Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
-
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2019
ReviewTherapeutic trial design for frontotemporal dementia and related disorders.
The frontotemporal dementia (FTD) spectrum is a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative syndromes with overlapping clinical, molecular and pathological features, all of which challenge the design of clinical trials in these conditions. To date, no pharmacological interventions have been proven effective in significantly modifying the course of these disorders. This study critically reviews the construct and methodology of previously published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in FTD spectrum disorders in order to identify limitations and potential reasons for negative results. ⋯ Uniformity and standardisation of research outcomes in the FTD spectrum are essential. Several elements should be carefully considered and planned in future clinical trials. We anticipate that precision-medicine approaches will be crucial to adequately address heterogeneity in the FTD spectrum research.
-
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2019
Increased IP-10 production by blood-nerve barrier in multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy and multifocal motor neuropathy.
Dysfunction of the blood-nerve barrier (BNB) plays important roles in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). The aim of the present study was to identify the candidate cytokines/chemokines that cause the breakdown of the BNB using sera from patients with CIDP and MMN. ⋯ The autocrine secretion of IP-10 induced by patient sera in PnMECs was markedly upregulated in both the MADSAM and MMN groups. The overproduction of IP-10 by PnMECs leads to the focal breakdown of the BNB and may help to mediate the transfer of pathogenic T cells across the BNB, thereby resulting in the appearance of conduction block in electrophysiological studies of patients with MADSAM and MMN.
-
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2019
Comparative Study Observational StudyComparison of fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate and teriflunomide for multiple sclerosis.
Oral immunotherapies have become a standard treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Direct comparison of their effect on relapse and disability is needed. ⋯ The effect of fingolimod on relapse frequency was superior to teriflunomide and dimethyl fumarate. The effect of the three oral therapies on disability outcomes was similar during the initial 2.5 years on treatment. Persistence on fingolimod was superior to the two comparator drugs.
-
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2019
Models for predicting risk of dementia: a systematic review.
Information from well-established dementia risk models can guide targeted intervention to prevent dementia, in addition to the main purpose of quantifying the probability of developing dementia in the future. ⋯ The predictive ability of existing dementia risk models is acceptable. Population-specific dementia risk models are necessary for populations and subpopulations with different characteristics.