayed anticipation.

Assessment of emotional distress in chronic kidney disease patients and kidney transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of emotional distress in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the effect of kidney transplant on these symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a two-part study. Part one was cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive, where 75 patients with CKD were evaluated for emotional distress with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90). In part two, we longitudinally followed 19% of the study cohort to examine symptomatological changes after their kidney transplantation. RESULTS: The results of the HAD indicated that 30.7% of the study cohort with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) showed anxious symptoms, and 25.3% showed depressive symptoms. The change in the HAD total score before and after kidney transplant was not significant. However, a significant decrease in total score on the SCL-90 was observed before and after transplantation. CONCLUSION: Improvement on emotional distress was found after kidney transplantation.

Hypothalamic abnormalities and Parkinsonism associated with H1N1 influenza infection.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of a young adult with severe H1N1 influenza illness associated with hypothalamic abnormalities and post-influenza parkinsonism. DESIGN: Case report. PATIENT: A 22-year-old woman with H1N1 influenza infection developed encephalopathy followed by diverse hypothalamic dysfunction manifestations, sleeplessness, and persistent parkinsonian features. RESULTS: CSF analysis, brain imaging and EEG ruled out hypoxic brain injury or other illnesses. CONCLUSIONS: A number of viruses have been associated with both acute and chronic parkinsonism. A link between parkinsonism and influenza viruses is somewhat controversial. This is the first reported case of parkinsonism following an H1N1 influenza infection.

Association between body mass index and migraine.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients with migraine. BACKGROUND: Previous studies support the concept that obesity is an exacerbating factor for migraine. Also, some studies have found an increased frequency of obesity and overweight in migraine patients compared to the normal population. METHODS: We studied 1,371 patients with migraine and 612 controls. The migraine population was matched by gender with a healthy control group. RESULTS: Mean age of patients with migraine was 38.0 +/- 13.3 years and in the controls it was 34.8 +/- 12.1 years. The percentage of females in both groups was similar (migraine 81.6% vs. control 83.3%, p = 0.40). The distribution of body mass index (BMI) in migraine patients and controls was as follows: underweight patients (BMI <18.5) 3.1% migraine versus controls 1.5%; normal (BMI 18.5-24.9) 44.8% migraine versus controls 47.1%; overweight (BMI 25-29.9) 38.3% migraine versus controls 33.7%; obese (BMI 30-34.5) 10.3% migraine versus controls 13.6%; morbidly obese (BMI 35) 3.4% migraine versus controls 4.2%. Overweight and obesity in migraine patients versus controls were statistically significant. No association was found between the disability and severity of migraine and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find associations between severity or disability of migraine and BMI.