Extended Interval Dosing Natalizumab and impact on neuropsychological deficits in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms are frequently reported in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Natalizumab (NTZ) is usually administered on a 4-weekly Standard Interval Dosing (SID) schedule. However, Extended Interval Dosing (EID) at 6-8 weekly intervals has been proven non-inferior regarding relapse risk, with a lower risk of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). The impact of EID NTZ on neuropsychological deficits in RRMS has not been studied. Objective: To determine if EID NTZ demonstrates an improvement in neuropsychological parameters in RRMS patients. Method: We performed a retrospective, observational analysis of 34 RRMS patients treated between August 2015-2017. Patients underwent baseline neuropsychological testing before commencing EID NTZ. A second evaluation was performed, on average 28 months after commencing treatment. Results: Z scores at the initial assessment showed baseline cognitive impairment in multiple domains. 14/20 Z-scores showed an improvement post-NTZ and 5/14 reached statistical significance; namely Trails A (visual attention/processing speed), Line-orientation (visual-spatial), Picture-naming (word finding), Digital-Span (attention, executive function and memory) and Story-recall (memory). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) data remained unchanged. Correlation matrix showed no association between HADS scores, the time between assessments and the changes in Z scores. Conclusion: This data suggests the efficacy of EID NTZ in improving cognitive impairment in RRMS. A prospective observational study is warranted.

An evaluation of treatment integrity in a randomized trial of behavioural therapy for low mood in stroke patients with aphasia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the treatment integrity of behavioural therapy for low mood in stroke patients with aphasia. DESIGN: Participants were recruited to a multicentre randomized controlled trial (Communication and Low Mood; CALM trial) comparing behavioural therapy with a usual care control group. SUBJECTS: Of the 51 participants randomly allocated to receive behavioural therapy, 44 participants completed treatment. METHODS: Participants were assessed on measures of disability, language and mood. The number and length of therapy sessions, and therapist was recorded. Allocation of time to therapy components was compared across three phases of therapy. Associations between levels of disability, aphasia, mood and the therapy patients received were determined. Therapy content was compared between centres and at the beginning and end of the trial. RESULTS: The mean number of therapy sessions was 9.1 (range 3-18, SD 2.6) and the mean duration of sessions was 58 minutes (range 30-89 minutes, SD 10.7). Allocation of time to each therapy component significantly differed across the three phases of therapy (P < 0.05). There were no significant associations (P > 0.05) between the length and number of sessions and patients' aphasia, mood or disability, suggesting similar levels of therapy were provided regardless of patients' characteristics. The content of therapy showed some differences between centres (P < 0.01) and there was programme drift in some components of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the ability of the therapists to deliver behavioural therapy according to the treatment manual. However there were differences between centres and over time in some components of therapy.

Executive functioning in chronic alcoholism and Korsakoff syndrome.

Korsakoff syndrome (KS) is characterized by dense anterograde and retrograde amnesia. There is often a temporal gradient to the retrograde amnesia, with earlier memories more readily recalled than recent memories. Executive functioning has also been found to be impaired in KS. However, research comparing executive functioning between chronic alcoholics (AL) and patients with KS has been relatively sparse to date. In a group comparison design, executive functioning in 15 KS patients and 16 chronic alcoholic patients was assessed using the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome test (BADS) and other secondary measures. The KS group was found to be significantly more impaired than the AL group on overall performance on the BADS (p < .05). Korsakoff patients are significantly more impaired in executive functioning than non-Korsakoff chronic alcoholics. We thank the participants of the study and also acknowledge the support of the University of Nottingham, particularly Nadina Lincoln, and the North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We are also very grateful to the anonymous reviewers of earlier drafts of this manuscript for their invaluable comments.

Communication and Low Mood (CALM): a randomized controlled trial of behavioural therapy for stroke patients with aphasia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate behavioural therapy as a treatment for low mood in people with aphasia. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial comparing behavioural therapy plus usual care with a usual care control. Potential participants with aphasia after stroke were screened for the presence of low mood. Those who met the criteria and gave consent were randomly allocated. SETTING: Participants were recruited from hospital wards, community rehabilitation, speech and language therapy services and stroke groups. SUBJECTS: Of 511 people with aphasia identified, 105 had low mood and were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: Behavioural therapy was offered for up to three months. Outcomes were assessed three and six months after random allocation. MAIN MEASURES: Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire, Visual Analog Mood Scales 'sad' item, and Visual Analogue Self-Esteem Scale. RESULTS: Participants were aged 29 to 94 years (mean 67.0, SD 13.5) and 66 (63%) were men. Regression analysis showed that at three months, when baseline values and communication impairment were controlled for, group allocation was a significant predictor of the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire (P < 0.05), visual analogue 'sad' (P = 0.03), and Visual Analogue Self-Esteem Scale (P < 0.01). At six months, group alone was a significant predictor of the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire (P < 0.05), and remained significant when baseline values were controlled for (P = 0.02). Mean Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire 10-item hospital version scores decreased from baseline to six months by six points in the intervention group as compared with an increase of 1.9 points in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioural therapy seemed to improve the mood of people with aphasia.

An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the patient experience of awake craniotomy: brain tumour diagnosis to discharge.

OBJECTIVES: Previous research exploring the patient experience of awake craniotomy (AC) has yielded contrasting accounts. The current study aimed to explore the lived experience of having undergone an AC in the United Kingdom. DESIGN: This was a qualitative, semi-structured interview study. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). METHODS: Seven participants (three males, four females) who had undergone an AC in the United Kingdom took part in the study. Ages ranged between 26 and 41 years old at the time of interview. Time since AC ranged from 5 months to 4 years. RESULTS: Participants appeared to be satisfied with, and tolerant of, the AC experience. Three superordinate themes: use of self-preservation strategies prior to and during AC, a bizarre yet pleasant operation experience, and the need for more concrete information prior to surgery were identified. These themes appeared to be embedded in a core theme: relationship with the neurosurgeon. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship with the neurosurgeon appears crucial to the patient experience of AC. This knowledge underscores the need for effective doctor-patient communication skills which could lead to improved delivery of care and more positive outcomes.