Journal of neurology
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Journal of neurology · Apr 2004
Comparative StudyDQB1*0602 allele shows a strong association with multiple sclerosis in patients in Malaga, Spain.
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II DR2 haplotype (DRB1*1501, DQA1*0102, DQB1*0602) has been associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) in all ethnic groups and very strongly in Caucasians. ⋯ Our results confirm the positive association of the DR2 haplotype with MS, particularly the allele DQB1*0602, in the population studied. DR4 was not associated with the disease in Malaga. HLA class II alleles or haplotypes were not associated with clinical or demographic characteristics, or clinical form or severity of MS.
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Journal of neurology · Apr 2004
Comparative StudyThe relationship between inflammation and atrophy in clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis: a monthly MRI study after triple-dose gadolinium-DTPA.
To examine the relationship between inflammation and brain atrophy in patients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ This study shows that visible inflammation as detected by monthly, triple-dose Gd-enhanced MRI is an important factor in the pathogenesis of brain tissue loss in CIS patients. However, inflammation and brain atrophy do not proceed in parallel: atrophy appeared only after a delay of months following acute inflammation. Frequent MRI scanning allows for the detection of CIS patients who will develop brain atrophy in the short-term.
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Journal of neurology · Mar 2004
Comparative StudyEffects of subthalamic nucleus stimulation on parkinsonian dysarthria and speech intelligibility.
Subthalamic stimulation is known to improve tremor, akinesia and rigidity in Parkinson's disease. However, other signs such as hypophonia and swallowing disorders can be relatively resistant to this technique. The effect on dysarthria remains unclear. ⋯ In conclusion, surgery had weak effects on dysarthria. Intelligibility can be worsened, especially in the on-drug condition. Thus, adaptation of the stimulation parameters can be difficult.
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Journal of neurology · Mar 2004
Comparative StudyPrevalence of Parkinson's disease and other types of Parkinsonism. A door-to-door survey in Bidasoa, Spain.
To assess the prevalence of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism in two Spanish populations (Irun and Hondarribia, Bidasoa Region) and to compare the results with those of similar surveys. ⋯ These prevalence rates are similar than those found in studies made in other European countries. The prevalence of both Parkinson's disease and other types of parkinsonism increased with age, with no significant differences between men and women.
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Journal of neurology · Mar 2004
Comparative StudyWater content and myelin water fraction in multiple sclerosis. A T2 relaxation study.
Measurements of the T2 decay curve provide estimates of total water content and myelin water fraction in white matter in-vivo, which may help in understanding the pathological progression of multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ NAWM in MS has a higher water content and lower myelin water fraction than control white matter. The cause of the myelin water fraction decrease in NAWM could potentially be due to either diffuse edema, inflammation, demyelination or any combination of these features. We present a simple model which suggests that myelin loss is the dominant feature of NAWM pathology.