AANEM News Express Related to Science News

Science News: A Model to Predict the Probability of Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy

    8/3/2020
Submitted by Elliot Bodofsky, MD
Edited by Francisco Gomez, MD

The goal of this research was developing a predictive model to differentiate acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) from non-demyelinating Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), based on NCSs performed at 1-20 days after onset and at 3-8 weeks.

Science News: Imaging of the Peripheral Nerve: Concepts and Future Direction of Magnetic Resonance Neurography and Ultrasound

    6/26/2020
Submitted by Rebecca O'Bryan, MD
Edited by Francisco Gomez, MD

This review article provides an overview of the most current concepts in peripheral nerve imaging in the context of nerve injury and compressive neuropathies. It goes into some detail with regards to the application of each modality (ultrasound and magnetic resonance neurography), and then provides direction about imaging choices based on the clinical picture.

Science News: Treadmill Training in Patients Affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy: Results of a Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Single-blind, Controlled Study

    6/15/2020
Submitted by Nandita Keole, MD
Edited by Francisco Gomez, MD

A multicenter, prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled study of 53 outpatients affected by CMT1A who were recruited and randomized in two treatment groups: one underwent stretching and proprioceptive exercise (SPE), whereas the other was additionally treated with treadmill training (TreSPE).

Science News: Combined Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Methylprednisolone as Induction Treatment in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (OPTIC protocol): A Prospective Pilot Study

    5/29/2020
Submitted by Nandita Keole, MD
Edited by Francisco Gomez, MD
 

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an immune‐mediated neuropathy causing appendicular sensorimotor. Treatment of CIDP frequently consists of immunomodulation via IVIG or steroids, however an efficacious and cost-effective treatment regime has proven elusive. In this non-controlled open-label pilot study, which is to precede a randomized control trial, authors sought to test a combined IVIg and IV methylprednisolone (IVMP) regimen.

Science News: Nerve Ultrasound Improves Detection of Treatment-responsive Chronic Inflammatory Neuropathies

    5/18/2020
Submitted by Bryan X. DeSouza, MD
Edited by Francisco Gomez, MD

Authors evaluated diagnostic accuracy of nerve ultrasound in a prospective study including 100 consecutive patients, with aim of determining whether ultrasound in as well as nerve conduction studies can aid in detecting treatment-responsive patients. Patient included were under suspicion of chronic inflammatory neuropathies (CIN), including CIDP and variants (Lewis Sumner syndrome, and Multifocal Motor Neuropathy).

Science News: Cognitive Inhibition Impairments in Presymptomatic C9orf72 Carriers

    5/4/2020
Submitted and Edited by Francisco Gomez, MD
 

Nucleotide repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene are a frequent cause of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Some authors have described cognitive dysfunction in C9orf72 patients preceding debut of motor symptoms related to ALS.

Science News: Primary Lateral Sclerosis: Consensus Diagnostic Criteria

    4/17/2020

Submitted and Edited by Francisco Gomez, MD

The authors offer a tour de force on emergent diagnostic technologies in the diagnosis if PLS. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation demonstrate longer conduction times and decreased cortical excitability in PLS, differentiating this entitity from PLS and Hereditary Spastic Parapareis, respectively. As neurofilaments have emerged as a biomarker of neuronal degeneration, PLS has exhibited less levels of these markers, as compared to ALS. The authors further described emerging MRI  volume quantifying technology as a method to better detect PLS mediated prefrontal gyrus degeneration.

Science News: Nusinersen in Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Twelve-Month Real-World Data

    4/6/2020
Submitted and Edited by Clark Pinyan, MD

This article provides a more realistic picture of what is widely perceived to be a “miracle cure,” its potentials as well as its limits. Several AANEM members are already administering nusinersen in specialty clinics. We need clearer data to help set patient and family expectations and plan for future therapy.

Science News: Reduction of Skin Innervation is Associated with a Severe Fibromyalgia Phenotype

    3/23/2020
Submitted and Edited by Clark Pinyan, MD

This article helps elucidate the detectable, physiologic differences between fibromyalgia syndrome and other painful disorders such as MD-P, as well as attempt to find a basis for symptom severity in some patients.

Science News: Heteronymous H Reflex in Temporal Muscle as a Sign of Hyperexcitability in ALS Patients

    3/10/2020
Submitted by Elliot Bodofsky, MD
Edited by Clark Pinyan, MD

This article outlines a new electrodiagnostic technique for early diagnosis amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a common severe disorder in electrodiagnostic practice.