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Frontiers in Neurology 2023New neurological complications of COVID-19 infection have been reported in recent research. Among them, the spectrum of anti-MOG positive diseases, defined as anti-MOG...
BACKGROUND
New neurological complications of COVID-19 infection have been reported in recent research. Among them, the spectrum of anti-MOG positive diseases, defined as anti-MOG antibody associated disease (MOGAD), is distinguished, which can manifest as optic neuritis, myelitis, or various forms of encephalitis (MOGAE).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study reports a new case of MOGAE following SARS-CoV-2 infection. A literature review of other MOGAE cases associated with COVID-19 infection was conducted and summarized.
RESULTS
A 60-year-old male patient, who had previously been infected with COVID-19, was admitted to the Neurology Department with a rapidly progressive deterioration of his cognitive functions that lasted for about 3 months. On neurological examination, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was 17, which further deteriorated to 13. In addition, central paresis of the right VIIth nerve and pyramidal hemiparesis on the right side were noted. The MRI of the brain showed multiple hyperintense lesions. The CSF examination revealed an elevated total protein level with a normal cell count, and serum showed a positive finding of anti-MOG antibodies. Taking into account all the information, the diagnosis of MOGAE, following COVID-19 infection, was made. A total of 9 similar cases of MOGAE associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified in the available literature. Among them 2 cases presented progressive cognitive dysfunction and another 5 altered mental status. The most frequently described MRI changes were hyperintense lesions located cortically and/or subcortically. Anti-MOG antibodies were positive in all patients. In 5 cases they were detected only in serum, in 2 cases in serum and CSF, and in 2 cases the origin was not reported.
CONCLUSION
The reported cases of MOGAE following COVID-19 infection suggest an increasing new clinical problem, and show an association between COVID-19 and MOGADs.
PubMed: 37638199
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1239657 -
Artificial Organs Mar 2024Paresis of the upper limb (UL) is the most frequent impairment after a stroke. Hybrid neuroprostheses, i.e., the combination of robots and electrical stimulation, have... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Paresis of the upper limb (UL) is the most frequent impairment after a stroke. Hybrid neuroprostheses, i.e., the combination of robots and electrical stimulation, have emerged as an option to treat these impairments.
METHODS
To give an overview of existing devices, their features, and how they are linked to clinical metrics, four different databases were systematically searched for studies on hybrid neuroprostheses for UL rehabilitation after stroke. The evidence on the efficacy of hybrid therapies was synthesized.
RESULTS
Seventy-three studies were identified, introducing 32 hybrid systems. Among the most recent devices (n = 20), most actively reinforce movement (3 passively) and are typical exoskeletons (3 end-effectors). If classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, systems for proximal support are expected to affect body structures and functions, while the activity and participation level are targeted when applying Functional Electrical Stimulation distally plus the robotic component proximally. The meta-analysis reveals a significant positive effect on UL functions (p < 0.001), evident in a 7.8-point M between groups in the Fugl-Meyer assessment. This positive effect remains at the 3-month follow-up (M = 8.4, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Hybrid neuroprostheses have a positive effect on UL recovery after stroke, with effects persisting at least three months after the intervention. Non-significant studies were those with the shortest intervention periods and the oldest patients. Improvements in UL functions are not only present in the subacute phase after stroke but also in long-term chronic stages. In addition to further technical development, more RCTs are needed to make assumptions about the determinants of successful therapy.
Topics: Humans; Stroke Rehabilitation; Stroke; Upper Extremity; Robotics; Neural Prostheses; Recovery of Function
PubMed: 37548237
DOI: 10.1111/aor.14618 -
Neurological Sciences : Official... Sep 2023Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by a reactivation of the human polyomavirus 2 (HPyV-2,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by a reactivation of the human polyomavirus 2 (HPyV-2, previously known as JCV) in immunosuppressed individuals. Few cases of PML have been described in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.
METHODS
We described a case of PML in a patient with MM with fatal worsening that occurred during SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also performed a literature review to update the 16 cases series of MM patients with PML already collected until April 2020.
RESULTS
A 79-year-old female patient with refractory IgA lambda MM in Pomalidomide- Cyclophosphamide-Dexamethasone regimen developed gradual lower limbs and left arm paresis along with a decreased consciousness 3.5 years after the MM diagnosis. Symptoms developed shortly after the recognition of hypogammaglobulinemia. After SARS-CoV-2 infection, her neurological status quickly worsened until she deceased. MRI features and JCV-positive PCR on CSF confirmed the PML diagnosis. Our literature review adds sixteen clinical cases of PML in MM published between May 2020 and March 2023 to the 16 cases already collected in the previously published review by Koutsavlis.
DISCUSSION
PML has been increasingly described in MM patients. It remains questionable if the HPyV-2 reactivation is determined by the severity of MM itself, by the effect of drugs or by a combination of both. SARS-CoV-2 infection may have a role in worsening PML in affected patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal; JC Virus; Multiple Myeloma; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 37421487
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06944-0 -
The American Journal of Occupational... May 2023This systemic review synthesizes the existing literature to determine whether constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is more effective than other approaches in...
IMPORTANCE
This systemic review synthesizes the existing literature to determine whether constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is more effective than other approaches in improving upper extremity function in children diagnosed with hemiparesis associated with cerebral palsy (CP).
OBJECTIVE
To advance the knowledge of the effectiveness of CIMT for occupational therapy practitioners by critiquing research conducted over the past 20 yr.
DATA SOURCES
Databases used in the search were CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, PsycINFO, PubMed, Research Gate, and Google Scholar. Studies published from 2001 to 2021 were reviewed.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION
Articles were included if (1) the primary diagnosis was hemiparesis associated with CP; (2) participants were younger than age 21 yr; (3) constraint-induced therapy, CIMT, or other modified forms of CIMT were offered as an intervention; and (4) there was at least one group in the study.
FINDINGS
Forty studies were included in the analysis. The results demonstrate that CIMT produces improved affected upper extremity function when compared with general rehabilitation. However, there were no differences in outcomes when bimanual approaches were compared with CIMT.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The data support that CIMT is a beneficial and effective treatment when used to improve the upper extremity function of children with hemiparesis associated with CP. However, more Level 1b studies are needed to compare CIMT with bimanual therapy to determine which one is most effective and under which conditions. What This Article Adds: This systematic review demonstrates that CIMT is an effective intervention when compared with other therapeutic approaches. This intervention can be used by occupational therapy practitioners who work with children diagnosed with hemiparesis associated with CP.
Topics: Child; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Cerebral Palsy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Upper Extremity; Treatment Outcome; Paresis; Movement
PubMed: 37358836
DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2023.050152 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2023Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) targeting the lower limb function uses various methods. The influence of CIMT methods on lower limb outcomes after stroke has...
BACKGROUND
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) targeting the lower limb function uses various methods. The influence of CIMT methods on lower limb outcomes after stroke has rarely been examined.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to examine CIMT effects on lower limb outcomes and explore the influence of CIMT methods on treatment effects after stroke, with other potential factors considered as covariates.
METHODS
PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Academic Search Premier EBSCOHost, and PEDro databases were searched until September 2022. We included randomized control trials with CIMT targeting the lower limb function and dosage-matched active control. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of each study. Hedges' g was used to quantify the effect size of CIMT on outcomes compared to the active control. Meta-analyses were conducted across all studies. A mixed-variable meta-regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of CIMT methods on treatment effects after stroke, with other potential factors considered as covariates.
RESULTS
Twelve eligible randomized controlled trials with CIMT were included in the meta-analysis, where 10 trials were with a low risk of bias. A total of 341 participants with stroke were involved. For the treatment effects on the lower limb function, CIMT showed a moderate short-term effect size [Hedges' g = 0.567; > 0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.203-0.931], but a small and insignificant long-term effect size (Hedges' g = 0.470; > 0.05; 95%CI: -0.173 to 1.112), compared with conventional treatment. The CIMT method of using a weight strapped around the non-paretic leg and the ICF outcome category of the movement function were identified as significant factors contributing to the heterogeneity of short-term effect sizes across studies (β = -0.854 and 1.064, respectively, = 98%, > 0.05). Additionally, using a weight strapped around the non-paretic leg had a significant contribution to the heterogeneity of long-term effect sizes across studies as well (β = -1.000, = 77%, > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Constraint-induced movement therapy is superior to conventional treatment for improvement of lower limb function in the short-term but not in the long-term. The CIMT method of using a weight strapped around a non-paretic leg contributed negatively to the treatment effect, and therefore might not be recommended.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021268681.
PubMed: 37006479
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1090808 -
Child's Nervous System : ChNS :... Jun 2023Intracranial cavernous malformations (CMs) are rare vascular malformations of the central nervous system in children. Infantile patients, being a developmentally... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Intracranial cavernous malformations (CMs) are rare vascular malformations of the central nervous system in children. Infantile patients, being a developmentally vulnerable age group, pose a special challenge for management of these lesions. We pooled data from infantile patients diagnosed at our institution and individual cases published in the literature to provide input towards therapeutic decision-making.
METHODS
A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify all reported cases of intracranial CMs in the literature for infantile patients aged ≤ 2 years. In addition, cases from our institution diagnosed between 2010 and 2020 were also included. Individual cases were pooled and analyzed for clinical presentation, natural history, and outcomes from conservative and surgical management.
RESULTS
A total of 36 cases were included, of which 32 were identified from the literature. Median age at presentation was 14 months (range: 2 days to 24 months) months; 53% (n = 19) were females. Most cavernomas (64%, 23/36) were supratentorial, while 30% (n = 11) were located in brainstem and 5.5% (n = 2) in the cerebellum. With the exception of one patient, all cases were reported to be symptomatic; seizures (n = 15/31, 48.3%) and motor deficits (n = 13/31, 42%) were the most common symptom modalities. A total of 13 patients were managed conservatively upon initial presentation. No symptomatic hemorrhages were observed during 26 total person-years of follow-up. A total of 77% (28/36) underwent surgery; either upfront (23/28, 82%) at initial presentation or following conservative management. Among 12 patients who had preoperative seizures, 11/12 (91.6%) achieved seizure freedom post-resection. Among 7 patients who presented with hemiparesis preoperatively, 5 (71%) demonstrated some improvement, while 1 remained unchanged, and another patient with a brainstem cavernous malformation had worsening of motor function postoperatively. Postoperative recurrence was noted in 3 cases (3/27, 11%).
CONCLUSION
Annual risk of repeat hemorrhage may be low for infantile patients with intracranial cavernous malformations; however, better follow-up rates and higher number of cases are needed to make a definitive assertion. Surgical resection may be associated with high rates of epilepsy cure and provide improvement in neurological function in a select number of cases.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System; Brain Stem; Hemangioma, Cavernous; Seizures; Paresis
PubMed: 36917267
DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05903-6 -
ANZ Journal of Surgery Mar 2023Neck dissection is a commonly performed procedure for oncologic control of head and neck malignancy. With contemporary modified radical and selective neck dissections,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neck dissection is a commonly performed procedure for oncologic control of head and neck malignancy. With contemporary modified radical and selective neck dissections, haematoma, wound infection, tissue necrosis, chyle leak and injury involving the marginal mandibular, hypoglossal, vagus or accessory nerves are commonly described complications. Although the phrenic nerve courses within the surgical planes explored during a neck dissection and has a vital function in innervating the diaphragm, few studies have been performed to investigate the exact incidence of post-operative phrenic nerve paresis. This study aims to review the literature as to the rate of phrenic nerve injury following neck dissection.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted from 2000 to 2022 including studies reporting on phrenic nerve paresis following neck dissection.
RESULTS
In total, 11 studies were included. The reported rate of immediate post-operative phrenic nerve paresis ranged from 0% to 5.3%, with an average rate of 0.613% (12/1959). The reported rate of phrenic nerve paresis at follow-up (1 month-127 months) ranged from 0% to 4.7%, with an average rate of 1.035% (5/483). There were no cases of bilateral phrenic nerve paresis reported in this period.
CONCLUSIONS
Phrenic nerve paresis is an uncommon complication following neck dissection, often asymptomatic and potentially underreported. Bilateral phrenic nerve paresis is exceedingly rare. Injury can be avoided by staying superficial to the prevertebral fascia when dissecting around the anterior scalene muscle. Routine phrenic nerve integrity monitoring is not commonly utilized but may aid intra-operative phrenic nerve identification or confirmation of function.
Topics: Humans; Phrenic Nerve; Neck Dissection; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Paresis
PubMed: 36792555
DOI: 10.1111/ans.18322 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2023Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a well and long-known complication of thyroid and parathyroid surgery that significantly affects the quality of life of... (Review)
Review
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a well and long-known complication of thyroid and parathyroid surgery that significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Despite the advances in surgical techniques and technology, it still occurs in clinical practice either as temporary paresis or as permanent paralysis of the corresponding vocal cord. The purpose of the current systematic review is to examine the value of intraoperative repair of the RLN in voice restoration. A systematic review of the existing literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. The systematic review resulted in 18 studies, which met the inclusion criteria. An improvement in phonatory function and voice quality was observed in all these studies after immediate RLN reconstruction (not always statistically significant). This improvement appears to be comparable to or even higher than that achieved with other methods of repair, and in some cases, the improvement approaches levels found in normal subjects. Intraoperative RLN reconstruction is not widely used in clinical practice, but the evidence so far makes it a viable and safe alternative to traditional techniques with better long-term results, as it prevents the occurrence of atrophy of the vocal cord and should be considered in the operating room if possible.
PubMed: 36769864
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031212 -
Journal of Neuroengineering and... Jan 2023Stroke is a significant contributor of worldwide disability and morbidity with substantial economic consequences. Rehabilitation is a vital component of stroke recovery,...
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a significant contributor of worldwide disability and morbidity with substantial economic consequences. Rehabilitation is a vital component of stroke recovery, but inpatient stroke rehabilitation programs can struggle to meet the recommended hours of therapy per day outlined by the Canadian Stroke Best Practices and American Heart Association. Mobile applications (apps) are an emerging technology which may help bridge this deficit, however this area is understudied. The purpose of this study is to review the effect of mobile apps for stroke rehabilitation on stroke impairments and functional outcomes. Specifically, this paper will delve into the impact of varying mobile app types on stroke rehabilitation.
METHODS
This systematic review included 29 studies: 11 randomized control trials and 18 quasi-experimental studies. Data extrapolation mapped 5 mobile app types (therapy apps, education apps, rehab videos, reminders, and a combination of rehab videos with reminders) to stroke deficits (motor paresis, aphasia, neglect), adherence to exercise, activities of daily living (ADLs), quality of life, secondary stroke prevention, and depression and anxiety.
RESULTS
There were multiple studies supporting the use of therapy apps for motor paresis or aphasia, rehab videos for exercise adherence, and reminders for exercise adherence. For permutations involving other app types with stroke deficits or functional outcomes (adherence to exercise, ADLs, quality of life, secondary stroke prevention, depression and anxiety), the results were either non-significant or limited by a paucity of studies.
CONCLUSION
Mobile apps demonstrate potential to assist with stroke recovery and augment face to face rehabilitation, however, development of a mobile app should be carefully planned when targeting specific stroke deficits or functional outcomes. This study found that mobile app types which mimicked principles of effective face-to-face therapy (massed practice, task-specific practice, goal-oriented practice, multisensory stimulation, rhythmic cueing, feedback, social interaction, and constraint-induced therapy) and education (interactivity, feedback, repetition, practice exercises, social learning) had the greatest benefits. Protocol registration PROPSERO (ID CRD42021186534). Registered 21 February 2021.
Topics: Humans; Activities of Daily Living; Aphasia; Canada; Mobile Applications; Quality of Life; Stroke; Stroke Rehabilitation
PubMed: 36694257
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01124-9 -
Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health Mar 2023With the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the whole world was impacted by a pandemic. With the passage of time and knowledge about the dynamics and viral... (Review)
Review
With the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the whole world was impacted by a pandemic. With the passage of time and knowledge about the dynamics and viral propagation of this disease, the short-, medium- and long-term repercussions are still being discovered. During this period, it has been learned that various manifestations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect the nervous system. In recent months, a variety of studies and case reports have proposed an association between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). The present work aims to systematically review the publications available to date to verify the relationship between these two pathologies and the characteristics of post-COVID GBS. There were 156 studies included in this work, resulting in a total of 436 patients. The findings show a mean age of the patients of 61,38 years and a male majority. The GBS symptoms began on average 19 days after the onset of COVID-19 infection. Regarding GBS, the main manifestations found included generalized weakness, reflex reduction, facial paresis/paralysis and hypoesthesia. As expected, the most common result in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was albuminocytological dissociation. A pattern of blood analysis findings common to all patients was not observed due to non-standardization of case reports. Regarding electrodiagnostic studies, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) appeared as the most common subtype of GBS in this study. There have been reports, to a lesser extent, of acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), acute sensorimotor axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), the pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant (PCB), and Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS). The GBS treatment used was mainly intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and plasma exchange (PLEX). Therefore, the present study reports a high prevalence of hospitalization and intensive care units ICU admissions, conjecturing a relationship between the development of GBS and the severity of COVID-19. Despite the severity, most patients showed improvement in GBS symptoms after treatment, and their residual symptoms did not include motor involvement. Therefore, the development of GBS seems to be related to COVID-19 infection, as reported by the present systematic review.
PubMed: 36686624
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100578