Is impairment of facial emotion recognition independent of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis?

BACKGROUND: Emotions expressed on the face play a key role in social cognition and communication by providing inner emotional experiences. This study aimed to evaluate facial emotion identification and discrimination and empathy abilities in patients with MS and whether it is related to cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: One hundred twenty patients with relapsing-remitting MS and age- and sex-matched 120 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. All the subjects were evaluated with the Facial Emotion Identification Test (FEIT), Facial Emotion Discrimination Test (FEIDT), and Empathy Quotient (EQ). We used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression and detailed cognitive tests, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). The quality of life was assessed with Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 (MSQL-54). RESULTS: Patients with MS were 37.6 ± 9.5 years old, had a mean disease duration of 8.8 ± 6.6 (8-28) years, and a mean EDSS score of 1.6 ± 1.3 (0-4.5). We found significant differences in the identification of facial emotions, discrimination of facial emotions, and empathy in MS patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Especially the recognition of feelings of sadness, fear, and shame was significantly lower in MS patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed low SDMT and FEIDT scores which showed an independent association with MS. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that facial emotion recognition and identification deficits are remarkable among patients with MS and emotion recognition is impaired together with and independently of cognitive dysfunction in MS patients.

The relationship between retinal neurodegenerative changes and overactive bladder syndrome in multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the neuroaxonal damage of the optic nerve and retina in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with and without overactive bladder (OAB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included patients with MS, divided into two groups, based on the severity of OAB symptoms, as evaluated by the OAB-V8 questionnaire. The groups were compared in terms of each dial of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness, macular thickness, and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness. RESULTS: The study involved a total of 120 eyes, 78 eyes from 43 female patients, and 42 from 22 male patients. There were 86 eyes (Group 1) with OAB-V8 score under 8 and there were 34 eyes (Group 2) with OAB-V8 score of 8 or over. EDSS median value was 1 (0-2) for Group 1 and 2 (0.8-3.3) for Group 2 (p = 0.004). A comparison of pRNFL thicknesses showed statistically significant lower average, superior, and inferior median values in Group 2. A comparison of mGCIPL thicknesses showed statistically significant lower values in Group 2 for superior, superonasal, inferotemporal, and superotemporal quadrants CONCLUSION: This study revealed, for MS patients without optic neuritis attacks, there was a higher incidence of OAB when the EDSS score was higher. There was a statistically significant relationship between the existence of OAB and thinning in both mGCIPL and pRNFL. The most relevant factor for OAB was found to be pRFNL inferior quadrant thinning.

Fall risk is related to cognitive functioning in ambulatory multiple sclerosis patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) may suffer severely from falling and gait disturbance. Cognitive dysfunction, a common condition in MS patients, may also increase falling rates, regardless of physical disability. We planned this study to determine the fall rate and risk factors in MS patients, follow patients for falls, and reveal the relationship between falls and cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: The study was conducted on 124 patients who have RRMS diagnoses. Patients' gait speed, simultaneous gait speed during other tasks, functions of the upper extremity, balance rating, and fear of falling were evaluated with dual-task Timed-Up-and-Go-3 versions (TUG, TUG-C, TUG-M), Timed 25 Foot Walk (T25WFT), Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) tests. Cognitive functions, fatigue levels, and quality of life were measured with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life (MSQoL) test. Two groups were formed as "fallers" and "non-faller patients". We monitored the patients in six months period. RESULTS: Forty-six patients fell at least once in the last one year before the study began. Fallers were older, less educated, had lower SDMT scores and higher disability scores. Non-faller patients scored lower in FES-I, TUG, and FSS tests. SDMT scores showed statistically significant, linear, positive, and moderate correlation with BBS and 9HPT scores (r = 0.307, p = 0.038, and r = 0.320, p = 0.030, respectively). CONCLUSION: We determined that advanced age, lower education level, and cognitive dysfunction adversely affect gait speed and balance. Among the fallers, those with lower SDMT and MoCA scores had higher falling rates. We determined that EDSS and BBS scores are predictive factors for falls in patients with MS. In conclusion, patients with cognitive impairment should be closely monitored for the risk of falling. Consideration of falls during follow-up examinations might be predictive of cognitive deterioration in patients with MS.

Correlation of brain segmental volume changes with clinical parameters: a longitudinal study in multiple sclerosis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the cranial volume differences from 15 different parts in the follow-up of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and correlate them with clinical parameters. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with RRMS were included in the study. Patients were grouped into two categories; low Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (< 3; group 1), and moderate-high EDSS (≥ 3; group 2). Patients were evaluated with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and calculated Annualized Relapse Rate (ARR) scores. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed with a 1.5T MRI device (Magnetom AERA, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) twice in a 1-year period. Volumetric analysis was performed by a free, automated, online MRI brain volumetry software. The differences in volumetric values between the two MRI scans were calculated and correlated with the demographic and clinical parameters of the patients. RESULTS: The number of attacks, disease duration, BDI, and FSS scores were higher in group 2; SDMT was higher in group 1. As expected, volumetric analyses have shown volume loss in total cerebral white matter in follow-up patients (p < 0.001). In addition, putaminal volume loss was related to a higher number of attacks. Besides, a negative relation between FSS with total amygdala volumes, a link between atrophy of globus pallidus and ARR, and BDI scores was found with the aid of network analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Apart from a visual demonstration of volume loss, cranial MRI with volumetric analysis has a great potential for revealing covert links between segmental volume changes and clinical parameters.

OBJETIVO: Medir as diferenças de dominância craniana de 15 regiões diferentes no seguimento de pacientes com esclerose múltipla recorrente-remitente (EMRR) e correlacioná-las com parâmetros clínicos. MéTODOS: Quarenta e sete pacientes com EMRR foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram agrupados em duas categorias; EDSS baixo (< 3; grupo 1) e EDSS médio-alto (≥ 3; grupo 2). Os pacientes foram avaliados com o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI, na sigla em inglês), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA, na sigla em inglês), Symbol Digit Modality Tests (SDMT, na sigla em inglês), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS, na sigla em inglês) e taxa de ataque anual (ARR, na sigla em inglês). Duas ressonâncias magnéticas (RMs) foram feitas em um ano com um aparelho de imagem de 1,5 T MR (Magnetom AERA, Siemens, Erlangen, Alemanha). A análise de volume foi realizada com um software de medição mestre cerebral de RM gratuito e automatizado. As diferenças volumétricas entre os dois exames de RM foram calculadas e correlacionadas com os parâmetros demográficos e clínicos dos pacientes. RESULTADOS: Número de crises, duração da doença, escores BDI e FSS foram mais elevados no grupo 2; as pontuações do SDMT foram maiores no grupo 1. Como esperado, as análises volumétricas mostraram perda total de volume de substância branca no seguimento (p < 0,001). Além disso, a perda da dominância putaminal foi associada ao maior número de ataques. Além disso, uma relação negativa entre FSS e volume total da amígdala, e uma correlação entre ARR e BDI e atrofia do globo pálido foi determinada com a ajuda da análise de rede. CONCLUSõES: Além da demonstração visual da perda de volume, a RM com análise volumétrica tem grande potencial para revelar alterações segmentares dominantes e conexões ocultas entre parâmetros clínicos.

Is there a relationship between fall status, cognition and cerebellar lobule volume in patients with multiple sclerosis?

In this prospective case control study, relationship of detailed cerebellar volumetric data and cognition in patients with multiple sclerosis considering falling status using 3 D MRI and network analysis were evaluated. Participants consist of 106 adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Scores of Montreal cognitive assessment test, symbol digit modality Test, nine-hole peg test, berg balance scale test, timed up and go test, timed 25-foot walk test were worse in faller group than non faller group (p < 0.05 for all tests). There was no significant difference in terms of cerebellar lobule volumes between groups. But using artificial intelligence (AI) based network analysis, we brought a new perspective to interpreting the relationship between the cerebellum, cognition, gait, and balance. Overall, data from the study suggest a possible relationship between cerebellar volume changes and cognitive dysfunction through connectivity analysis in patients with multiple sclerosis. Further studies are needed to examine this issue by using connectivity analysis.

Correlation of brain segmental volume changes with clinical parameters: a longitudinal study in multiple sclerosis patients / Correlação das alterações do volume segmentar cerebral com parâmetros clínicos: um estudo longitudinal em pacientes com esclerose múltipla

Abstract Objective To measure the cranial volume differences from 15 different parts in the follow-up of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and correlate them with clinical parameters. Methods Forty-seven patients with RRMS were included in the study. Patients were grouped into two categories; low Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (< 3; group 1), and moderate-high EDSS (≥ 3; group 2). Patients were evaluated with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), Symbol Digit Modalities Test(SDMT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and calculated Annualized Relapse Rate (ARR) scores. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed with a 1.5T MRI device (Magnetom AERA, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) twice in a 1-year period. Volumetric analysis was performed by a free, automated, online MRI brain volumetry software. The differences in volumetric values between the two MRI scans were calculated and correlated with the demographic and clinical parameters of the patients. Results The number of attacks, disease duration, BDI, and FSS scores were higher in group 2; SDMT was higher in group 1. As expected, volumetric analyses have shown volume loss in total cerebral white matter in follow-up patients (p < 0.001). In addition, putaminal volume loss was related to a higher number of attacks. Besides, a negative relation between FSS with total amygdala volumes, a link between atrophy of globus pallidus and ARR, and BDI scores was found with the aid of network analysis. Conclusions Apart from a visual demonstration of volume loss, cranial MRI with volumetric analysis has a great potential for revealing covert links between segmental volume changes and clinical parameters.

Resumo Objetivo Medir as diferenças de dominância craniana de 15 regiões diferentes no seguimento de pacientes com esclerose múltipla recorrente-remitente (EMRR) e correlacioná-las com parâmetros clínicos. Métodos Quarenta e sete pacientes com EMRR foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram agrupados em duas categorias; EDSS baixo (< 3; grupo 1) e EDSS médio-alto (≥ 3; grupo 2). Os pacientes foram avaliados com o Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI, na sigla em inglês), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA, na sigla em inglês), Symbol Digit Modality Tests (SDMT, na sigla em inglês), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS, na sigla em inglês) e taxa de ataque anual (ARR, na sigla em inglês). Duas ressonâncias magnéticas (RMs) foram feitas em um ano com um aparelho de imagem de 1,5 T MR (Magnetom AERA, Siemens, Erlangen, Alemanha). A análise de volume foi realizada com um software de medição mestre cerebral de RM gratuito e automatizado. As diferenças volumétricas entre os dois exames de RM foram calculadas e correlacionadas com os parâmetros demográficos e clínicos dos pacientes. Resultados Número de crises, duração da doença, escores BDI e FSS foram mais elevados no grupo 2; as pontuações do SDMT foram maiores no grupo 1. Como esperado, as análises volumétricas mostraram perda total de volume de substância branca no seguimento (p < 0,001). Além disso, a perda da dominância putaminal foi associada ao maior número de ataques. Além disso, uma relação negativa entre FSS e volume total da amígdala, e uma correlação entre ARR e BDI e atrofia do globo pálido foi determinada com a ajuda da análise de rede. Conclusões Além da demonstração visual da perda de volume, a RM com análise volumétrica tem grande potencial para revelar alterações segmentares dominantes e conexões ocultas entre parâmetros clínicos.

Initial Cervical Spinal Cord Demyelinating Lesions are not Associated with Restless Legs Syndrome in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Purpose: This study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and its association with spinal cord lesions, fatigue, quality of life, and sleep disturbance. Methods: We recruited 222 consecutive MS patients admitted to MS outpatient clinic. Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and MS Quality of Life-54 (MSQoL-54) questionnaire scores of all patients were measured. Initial cervical spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patients at first clinical evaluation for diagnosis was reviewed for accompanying demyelinating lesions. Results: RLS was diagnosed in 53 (23.87%) patients. RLS was associated with poor sleep, worse quality of life, increased fatigue, and depressive mood. The sleep quality index, FSS, and MSQoL-54 physical composite scores significantly correlated with RLS severity (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Of the 200 patients, 127 (63.5%) had spinal cord lesions. 22.83% of the patients with cervical spinal cord lesions had RLS comorbidity. We found no significant difference regarding spinal cord demyelinating lesions between RLS positives and negatives. (P = 0.77). In addition, having multiple spinal cord demyelinating lesions did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.84). Besides, the severity of RLS symptoms did not differ in patients who had a single cervical spinal lesion and those who had multiple lesions (P = 0.35). Conclusion: We have demonstrated the negative impact of comorbid RLS on fatigue, sleep quality, mood, and quality of life in MS patients. However, initial spinal cord lesions did not correlate with RLS comorbidity. The severity of RLS symptoms is associated with poor sleep and physical health.

Restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis is related to retinal thinning.

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the most frequent comorbidities accompanying multiple sclerosis. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) show thinning in the retinal layers throughout the disease. The thinning is related to acute attacks and progression and atrophy of the brain. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides relevant information on the pathophysiology of MS. We aimed to evaluate OCT parameters in patients with MS to investigate any changes related to the coexistence of RLS. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 75 adults with relapsing-remitting MS. Participants were assessed by using demographic and clinical parameters along with the excessive sleepiness in the daytime (ESS), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and RLS severity scale (IRLSSG). The thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular thickness (MT), and macular ganglion cell - inner plexiform layer (MGCIPL) complex was measured with spectral-domain OCT. RESULTS: Of the 75 participants, 20 were found to have RLS, and 55 did not. Scores of ESS, FSS, and MS disability (EDSS) were worse in patients with RLS. There was no significant difference in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness except for the inferior quadrant(p = 0.029). The mean inferior pRNFL thickness was 104.5 ± 22.6 µm in the RLS (+) group and 114.2 ± 21.6 µm in the RLS (-) group. CONCLUSION: Patients with RLS had excessive daytime sleepiness, were more fatigued, had higher EDSS scores, and had a thinner retinal layer in the inferior quadrant. Overall, data from the study suggest a possible relationship between retinal volume changes in MS patients with RLS.

Is the left/right judgment task performance altered in unilateral carpal tunnel syndrome: And associated with symptom severity?

BACKGROUND: Left/right judgment task performance (LRJT) is impaired in severe neuropathic pain conditions. However, comparison of LRJT performance in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with a control group with similar cognitive functions has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the LRJT performance of CTS patients with healthy controls and the unaffected side. METHODS: Seventy-five CTS patients with dominant, right-hand involvement and 75 control subjects were included in the study. The Recognize® tablet application was used for LRJT performance. Tactile acuity (Two-point discrimination) and handgrip strength; pain severity (Visual Analog Scale) and neuropathic component of pain (Pain Detect Questionnaire); symptom severity and functional impact of CTS (Boston CTS Assessment Test) were evaluated. Mixed-design ANOVAs and correlation analyses were used for data analysis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Analysis of variance showed that there was no significant effect of side (affected versus unaffected) or group (CTS versus control group) on recognition accuracy or time. Significant group*site interactions were found for the two-point discrimination F (1,148) = 6.388, p = 0.013; and for handgrip strength F (1,148) = 17.552, p < 0.01. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between recognition accuracy and symptom duration and a significant positive correlation was found between recognition accuracy and handgrip strength in CTS patients (r = -0.267, p = 0.020; r = 0.290, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: CTS patients recognize the affected side as accurately and quickly as the unaffected side and control group. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between LRJT performance in the severely affected CTS group. GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04967144 CLINICALTRIALS. GOV REGISTRATION DATE: 19 July 2021.

Visual evoked potential and nerve conduction study findings in patients recovered from COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 infection is associated with peripheral neuropathy. However, subclinical neurological involvement may occur anytime, and diagnostic methods that reveal this subclinical involvement are not well established. We aimed to assess the subclinical neurological involvement by visual evoked potential (VEP) measurements and nerve conduction studies (NCS) and explore the relationship between neurological electrophysiological findings and the severity of COVID-19 infection. METHODS: Seventy-six patients recovered from COVID-19 infection, and 44 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Patients were assessed for clinical and demographic parameters. NCS and VEP analyses were performed to detect any peripheral neuropathy or optic neuropathy in both groups. RESULTS: None of the COVID-19 patients had electrophysiological evidence of peripheral neuropathy. However, patients with COVID-19 pneumonia had significant abnormalities in several peripheral nerve measurements compared to patients without pneumonia. Although P100 parameters did not differ significantly between patients and controls, 12 patients with COVID-19 had prolonged P100 latencies. CONCLUSIONS: We detected subclinical afferent visual pathway abnormality evaluated by VEP analysis. In addition, we found subtle electrophysiological features in the NCS of the patients presented with COVID-19 pneumonia. However, our findings did not fortify the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy or optic neuropathy. Further studies are needed to determine the characteristics of COVID-19-related peripheral neuropathy/optic neuropathy whether it has distinct clinical features and disease course.

Cognition in acute relapses: A psychometric evaluation and its correlation with event-related potential, P300 in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: During acute relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS), physical symptoms attract utmost care. However, cognitive impairment may constitute an substantial part of a new relapse. In this study, we evaluated the cognitive status of MS patients during acute relapses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 35 definite MS patients and 21 healthy subjects. Neuropsychometric tests and the event-related potential, P300 were administered to the MS patients before corticosteroid treatment, and 3 months later. The control subjects were tested only once. RESULTS: The differences between the scores of the Timed 25-Foot Walk test, the Brief Repeatable Battery subtests (10/36 SPART, SDMT, SRT, SRT-LTM) in the relapse and remission phases were statistically significant (p = .005, p = .007, p = .05, p = .029, p = .001, respectively). The latencies of P300 waves during the relapses were significantly prolonged than the ones in the remission and the controls' (p = .004, p < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed a significant involvement of visual-spatial perception, remote memory, and recall, as well as P300 latencies in acute relapses. The inclusion of cognitive assessment during a relapse can provide accurate information on cognitive status for future treatment modalities.

Horner's Syndrome and Vertebral Artery Occlusion Concomitant With Brachial Plexus Injury in a Patient With Anterior Approach Cervical Disc Herniation Surgery.

Horner's syndrome is one of the rare complications after anterior approach intervertebral disc herniation surgery. Here, we described a 35-year-old male patient with Horner's syndrome accompanied by brachial plexus injury at the upper trunk level and vertebral artery occlusion after anterior ipsilateral approach cervical discectomy and cervical disc prosthesis operation. We are not aware of a similar case of these complications after this operation in the literature. After the six-month follow-up period the patient's Horner's syndrome slightly improved and he partially gained right upper extremity muscle strength.

Atypical posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with albuminocytological dissociation and late emerging neuroradiological findings: A case report.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a central nervous system disorder accompanied by vasogenic edema in white matter that is usually located in temporo-parieto-occipital area. Typically, PRES is presented with headaches, seizures, and change of consciousness. The most common etiologic factor is fluctuations in blood pressure. An eighty-eight-year-old female patient was evaluated because of her acute confused state. Medical history revealed hypertension. Blood pressure was 190/100 mmHg. The initial examination showed impaired consciousness. Radiological investigations of brain showed chronic ischemic lesions. Albuminocytological dissociation was detected in CSF examination. On the 6th day of admission, cranial MRI was repeated. Radiological findings were typical for PRES. The cranial MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of the PRES but, as in our case, despite the subtle clinical and radiological findings presented during admission, repeated MRI and CSF examination may contribute to a definite diagnosis. This case is remarkable for severe protein elevation in CSF, irreversible fatal course and radiographic evidence of vasogenic edema occurred subsequently.

Impact of chemerin, lipid profile, and insulin resistance on disease parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Plasma chemerin, which has chemotactic and adipogenic functions, is increased in several inflammatory diseases. However, its relationship with multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been explored yet. In this study, we aimed to determine chemerin levels and their possible role in MS. METHODS: Chemerin serum concentrations were evaluated by using ELISA kit in 91 clinically definite MS patients and 52 healthy controls. The mean serum chemerin, insulin, and cholesterol levels were compared. Patients were divided into two groups according to the body mass index (BMI), and the relationships between clinical and metabolic parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Serum chemerin levels were 10.46 ± 1.65 ng/mL in MS patients and 10.26 ± 2.14 ng/mL in the control group. No significant difference was found between patients and controls (p = 0.55). We found no difference regarding age, gender, and BMI between two groups (p = 0.053, p = 0.54, p = 0.41). However, female patients with MS had higher chemerin levels than male patients. There were no associations between serum chemerin levels and EDSS score, annualized relapse rate, BMI, insulin resistance, and serum cholesterol levels in MS patients. CONCLUSION: In this study, we aimed to determine serum chemerin levels in patients with MS. However, in our study, there was no significant difference between serum chemerin levels of MS patients and healthy controls'. Additionally, chemerin levels were not associated with other metabolic parameters, as well as cognitive dysfunction. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of chemerin in MS patients.

Anxiety and depression associated with a positive prostate biopsy result: A comparative, prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the course of anxiety and depression before and after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) and in the postoperative 1st month when the histopathological biopsy result was obtained. Methods In between June 2017- January 2019, 204 patients who underwent TRUS-Bx and completed the questionnaires assessing anxiety and depression were included in the study. Questionnaires were completed immediately before the biopsy, immediately after the biopsy and at the end of the first month when the histopathological biopsy results were given. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and perceived stress scale (PSS) forms were used to assess anxiety and depression. After the histopathological examination patients were divided into two groups as patients without cancer (Group 1) and with cancer (Group 2). Data was compared between the groups. Results PSA level was negatively correlated with STAI TX-1 scores of the patients immediately after TRUS-Bx, whereas it was positively correlated with STAI TX-1 and TX-2 30 days after the TRUS-Bx. PSA level was positively correlated with HADS-A and HADS-D scores immediately before and 30 days after TRUS-Bx. Biopsy results showed a significant difference in 30 day post-biopsy related data. STAI TX-1, STAI TX-2, HADS-A, HADS-D and PSS scores were higher in Group 2 compared with Group 1. Conclusions Pre-biopsy anxiety disappeared after bx, but there was a significant increase in anxiety and depression in patients after the diagnosis of malignancy. Patients were seriously concerned about the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Anxiety and depression associated with a positive prostate biopsy result: A comparative, prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the course of anxiety and depression before and after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) and in the postoperative 1st month when the histopathological biopsy result was obtained. METHODS: In between June 2017- January 2019, 204 patients who underwent TRUS-Bx and completed the questionnaires assessing anxiety and depression were included in the study. Questionnaires were completed immediately before the biopsy, immediately after the biopsy and at the end of the first month when the histopathological biopsy results were given. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and perceived stress scale (PSS) forms were used to assess anxiety and depression. After the histopathological examination patients were divided into two groups as patients without cancer (Group 1) and with cancer (Group 2). Data was compared between the groups. RESULTS: PSA level was negatively correlated with STAI TX-1 scores of the patients immediately after TRUS-Bx, whereas it was positively correlated with STAI TX-1 and TX-2 30 days after the TRUS-Bx. PSA level was positively correlated with HADS-A and HADS-D scores immediately before and 30 days after TRUS-Bx. Biopsy results showed a significant difference in 30 day post-biopsy related data. STAI TX-1, STAI TX-2, HADS-A, HADS-D and PSS scores were higher in Group 2 compared with Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-biopsy anxiety disappeared after bx, but there was a significant increase in anxiety and depression in patients after the diagnosis of malignancy. Patients were seriously concerned about the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The depressive effects of androgen deprivation therapy in locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer: a comparative study.

AIM: To investigate association of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with depression and the effect of depression on cognitive functions in men with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. METHODS: A total of 144 patients were evaluated in a prospective, comparative study. Group1 consisted of 72 patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer who received complete ADT treatment continuously for 12 months and group2 (control group) consisted of 72 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy without any additional treatment. MoCA (The Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and HAM-D (Hamilton depression rating scale) tests were used to assess the effects of ADT on depression and cognitive functions. RESULTS: According to post-treatment results of MoCA test, patients had lower mean total scores in both the groups. The deficits were especially prominent in the areas of language ability and short-term memory capacity. In the comparison of two groups according to HAM-D tests, the scores were significantly higher in group1 at baseline-6 month, at baseline-12 month and at 6-12 month follow-up period (p = .003, p < .001, p = .023).There was a relationship between depression and deterioration of language and memory functions at 6th (p < .001, p = .002) and 12th months (p < .001, p = .046). Attention function was deteriorated in these patients at 6th (p < .001) and 12th months (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: ADT causes increase in depression and the deterioration of cognitive functions. ADT should be given carefully to these older group of patients with concomitant morbidities.

Is Toxoplasma gondii infection protective against multiple sclerosis risk?

BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections may play a protective role in neurodegenative diseases. OBJECTiVE: To determine the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). METHODS: One hundred fifteen patients with MS were included in the study. Sixty age and gender-matched healthy subjects were recruited as controls. Subjects were assessed for clinical and demographic parameters. The presence of specific IgG antibodies against T. gondii microorganism was searched by using an enzyme immunoassay test in the sera of the subjects. RESULTS: T. gondii seropositivity was found to be lower in MS patients than in healthy controls (33.9% vs. 55%, p=0.007). Mean age and disease duration of the patients were 41.15±11.20 (18-74) and 1.90±1.44 (0-6) years, respectively. MS patients with a high IgG titer had lower expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores (p=0.001) and lower annualized relapse rates (ARR) (p=0.005). There was no significant association between T. gondii seropositivity and disease duration (p=0.598). Female MS patients tended to have higher T. gondii seropositivity than males although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.192). We found a negative correlation between T. gondii seropositivity and both EDSS scores (r=-0.322, p<0.001) and ARR (r=-0.263, p=0.004). CONCLUSiON: We found a negative association between T. gondii infection and the presence of MS. Furthermore, parasite infected MS patients had experienced fewer relapses with lower disability scores supporting the hypothesis of immunomodulatory effects of parasitic infections in autoimmune diseases. Further studies are required to establish the protective role of parasitic infections in MS.