ABSTRACT
Risk factors for development of multiple sclerosis (MS) are still a matter of debate. Latitude gradient, vitamin D deficiency and season of birth are among the most investigated environmental factors associated with the disease. Several international studies suggest that birth in spring is a substantial risk factor for MS. We investigated the season of birth as a potential risk for MS in different geographical regions of Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study with 2257 clinically definite MS patients enrolled in 13 Brazilian MS clinics in the south, southeast, and northeast regions of Brazil. Demographic and clinical data relating to date of birth and clinical features of the disease were collected and analysed, and subsequently compared with birth date among the general Brazilian population. The distribution of date of birth of MS patients showed an increase in spring and a decrease in autumn, with no difference being observed in the other seasons. In conclusion, season of birth is a probable risk factor for MS in most parts of Brazil. These findings may be related to the role that vitamin D plays in MS pathogenesis.
Subject(s)
Multiple Sclerosis/epidemiology , Parturition , Seasons , Adult , Brazil/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Multiple Sclerosis/etiology , Reference Values , Retrospective Studies , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
We report on the preliminary clinical and electrophysiological aspects of an in-patient possibly presenting epilepsia partialis continua (Koshevnikov). We discuss the different etiologies and emphasize on the possible idiopathic form in this case
Subject(s)
Humans , Adult , Female , Epilepsia Partialis Continua/physiopathology , Epilepsia Partialis Continua/etiologyABSTRACT
We report on the clinical characteristics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Fortaleza (Northeastern Brazil). For this, we analyzed retrospectively (from 1980 to 1999) 78 cases of ALS from the Service of Neutrology of the University Hospital of Fortaleza diagnosed clinically and laboratorially (EMG, muscle biopsy, myelography, blood biochemistry, muscle enzymes and cranio-cervical X-ray). The results showed that they were mostly sporadic ALS (76/78), and they were divided into definite (n=36), probable (n=20), possible (n=15) and suspected (n=7), according to the level of diagnostic certainty. They were also subdivided into juvenile (n=17), early-onset adult (n=18), age-specific (n=39) and late-onset (n=4) groups. Clinically, they presented as initals symptoms, principally, asymmetrical (30/78) and symmetrical (24/78) weakness of extremities, besides bulbar signs, fasciculations, and atrophy. Curiously, pain as first symptom occurred in an expessive fashion (17/78). The predominant initial anatomic site, in this series, was the spinal cord, and mainly affecting the arms. As to the symptom accrual from region to region, this occurs more quickly in contiguous areas, and fasciculations are predominant when bulbar region was associated.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/diagnosis , Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/physiopathology , Brazil , Retrospective StudiesSubject(s)
Humans , Software , Cardiology , Internal Medicine , Diagnosis, Differential , Evaluation StudyABSTRACT
Os autores relatam um caso clínico de associaçäo de polimiosite com miastenia gravis, dissertando sobre as características específicas de cada patologia assim como a possibilidade e significado etiopatológico da associaçäo das duas. Enfatizam as medidas terapêuticas tomadas e seus resultados, e a forma rara de polimiosite seguida posteriormente de miastenia
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Humans , Female , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Myositis/complicationsABSTRACT
Os autores relatam um caso clinico de associacao de polimiosite com miastenia gravis, dissertando sobre as caracteristicas especificas de cada patologia assim como a possibilidade e significado etiopatologico da associacao das duas. Enfatizam as medidas terapeuticas tomadas e seus resultados, e a forma rara de polimiosite seguida posteriormente de miastenia.
