Journal of the neurological sciences
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Long-term open-label study of pramipexole in patients with primary restless legs syndrome.
A phase III, open-label, long-term clinical study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pramipexole in a cohort of 141 Japanese patients with primary restless legs syndrome (RLS). The patients were started on pramipexole 0.25 mg/day and were subsequently maintained on that dose or switched to 0.125, 0.5, or 0.75 mg/day to achieve optimal efficacy and tolerability. The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale for restless legs syndrome (IRLS) score improved from 22.3+/-4.7 at baseline to 11.1+/-7.7 at week 8 and 4.9+/-5.9 at week 52. ⋯ RLS augmentation was not observed. Pramipexole 0.25-0.75 mg/day is efficacious, safe, and well tolerated in patients with RLS. Pramipexole showed good efficacy, particularly in patients with an IRLS total score <20.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin in essential tremor: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.
We performed a double-blind, crossover-design study to assess the tolerability and efficacy of pregabalin (PGB) in patients with essential tremor (ET). Twenty patients (11 women; mean age of 62.2+/-12.7 years, mean ET duration of 25.5+/-14.9 years) with ET were randomized for treatment with PGB (150-600 mg/day) or placebo, titrated over 6 weeks. ⋯ We found no improvement in any of the TRS measures and a statistically significant worsening of QUEST scores while patients were taking PGB. Adverse events were similar in frequency to previously published studies of PGB, the most common being drowsiness and dizziness.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
New approach to the rehabilitation of post-stroke focal cognitive syndrome: effect of levodopa combined with speech and language therapy on functional recovery from aphasia.
Few studies confirm that pharmacological treatments support post-stroke recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the combination of levodopa with language therapy improves aphasia rehabilitation. ⋯ Supplementing language therapy with levodopa may improve recovery from aphasia in patients with frontal lesions.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Gray matter atrophy and disability progression in patients with early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a 5-year longitudinal study.
We assessed the relationship between gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) atrophy and clinical status in early relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) patients over 5 years. A group of 181 patients who participated in the ASA (Avonex-Steroid-Azathioprine) study and had complete clinical and MRI assessments over 2 and 5 years was investigated. One hundred seventy (170) patients completed the 12-month follow-up, 147 the 24-month, 98 the 36-month, 65 the 48-month and 47 the 60-month. ⋯ Decline in PBVC and GMV were predictive markers of disability deterioration. Correlation of T2-LV with clinical status was weaker and decreased over time. Higher number of relapses was associated with faster decline in whole brain volume.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Longitudinal one-year study of levels and stoichiometry of neurofilament heavy and light chain concentrations in CSF in patients with multiple system atrophy.
Two cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers specific for neurodegeneration have recently emerged - the neurofilament light (NfL, 68 kDa) and heavy (NfH, 190-210 kDa) chains. This study investigated whether the CSF NfH and NfL levels or their stoichiometric relationship changed over time in a neuroprotective treatment trial. ⋯ These results indicate that CSF levels of both NfL and NfH on their own are not useful markers of disease progression in MSA, at least over a 12-month period. Future work is needed to elucidate whether the CSF stoichiometry and dynamics of Nf subunits in individual patients are a feature of the underlying pathology and of diagnostic or prognostic value.