Ways to think about vasculitic neuropathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Vasculitis as a pathomechanism for neuropathy can be isolated to the peripheral nervous system, a part of a systemic autoimmune condition or a component of another syndrome. This review aims to discuss the broad range of diagnoses in which vasculitic neuropathy can be encountered, highlight the progress in imaging techniques in identifying vasculitis, and the new drugs developed for other autoimmune diseases that may be applied to neurological conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in imaging modalities, ultrasound, MRI and FDG-PET scanning for neuromuscular applications has redefined many aspects of vasculitic neuropathies. The benefit of dividing vasculitides by vessel size is becoming less absolute as diagnostic approaches advance. MRI and FDG-PET are widely used in diagnosis, defining extent of involvement of disease and monitoring. In neuralgic amyotrophy, the identification of hourglass-like constrictions on imaging has changed the treatment paradigm to include surgical interventions. These diagnostic approaches are supported by new immunomodulating and immunosuppression techniques. SUMMARY: Vasculitic neuropathies are a broad group of conditions with a range of causes and associations. Increased use of imaging techniques impacts our traditional definitions and classifications. The growth in treatment options for other autoimmune conditions are likely to infiltrate the neurological landscape.

Induction cyclophosphamide with maintenance immunosuppression in high-risk myasthenia gravis: long-term follow-up and safety profile.

BACKGROUND: Patients with refractory or high-risk myasthenia gravis (MG) respond poorly to conventional immunosuppressive therapy, requiring rescue therapies and often experiencing treatment toxicity. Rescue and injectable therapies do not induce remission and require repetitive administration leading to significant constraints on patients and the healthcare system. This long-term follow-up study demonstrates cyclophosphamide as a rapidly effective and safe treatment in patients with refractory or high-risk MG. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of MG patients treated with cyclophosphamide between January 2000 and June 2022 conducted at a quaternary neuroimmunology clinic in New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS: 31 patients were treated: mean age of 64 years; median follow-up 3.6 years (5 months to 11 years); 94% seropositive to acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies and 45% had thymoma. A reduced intensity cyclophosphamide induction protocol followed by oral antiproliferative maintenance is described.Median myasthenia gravis composite scores reduced by >50% after the third cycle of cyclophosphamide. Complete cessation of prednisolone was possible in 11 patients while 20 remained on prednisolone with a median daily dose of 5 mg. Plasma exchange was ceased in 62% of patients and intravenous immunoglobulin ceased in 55%. Cyclophosphamide was generally well tolerated with mild cytopenias. There were no malignancies or cases of haemorrhagic cystitis. CONCLUSION: We describe a large cohort of high-risk MG patients treated with cyclophosphamide in a retrospective single-clinic cohort. We suggest cyclophosphamide should be considered for rapid remission induction, corticosteroid reduction and long-term freedom from recurrent injectable therapies in selected patients, typically those with AChR antibodies.

Oral corticosteroid dosage and taper duration at onset in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease influences time to first relapse.

BACKGROUND: We sought to identify an optimal oral corticosteroid regimen at the onset of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), which would delay time to first relapse while minimising cumulative corticosteroid exposure. METHODS: In a retrospective multicentre cohort study, Cox proportional hazards models examined the relationship between corticosteroid course as a time-varying covariate and time to first relapse. Simon-Makuch and Kaplan-Meier plots identified an optimal dosing strategy. RESULTS: We evaluated 109 patients (62 female, 57%; 41 paediatric, 38%; median age at onset 26 years, (IQR 8-38); median follow-up 6.2 years (IQR 2.6-9.6)). 76/109 (70%) experienced a relapse (median time to first relapse 13.7 months; 95% CI 8.2 to 37.9). In a multivariable model, higher doses of oral prednisone delayed time to first relapse with an effect estimate of 3.7% (95% CI 0.8% to 6.6%; p=0.014) reduced hazard of relapse for every 1 mg/day dose increment. There was evidence of reduced hazard of relapse for patients dosed ≥12.5 mg/day (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.6; p=0.0036), corresponding to a 79% reduction in relapse risk. There was evidence of reduced hazard of relapse for those dosed ≥12.5 mg/day for at least 3 months (HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.44; p=0.0012), corresponding to an 88% reduction in relapse risk compared with those never treated in this range. No patient with this recommended dosing at onset experienced a Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade >3 adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal dose of 12.5 mg of prednisone daily in adults (0.16 mg/kg/day for children) for a minimum of 3 months at the onset of MOGAD delays time to first relapse.

The MOG antibody non-P42 epitope is predictive of a relapsing course in MOG antibody-associated disease.

BACKGROUND: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) IgG seropositivity is a prerequisite for MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) diagnosis. While a significant proportion of patients experience a relapsing disease, there is currently no biomarker predictive of disease course. We aim to determine whether MOG-IgG epitopes can predict a relapsing course in MOGAD patients. METHODS: MOG-IgG-seropositive confirmed adult MOGAD patients were included (n=202). Serum MOG-IgG and epitope binding were determined by validated flow cytometry live cell-based assays. Associations between epitopes, disease course, clinical phenotype, Expanded Disability Status Scale and Visual Functional System Score at onset and last review were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 202 MOGAD patients, 150 (74%) patients had MOG-IgG that recognised the immunodominant proline42 (P42) epitope and 115 (57%) recognised histidine103/serine104 (H103/S104). Fifty-two (26%) patients had non-P42 MOG-IgG and showed an increased risk of a relapsing course (HR 1.7; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.60, p=0.009). Relapse-freedom was shorter in patients with non-P42 MOG-IgG (p=0.0079). Non-P42 MOG-IgG epitope status remained unchanged from onset throughout the disease course and was a strong predictor of a relapsing course in patients with unilateral optic neuritis (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.06 to 6.98, p=0.038), with high specificity (95%, 95% CI 77% to 100%) and positive predictive value (85%, 95% CI 45% to 98%). CONCLUSIONS: Non-P42 MOG-IgG predicts a relapsing course in a significant subgroup of MOGAD patients. Patients with unilateral optic neuritis, the most frequent MOGAD phenotype, can reliably be tested at onset, regardless of age and sex. Early detection and specialised management in these patients could minimise disability and improve long-term outcomes.

Two New Families and a Literature Review of ELOVL4-Associated Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 34.

Autosomal dominant variants in ELOVL4 cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 34 (SCA34; ATX-ELOVL4), classically associated with a skin condition known as erythrokeratoderma. Here, we report a large Italian-Maltese-Australian family with spinocerebellar ataxia. Notably, while there were dermatological manifestations (eczema), erythrokeratoderma was not present. Using a next-generation sequencing panel, we identified a previously reported ELOVL4 variant, NM_022726.4: c.698C > T p.(Thr233Met). The variant was initially classified as a variant of uncertain significance; however, through segregation studies, we reclassified the variant as likely pathogenic. We next identified an individual from another family (Algerian-Maltese-Australian) with the same ELOVL4 variant with spinocerebellar ataxia but without dermatological manifestations. We subsequently performed the first dedicated literature review of ELOVL4-associated ataxia to gain further insights into genotype-phenotype relationships. We identified a total of 60 reported cases of SCA34 to date. The majority had gait ataxia (88.3%), limb ataxia (76.7%), dysarthria (63.3%), and nystagmus (58.3%). Of note, skin lesions related to erythrokeratoderma were seen in a minority of cases (33.3%). Other extracerebellar manifestations included pyramidal tract signs, autonomic disturbances, retinitis pigmentosa, and cognitive impairment. For brain MRI data, cerebellar atrophy was seen in all cases (100%), whereas the hot cross bun sign (typically associated with multiple system atrophy type C) was seen in 32.4% of cases. Our family study and literature review highlight the variable phenotypic spectrum of SCA34. Importantly, it shows that erythrokeratoderma is not found in most cases and that, while a dermatological assessment may be helpful in these patients, SCA34 diagnosis should be considered irrespective of dermatological manifestations.

ACBD5-related retinal dystrophy with leukodystrophy due to novel mutations in ACBD5 and with additional features including ovarian insufficiency.

Acyl-CoA-binding domain-containing protein 5-related retinal dystrophy with leukodystrophy (ACBD5) is a peroxisomal disorder due to deficiency of ACBD5. Presenting features include retinal dystrophy, progressive leukodystrophy, and ataxia. Only seven cases of ACBD5-related retinal dystrophy have been reported in the literature to date, including one other case diagnosed in adulthood. Here we report a case with novel compound heterozygous ACBD5 mutations, presenting with the common features of rod monochromatism and progressive leukodystrophy with spasticity and ataxia. Additional novel clinical features included head and neck tremor and ovarian insufficiency. The patient's symptoms were present since infancy, but a diagnosis was only reached in adulthood when whole exome sequencing was performed. This case, which reports two novel mutations and additional clinical manifestations, contributes to the emerging phenotype of ACBD5-related retinal dystrophy with leukodystrophy, and delineation of the natural history and disease progression.

Neuromuscular junction disorders: mimics and chameleons.

Neuromuscular junction (NMJ) disorders represent a heterogenous group of acquired and congenital disorders that present in variable and distinctive ways. The diagnosis is typically reached through a combination of clinical, serological, pharmacological and electrophysiological evaluation. While the diagnosis can be fairly straightforward in some cases, the overlap with other neurological disorders can make diagnosis challenging, particularly in pure ocular presentations and in seronegative patients. The over-reliance on serological tests and electrophysiological evaluation in isolation can lead to misdiagnosis. In this article, we provide an overview of the NMJ disorders, discuss red flags for the key differential diagnoses (mimics) and report the atypical ways in which NMJ disorders may present (chameleons).

Immunoglobulin use in neurology: a practical approach.

Human immunoglobulin, delivered either intravenously (IVIg) or subcutaneously, is used to treat a range of immune-mediated neurological disorders. It has a role in acute or subacute inflammatory disease control and as a maintenance therapy in chronic disease management. This review considers mechanisms of IVIg action and the evidence for IVIg in neurological conditions. We use Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) as frameworks to demonstrate an approach to IVIg use in acute and chronic dysimmune neurological conditions across two different healthcare systems: the UK and Australia. We highlight the benefits and limitations of IVIg and focus on practical considerations such as informed consent, managing risks and adverse effects, optimal dosing and monitoring response. We use these basic clinical practice principles to discuss the judicious use of an expensive and scarce blood product with international relevance.

Simulations of active zone structure and function at mammalian NMJs predict that loss of calcium channels alone is not sufficient to replicate LEMS effects.

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune-mediated neuromuscular disease thought to be caused by autoantibodies against P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), which attack and reduce the number of VGCCs within transmitter release sites (active zones; AZs) at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), resulting in neuromuscular weakness. However, patients with LEMS also have antibodies to other neuronal proteins, and about 15% of patients with LEMS are seronegative for antibodies against VGCCs. We hypothesized that a reduction in the number of P/Q-type VGCCs alone is not sufficient to explain LEMS effects on transmitter release. Here, we used a computational model to study a variety of LEMS-mediated effects on AZ organization and transmitter release constrained by electron microscopic, pharmacological, immunohistochemical, voltage imaging, and electrophysiological observations. We show that models of healthy AZs can be modified to predict the transmitter release and short-term facilitation characteristics of LEMS and that in addition to a decrease in the number of AZ VGCCs, disruption in the organization of AZ proteins, a reduction in AZ number, a reduction in the amount of synaptotagmin, and the compensatory expression of L-type channels outside the remaining AZs are important contributors to LEMS-mediated effects on transmitter release. Furthermore, our models predict that antibody-mediated removal of synaptotagmin in combination with disruption in AZ organization alone could mimic LEMS effects without the removal of VGCCs (a seronegative model). Overall, our results suggest that LEMS pathophysiology may be caused by a collection of pathological alterations to AZs at the NMJ, rather than by a simple loss of VGCCs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used a computational model of the active zone (AZ) in the mammalian neuromuscular junction to investigate Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) pathophysiology. This model suggests that disruptions in presynaptic active zone organization and protein content (particularly synaptotagmin), beyond the simple removal of presynaptic calcium channels, play an important role in LEMS pathophysiology.

MRI and laboratory monitoring of disease-modifying therapy efficacy and risks.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Increasingly, therapeutic strategy in multiple sclerosis (MS) is informed by imaging and laboratory biomarkers, in addition to traditional clinical factors. Here, we review aspects of monitoring the efficacy and risks of disease-modifying therapy (DMT) with both conventional and emerging MRI and laboratory measures. RECENT FINDINGS: The adoption of consensus-driven, stable MRI acquisition protocols and artificial intelligence-based, quantitative image analysis is heralding an era of precision monitoring of DMT efficacy. New MRI measures of compartmentalized inflammation, neuro-degeneration and repair complement traditional metrics but require validation before use in individual patients. Laboratory markers of brain cellular injury, such as neurofilament light, are robust outcomes in DMT efficacy trials; their use in clinical practice is being refined. DMT-specific laboratory monitoring for safety is critical and may include lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, autoimmunity surveillance, John Cunningham virus serology and COVID-19 vaccination seroresponse. SUMMARY: A biomarker-enhanced monitoring strategy has immediate clinical application, with growing evidence of long-term reductions in disability accrual when both clinically symptomatic and asymptomatic inflammatory activity is fully suppressed; and amelioration of the risks associated with therapy. Emerging MRI and blood-based measures will also become important tools for monitoring agents that target the innate immune system and promote neuro-repair.

Diagnosis, differential diagnosis and misdiagnosis of Susac syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Susac syndrome (SuS) is an inflammatory condition of the brain, eye and ear. Diagnosis can be challenging, and misdiagnosis is common. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the medical records of 32 adult patients from an Australasian cohort of SuS patients. RESULTS: An alternative diagnosis prior to SuS was made in 30 patients (94%) with seven patients receiving two or more diagnoses. The median time to diagnosis of SuS was 3 months (range 0.5-100 months). The commonest misdiagnoses were migraine in 10 patients (31%), cerebral vasculitis in six (19%), multiple sclerosis in five (16%) and stroke in five (16%). Twenty-two patients were treated for alternative diagnoses, 10 of whom had further clinical manifestations prior to SuS diagnosis. At presentation seven patients (22%) met criteria for definite SuS, 19 (59%) for probable SuS and six (19%) for possible SuS. Six patients (19%) presented with brain-eye-ear involvement, 14 with brain-ear (44%), six with brain-eye (19%) and six (19%) with only brain involvement. In patients with the complete triad of symptoms the median delay to diagnosis was 3 months (range 1-9 months) compared to 5.25 months (range 0.5-100 months) for patients with encephalopathy and ocular symptoms at presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Susac syndrome patients are frequently misdiagnosed at initial presentation, despite many having symptoms or radiological features that are red flags for the diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis can lead to patient morbidity. The varied ways in which SuS can present, and clinician failure to consider or recognize SuS, appear to be the main factors leading to misdiagnosis.

Long read sequencing overcomes challenges in the diagnosis of SORD neuropathy.

Biallelic mutations in sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORD) have been recently identified as a common cause of recessive axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy (CMT2). We aimed to assess a novel long-read sequencing approach to overcome current limitations in SORD neuropathy diagnostics due to the SORD2P pseudogene and the phasing of biallelic mutations in recessive disease. We conducted a screen of our Australian whole exome sequencing (WES) CMT cohort to identify individuals with homozygous or compound heterozygous SORD variants. Individuals detected with SORD mutations then underwent long-read sequencing, clinical assessment, and serum sorbitol analysis. An individual was detected with compound heterozygous truncating mutations in SORD exon 7, NM_003104.5:c.625C>T (p.Arg209Ter) and NM_003104.5:c.757del (p.Ala253GlnfsTer27). Subsequent Oxford Nanopore Tech (ONT) long-read sequencing was used to successfully differentiate SORD from the highly homologous non-functional SORD2P pseudogene and confirmed that the mutations were biallelic through haplotype-resolved analysis. The patient presented with axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (CMT2) and ulnar neuropathy without compression at the elbow. Burning neuropathic pain in the forearms and feet was also reported and was exacerbated by alcohol consumption and improved with alcohol cessation. UPLC-tandem mass spectrometry confirmed that the patient had elevated serum sorbitol levels (12.0 mg/L) consistent with levels previously observed in patients with biallelic SORD mutations. This represents a novel clinical presentation and expands the phenotype associated with biallelic SORD mutations causing CMT2. Our study is the first report of long-read sequencing for an individual with CMT and demonstrates the utility of this approach for clinical genomics.

Multiple sclerosis: structural and functional integrity of the visual system following alemtuzumab therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential neuroprotective and pro-remyelinating effects of alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis (MS), using the visual pathway as a model. METHODS: We monitored clinical, multifocal visual evoked potential (mfVEP) and MRI outcomes in 30 patients commencing alemtuzumab for relapsing MS, and a reference group of 20 healthy controls (HCs), over 24 months. Change in mfVEP latency was the primary endpoint; change in optic radiation (OR) lesion diffusion metrics and Mars letter contrast sensitivity over the course of the study were secondary endpoints. RESULTS: In patients, we observed a mean shortening of mfVEP latency of 1.21 ms over the course of the study (95% CI 0.21 to 2.21, p=0.013), not altered by correction for age, gender, disease duration or change in OR T2 lesion volume. Mean mfVEP latency in the HC group increased over the course of the study by 0.72 ms (not significant). Analysis of chronic OR T2 lesions (patients) showed an increase in normalised fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity between baseline and 24 months (both p<0.01). Mean Mars letter contrast sensitivity was improved at 24 months vs baseline (p<0.001), and driven by an early improvement, in both patients and HC. CONCLUSION: We found evidence of partial lesion remyelination after alemtuzumab therapy, indicating either natural restoration in the context of a 'permissive' local milieu; or potentially an independent, pro-reparative mechanism of action. The visual system presents a unique opportunity to study function-structure specific effects of therapy and inform the design of future phase 2 MS remyelination trials.

Variants in the Oxidoreductase PYROXD1 Cause Early-Onset Myopathy with Internalized Nuclei and Myofibrillar Disorganization.

This study establishes PYROXD1 variants as a cause of early-onset myopathy and uses biospecimens and cell lines, yeast, and zebrafish models to elucidate the fundamental role of PYROXD1 in skeletal muscle. Exome sequencing identified recessive variants in PYROXD1 in nine probands from five families. Affected individuals presented in infancy or childhood with slowly progressive proximal and distal weakness, facial weakness, nasal speech, swallowing difficulties, and normal to moderately elevated creatine kinase. Distinctive histopathology showed abundant internalized nuclei, myofibrillar disorganization, desmin-positive inclusions, and thickened Z-bands. PYROXD1 is a nuclear-cytoplasmic pyridine nucleotide-disulphide reductase (PNDR). PNDRs are flavoproteins (FAD-binding) and catalyze pyridine-nucleotide-dependent (NAD/NADH) reduction of thiol residues in other proteins. Complementation experiments in yeast lacking glutathione reductase glr1 show that human PYROXD1 has reductase activity that is strongly impaired by the disease-associated missense mutations. Immunolocalization studies in human muscle and zebrafish myofibers demonstrate that PYROXD1 localizes to the nucleus and to striated sarcomeric compartments. Zebrafish with ryroxD1 knock-down recapitulate features of PYROXD1 myopathy with sarcomeric disorganization, myofibrillar aggregates, and marked swimming defect. We characterize variants in the oxidoreductase PYROXD1 as a cause of early-onset myopathy with distinctive histopathology and introduce altered redox regulation as a primary cause of congenital muscle disease.

Age and the risks of high-efficacy disease modifying drugs in multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A variety of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). After evaluation and approval by regulatory agencies, DMTs are likely to be administered to patients whose characteristics differ from those enrolled in clinical trials. This may contribute to the emergence of unexpected adverse events observed in the real-world setting. Higher age may be a relevant factor that could change the benefit-risk balance of DMTs, as it may associate with lower efficiency and higher frequency of adverse events. RECENT FINDINGS: The absolute and relative number of patients with MS who reach the age of 55 and higher increases. Growing evidence demonstrates lower efficacy of DMTs in older persons with MS. Specific risks during DMTs for MS, such as the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) or the outcome following PML, have been associated with age. It is hypothesized that age-related and therapy-induced alterations to the immune system may have (super)additive effects, resulting in an acceleration of physiological immunosenescence and inflamm-aging. SUMMARY: In this article, we review the risks of high-efficacy DMTs in MS with a specific focus on age-related efficacy and risks, including opportunistic infections, malignancies, and autoimmune reactions.

Immune-mediated conditions affecting the brain, eye and ear (BEE syndromes).

The triad of central nervous system symptoms, visual disturbance and hearing impairment is an oft-encountered clinical scenario. A number of immune-mediated diseases should be considered among the differential diagnoses including: Susac syndrome, Cogan syndrome or Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease; demyelinating conditions such as multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder; systemic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome or Behcet disease and granulomatous diseases such as sarcoidosis. In this article, we coin the term 'BEE syndromes' to draw attention to the various immune-mediated diseases that affect the brain, eye and ear. We present common disease manifestations and identify key clinical and investigation features.

Warts and all: Fingolimod and unusual HPV-associated lesions.

BACKGROUND: Fingolimod is used to reduce relapse rates in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) analogue having antagonistic effects on S1P receptors. Its immunosuppressive effect is due to reduced circulating lymphocyte numbers, and it may also be associated with impaired intrinsic cancer surveillance. Fingolimod side effects include increased rates and severity of viral infections particularly varicella zoster. METHODS: We present five cases of chronic and treatment refractory warts associated with fingolimod therapy. RESULTS: Each of the five cases presenting with chronic warts while receiving fingolimod therapy had prolonged periods of lymphopenia and improvements were seen following dose reduction or cessation of fingolimod. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous warts are associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, suggesting an increased risk of other HPV-driven conditions such as cervical cancer following fingolimod administration. HPV viruses are responsible for approximately 90% of cervical cancers as well as a significant portion of anogenital cancers and have a high prevalence in sexually active adults. Given the reduced immune response to viral infections and potential impaired cancer surveillance in those receiving fingolimod, HPV vaccination and frequent assessment for the development of HPV-associated malignancies are recommended.

Successful implementation of an automated electronic support system for patient safety monitoring: The alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis safety systems (AMS3) study.

BACKGROUND: Alemtuzumab is a highly effective treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) but requires ongoing pathology monitoring for autoimmune adverse effects. The Alemtuzumab in MS Safety Systems (AMS3) study evaluated the implementation of an automated pathology-monitoring system. OBJECTIVES: To develop an efficient automated clinical decision support system (CDSS) to electronically prompt and track pathology collection and to provide prescribers and patients with customised alerts of abnormal results for identified risks. METHODS: A total of 10 patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated with alemtuzumab were enrolled to test the system. Standard care laboratory monitoring was performed and compared to the performance of the CDSS. RESULTS: The automated CDSS, an integrated patient smartphone application and an additional pre-screening tool were all successfully developed. Compliance with pathology monitoring was 96.7%. The automated analysis of pathology results was significantly faster than standard care neurologist review (p < 0.001). The system correctly identified and alerted abnormalities, including one case of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) while the treating neurologist was on leave, enabling prompt treatment of serious adverse events. During the course of the study, the CDSS was deployed throughout Australia. CONCLUSION: We successfully developed automated pathology monitoring with a CDSS, demonstrating real-world benefits of high compliance and timely alerting of important results.

Association between musk antibody concentrations and the myasthenia gravis composite score in 3 patients: A marker of relapse?

INTRODUCTION: Muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) autoantibody related myasthenia gravis is characterized by bulbar and respiratory manifestations, a poor response to anticholinergics, and a generally good response to plasma exchange and rituximab. It is not known if MuSK-antibody (Ab) levels could be used to predict the clinical course Methods: Three patients for whom frequent long-term monitoring of MuSK-Ab levels and the Myasthenia Gravis Composite (MGC) scores were performed are described. RESULTS: A close relationship existed between the MuSK-Ab concentrations and the MGC score. Furthermore, a rise in Ab concentration preceded a more serious clinical relapse in all patients Conclusions: These findings suggest that MuSK-Ab concentrations may be a useful biomarker for the long-term monitoring of MuSK myasthenia gravis, particularly while in clinical remission. This may allow preemptive escalation of therapy to prevent clinical relapse, and conversely permitting greater weaning of unnecessary immunosuppression. Muscle Nerve, 2019.

Regional variation of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder regarding the clinical presentation, electrophysiological subtype and outcome. Previous single country reports indicate that Guillain-Barré syndrome may differ among regions, but no systematic comparative studies have been conducted. Comparative studies are required to identify factors determining disease susceptibility, variation and prognosis, and to improve diagnostic criteria. The International Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outcome Study is a prospective, observational cohort study including all patients within the diagnostic spectrum, aiming to describe the heterogeneity of Guillain-Barré syndrome worldwide. The current study was based on the first 1000 inclusions with a follow-up of at least 1 year and confirmed the variation in clinical presentation, course and outcome between patients. The full clinical spectrum of Guillain-Barré syndrome was observed in patients from all countries participating in the International Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outcome Study, but the frequency of variants differed between regions. We compared three regions based on geography, income and previous reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome subtypes: 'Europe/Americas', 'Asia' (without Bangladesh), and 'Bangladesh'. We excluded 75 (8%) patients because of alternative diagnoses, protocol violations, or missing data. The predominant clinical variant was sensorimotor in Europe/Americas (n = 387/562, 69%) and Asia (n = 27/63, 43%), and pure motor in Bangladesh (n = 74/107, 69%). Miller Fisher syndrome and Miller Fisher-Guillain-Barré overlap syndrome were more common in Asia (n = 14/63, 22%) than in the other two regions (Europe/Americas: n = 64/562, 11%; Bangladesh: n = 1/107, 1%) (P < 0.001). The predominant electrophysiological subtype was demyelinating in all regions (Europe/Americas: n = 312/573, 55%; Asia: n = 29/65, 45%; Bangladesh: n = 38/94, 40%). The axonal subtype occurred more often in Bangladesh (n = 34/94, 36%) than in Europe/Americas (n = 33/573, 6%) and other Asian countries (n = 4/65, 6%) (P < 0.001). In all regions, patients with the axonal subtype were younger, had fewer sensory deficits, and showed a trend towards poorer recovery compared to patients with the demyelinating subtype. The proportion of patients able to walk unaided after 1 year varied between Asia (n = 31/34, 91%), Europe/Americas (n = 334/404, 83%) and Bangladesh (n = 67/97, 69%) (P = 0.003). A similar variation was seen for mortality, being higher in Bangladesh (n = 19/114, 17%) than in Europe/Americas (n = 23/486, 5%) and Asia (n = 1/45, 2%) (P < 0.001). This study showed that factors related to geography have a major influence on clinical phenotype, disease severity, electrophysiological subtype, and outcome of Guillain-Barré syndrome.