Expert review of neurotherapeutics
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Expert Rev Neurother · Apr 2014
ReviewPotential of glyburide to reduce intracerebral edema in brain metastases.
Metastatic disease to the brain results in significant morbidity because of edema in the central nervous system. Current anti-edema therapies are either expensive or result in unwanted long-term side effects. Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (Sur1) is a transmembrane protein that, when activated in the central nervous system, allows for unregulated sodium influx into cells, a process that has been linked to cytotoxic edema formation in ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and, most recently, brain metastases. In this focused review, we explore preclinical data linking Sur1 channel formation to development of edema and reference evidence suggesting that the antidiabetic sulfonylurea drug glyburide (a Sur1 inhibitor) is an inexpensive and well-tolerated agent that can be clinically tested to reduce or prevent malignancy and/or treatment-associated edema.
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Expert Rev Neurother · Mar 2014
ReviewAdvancements in understanding the mechanisms of symptomatic lacunar ischemic stroke: translation of knowledge to prevention strategies.
Symptomatic lacunar ischemic stroke (25% of all brain infarctions) results from occlusion of a single penetrating artery by microatheromas or lipohyalinosis and rarely from an intracranial atheromatous branch disease. Recurrent lacunar stroke may be associated with more severe clinical features and has been involved in producing lacunar state and vascular subcortical dementia. ⋯ If lacunar stroke is primarily non-atherothromboembolic, secondary prevention aimed at preventing atheroma progression may not be very effective. The efficacy of drugs that improve endothelial function in lacunar stroke patients remains to be studied in the future.
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Expert Rev Neurother · Mar 2014
EditorialReflections on the neurotherapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke are the major causes of brain damage and chronic neurological impairments. There is no agreed-upon effective metabolic intervention for TBI and stroke patients with chronic neurological dysfunction. ⋯ Here we discuss the multi-faceted role of HBOT in neurotherapeutics, in light of recent persuasive evidence for HBOT efficacy in brain repair and the new understanding of brain energy management and response to damage. We discuss optimal timing of treatment, dosage, suitable candidates and promising future directions.
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Expert Rev Neurother · Dec 2013
Review Multicenter StudyClinical case reviews in multiple sclerosis spasticity: experiences from around Europe.
Spasticity is one of the main symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Epidemiological studies indicate that approximately two-thirds of MS patients experience spasticity and, in a relevant proportion of this group, spasticity is moderate to severe. ⋯ This review of MS spasticity cases from around Europe presents current knowledge of considerations for administration of a new agent (tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol-based nabiximols [Sativex®] oromucosal spray) for management of MS spasticity, with the aim of ensuring appropriate and optimal use for best outcomes. Assessment of the European clinical experience is intended to provide a better understanding of the prescribing regulations for MS spasticity treatments, facilitate identification of suitable candidate patients for Sativex and increase awareness of alternative management approaches for MS-related spasticity.
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Expert Rev Neurother · Dec 2013
ReviewAdvances in the management of multiple sclerosis spasticity: experiences from recent studies and everyday clinical practice.
Although spasticity of varying severity affects up to 80% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the course of their disease, the symptom is often overlooked and undertreated. Despite the availability of oral antispasticity treatments (baclofen, tizanidine and others), approximately one-third of MS patients in Europe and the USA experience moderate or severe nonfocalized spasticity. At present, a thorough clinical evaluation of MS-related spasticity that takes into account the patient's own perception of spasms, spasticity-related pain and other associated symptoms is not common in daily neurological practice. ⋯ In large observational studies, >80% of patients reported no adverse events with the use of Sativex and interim data from safety registries in the UK and Spain indicate a low risk for serious adverse drug reactions. Follow-up studies in Sativex responders support continued benefit without the need to increase doses for at least 1 year. Sativex appears to be a promising solution for a meaningful proportion of patients with MS-related spasticity who have inadequate response to current antispasticity medications.