Corticosteroids in the management of acute multiple sclerosis exacerbations.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterized in the majority of the patients by a relapsing-remitting disease course. For decades high-dosage corticosteroids (CS) are considered the cornerstone in the management of acute MS relapses. However, many unanswered questions remain when it comes to the exact modalities of CS administration. In this review on behalf of the Belgian Study Group for MS we define the efficacy of CS in reducing MS-related morbidity and examine whether the effect is different according to type of CS, route of administration, cumulative dosage, timing of initiation and disease course. We also review the use of CS in combination with other MS treatments and during pregnancy and lactation. Furthermore, we delineate the relevant adverse events due to a pulse CS regimen and present a decision tree that can be used when treating MS relapses in clinical practice.

An unusual case of acute psychosis in an adolescent.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) encephalitis is a severe form of encephalitis that has been identified within the context of acute neuropsychiatric manifestations. We report the case of an 18-year-old adolescent referred for a first episode of acute psychosis. The clinical picture rapidly deteriorated to a state of catatonia, decreased consciousness and autonomic instability. Detection of highly positive anti-NMDA-R antibodies confirmed the diagnosis of anti-NMDA-R encephalitis. Immunosuppressive treatment and repeated plasma exchange resulted in slow recovery. The literature on diagnosis and treatment of this specific type of encephalitis is reviewed.

Modifiable factors influencing relapses and disability in multiple sclerosis.

A growing body of literature indicates that the natural course of multiple sclerosis can be influenced by a number of factors. Strong evidence suggests that relapses can be triggered by infections, the postpartum period and stressful life events. Vaccinations against influenza, hepatitis B and tetanus appear to be safe. Surgery, general and epidural anaesthesia, and physical trauma are not associated with an increased risk of relapses. Factors that have been associated with a reduced relapse rate are pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, sunlight exposure and higher vitamin D levels. A number of medications, including hormonal fertility treatment, seem to be able to trigger relapses. Factors that may worsen progression of disability include stressful life events, radiotherapy to the head, low levels of physical activity and low vitamin D levels. Strong evidence suggests that smoking promotes disease progression, both clinically and on brain magnetic resonance imaging. There is no evidence for an increased progression of disability following childbirth in women with multiple sclerosis. Moderate alcohol intake and exercise might have a neuroprotective effect, but this needs to be confirmed.

Asperger syndrome, violent thoughts and clinically isolated syndrome.

A young man, 23 years old, with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), presented violent thoughts during a neurological consultation. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome based on a psychiatric and (neuro)psychological examination. Possible risk factors for acting-out and the implications for treatment, if CIS would evolve to MS, are discussed based on a review of the literature.

Development of an enterovirus specific PCR method for the quantification of enterovirus genomes in blood of diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or type 1 diabetes is a disease with a diverse aetiology. Epidemiological studies examining newly diagnosed, recent onset IDDM patients have suggested a role for viruses in the aetiology of IDDM (Yoon, 1995, Diabetes/Metabolism Reviews 11, 83-107). Important candidates are the enteroviruses, in particular coxsackieviruses B3 and B4. The latter can cause diabetes in animals (Clements et al., 1995, Lancet 346, 221-223). OBJECTIVES: We have developed a quantitative PCR method for the detection of enterovirus genomes in biological samples. The quantitative PCR will be used to screen for enteroviruses in blood of diabetes patients and their relatives by testing a Blood Diabetes Register. STUDY DESIGN: A substantial amount of data has been collected on enterovirus induced IDDM, our study is original in so far as it will be: (1) a quantitative study, not only the presence of viral genome sequences in blood will be determined, but also their concentrations (viral load); and (2) a longitudinal study, samples are and will be collected as a function of time. Positive PCR samples will be quantified using the standard addition method. RESULTS: The test is specific for enteroviruses, since all enteroviruses were detected with equal sensitivity. Viruses belonging to other picornavirus genera scored negative (even up to 3 x 10(6) genome copies). An equal detection limit of 10 genome copies was found for all enteroviruses. CONCLUSIONS: The developed method will permit us to generate quantitative and longitudinal data of enterovirus genomes in blood of diabetes patients and their relatives, which might help in the elucidation of the relationship between enteroviruses and IDDM.

Bromocriptine therapy in multiple sclerosis: an open label pilot study.

Bromocriptine suppresses the duration and severity of clinical signs of experimental allergic encephalitis, which is considered as an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). We conducted an open pilot study with 2.5 mg of bromocriptine two times a day on 18 patients with clinically or laboratory-supported definite MS (10 with the relapsing-remitting form and eight with the chronic progressive form). After 1 year of treatment, 14 of the 15 patients who completed the study showed disease progression as evidenced by one or more of the following parameters: worsening of the EDSS score, clinical relapses, appearance of new lesions on MRI of the brain and brainstem, or increased latencies of visual or auditory evoked responses. These findings indicate that bromocriptine does not completely suppresses ongoing disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis.