Clinical significance and prognostic value of serum autoantibody tests in multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: It is known that multiple sclerosis (MS) often coexists with other autoimmune diseases. Hence, autoantibody (auto-Ab) tests may prove useful in the differential diagnosis of MS. The objectives of this study were to: (a) investigate the prevalence of auto-Ab positivity at the beginning of the MS diagnostic process; (b) assess whether Auto-Ab+ and Auto-Ab- patients differ in baseline clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters; and (c) investigate the prognostic value during a two-year follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study consisted of 450 patients aged between 18 and 55 years. All patients underwent a wide range of auto-Ab tests, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) tests in particular. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores of the patients were recorded at the time of diagnosis and at the end of a two-year follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean age of the 212 patients, 148 (69.8%) female and 64 (30.2%) male, included in the study sample was 37 ± 10.83 years. The rate of relapsing cases was 84% (178). Oligoclonal band (OCB) was positive in 142 (86.6%) of the 164 tested cases. At least one of the auto-Ab tests was positive in 51 (24.1%) of the cases. ANA test was positive in 21 (9.9%) cases. There was no significant difference between patients with at least one positive auto-Ab test and without any positive auto-Ab test and between ANA-positive and ANA-negative patients in terms of age, gender, clinical features of MS, presence of brain stem lesion, presence of spinal lesion, OCB positivity, level of clinical improvement after the first pulse steroid treatment, family history, presence of comorbidity, presence of autoimmune disease, or EDSS scores recorded at the end of the two-year follow-up period (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings revealed that Auto-Ab positivity was more common in MS patients than in the general population. However, given their limited contribution to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of MS with no effect on the prognostic process, auto-Ab tests should be requested only in the event of accompanying autoimmune disease symptoms, and in cases where the diagnosis of MS may be suspected.

Evaluation of body image perception in multiple sclerosis patients without neurological deficit.

Background and purpose: There is a lack of research on the association between body image perception (BIP) and multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to evaluate BIP in MS patients and its correlation with depression, anxiety, duration of the disease, and sociodemographic characteristics of the patients. Methods: Fifty patients with MS who applied to our outpatient clinic were examined. Forty-five healthy control were recruited for the study. All patients were diagnosed with MS according to 2010 revisions of McDonald criteria. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was performed by the same neurologist for all patients. The participants were asked to complete a sociodemographic form, Body Cathexis Scale (BCS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results: The mean BCS score was 86.54 ± 32.24 in MS patients and 155.00 ± 20.90 in the healthy subjects (p<0.001). While MS patients had significantly higher anxiety levels, depression scores were similar in both groups. The mean BAI score was 18.50 ± 14.03 for MS patients and 10.06 ± 7.96 in the control group (p=0.001). The BDI score of the patients was 13.77 ± 11.61 and 11.91 ± 8.65 for the controls (p=0.34). Early age of the disease onset, increased number of attacks, increased depressive symptoms, and higher anxiety levels were significantly correlated with higher BCS scores. Age and being single/ divorced/ widowed were also correlated with BCS scores. Conclusion: It is important to preserve the mental well-being of patients. Even in apparently healthy patients, the body perception may be severely impaired.

Cognitive performance in young and middle-aged adults with migraine: Investigating the correlation with white matter hyperintensities and psychological symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the cognitive performance of migraine patients with (MwA) and without aura (MwoA) and investigate the correlation of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and psychological symptoms with their cognitive test scores. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hundred migraine patients aged 20-55 years and 80 healthy volunteers with similar age, sex, and education level were enrolled. The total Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were compared by age, sex, presence of aura, migraine duration, attack frequency, pain localization, presence and number of WMHs, and the scores of the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). RESULTS: Forty-seven (47%) patients had MwA and 53 (53%) had MwoA. The performance of the MwA patients was significantly poorer than that of the MwoA patients and the healthy subjects on the MoCA scales. In particular, the results revealed lower scores in the subscales regarding visuospatial/executive functions, naming, memory, attention, and abstraction in MwA patients than in the MwoA patients. Compared to healthy controls, more number of migraine patients had WMHs. The presence and number of WMHs had no significant correlation with the MoCA scores of the migraine patients. There was a significant correlation of the BAI and BDI scores with the total MoCA scores considering all migraine patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that MwA may be associated with low cognitive performance which was correlated with depression and anxiety but not with WMHs. Further, longitudinal studies for assessing the relationship between WMHs, cognitive functions, and migraine, and for establishing the causality are warranted.

Inflammatory biomarkers in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A Turkey case-control study.

Objective - Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of recurrent vertigo. Inflammation is a hypothetic etiological factor in BPPV. The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammatory biomarker levels in BPPV patients and compare these with the healthy subjects. Materials and methods - This prospective case-control study was conducted with 114 newly diagnosed BPPV patients and age- and sex- matched 83 healthy subjects. The laboratory investigations included serum hemogram, full biochemistry profiles, vitamin levels, thyroid hormone profiles, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte to HDL-cholesterol ratio (MHR) values were calculated and compared between the patients and healthy subjects. Results - The mean age was 39.1 ± 12.4 years for patients, and 37.0 ± 11.9 for controls. Vitamin B12, hematocrit (Hct), creatinine, urea, and fT4 values, lymphocyte, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin levels were significantly lower in BPPV patients (p ˂ 0.05), while HDL, SGOT, and ESR values were significantly higher. In the BPPV patients the mean NLR, PLR, and mean platelet volume (MPV) values were significantly higher than in the control subjects. Neutrophil, platelet, monocyte, MHR, and CRP values were similar in both groups (p ˃ 0.05). Conclusion - Our result suggests that NLR, PLR, MPV, ESR, and bilirubin levels should be taken into account as potential biomarkers of BPPV. As they are inexpensive parameters and widely available, they can be used in clinical practice for prediction of BPPV. However, further large-scale studies are required to confirm this relationship.

Psychoform and somatoform dissociative experiences in migraine: relationship with pain perception and migraine related disability.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Migraine is a common and often debilitating disorder. Although the existence of a link between migraine and certain psychological features has long been known, data on dissociative experiences in migraine patients is insufficient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of psychoform and somatoform dissociative experiences among migraine patients without aura and to examine their relationship with pain perception and disability. METHODS: A total of 110 outpatients diagnosed with migraine based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders-III (ICHD-III) criteria and 70 healthy subjects were enrolled to this study. Sociodemographic data, Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ), Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS) scores were recorded for each patient. The Migraine Impairment Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were also determined. RESULTS: The mean SDQ and DES scores were significantly higher in migraine patients (p<0.001, p<0.01). According to SDQ, somatoform dissociation disorder, dissociative disorder not otherwise specified, and dissociative identity disorder were considered in 29.4%, 18.3%, and 10.1% of the migraine patients, respectively. Also, 20.9% of the patients had possible psychoform dissociation according to DES. A significant positive correlation was found between DES, SDQ scores, and VAS, MIDAS scores. Patients were found to have statistically significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Higher DES and SDQ scores were associated with increased disability and pain level (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings seem to confirm the increased occurrence of somatoform and psychoform dissociative experiences in migraine patients. This study was intended as a beginning towards understanding dissociative experiences in migraine.

Evaluation of symptom severity, functional status and anxiety levels in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome with different electrophysiological stages.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between electrophysiological stage, symptom severity, functional status and anxiety levels in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: This study included 130 patients in the 25-79 age group who were classified as clinically and electrophysiologically idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome in our electromyography (EMG) laboratory. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain during rest and activity. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Scale (BCTS) was used to evaluate symptom severity and functional status. Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Capacity Scale (FCS) were assessed separately as a part of BCTS. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used for anxiety assessment. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients (25 males and 105 females) were enrolled to this prospective study. The mean age of the patients was 46.95 ± 10.57 years. When the electrophysiological stage was increased, it was found that SSS score and FCS score were increased (p <0.001). No significant correlation was detected between electrophysiological stage and VAS or BAI score. There was a positive correlation between VAS scores and SSS, FCS and BAI scores (p <0.001). Symptom severity and functional status were correlated with anxiety scores (p <0.001). SSS and FCS values of stage III and above patients were significantly higher than Stage I and II CTS patients (p <0.01). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study showed a significant correlation between symptom severity, functional status and anxiety in CTS patients. This can be interpreted as the mental deterioration of individuals with more severe symptoms. On the other hand, additional psychiatric support options should be recommended in cases of moderate findings but anxious symptoms. Electrophysiological findings shouldn't be sufficient to measure the effect of the disease on the person.

Pulmonary physiotherapy and aerobic exercise programs can improve cognitive functions and functional ability.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The increasing prevalence of dementia over the previous decades has been accompanied by numerous social and economic problems. The importance of exercise in the prevention of dementia coupled with the impact of aspiration pneumonia on the mortality and morbidity of dementia patients cannot be overstated. This study investigates the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation combined with aerobic stretching exercises on the cognitive function, life quality, effort capacity, and level of depression in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the early stages of dementia. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with MCI diagnosis were routinely monitored, and six were excluded because they did not attend the follow-up appointments. The remaining 63 patients undertook pulmonary physiotherapy (PPT) and extremity exercises for six months. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE), six-minute walk test (6MWT), Nottingham health profile (NHP), and Beck depression inventory (BDI) scores were evaluated before and after exercise. RESULTS: PPT plus extremity exercises appeared to significantly improve the MMSE scores and increase the 6MWT (p < 0.001) by an average of 25 m. No significant improvement was observed in the BDI and NHP scores. CONCLUSION: PPT and aerobic exercise positively affected the cognitive ability of MCI patients and improved their walking distance. These results underscore the importance of combining medical treatment with physical rehabilitation at the onset of dementia, a disease which exerts a significantly negative impact on the economy.

Predictors of intensive care unit admission and mortality in patients with ischemic stroke: investigating the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality among stroke patients and the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on stroke patients. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 181 acute ischemic stroke patients aged between 40 and 90 years. Demographical characteristics, laboratory tests, diffusion-weighed magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) time, nutritional status, vascular risk factors, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and modified Rankin scale (MRS) scores were recorded for all patients. One-hundred patients participated in the pulmonary rehabilitation program, 81 of whom served as a control group. RESULTS: Statistically, one- and three-month mortality was associated with NIHSS and MRS scores at admission and three months (p<0.001; r=0.440, r=0.432, r=0.339 and r=0.410, respectively). One and three months mortality- ICU admission had a statistically significant relationship with parenteral nutrition (p<0.001; r=0.346, r=0.300, respectively; r=0.294 and r=0.294, respectively). Similarly, there was also a statistically significant relationship between pneumonia onset and one- and three-month mortality- ICU admission (p<0.05; r=0.217, r=0.127, r=0.185 and r=0.185, respectively). A regression analysis showed that parenteral nutrition (odds ratio [OR] =13.434, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.148-157.265, p=0.038) was a significant predictor of ICU admission. The relationship between pulmonary physiotherapy (PPT) and ICU admission- pneumonia onset at the end of three months was statistically significant (p=0.04 and p=0.043, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study showed that PPT improved the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients. We believe that a pulmonary rehabilitation program, in addition to general stroke rehabilitation programs, can play a critical role in improving survival and functional outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03195907 . Trial registration date: 21.06.2017 'Retrospectively registered'.

Beyond conventional therapies: IVIG in treating severe fingolimod-rebound in a postpartum patient with MS.

This case report details a female patient with multiple sclerosis in her 30s, who experienced a significant fingolimod rebound syndrome post partum, characterised by worsening neurological symptoms and severe demyelinating lesions. Traditional treatments, including steroids and plasmapheresis, were ineffective. However, the introduction of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) led to remarkable improvement in her symptoms and disability status. This case highlights the complex immunological changes associated with fingolimod cessation and underscores IVIG's potential as a valuable treatment in managing such rebounds.

Hand Grip Strength as a Predictive Tool for Upper Extremity Functionality, Balance, and Quality of Life in People With Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Upper extremity strength and function are rarely assessed in routine multiple sclerosis (MS) care. This study aimed to evaluate hand muscle strength and functionality in individuals with MS and investigate correlations with upper extremity function, cognitive status, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and balance. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 45 consecutive individuals with MS between the ages of 18 and 65. Upper limb motor strength was evaluated using a hand grip strength dynamometer. Upper limb functional capacity was assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) and the Duruoz Hand Index (DHI). Balance, coordination, and falls were measured with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), and the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (30CST). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment instrument and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Level of HRQOL was assessed using the self-reported 54-item MS Quality of Life-54 questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of the 45 participants (80% women, mean age 36.6 ± 8.6 years), higher hand grip dynamometer measures were strongly correlated with better DHI, 9HPT, BBS, FES, and 30CST scores. In the regression analysis, a 1-unit increase in dynamometer measures led to a 0.383 increase in overall HRQOL score. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that increased hand grip strength (HGS) is associated with better hand functionality, balance, and HRQOL in individuals with MS. It provides evidence to support more systematic measurement of HGS in the care of people with MS.

Differential Analysis of Venous Sinus Diameters: Unveiling Vascular Alterations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in the cerebral venous system have been increasingly recognized as a significant component of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to explore the relationship between venous sinus diameter and MS to understand potential vascular alterations in MS patients compared with controls. We sought to determine whether these alterations were correlated with disease characteristics such as duration, lesion type, and disability score. METHODS: This study included 79 MS patients diagnosed according to the 2017 McDonald criteria and 67 healthy individuals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans via a 1.5 Tesla system provided measurements of the superior sagittal sinus, right and left transverse sinus, sinus rectus, and venous structures. Statistical analysis was conducted via SPSS, employing independent sample t tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation analysis, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: This study revealed significant differences in venous sinus diameter between MS patients and controls, with MS patients exhibiting larger diameters. Specifically, patients with brainstem and spinal lesions had larger diameters in certain sinus regions. No significant correlations were found between venous sinus diameter and demographic factors, expanded disability status scale scores, or lesion counts. However, a significant increase in perivenular lesions was noted in patients with longer disease durations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate notable vascular alterations in MS patients, particularly in venous sinus diameters, suggesting a potential vascular component in MS pathology. The lack of correlation with conventional clinical and MRI metrics highlights the complexity of MS pathology. These insights underscore the need for further research, particularly longitudinal studies, to elucidate the role of venous changes in MS progression and their potential as therapeutic targets.

Oligoclonal band count as a marker of disease activity and progression in multiple sclerosis: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers provide critical insights into the pathophysiology and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), as this study aimed to investigate the relationships between CSF oligoclonal band (OCB) counts and the clinical course and short-term prognosis of MS patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis covering a five-year period was conducted at two MS centers. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, MRI findings, EDSS scores, annualized relapse rate (ARR) in the first two years, and CSF analyses were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 310 patients, the ages ranged from 19 to 73 years, with a mean age of 38 years. OCBs were detected in 86.5 % (n = 268) of the patients. Those with a greater number of OCB bands had significantly more upper cervical lesions and T2 lesions (p < 0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between OCB and the IgG index score. No significant relationship was observed between band count and the ARR or EDSS score. OCB-positive patients had higher IgG index scores and more upper cervical lesions (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients with elevated IgG index levels (>0.7) exhibited significantly greater EDSS scores and more T2 lesions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of OCB counts as a significant marker for assessing disease activity and progression in MS patients. These findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates CSF analysis with clinical and radiological data to effectively manage MS and tailor treatment strategies.

Recurring disease activity in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis: The multicenter RDA-RMS study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the gap in understanding the dynamics of recurring disease activity (RDA) in RRMS patients after fingolimod (FGL) treatment discontinuation. The aim is to investigate RDA in RRMS patients after stopping FGL, aiming to improve management and comprehension of disease progression post-treatment. METHODS: In this multicenter, retrospective study, data from 172 of 944 RRMS patients aged 18-55, across nine centers in Turkey, who discontinued FGL treatment, were analyzed. The collected data included EDSS scores, annualized relapse rates (ARR), lymphocyte counts, and MRI findings, with follow-up assessments conducted at 6 months, 1 year, and up to 2 years. RESULTS: RDA was observed in 31.9 % of patients, with incidences of rebound and reactivation at 20.3 % and 11.6 %, respectively. Factors like younger age, longer treatment duration, lower lymphocyte counts, and higher lesion burden increased RDA risk. Notably, 52.9 % of pregnant patients experienced RDA (16.4 % of the overall RDA group), with rebound occurring in six and reactivation in three. Patients with RDA had longer medication-free intervals and increased ARR. Discontinuation reasons varied, with disease progression linked to a lower RDA risk. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the necessity for personalized management and vigilant monitoring after FGL discontinuation in RRMS patients, offering critical insights into RDA risk factors, and the complex interplay between treatment cessation, pregnancy, and disease progression.

Clinical and demographic characteristics of late-onset multiple sclerosis: LOMS-TR study.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple sclerosis (MS), which is known as a young-adult age disease, is called late-onset MS (LOMS) when it occurs at the age of 50 and older. In our study, we aimed to analyse the clinical and demographic characteristics, comorbidities, diagnostic and treatment challenges and prognosis of LOMS. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of 136 patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) after the age of 50, based on the 2017 McDonald criteria, and who were under observation in eight distinct MS centers across Turkey; demographic information, clinical characteristics of the disease, oligoclonal band (OCB) status, initial and current Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) values, administered treatments, and the existence of spinal lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were investigated. RESULTS: The mean age of the 136 patients was 60.96±6.42 years (51-79), the mean age at diagnosis was 54.94±4.30 years, and 89 (65.4 %) of the patients were female. Most of the cases, 61.1 % (83) had at least one comorbidity. In 97 patients who underwent lumbar puncture (LP), OCB positivity was observed in 63.6 %. In 114 patients (83.8 %), spinal lesions were detected on MRI. Eighty-seven patients had relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) (64 %), 27 patients had secondary progressive MS (SPMS) (19.9 %), and 22 patients had primary progressive MS (PPMS) (16.2 %). The mean EDSS at the time of diagnosis was 2.44±1.46, and the mean current EDSS was 3.15±2.14. CONCLUSIONS: In LOMS patients, the rates of delay in the diagnostic process, treatment disruption and progressive disease are higher than in the general MS population. The high rates of LP applying and OCB positivity of this study may indicate the habit of looking for clear evidences in advanged age in our country. This situation and comorbidities may cause a delay in diagnosis and eliminates the window of opportunity for early diagnosis. Although the high number of spinal lesions is a known marker for progressive disease, it is an issue that needs to be discussed whether the increased frequency of progressive course at older ages is due to the nature of the disease or immune aging itself.

The global patient-reported outcomes for multiple sclerosis initiative: bridging the gap between clinical research and care - updates at the 2023 plenary event.

Significant advancements have been achieved in delineating the progress of the Global PROMS (PROMS) Initiative. The PROMS Initiative, a collaborative endeavor by the European Charcot Foundation and the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, strives to amplify the influence of patient input on MS care and establish a cohesive perspective on Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) for diverse stakeholders. This initiative has established an expansive, participatory governance framework launching four dedicated working groups that have made substantive contributions to research, clinical management, eHealth, and healthcare system reform. The initiative prioritizes the global integration of patient (For the purposes of the Global PROMS Initiative, the term "patient" refers to the people with the disease (aka People with Multiple Sclerosis - pwMS): any individual with lived experience of the disease. People affected by the disease/Multiple Sclerosis: any individual or group that is affected by the disease: E.g., family members, caregivers will be also engaged as the other stakeholders in the initiative). insights into the management of MS care. It merges subjective PROs with objective clinical metrics, thereby addressing the complex variability of disease presentation and progression. Following the completion of its second phase, the initiative aims to help increasing the uptake of eHealth tools and passive PROs within research and clinical settings, affirming its unwavering dedication to the progressive refinement of MS care. Looking forward, the initiative is poised to continue enhancing global surveys, rethinking to the relevant statistical approaches in clinical trials, and cultivating a unified stance among 'industry', regulatory bodies and health policy making regarding the application of PROs in MS healthcare strategies.

Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and video head impulse test studies: alternative methods for detecting brainstem involvement in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Brainstem involvement (BSI) has been reported as a major predictive factor for future disability in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMPs) and Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) can be used to detect demyelinating lesions in vestibular pathways in MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty three people with MS and 40 controls were evaluated with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), vHIT and cVEMP. RESULTS: The median value of DHI in MS group was significantly higher than controls (p<.001). According to vHIT results, while the results of horizontal canal vestibulo-ocular reflex gain in group with brain stem involvement (gBSI (+)) were significantly different from both controls and group without brain stem involvement (gBSI (-)) (p= .036 and .024, respectively), results of gBSI (-) were similar with controls (p= .858). When cVEMP results were examined, mean P1 wave latency in gBSI (+) was significantly longer than controls (p= .002), but difference between gBSI (-) and controls and gBSI (+) was not statistically significant (p= .104 and .279, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: vHIT and cVEMP can be used in diagnosis and follow-up of people with MS without demyelinating brainstem lesions on MRI.

Determining the utility of minimum F-wave latency alterations in the electrodiagnosis of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most common entrapment neuropathy. There is little information about the application of F-wave studies for evaluation of UNE. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of minimum F-wave (F-min) latency alterations by comparing this with nerve conduction analyses in UNE-suspected patients. METHODS: Ninety-four UNE-suspected patients were admitted to this study. Sensory and motor nerve conduction and F-wave analyses on the median and ulnar nerves were performed on both upper extremities. RESULTS: A total of 188 upper extremities of 94 patients were examined. Their mean age was 41.4±12.9 years, and 69 patients were female (73.4%). The mean ulnar-nerve across-elbow motor conduction velocity (MCV) in the affected arms was significantly slower than the velocity in healthy arms. The mean ulnar-nerve F-min latencies were significantly longer in the affected arms. Fifty-one patients were electrophysiologically diagnosed as presenting UNE (54.2%). Significantly slower mean ulnar-nerve across-elbow MCV, longer mean ulnar-nerve F-min latency and longer distal onset latency were detected in UNE-positive arms. Lastly, patients who were symptomatic but had normal nerve conduction were evaluated separately. Only the mean ulnar F-min latency was significantly longer in this group, compared with the healthy arms. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the utility of F-min latency measurements in the electrodiagnosis of UNE. F-wave latency differences can help in making an early diagnosis to provide better treatment options.

Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease in multiple sclerosis: a contributing factor for anxiety, disability, sleep disorder, and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the most common and burdensome sleep disorders in the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate common MS-related symptoms and consequences between groups with and without RLS and further assess the association of quality of life determinants with RLS symptom severity. METHODS: According to their RLS status, 46 relapsing-remitting MS patients were divided into MS-RLS+ (n=19) and MS-RLS- groups (n=27). Specific questionnaires were administered to assess the patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), fatigue levels, sleep quality, daily sleepiness, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Functional capacity was examined using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). RESULTS: The prevalence of RLS was 41.3%. Compared to the MS-RLS- group, those with RLS had higher EDSS scores, more cranial and spinal lesions, longer disease duration, and were older. In the MS-RLS+ group, symptom severity scores were positively correlated with higher anxiety and poorer sleep quality. The symptom severity score was negatively correlated with mental HRQoL and pain scores. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the findings of the current study indicate the negative impact of RLS on functional capacity, anxiety, sleep quality, and mental HRQoL of MS patients. Further studies using more accurate diagnostic strategies for identifying RLS and other sleep disorders are necessary to clarify the association of MS with RLS and explore relevant clinical implications.

Coexistence of COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke report of four cases.

Coronaviruses are revealed to target the human respiratory system mainly. However, they also have neuro-invasive abilities and might spread from the respiratory system to the central nervous system. Herein, we report four patients with COVID-19 simultaneously diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. There were four stroke cases with simultaneously diagnosis of Covid-19 till the April 14, 2020 in the city of Sakarya, Turkey. They were aged between 45 and 77 years. All four cases were likely to have contracted the virus in Sakarya. The patients had all commonly reported symptoms of Covid-19. Three patients have elevated D-dimer levels, and two of them had high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. They were managed symptomatically for both the infection and the stroke. Our findings suggest that ischemic cerebrovascular diseases may simultaneously develop in the course of Covid-19 independently of the critical disease process. Increased inflammation predicted by CRP and D-dimer levels may play a role in the formation of ischemia. In particular, elder patients with prothrombotic risk factors should also be considered for the signs of cerebrovascular events in addition to infectious symptoms.

The prognostic value of demyelinating electrophysiologic findings and cerebrospinal fluid protein levels in acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barre syndrome is an acute immune-mediated polyneuropathy characterized by rapidly evolving symptoms and disability. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and electrophysiological studies are crucial in the diagnosis of this syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of the type and number of demyelinating findings and cerebrospinal fluid protein levels in patients with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed electrophysiological data and cerebrospinal fluid of 67 consecutive patients with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy from Istanbul, Turkey (2011-2019) studied ≤ 24 hours post-onset. RESULTS: The patients who met a higher number of demyelinating criteria had increased disability scores in the first day and first month, and higher cerebrospinal fluid protein levels were correlated with worse prognosis both on the first day and the first month. However, the disability scores did not correlate with any single specific criterion, and no significant correlation was found between the number of satisfied criteria and cerebrospinal fluid protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: The number of demyelinating criteria that are met and high cerebrospinal fluid protein levels at the disease onset may be valuable prognostic markers. More systematic studies conducted with serial nerve conduction studies are required to highlight the roles of the suggested criteria in clinical practice.