Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Oct 2014
Clinical TrialPharmacokinetics of intravenous immunoglobulin in multifocal motor neuropathy.
Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is often responsive to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), but the optimal dose and intervals of IVIg maintenance treatment have not been established. Increase in IgG concentration (ΔIgG) after IVIg infusion has recently been identified as determinant of outcome in Guillain-Barré syndrome. ΔIgG may therefore represent a potentially useful biomarker to optimise IVIg dosing in patients with MMN. ⋯ IVIg pharmacokinetics varies in patients with MMN and may be associated with clinical response.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Oct 2014
Observational StudyAssessment of cancer risk with β-interferon treatment for multiple sclerosis.
The risk of cancer after exposure to the β-interferons (IFNβs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been established. We assessed whether IFNβ treatment for MS is associated with cancer risk or the risk of specific cancers in a population-based observational study. ⋯ There was no evidence of an increased cancer risk with exposure to IFNβ over a 12-year observation period. However, the trend towards an association between IFNβ and breast cancer should be investigated further.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Oct 2014
The role of alexithymia in the development of functional motor symptoms (conversion disorder).
The mechanisms leading to the development of functional motor symptoms (FMS) are of pathophysiological and clinical relevance, yet are poorly understood. ⋯ Because alexithymia is a mental state denoting the inability to identify emotions at a cognitive level, one hypothesis is that some patients misattribute autonomic symptoms of anxiety, for example, tremor, paraesthesiae, paralysis, to that of a physical illness. Further work is required to understand the contribution of OCPD to the development of FMS.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Oct 2014
Observational StudyAutologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for aggressive multiple sclerosis: the Swedish experience.
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a viable option for treatment of aggressive multiple sclerosis (MS). No randomised controlled trial has been performed, and thus, experiences from systematic and sustained follow-up of treated patients constitute important information about safety and efficacy. In this observational study, we describe the characteristics and outcome of the Swedish patients treated with HSCT for MS. ⋯ HSCT is a very effective treatment of inflammatory active MS and can be performed with a high degree of safety at experienced centres.