Serum neurofilament as a predictor of 10-year grey matter atrophy and clinical disability in multiple sclerosis: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The predictive value of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) on long-term prognosis in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the relation between sNfL levels over a 2-year period in patients with relapsing-remitting MS, and clinical disability and grey matter (GM) atrophy after 10 years. METHODS: 85 patients, originally enrolled in a multicentre, randomised trial of ω-3 fatty acids, participated in a 10-year follow-up visit. sNfL levels were measured by Simoa quarterly until month 12, and then at month 24. The appearance of new gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions was assessed monthly between baseline and month 9, and then at months 12 and 24. At the 10-year follow-up visit, brain atrophy measures were obtained using FreeSurfer. RESULTS: Higher mean sNfL levels during early periods of active inflammation (Gd+ lesions present or recently present) predicted lower total (ß=-0.399, p=0.040) and deep (ß=-0.556, p=0.010) GM volume, lower mean cortical thickness (ß=-0.581, p=0.010) and higher T2 lesion count (ß=0.498, p=0.018). Of the clinical outcomes, higher inflammatory sNfL levels were associated with higher disability measured by the dominant hand Nine-Hole Peg Test (ß=0.593, p=0.004). Mean sNfL levels during periods of remission (no Gd+ lesions present or recently present) did not predict GM atrophy or disability progression. CONCLUSION: Higher sNfL levels during periods of active inflammation predicted more GM atrophy and specific aspects of clinical disability 10 years later. The findings suggest that subsequent long-term GM atrophy is mainly due to neuroaxonal degradation within new lesions.

The Effect of Smoking on Long-term Gray Matter Atrophy and Clinical Disability in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship between smoking, long-term brain atrophy, and clinical disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is unclear. Here, we assessed long-term effects of smoking by evaluating MRI and clinical outcome measures after 10 years in smoking and nonsmoking patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). METHODS: We included 85 treatment-naive patients with RRMS with recent inflammatory disease activity who participated in a 10-year follow-up visit after a multicenter clinical trial of 24 months. Smoking status was decided for each patient by 2 separate definitions: by serum cotinine levels measured regularly for the first 2 years of the follow-up (during the clinical trial) and by retrospective patient self-reporting. At the 10-year follow-up visit, clinical tests were repeated, and brain atrophy measures were obtained from MRI using FreeSurfer. Differences in clinical and MRI measurements at the 10-year follow-up between smokers and nonsmokers were investigated by 2-sample t tests or Mann-Whitney tests and linear mixed-effect regression models. All analyses were conducted separately for each definition of smoking status. RESULTS: After 10 years, smoking (defined by serum cotinine levels) was associated with lower total white matter volume (ß = -21.74, p = 0.039) and higher logT2 lesion volume (ß = 0.22, p = 0.011). When defining smoking status by patient self-reporting, the repeated analyses found an additional association with lower deep gray matter volume (ß = -2.35, p = 0.049), and smoking was also associated with a higher score (higher walking impairment) on the log timed 25-foot walk test (ß = 0.050, p = 0.039) after 10 years and a larger decrease in paced auditory serial addition test (attention) scores (ß = -3.58, p = 0.029). DISCUSSION: Smoking was associated with brain atrophy and disability progression 10 years later in patients with RRMS. The findings imply that patients should be advised and offered aid in smoking cessation shortly after diagnosis, to prevent long-term disability progression.

Low vitamin D, but not tobacco use or high BMI, is associated with long-term disability progression in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Low vitamin D levels, tobacco use and high body mass index (BMI) have been linked to adverse disease outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS), but their influence on long-term disability progression remains unclear. Therefore, we explored whether these modifiable lifestyle factors were associated with 10-year clinical disability progression in patients with MS. METHODS: In this prospective study, a cohort of 88 patients with relapsing-remitting MS completed a randomized controlled study on ω-3 fatty acids between 2004 and 2008. During 24 months, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), serum cotinine (nicotine metabolite), and BMI were repeatedly measured. In 2017, a follow-up study was conducted among 80 of the participants, including disability assessment by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Linear regression was used to explore associations between the lifestyle factors and the EDSS change over 10 years. RESULTS: Higher seasonally adjusted 25(OH)D levels were associated with lower 10-year EDSS progression (change in EDSS per 1 SD increase in 25(OH)D in a model adjusted for sex, age and baseline EDSS: -0.45 point, 95% CI: -0.75 to -0.16, p=0.003). Further adjustments for potential confounders related to lifestyle and disease status gave similar results. The association was mainly driven by low 25(OH)D levels during spring, as well as seasonally adjusted levels below 80 nmol/L. No clear association was found for BMI and cotinine. CONCLUSION: Lower 25(OH)D levels, but apparently not tobacco use or higher BMI, were significantly associated with worse long-term disability progression in MS.

Anaphylactic reaction to MRI contrast agent. / Anafylaktisk reaksjon ved bruk av MR-kontrastmiddel.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test with a low complication rate even when using contrast agents. Nevertheless, even routine examinations can cause serious complications, as this case illustrates. CASE PRESENTATION: Approximately one minute after receiving an intravenous contrast agent containing gadoteric acid (Dotarem®), a woman suffered a generalised seizure and lost. INTERPRETATION: Anaphylactic shock can occur as a rare complication of MRI with contrast enhancement. The examination should not be performed without a clear indication.

Prevalence of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people <30 years of age-A population-based study in Norway.

OBJECTIVE: Despite juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) being considered one of the most common epilepsies, population-based prevalence studies of JME are lacking. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of JME in a Norwegian county, using updated diagnostic criteria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, based on reviews of the medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of epilepsy at Drammen Hospital in the period 1999-2013. The study population consisted of 98,152 people <30 years of age. Subjects diagnosed with JME, unspecified genetic generalized epilepsy, or absence epilepsy were identified. All of these patients were contacted and asked specifically about myoclonic jerks. Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings and medical records were reevaluated for those who confirmed myoclonic jerks. Information about seizure onset was obtained from the medical records, and annual frequency of new cases was estimated. RESULTS: A total of 55 subjects fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for JME. The point prevalence was estimated at 5.6/10,000. JME constituted 9.3% of all epilepsies in the age group we investigated. Of subjects diagnosed with either unspecified genetic generalized epilepsy or absence epilepsy, 21% and 12%, respectively, had JME. We identified 21 subjects with JME (38%) who had not been diagnosed previously. Six subjects (11%) had childhood absence epilepsy evolving into JME. Between 2009 and 2013, the average frequency of JME per 100,000 people of all ages per year was estimated at 1.7. SIGNIFICANCE: A substantial portion of people with JME seem to go undiagnosed, as was the case for more than one third of the subjects in this study. By investigating subjects diagnosed with unspecified genetic generalized epilepsy or absence epilepsy, we found a prevalence of JME that was considerably higher than previously reported. We conclude that JME may go undiagnosed due to the underrecognition of myoclonic jerks. To make a correct diagnosis, clinicians need to ask specifically about myoclonic jerks.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy occurring after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis.

We describe the case of a man in his 40 s with aggressive multiple sclerosis (MS) who received autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) and subsequently developed probable, if not definite, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and haematological complications. Autoimmune conditions occurring as a side effect of allogenic transplantations are well known in the context of haematological malignancies, but only rarely reported for autologous transplantations. Our case demonstrates that although AHSCT may be effective for suppressing MS inflammatory activity, the profound changes to the immune repertoire may lead to other clinically relevant autoimmune phenomena. A careful benefit-risk evaluation should be conducted in all cases where AHSCT is considered.

Prevalence and etiology of epilepsy in a Norwegian county-A population based study.

OBJECTIVE: Epilepsy represents a substantial personal and social burden worldwide. When addressing the multifaceted issues of epilepsy care, updated epidemiologic studies using recent guidelines are essential. The aim of this study was to find the prevalence and causes of epilepsy in a representative Norwegian county, implementing the new guidelines and terminology suggested by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). METHODS: Included in the study were all patients from Buskerud County in Norway with a diagnosis of epilepsy at Drammen Hospital and the National Center for Epilepsy at Oslo University Hospital. The study period was 1999-2014. Patients with active epilepsy were identified through a systematic review of medical records, containing information about case history, electroencephalography (EEG), cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), genetic tests, blood samples, treatment, and other investigations. Epilepsies were classified according to the revised terminology suggested by the ILAE in 2010. RESULTS: In a population of 272,228 inhabitants, 1,771 persons had active epilepsy. Point prevalence on January 1, 2014 was 0.65%. Of the subjects registered with a diagnostic code of epilepsy, 20% did not fulfill the ILAE criteria of the diagnosis. Epilepsy etiology was structural-metabolic in 43%, genetic/presumed genetic in 20%, and unknown in 32%. Due to lack of information, etiology could not be determined in 4%. SIGNIFICANCE: Epilepsy is a common disorder, affecting 0.65% of the subjects in this cohort. Every fifth subject registered with a diagnosis of epilepsy was misdiagnosed. In those with a reliable epilepsy diagnosis, every third patient had an unknown etiology. Future advances in genetic research will probably lead to an increased identification of genetic and hopefully treatable causes of epilepsy.

A 2-year observational study of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis converting to glatiramer acetate from other disease-modifying therapies: the COPTIMIZE trial.

Studies suggest that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who do not benefit from other disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) may benefit from converting to glatiramer acetate (GA). COPTIMIZE was a 24-month observational study designed to assess the disease course of patients converting to GA 20 mg daily from another DMT. Eligible patients had converted to GA and had received prior DMT for 3-6 months, depending on the reasons for conversion. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. In total, 672 patients from 148 centers worldwide were included in the analysis. Change of therapy to GA was prompted primarily by lack of efficacy (53.6 %) or intolerable adverse events (AEs; 44.8 %). Over a 24-month period, 72.7 % of patients were relapse free. Mean annual relapse rate decreased from 0.86 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.81-0.91] before the change to 0.32 (95 % CI 0.26-0.40; p < 0.0001) at last observation, while the progression of disability was halted, as the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores remained stable. Patients improved significantly (p < 0.05) on measures of fatigue, quality of life, depression, and cognition; mobility scores remained stable. The results indicate that changing RRMS patients to GA is associated with positive treatment outcomes.

Simvastatin as add-on therapy to interferon ß-1a for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (SIMCOMBIN study): a placebo-controlled randomised phase 4 trial.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with interferon beta is only partly effective. We aimed to establish whether add-on of simvastatin, a statin with anti-inflammatory properties, improves this efficacy. METHODS: We enrolled treatment-naive patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a multicentre, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group trial of simvastatin (80 mg daily) as add-on treatment to intramuscular interferon beta-1a (30 µg weekly). After starting treatment with interferon beta, patients were randomly assigned (in computer-generated blocks of four patients) to simvastatin 80 mg per day or placebo for 1-3 years. Patients and treating and evaluating physicians were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome measure was annual rate of documented relapses; analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00492765. FINDINGS: We randomly assigned 307 patients to interferon beta plus simvastatin (n=151) or plus placebo (n=156). Annual rate of documented relapses was 0·19 (95% CI 0·13 to 0·28) in the simvastatin group and 0·14 (95% CI 0·09 to 0·23) in the placebo group (absolute difference 0·059, 95% CI -0·21 to 0·09; p=0·35). Time to first documented relapse (20th percentile) was 18·1 months in patients on simvastatin and 21·5 months in those on placebo (hazard ratio 1·21, 95% CI 0·74 to 1·99; p=0·51). Mean number of new or enlarging T2 lesions was 2·96 in the simvastatin group and 2·52 in the placebo group (ratio of new lesions, 1·17, 95% CI 8·89 to 1·55; p=0·25). Eight (6%) patients on simvastatin and 17 (13%) on placebo had no disease activity (odds ratio 0·42, 95% CI 0·17 to 1·00; p=0·05). No unexpected adverse events were seen. Generally, adverse events were mild and there were no group differences in infections or musculoskeletal disorders, including myalgia (five [3%] patients on simvastatin and nine [6%] on placebo). Rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria were not reported and there were no differences in serum creatine phosphokinase. INTERPRETATION: We found no beneficial effect of simvastatin as add-on therapy to interferon beta-1a. Although unlikely, we can not exclude that combination of other statins with other disease-modifying drugs still could be beneficial. FUNDING: Biogen Idec.