Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Nov 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyLong-term impact of interferon beta-1b in patients with CIS: 8-year follow-up of BENEFIT.
To examine the long-term impact of early treatment initiation of interferon beta-1b (IFNB1b, Betaferon/Betaseron) in patients with a first event suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ These 8-year results provide further evidence supporting early initiation of treatment with IFNB1b in patients with a first event suggestive of MS.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Nov 2014
ReviewAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a long preclinical period?
The onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is conventionally considered as commencing with the recognition of clinical symptoms. We propose that, in common with other neurodegenerations, the pathogenic mechanisms culminating in ALS phenotypes begin much earlier in life. Animal models of genetically determined ALS exhibit pathological abnormalities long predating clinical deficits. ⋯ Somatic mutations, the epigenome and external environmental influences may interact to trigger a metabolic cascade that in the adult eventually exceeds functional threshold. A long preclinical and subsequent presymptomatic period pose a challenge for recognition, since it offers an opportunity for protective and perhaps even preventive therapeutic intervention to rescue dysfunctional neurons. We suggest, by analogy with other neurodegenerations and from SOD1 ALS mouse studies, that vulnerability might be induced in the perinatal period.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Nov 2014
Common variants on 9p21.3 are associated with brain arteriovenous malformations with accompanying arterial aneurysms.
To investigate whether previously reported 9p21.3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with risk of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVM), which often have accompanying arterial aneurysms. Common variants in the 9p21.3 locus have been reported to be associated with multiple cardiovascular phenotypes, including coronary artery disease and intracranial aneurysms (rs10757278 and rs1333040). ⋯ Common 9p21.3 variants showed similar effect sizes for association with BAVM as previously reported for aneurysmal disease. The association with BAVM appears to be explained by known associations with aneurysms, suggesting that BAVM-associated aneurysms share similar vascular pathology mechanisms with other aneurysm types.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Nov 2014
Risk factors for congenital hydrocephalus: a nationwide, register-based, cohort study.
To investigate the associations between isolated congenital hydrocephalus (CHC) and maternal characteristics, maternal medical diseases, and medicine intake during pregnancy as well as birth characteristics of the child in a retrospective, register-based, nationwide cohort study. Furthermore, to identify the risk factors unique for isolated CHC as compared to syndromic CHC. ⋯ The higher risk for isolated CHC in first-born children as well as behavioural aspects and comorbidities associated with maternal use of antidepressants, should be the targets for future research. Potential biological pathways by which antidepressants may cause hydrocephalus remain to be elucidated.