Neurology

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was found to be superior to alemtuzumab in controlling disease activity and improving cognition and quality of life in multiple sclerosis in a recent  observational cohort study. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurological disease affecting approximately 2.8 million people worldwide. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is a highly...

A recent case–control study found that HLA-DR15 and MERTK genotypes influenced the proportions of MERTK-expressing monocytes in multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Genetic and environmental factors are implicated in the etiology of MS. HLA-DRB1*15:01 (DR15) and MERTK are two genes associated with the risk for...

Authors say future work should focus on determining if transfers are needed Patients with Alzheimer disease and other related dementias (ADRD) are less likely to receive intensive care unit admission or procedures after transfer from an emergency department to a tertiary care hospital, according to a study recently published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment &...

Higher estimated risk for clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential seen for those with ischemic but not hemorrhagic stroke Radon exposure is associated with an increased risk for clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) among postmenopausal women with ischemic stroke, according to a study published online Jan. 3 in Neurology. Kurtis M. Anthony, M.P.H., from the Gillings...

The early and accurate identification of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder is integral to the prognosis and reduction of relapses. Treatment and management strategies include immunosuppressive agents, steroids, and novel monoclonal antibodies. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune disorder mainly involving the optic nerve (optic neuritis) and the spinal cord (myelitis). Prompt and early...

Interleukin-33 can lead to blood–brain barrier dysfunction, mediating the intrathecal production of immunoglobulins in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease and aquaporin-4 neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Interleukin-33 is correlated with central nervous system demyelinating diseases. The autoimmune conditions of the central nervous system (CNS) include myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder...

The role of cholesterol pathway biomarkers in multiple sclerosis is not fully understood. This article makes the case that these biomarkers may correlate with cognitive impairment. Cholesterol pathway biomarkers are associated with breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, lesions, and neurodegeneration in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Cognitive impairment is common in these patients, and is...

No head CT required in cases with no history of head injury on falling, no amnesia of fall, no new abnormality on neurologic exam A Falls Decision Rule can determine which elderly patients presenting with a fall require computed tomography (CT) of the head, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in CMAJ, the journal...

Lower sport-related concussion rates seen with use of prevention strategies, including mouth guards In a consensus statement issued by the International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport and published online Dec. 4 in Pediatrics, recommendations are presented for managing sport-related concussion among children and adolescents. Gavin A. Davis, M.B.B.S., from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in...