Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2021
Longitudinal observational study investigating outcome measures for clinical trials in inclusion body myositis.
To describe decline in muscle strength and physical function in patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM). ⋯ This prospective observational study represents the largest IBM cohort to date. Measures of patient progress evaluated in this study accurately predict disease progression in a reliable and useful way to be used in trial design.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2021
Beta-synuclein in cerebrospinal fluid as an early diagnostic marker of Alzheimer's disease.
Synaptic loss plays a major role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However so far no neurochemical marker for synaptic loss has been introduced into clinical routine. By mass spectrometry beta-synuclein was established as a candidate marker. We now aimed to set up a novel ELISA for beta-synuclein for evaluation of its potential as a diagnostic and predictive marker for AD. ⋯ We successfully established a sensitive and robust ELISA for the measurement of brain-enriched beta-synuclein, which we could show is localised in glutamatergic synapses. We confirmed previous, mass spectrometry-based observations of increased beta-synuclein levels in CSF of patients with AD and CJD supporting its potential use as a marker of synaptic degeneration.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 2021
The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Neurocognitive Outcomes in Children: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
To assess the burden of paediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) on neurocognition via a systematic review and meta-analysis. ⋯ A dose-dependent relationship between TBI severity and neurocognitive outcomes was evident in executive function and in learning and memory. Cognitive deficits were present for TBIs of all severity but persisted among children with severe TBI. The heterogeneity of neurocognitive scales makes direct comparison between studies difficult. Future research into lesser explored domains and a more detailed assessment of neurocognitive deficits in young children are required to better understand the true burden of paediatric TBI.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Mar 2021
ReviewPrognostic predictors relevant to end-of-life palliative care in Parkinson's disease and related disorders: a systematic review.
Parkinson's disease and related disorders (PDRD) are the second most common neurodegenerative disease and a leading cause of death. However, patients with PDRD receive less end-of-life palliative care (hospice) than other illnesses, including other neurologic illnesses. Identification of predictors of PDRD mortality may aid in increasing appropriate and timely referrals. ⋯ Several clinical features of advancing disease may be useful in triggering end-of-life palliative/hospice referral. Prognostic studies focused on identifying when people with PDRD are nearing their final months of life are limited. There is further need for research in this area as well as policies that support need-based palliative care for the duration of PDRD.