Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2024
Meta AnalysisEffectiveness of conservative non-pharmacological interventions in people with muscular dystrophies: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Management of muscular dystrophies (MD) relies on conservative non-pharmacological treatments, but evidence of their effectiveness is limited and inconclusive. ⋯ Low-quality evidence suggests that strength training, with or without other exercise interventions, may improve perceived exertion, distal upper limb function, static and dynamic balance, gait and well-being in MD. Although more robust and larger studies are needed, current evidence supports the inclusion of strength training in MD treatment, as it was found to be safe.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2024
ReviewMethodological considerations for observational studies of treatment effectiveness in neurology: a clinician's guide.
Data from cohorts, registries, randomised trials, electronic medical records and administrative claims databases have increasingly been used to inform the use of therapies for neurological diseases. While novel sophisticated methods are enabling us to use existing data to guide treatment decisions, the complexity of statistical methodology is making appraisal of clinical evidence increasingly demanding. In this narrative review, we provide a brief overview of the most commonly used methods for evaluation of treatment effectiveness in neurology. This primer discusses complementarity of randomised and non-randomised study designs, sources of observational data, different forms of bias and the appropriate mitigation strategies, statistical significance, Bayesian approaches and provides an overview of multivariable regression models, propensity score-based models, causal inference, mediation analysis and Mendelian randomisation.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2024
Prospective trial of natalizumab personalised extended interval dosing by therapeutic drug monitoring in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (NEXT-MS).
Extended interval dosing (EID) of natalizumab is a promising strategy to optimise treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS). Personalised EID by therapeutic drug monitoring can enable further extension of treatment intervals. ⋯ MS disease activity is adequately controlled with personalised natalizumab EID. Interval extension to a drug trough concentration of 5 µg/mL is likely a safe target to extend natalizumab treatment intervals >6 weeks.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2024
Observational StudyPragmatic computerised perfusion diagnostics for non-convulsive status epilepticus: a prospective observational study.
Non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a time-dependent neurological disorder often misdiagnosed in the emergency setting. Electroencephalography (EEG) is often not available on a 24/7 basis, and Salzburg criteria may at times miss the diagnosis. Here, we tested the accuracy of hyperperfusion on CT perfusion imaging (CTP) in the identification of NCSE against Salzburg criteria, to define its potential role in a pragmatic diagnostic workflow. ⋯ CTP hyperperfusion may be implemented in the emergency fast-track to rule out NCSE, given very high NPV. Further validation studies are needed to evaluate CTP application in real-world setting for NCSE codes.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2024
Exploring the cost-effectiveness of EBV vaccination to prevent multiple sclerosis in an Australian setting.
Increasing evidence suggests the potential of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) vaccination in preventing multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to explore the cost-effectiveness of a hypothetical EBV vaccination to prevent MS in an Australian setting. ⋯ MS prevention using future EBV vaccinations, particularly targeted at adolescence population, is highly likely to be cost-effective.