Effect of ginseng on fatigue related to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: The effects of ginseng on fatigue have been proven in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), which have several similar manifestations to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of ginseng on fatigue in NMOSD patients. Methods: In this double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial, 64 patients were recruited and were allocated into two study groups (ginseng or placebo) via block randomization. The participants received either 250-mg ginseng or placebo twice daily for a 3-month period. Also, the measurement of outcome was performed using the valid and reliable Persian version of fatigue severity scale (FSS) questionnaire, which was filled by patients once after enrollment in the study and once at the end of the study post-intervention. Results: In total, 58 patients finished the study with no major side effects. There were no significant differences in demographic, clinical, as well as FSS between two study groups (p>0.05). Ginseng supplementation significantly reduced fatigue (40.21±13.51 vs. 28.97±14.18; p˂0.01), while patients in the placebo group showed significantly higher fatigue score after 3 months post-intervention (35.03±13.51 vs. 38.79±12.27; P: 0.02). The extent of changes in the fatigue score in the ginseng group was significantly greater than in the placebo group (p ˂0.01). Conclusion: This study revealed positive effects of ginseng on reducing fatigue in NMOSD patients with no major side effects. In this regard, further studies are warranted to evaluate and clarify the effects of ginseng on fatigue in NMOSD.

Sleep disorders as a possible predisposing attack factor in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD): A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are common in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and have a great impact on patients' quality of life. According to a report, there is a 64% prevalence of poor sleep quality in NMOSD patients. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the effect of sleep disturbances on NMOSD acute exacerbations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted at Sina Hospital in 2019. A total of 60 patients with NMOSD diagnosis were enrolled in the study (30 patients were in the remission phase while 30 patients were hospitalized due to acute attacks). Sleep disorders were evaluated in both groups. Sleep quality was assessed during the last month using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21. RESULTS: Among 60 patients who were evaluated in both the control and attack groups, 86.7% were female. The duration of the disease was 68.23 ±â€¯42.89 months in the control group and 69.83 ±â€¯6.90 in the attack group. The mean age of patients was 34.15 years old. Sleep quality was unfavorable in 30% and 56% of patients in control and attack groups, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep duration, and sleep disturbance. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that there was a significant difference in sleep quality between controls and attack patients and could show a direct relationship between sleep disorders and NMOSD attacks.

Evaluation of emotional intelligence (EI) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients compared to healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is known as an autoimmune astrocytopathic disorder involving central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to compare Emotional Intelligence (EI) score between NMOSD patients and healthy individuals, and to find out the possible effect of this disease on EI. METHODS: A total of 45 NMOSD participants and 48 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. Demographic information (e.g., gender and age) of all participants as well as their level of education, and data on the patients' duration of disease were collected. EI of each participant was assessed using Persian version of Emotional Quotient inventory (EQ-i) questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean total EI score was significantly different between the participants and controls (322±36.7 vs 338±31.5, p value<0.03). Compared to controls, patients had a poor performance in 4 of 15 EI subscales including emotional self-awareness (21.29±3.6 vs 22.85±3, p value<0.03), optimism (22.4±4 vs 24.1±3.1, p value<0.03), self-regard (22.7±4.6 vs 24.5±3.4, p value<0.04), and impulse control (16.9±6.5 vs 19.5±5.5, p value<0.05). No difference was found between anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-IgG) positive and AQP4-IgG negative patients regarding EI score or its subscale scores, except for self-actualization (p value<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that EI could be regarded as a tool for understanding emotions, thoughts, and behavior of NMOSD patients. It was implied that taking therapeutic steps could improve the performance of NMOSD patients with EI impairment in social life.

Impact of supplementation with "multivitamin-mineral" specially formulated to improve fatigue and inflammatory state in patients with multiple sclerosis: A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with the most common complaint of fatigue. A high number of patients with MS are interested in taking dietary supplements as a complementary therapy. We propose a specially formulated supplement for patients with MS and aim to evaluate its effects on fatigue. Methods: This study was a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial using a stratified randomization method according to sex. 46 eligible patients participated in the study, 23 in the placebo group and 23 in the intervention group. The intervention group received two capsules of multivitamin-mineral (MVM) daily for 3 months. Measurements of fatigue and cytokines were performed in all patients at the baseline and after the 3-month intervention Results: Finally, information of 41 participants was used for data analysis. However, fatigue was decreased after supplementation than before, in the intervention group (P = 0.005). There was no significant difference (P = 0.090) between the change of fatigue score in the MVM group (-3.00 ± 4.42) and the control group (-0.40 ± 5.14). Among cytokines, Interleukin 4 (IL-4) significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the placebo (P = 0.030). Conclusion: Our study showed that the present MVM probably could improve the inflammatory state and fatigue in patients with MS.