Trial of Sodium Phenylbutyrate-Taurursodiol for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol have been found to reduce neuronal death in experimental models. The efficacy and safety of a combination of the two compounds in persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are not known. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial, we enrolled participants with definite ALS who had had an onset of symptoms within the previous 18 months. Participants were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol (3 g of sodium phenylbutyrate and 1 g of taurursodiol, administered once a day for 3 weeks and then twice a day) or placebo. The primary outcome was the rate of decline in the total score on the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R; range, 0 to 48, with higher scores indicating better function) through 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the rates of decline in isometric muscle strength, plasma phosphorylated axonal neurofilament H subunit levels, and the slow vital capacity; the time to death, tracheostomy, or permanent ventilation; and the time to death, tracheostomy, permanent ventilation, or hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 177 persons with ALS were screened for eligibility, and 137 were randomly assigned to receive sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol (89 participants) or placebo (48 participants). In a modified intention-to-treat analysis, the mean rate of change in the ALSFRS-R score was -1.24 points per month with the active drug and -1.66 points per month with placebo (difference, 0.42 points per month; 95% confidence interval, 0.03 to 0.81; P = 0.03). Secondary outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. Adverse events with the active drug were mainly gastrointestinal. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol resulted in slower functional decline than placebo as measured by the ALSFRS-R score over a period of 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Longer and larger trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol in persons with ALS. (Funded by Amylyx Pharmaceuticals and others; CENTAUR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03127514.).

Effect of sodium phenylbutyrate/taurursodiol on tracheostomy/ventilation-free survival and hospitalisation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: long-term results from the CENTAUR trial.

BACKGROUND: Coformulated sodium phenylbutyrate/taurursodiol (PB/TURSO) was shown to prolong survival and slow functional decline in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). OBJECTIVE: Determine whether PB/TURSO prolonged tracheostomy/ventilation-free survival and/or reduced first hospitalisation in participants with ALS in the CENTAUR trial. METHODS: Adults with El Escorial Definite ALS ≤18 months from symptom onset were randomised to PB/ TURSO or placebo for 6 months. Those completing randomised treatment could enrol in an open-label extension (OLE) phase and receive PB/TURSO for ≤30 months. Times to the following individual or combined key events were compared in the originally randomised treatment groups over a period spanning trial start through July 2020 (longest postrandomisation follow-up, 35 months): death, tracheostomy, permanent assisted ventilation (PAV) and first hospitalisation. RESULTS: Risk of any key event was 47% lower in those originally randomised to PB/TURSO (n=87) versus placebo (n=48, 71% of whom received delayed-start PB/TURSO in the OLE phase) (HR=0.53; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.81; p=0.003). Risks of death or tracheostomy/PAV (HR=0.51; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.84; p=0.007) and first hospitalisation (HR=0.56; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.95; p=0.03) were also decreased in those originally randomised to PB/TURSO. CONCLUSIONS: Early PB/TURSO prolonged tracheostomy/PAV-free survival and delayed first hospitalisation in ALS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03127514; NCT03488524.

Porphyric neuropathy.

Acute hepatic porphyrias are inherited metabolic disorders that may present with polyneuropathy, which if not diagnosed early can lead to quadriparesis, respiratory weakness, and death. Porphyric neuropathy is an acute to subacute motor predominant axonal neuropathy with a predilection for the upper extremities and usually preceded by a predominantly parasympathetic autonomic neuropathy. The rapid progression and associated dysautonomia mimic Guillain-Barré syndrome but are distinguished by the absence of cerebrospinal fluid albuminocytologic dissociation, progression beyond 4 wk, and associated abdominal pain. Spot urine test to assess the porphyrin precursors delta-aminolevulinic acid and porphobilinogen can provide a timely diagnosis during an acute attack. Timely treatment with intravenous heme, carbohydrate loading, and avoidance of porphyrinogenic medications can prevent further neurological morbidity and mortality.

Tocilizumab is safe and tolerable and reduces C-reactive protein concentrations in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: We tested safety, tolerability, and target engagement of tocilizumab in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. METHODS: Twenty-two participants, whose peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression profile reflected high messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of inflammatory markers, were randomized 2:1 to three tocilizumab or placebo treatments (weeks 0, 4, and 8; 8 mg/kg intravenous). Participants were followed every 4 wk in a double-blind fashion for 16 wk and assessed for safety, tolerability, plasma inflammatory markers, and clinical measures. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected at baseline and after the third treatment. Participants were genotyped for Asp358 Ala polymorphism of the interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) gene. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics, safety, and tolerability were similar between treatment groups. One serious adverse event was reported in the placebo group; no deaths occurred. Mean plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) level decreased by 88% in the tocilizumab group and increased by 4% in the placebo group (-3.0-fold relative change, P < .001). CSF CRP reduction (-1.8-fold relative change, P = .01) was associated with IL-6R C allele count. No differences in PBMC gene expression or clinical measures were observed between groups. DISCUSSION: Tocilizumab treatment was safe and well tolerated. PBMC gene expression profile was inadequate as a predictive or pharmacodynamic biomarker. Treatment reduced CRP levels in plasma and CSF, with CSF effects potentially dependent on IL-6R Asp358 Ala genotype. IL-6 trans-signaling may mediate a distinct central nervous system response in individuals inheriting the IL-6R C allele. These results warrant further study in ALS patients where IL-6R genotype and CRP levels may be useful enrichment biomarkers.

Long-term survival of participants in the CENTAUR trial of sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

An orally administered, fixed-dose coformulation of sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol (PB-TURSO) significantly slowed functional decline in a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial in ALS (CENTAUR). Herein we report results of a long-term survival analysis of participants in CENTAUR. In CENTAUR, adults with ALS were randomized 2:1 to PB-TURSO or placebo. Participants completing the 6-month (24-week) randomized phase were eligible to receive PB-TURSO in the open-label extension. An all-cause mortality analysis (35-month maximum follow-up post-randomization) incorporated all randomized participants. Participants and site investigators were blinded to treatment assignments through the duration of follow-up of this analysis. Vital status was obtained for 135 of 137 participants originally randomized in CENTAUR. Median overall survival was 25.0 months among participants originally randomized to PB-TURSO and 18.5 months among those originally randomized to placebo (hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.92; P = .023). Initiation of PB-TURSO treatment at baseline resulted in a 6.5-month longer median survival as compared with placebo. Combined with results from CENTAUR, these results suggest that PB-TURSO has both functional and survival benefits in ALS.

COVID-19-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome: The early pandemic experience.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy associated with numerous viral infections. Recently, there have been many case reports describing the association between coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and GBS, but much remains unknown about the strength of the association and the features of GBS in this setting. We reviewed 37 published cases of GBS associated with COVID-19 to summarize this information for clinicians and to determine whether a specific clinical or electrodiagnostic (EDx) pattern is emerging. The mean age (59 years), gender (65% male), and COVID-19 features appeared to reflect those of hospitalized COVID-19 patients early in the pandemic. The mean time from COVID-19 symptoms to GBS symptoms was 11 days. The clinical presentation and severity of these GBS cases was similar to those with non-COVID-19 GBS. The EDx pattern was considered demyelinating in approximately half of the cases. Cerebrospinal fluid, when assessed, demonstrated albuminocytologic dissociation in 76% of patients and was negative for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in all cases. Serum antiganglioside antibodies were absent in 15 of 17 patients tested. Most patients were treated with a single course of intravenous immunoglobulin, and improvement was noted within 8 weeks in most cases. GBS-associated COVID-19 appears to be an uncommon condition with similar clinical and EDx patterns to GBS before the pandemic. Future studies should compare patients with COVID-19-associated GBS to those with contemporaneous non-COVID-19 GBS and determine whether the incidence of GBS is elevated in those with COVID-19.

A pilot study of neuromuscular ultrasound as a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: This study explores the reliability and responsiveness of neuromuscular ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS: Investigations were conducted with 10 healthy controls, 10 patients with ALS (single point in time), and 10 different patients with ALS (followed over 6 months; 4 completed follow-up). Ultrasound was used to measure the thickness of the geniohyoid, bilateral biceps/brachialis, bilateral tibialis anterior, and bilateral hemidiaphragms (at inspiration and expiration). Interrater and intrarater reliability and change in muscle thickness over 6 months were measured. RESULTS: Interrater correlation coefficients ranged between 0.80 and 0.99 in healthy controls and between 0.78 and 0.97 in patients with ALS. Intrarater correlation coefficients ranged between 0.83 and 0.98 in healthy controls. The mean percentage decline in muscle thickness over 6 months was 20.25%. DISCUSSION: Muscle ultrasound appears to be a reliable technique for measuring important muscles in patients with ALS. Larger studies with age-matched controls should be conducted to assess further the responsiveness of this biomarker in ALS. Muscle Nerve 59:181-186, 2019.

A charcot-marie-tooth type 1B kindred associated with hemifacial spasm and trigeminal neuralgia.

INTRODUCTION: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) phenotypes can be distinguished by electrophysiology and genetic analysis but few can be identified by their clinical characteristics. Distinctive phenotypes are useful in identifying affected individuals and providing additional clues about the mechanism of the neuropathy. Cranial neuropathies are uncommon features of CMT, and few reports of familial hemifacial spasm (HFS) and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) have been published. METHODS: Sixty-three members of a large CMT 1B kindred were assessed for signs of peripheral neuropathy and cranial neuropathies then tested for the G163R mutation in the myelin protein zero (MPZ) gene. RESULTS: Of 27 individuals with the G163R mutation in MPZ, 10 had HFS or TN. Co-existing HFS and TN were found in 3 of these and 4 had bilateral HFS or TN. CONCLUSIONS: This kindred exhibits a distinct CMT phenotype characterized by the development of HFS or TN decades after clinical signs of hereditary neuropathy are manifest. Muscle Nerve, 2019.

Ultrasound guidance for sural nerve conduction studies.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound can potentially identify nerves and guide recording and stimulating electrode placement for nerve conduction studies (NCS). This prospective study was performed to determine whether ultrasound guidance of sural NCS results in higher action potential amplitude, fewer stimuli required, lower stimulus strength required, and less pain experienced. METHODS: Fourteen healthy individuals underwent bilateral sural NCS, both with and without ultrasound guidance. Studies were separated by at least 48 h, and the order of testing was randomly assigned. RESULTS: Ultrasound guidance resulted in significantly fewer stimuli and lower stimuli strength required to obtain supramaximal responses (P < 0.01-0.03). Ultrasound guidance required significantly more time to perform than standard sural NCS (P < 0.01). There was no difference in sural nerve amplitude or pain rating between the 2 groups. DISCUSSION: Neuromuscular ultrasound can be used effectively to guide electrode placement during sural NCS. Muscle Nerve 59:705-707, 2019.

Assessing the accuracy of neuromuscular ultrasound for inclusion body myositis.

INTRODUCTION: Inclusion body myositis (IBM) can have clinical and electrodiagnostic features similar to other neuromuscular diseases, making it a diagnostic challenge. This prospective study was designed to determine the accuracy of forearm ultrasound for IBM. METHODS: Sixty adults were recruited (15 with IBM, 15 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS], 15 with other myopathies, and 15 healthy controls), and each underwent ultrasound of the bilateral forearms (imaging the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor carpi ulnaris muscles). Three clinicians with varying ultrasound expertise assigned a diagnosis of IBM, ALS, other myopathy, or control, based on images alone. RESULTS: Intrarater reliability was moderately strong. Interrater reliability varied based on clinician experience. Sensitivity was 73.33% and 66.67% for the expert raters. Specificity was strong for all 3 clinicians (93.33%, 84.44%, and 91.11%). DISCUSSION: Neuromuscular ultrasound of the forearm is reliable and accurate for the diagnosis of IBM, although sensitivity was higher among experienced clinicians. Muscle Nerve 59:478-481, 2019.

Defining SOD1 ALS natural history to guide therapeutic clinical trial design.

IMPORTANCE: Understanding the natural history of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by SOD1 mutations (ALSSOD1) will provide key information for optimising clinical trials in this patient population. OBJECTIVE: To establish an updated natural history of ALSSOD1. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study from 15 medical centres in North America evaluated records from 175 patients with ALS with genetically confirmed SOD1 mutations, cared for after the year 2000. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Age of onset, survival, ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALS-FRS) scores and respiratory function were analysed. Patients with the A4V (Ala-Val) SOD1 mutation (SOD1A4V), the largest mutation population in North America with an aggressive disease progression, were distinguished from other SOD1 mutation patients (SOD1non-A4V) for analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of disease onset was 49.7±12.3 years (mean±SD) for all SOD1 patients, with no statistical significance between SOD1A4V and SOD1non-A4V (p=0.72, Kruskal-Wallis). Total SOD1 patient median survival was 2.7 years. Mean disease duration for all SOD1 was 4.6±6.0 and 1.4±0.7 years for SOD1A4V. SOD1A4V survival probability (median survival 1.2 years) was significantly decreased compared with SOD1non-A4V (median survival 6.8 years; p<0.0001, log-rank). A statistically significant increase in ALS-FRS decline in SOD1A4V compared with SOD1non-A4V participants (p=0.02) was observed, as well as a statistically significant increase in ALS-forced vital capacity decline in SOD1A4V compared with SOD1non-A4V (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: SOD1A4V is an aggressive, but relatively homogeneous form of ALS. These SOD1-specific ALS natural history data will be important for the design and implementation of clinical trials in the ALSSOD1 patient population.

Ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound of fascicles in the median nerve at the wrist.

INTRODUCTION: An ultrahigh-frequency (70 MHZ) ultrasound device has recently been approved for human use. This study seeks to determine whether this device facilitates counting of fascicles within the median nerve at the wrist. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers underwent imaging of the median nerve at the wrist bilaterally. The number of fascicles in each nerve was counted by two independent raters. RESULTS: The mean fascicle number was 22.68. Correlation was strong between the two raters (r = 0.68, P < 0.001). Age, sex, body mass index, and nerve area did not predict fascicle number. Those with bifid median nerves and persistent median arteries had lower fascicle density than those without anatomic anomalies (1.79 vs. 2.29; P = 0.01). DISCUSSION: Fascicles within the median nerve at the wrist can be readily imaged. Ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound technology may be informative in a variety of disorders affecting the peripheral nervous system. Muscle Nerve 56: 819-822, 2017.

Neuromuscular ultrasound for evaluation of scapular winging.

INTRODUCTION: Clinicians who treat nerve and muscle disorders may be asked to evaluate patients who have unilateral or bilateral scapular winging. Traditionally, this evaluation has relied upon a thorough history, physical examination, and electrodiagnostic testing to localize the cause of winging and detect the underlying neuromuscular pathology. Neuromuscular ultrasound has emerged as a non-invasive technique that can be used for structural evaluation of nerve and muscle abnormalities. METHODS: Previous studies of imaging in scapular winging and experiences from our diagnostic laboratory are reviewed. RESULTS: Four standard and 4 ancillary ultrasound views are described for evaluation of scapular winging. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless, and radiation-free technology that can be used to evaluate scapular winging. Muscle Nerve 56: 7-14, 2017.

Exome sequencing establishes a gelsolin mutation as the cause of inherited bulbar-onset neuropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Progressive bulbar motor neuropathy is primarily caused by bulbar-onset ALS. Hereditary amyloidosis type IV also presents with a bulbar neuropathy that mimics motor neuron disease. The disease is prevalent in Finland only and is not commonly included in the differential diagnosis of ALS. METHODS: We studied 18 members of a family in which some had bulbar motor neuropathy, and we performed exome sequencing. RESULTS: Five affected family members were found to have a D187Y substitution in the GSN gene known to cause hereditary amyloidosis type IV. CONCLUSIONS: This American family presented with progressive bulbar neuropathy due to a gelsolin mutation not found in Finland. Hereditary amyloidosis type IV presents with bulbar motor neuropathy and not with peripheral neuropathy as occurs with common forms of amyloidosis. This report demonstrates the power of exome sequencing to determine the cause of rare hereditary diseases with incomplete or atypical phenotypes. Muscle Nerve 56: 1001-1005, 2017.

Juvenile muscular atrophy of the distal upper extremities associated with x-linked periventricular heterotopia with features of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Juvenile muscular atrophy of the distal upper extremities (JMADUE) is a rare, sporadic disorder that affects adolescent males and is characterized by progressive but self-limited weakness of the distal upper extremities. The etiology is unknown, but cervical hyperflexion has been hypothesized. METHODS: We report a case of an adolescent male who presented with typical JMADUE but also had joint hypermobility and multiple congenital anomalies, including periventricular heterotopias, suggesting a multisystem syndrome. RESULTS: Subsequent diagnostic testing confirmed a diagnosis of JMADUE, and sequencing of the filamin-A gene showed a novel, pathogenic mutation that confirmed an additional diagnosis of X-linked periventricular heterotopias with features of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (XLPH-EDS). CONCLUSIONS: The concurrent diagnosis of these 2 rare conditions suggests a pathogenic connection. It is likely that the joint hypermobility from XLPH-EDS predisposed this patient to developing JMADUE. This supports the cervical hyperflexion theory of pathogenesis. This case also expands the phenotype associated with FLNA mutations. Muscle Nerve 54: 794-797, 2016.

Natural history of muscle cramps in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle cramping is a common symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that lacks efficacious treatment. The natural history of this symptom is unknown, which hampers efforts to design optimal clinical trials. METHODS: We surveyed early stage ALS patients about their experience with cramps each month by phone for up to 21 months. RESULTS: Cramps developed in 95% of patients over the course of their disease. The number of cramps experienced by an individual varied widely from month-to-month and trended lower after the first year of illness (P = 0.26). Those with limb-onset and age >60 years had more cramps than bulbar-onset (P < 0.0001) and younger patients (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The high variability of the number of cramps experienced suggests that clinical trials will need to use crossover designs or large numbers of participants, even when the treatment effect is substantial.