-
Journal of Integrative Neuroscience Feb 2024Several results support the hypothesis that a group of pathologies falling within the Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) diagnostic criteria may coexist... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Several results support the hypothesis that a group of pathologies falling within the Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) diagnostic criteria may coexist with Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD) in patients with a high susceptibility to autoimmune conditions. However, the relationship between NMOSD and rheumatologic diseases deserves further investigations to clarify all clinical aspects of this coexistence. We designed a systematic review and a proportional meta-analysis to estimate the association between CTD and MNOSD, with the aim of helping to plan the best strategy to achieve the most significant public health benefit for these conditions.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the literature published until February 2023, searching in four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, EmBase, and OVID. Then, we conducted a random-effects proportional meta-analysis and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded an overall result of 3176 publications (272 from PubMed, 880 from Web of Science, 634 from EmBase and 1390 from OVID). Of these, 29 were included in this systematic review. Analyzing studies that recruited unselected patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren Syndrome (SjS), the pooled percentages of NMOSD overlapping were 0.6% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 0.1%-1.4%,) and 6.5% (95% CI: 4.7-8.6), respectively. Studies enrolling rheumatologic patients with nervous system symptoms involvement reported higher percentage of NMOSD (i.e., among SjS patients, a pooled percentage of 26.5%, 95% CI: 5.5-54.6%, was found). Similarly, recruiting patients with NMOSD, we found pooled percentages of SjS or SLE respectively of 7.0% and 3.5%.
CONCLUSIONS
Our research found that the coexistence of these two disorders was more frequent in female rheumatologic patients with a SjS diagnosis with neurological manifestations and in neurologic patients for whom a SjS diagnosis was suspected. Similarly, NMOSD are less frequently found in SLE and very rarely incident in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) patients. These considerations should be taken into account in clinical experience of rheumatologists and neurologists, since early diagnosis of both conditions may influence the timing of immunosuppressive therapy and the prevention of systemic disabilities.
Topics: Humans; Female; Neuromyelitis Optica; Aquaporin 4; Connective Tissue Diseases; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Arthritis, Rheumatoid
PubMed: 38419451
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2302035 -
Journal of Managed Care & Specialty... Dec 2023People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often prescribed medications associated with adverse effects on bone health. However, it is unclear whether these medications... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often prescribed medications associated with adverse effects on bone health. However, it is unclear whether these medications incur decreases in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and higher fracture risk in this population.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of commonly used medications on aBMD and fracture risk among people with MS.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from their inception until February 5, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials as well as cross-sectional, retrospective, and prospective studies investigating whether glucocorticoids, immunomodulators, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, opioids, or antipsychotics influenced aBMD or fracture risk in people with MS. Data were pooled using random effects meta-analyses to determine hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.
RESULTS
We included 22 studies (n = 18,193). Six studies were included in the meta-analyses of glucocorticoid use and aBMD, whereas 2 studies were included in the medication use and fracture risk meta-analyses. No studies assessed the effect of antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, opioids, and antipsychotics on aBMD, and no studies assessed the effect of immunomodulators on fracture risk. Glucocorticoid use was significantly negatively associated with femoral neck aBMD (correlation = -0.21 [95% CI = -0.29 to -0.13]), but not with lumbar spine aBMD (correlation = -0.21 [95% CI = -0.50 to 0.12]). There were no differences in fracture risk between users of glucocorticoids (HR = 1.71 [95% CI = 0.04 to 76.47]), antidepressants (HR = 1.84 [95% CI = 0.09 to 38.49]), or anxiolytics (HR = 2.01 [95% CI = 0.06 to 64.22]), compared with nonusers.
CONCLUSIONS
The available evidence is insufficient to support a relationship between greater fracture risk for people with MS taking glucocorticoid, antidepressant, or anxiolytic medication, compared with nonusers, and it is unclear whether these medications are associated with bone loss in people with MS, beyond that in the general population. Additional high-quality studies with homogenous methodology exploring how medications influence aBMD and fracture risk in people with MS are required.
Topics: Humans; Bone Density; Prospective Studies; Anticonvulsants; Anti-Anxiety Agents; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Glucocorticoids; Multiple Sclerosis; Fractures, Bone; Antidepressive Agents; Immunologic Factors
PubMed: 38058136
DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2023.29.12.1331 -
BMC Neurology Dec 2023Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) emerged as one of the main side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination. We pooled and summarized the evidence on the clinical features and...
BACKGROUND
Neuromuscular diseases (NMD) emerged as one of the main side effects of the COVID-19 vaccination. We pooled and summarized the evidence on the clinical features and outcomes of NMD associated with COVID-19 vaccination.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched three databases, Medline, Embase, and Scopus, using the key terms covering "Neuromuscular disease" AND "COVID-19 vaccine", and pooled the individual patient data extracted from the included studies.
RESULTS
A total of 258 NMD cases following COVID-19 have been reported globally, of which 171 cases were Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), 40 Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS), 22 Myasthenia Gravis (MG), 19 facial nerve palsy (FNP), 5 single fiber neuropathy, and 1 Tolosa-Hunt syndrome. All (100%) SFN patients and 58% of FNP patients were female; in the remaining NMDs, patients were predominantly male, including MG (82%), GBS (63%), and PTS (62.5%). The median time from vaccine to symptom was less than 2 weeks in all groups. Symptoms mainly appeared following the first dose of vector vaccine, but there was no specific pattern for mRNA-based.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 vaccines might induce some NMDs, mainly in adults. The age distribution and gender characteristics of affected patients may differ based on the NMD type. About two-thirds of the cases probably occur less than 2 weeks after vaccination.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Male; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Neuromuscular Diseases; Myasthenia Gravis; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Bell Palsy; Facial Paralysis
PubMed: 38082244
DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03486-y -
European Journal of Medical Research Aug 2023Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating disease that targets the central nervous system. Globally it is estimated that 2.8 million people live with MS (2018)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic debilitating disease that targets the central nervous system. Globally it is estimated that 2.8 million people live with MS (2018) and as there is no known cure; therefore, identifying methods to increase a patient's quality of life (QoL) is of considerable importance. Non-pharmacological interventions are a viable and effective option to increase QoL in patients with MS, however, to date, the literature lacks a complete systematic review of these interventions.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted for studies published up until March 4th 2022 in Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, The Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase. Studies were included if they were randomized control trials (RCTs) assessing a non-pharmacological intervention in adults with MS and measured QoL using the MSQOL-54, SF-36 or MSQLI tools for at least two time points. Quality assessment of each study was completed as well as a review of publication bias. Where possible, meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model and for other studies a qualitative synthesis was presented.
RESULTS
Thirty studies were included in the meta-analysis and eleven studies were summarized qualitatively. The pooled effects across all non-pharmacological interventions showed a modest improvement in both the physical and mental components of QoL, with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.44 (95% CI 0.26-0.61) and 0.42 (95% CI 0.24-0.60), respectively. Non-pharmacological interventions based around a physical activity were found to be particularly effective in improving both the physical composite score (PCS) and mental composite score (MCS), with an SMD of 0.40 (95% CI 0.14-0.66) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.08-0.55), respectively. Interventions incorporating balance exercises presented a significant advantageous solution for improving QoL, with an SMD of 1.71 (95% CI 1.22, 2.20) and 1.63(95% CI 1.15-2.12) for PCS and MCS respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis identified that non-pharmacological interventions can be an effective method of improving QoL in patients with MS, especially modalities with a physical activity component and balance interventions.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Multiple Sclerosis; Central Nervous System; Quality of Life; Exercise; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37608400
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01185-5 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Inflammatory processes are involved in the pathophysiology of both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) but their exact contribution to disease... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
Inflammatory processes are involved in the pathophysiology of both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) but their exact contribution to disease progression remains to be deciphered. Biomarkers are needed to define pathophysiological processes of these disorders, who may increasingly co-exist in the elderly generations of the future, due to the rising prevalence in both and ameliorated treatment options with improved life expectancy in MS. The purpose of this review was to provide a systematic overview of inflammatory biomarkers, as measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), that are associated with clinical disease progression. International peer-reviewed literature was screened using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Disease progression had to be measured using clinically validated tests representing baseline functional and/or cognitive status, the evolution of such clinical scores over time and/or the transitioning from one disease stage to a more severe stage. The quality of included studies was systematically evaluated using a set of questions for clinical, neurochemical and statistical characteristics of the study. A total of 84 papers were included (twenty-five for AD and 59 for MS). Elevated CSF levels of chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) were associated with disease progression in both AD and MS. Osteopontin and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were more specifically related to disease progression in AD, whereas the same was true for interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, C-X-C motif ligand 13, glial fibrillary acidic protein and IgG oligoclonal bands in MS. We observed a broad heterogeneity of studies with varying cohort characterization, non-disclosure of quality measures for neurochemical analyses and a lack of adequate longitudinal designs. Most of the retrieved biomarkers are related to innate immune system activity, which seems to be an important mediator of clinical disease progression in AD and MS. Overall study quality was limited and we have framed some recommendations for future biomarker research in this field.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021264741.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Alzheimer Disease; Biomarkers; Disease Progression; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 37520580
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162340 -
Neurologia Oct 2023The applications of artificial intelligence, and in particular automatic learning or "machine learning" (ML), constitute both a challenge and a great opportunity in... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The applications of artificial intelligence, and in particular automatic learning or "machine learning" (ML), constitute both a challenge and a great opportunity in numerous scientific, technical, and clinical disciplines. Specific applications in the study of multiple sclerosis (MS) have been no exception, and constitute an area of increasing interest in recent years.
OBJECTIVE
We present a systematic review of the application of ML algorithms in MS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We used the PubMed search engine, which allows free access to the MEDLINE medical database, to identify studies including the keywords "machine learning" and "multiple sclerosis." We excluded review articles, studies written in languages other than English or Spanish, and studies that were mainly technical and did not specifically apply to MS. The final selection included 76 articles, and 38 were rejected.
CONCLUSIONS
After the review process, we established 4 main applications of ML in MS: 1) classifying MS subtypes; 2) distinguishing patients with MS from healthy controls and individuals with other diseases; 3) predicting progression and response to therapeutic interventions; and 4) other applications. Results found to date have shown that ML algorithms may offer great support for health professionals both in clinical settings and in research into MS.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Artificial Intelligence; Machine Learning; Algorithms
PubMed: 35843587
DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2020.10.013 -
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills,... Dec 2023Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) might be particularly well suited to benefit from digital health applications because they are, on average, younger and less... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) might be particularly well suited to benefit from digital health applications because they are, on average, younger and less severely disabled than patients with many other chronic diseases. Many digital health applications for pwMS have been developed.
OBJECTIVES
Analysis of the evidence of digital health applications to improve health outcomes from a patient perspective.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed on all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have studied mobile health interventions for pwMS, that is, which can be applied with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to improve patient-reported outcomes.
RESULTS
Of the 1127 articles identified in the literature search, 13 RCTs fit the inclusion criteria. Two trials studied messaging systems, two depression interventions, one addressed MS fatigue, five cognition, and three mobility issues, of which two focused on spasticity management. One trial aimed to enhance physical activity. Most were pilot studies that cannot yield definitive conclusions regarding efficacy. One depression intervention and one fatigue intervention showed significant results across several outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Several mobile self-guided digital health applications for pwMS have been tested in RCTs, and two interventions targeting depression and fatigue have demonstrated significant effects. Challenges remain regarding implementation into routine care.
Topics: Humans; Smartphone; Chronic Disease; Multiple Sclerosis; Telemedicine; Fatigue
PubMed: 37897326
DOI: 10.1177/13524585231201089 -
Human Cell Jan 2024Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and... (Review)
Review
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and axonal loss. It is induced by attack of autoreactive lymphocytes on the myelin sheath and endogenous remyelination failure, eventually leading to accumulation of neurological disability. Disease-modifying agents can successfully address inflammatory relapses, but have low efficacy in progressive forms of MS, and cannot stop the progressive neurodegenerative process. Thus, the stem cell replacement therapy approach, which aims to overcome CNS cell loss and remyelination failure, is considered a promising alternative treatment. Although the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of stem cell transplantation are not yet fully understood, neurotrophic support, immunomodulation, and cell replacement appear to play an important role, leading to a multifaceted fight against the pathology of the disease. The present systematic review is focusing on the efficacy of stem cells to migrate at the lesion sites of the CNS and develop functional oligodendrocytes remyelinating axons. While most studies confirm the improvement of neurological deficits after the administration of different stem cell types, many critical issues need to be clarified before they can be efficiently introduced into clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Myelin Sheath; Stem Cells; Oligodendroglia
PubMed: 37985645
DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-01006-1 -
Vaccines Jul 2023The neurological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the side effects of vaccination include immune-mediated diseases of the central... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The neurological complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the side effects of vaccination include immune-mediated diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). It is an acute-onset demyelinating disease that involves a rapid evolution and multifocal neurological deficits that develops following a viral or bacterial infection or, less frequently, following vaccination. Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (AHLE) is the hemorrhagic variant of ADEM that presents a more severe evolution which can be followed by coma and death. The objectives of this study consist in evaluating the diagnosis, clinical characteristics, imaging and laboratory features, evolution, and treatment of ADEM and AHLE following COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the medical literature according to PRISMA guidelines that included ADEM cases published between 1 January 2020 and 30 November 2022 following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and vaccination and also included our own clinical experience regarding this pathology.
RESULTS
A total number of 74 patients were diagnosed with ADEM, 45 following COVID-19 infection and 29 after a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A total of 13 patients (17.33%) presented AHLE. The moderate form of COVID-19 presented a positive correlation with AHLE (r = 0.691, < 0.001). The existence of coma and AHLE was correlated with poor outcomes. The following more aggressive immunomodulatory therapies applied in severe cases were correlated with poor outcomes (major sequelae and death): therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) treatment (r = 382, = 0.01) and combined therapy with corticosteroids and TPE (r = 0.337, = 0.03).
CONCLUSIONS
Vaccinations are essential to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the monitoring of adverse events is an important part of the strategic fight against SARS-CoV-2. The general benefits and the overall good evolution outweigh the risks, and prompt diagnosis is associated with a better prognosis in these patients.
PubMed: 37515041
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071225 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Aug 2023The utilization of vasopressin receptor antagonists, known as vaptans, in the management of hyponatremia among patients afflicted with the syndrome of inappropriate... (Review)
Review
Safety and Efficacy of Vaptans in the Treatment of Hyponatremia from Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The utilization of vasopressin receptor antagonists, known as vaptans, in the management of hyponatremia among patients afflicted with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) remains a contentious subject. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vaptans for treating chronic hyponatremia in adult SIADH patients. Clinical trials and observational studies were identified by a systematic search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database from inception through September 2022. The inclusion criteria were the studies that reported vaptans' safety or efficacy outcomes compared to placebo or standard therapies. The study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD 42022357307). Five studies were identified, comprising three RCTs and two cohort studies, enrolling a total of 1840 participants. Regarding short-term efficacy on days 4-5, vaptans exhibited a significant increase in serum sodium concentration from the baseline in comparison to the control group, with a weighted mean difference of 4.77 mmol/L (95% CI, 3.57, 5.96; I = 34%). In terms of safety outcomes, the pooled incidence rates of overcorrection were 13.1% (95% CI 4.3, 33.6; I = 92%) in the vaptans group and 3.3% (95% CI 1.6, 6.6; I = 27%) in the control group. Despite the higher correction rate linked to vaptans, with an OR of 5.72 (95% CI 3.38, 9.70; I = 0%), no cases of osmotic demyelination syndrome were observed. Our meta-analysis comprehensively summarizes the efficacy and effect size of vaptans in managing SIADH. While vaptans effectively raise the serum sodium concentration compared to placebo/fluid restriction, clinicians should exercise caution regarding the potential for overcorrection.
PubMed: 37685548
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175483