Journal of the neurological sciences
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A modified Marmarou impact acceleration model was used to help screen biomarkers to assess brain injury severity. Anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a closed head injury from 1.25, 1.75 and 2.25 m drop heights. Linear and angular responses of the head were measured in vivo. 24h after impact, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were collected. ⋯ Levels of Aβ were not significantly different between groups. Pearson's correlation analysis showed pNF-H and GFAP levels in CSF and serum had positive correlation with power (rate of impact energy), followed by average linear acceleration and surface righting (p<0.01), which were good predictors for traumatic axonal injury according to histologic assessment in our previous study, suggesting that they are directly related to the injury mechanism. The model used in this study showed a unique ability in elucidating the relationship between biomarker levels and severity of the mechanical trauma to the brain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Planning future clinical trials in Machado Joseph disease: Lessons from a phase 2 trial.
In a recent phase 2 clinical trial in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD), a neurogenetic disorder without specific therapy, benefits of lithium carbonate were found only on secondary efficacy outcomes, all related to ataxic features. In order to help designing future studies, we further analyzed the trial data searching for treatment response modifiers and metric properties of spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) scales. ⋯ Lithium efficacy on cerebellar NESSCA, and on SCAFI and CCFS in the primary analysis, together with the lack of effect on non-ataxia features suggests that lithium should be tested in phase 3 trials in SCA3/MJD and that ataxia scales should be preferred to multisystem neurological instruments as the primary outcome. The inclusion of early stage patients is advisable in future clinical trials in SCA3/MJD.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cognitive outcome in acute simvastatin treatment for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A propensity matched analysis.
Experimental evidence has indicated the benefit of simvastatin in the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Recently, acute simvastatin treatment was not shown to be beneficial in neurological outcome using modified Rankin Scale. Cognitive function is another important dimension of outcome assessment and yet had not been investigated in statin studies for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. We therefore explored whether acute simvastatin treatment would improve cognitive outcomes. ⋯ The current study does not support that acute simvastatin treatment improves cognitive outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Canalith repositioning in apogeotropic horizontal canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: Do we need faster maneuvering?
A correct diagnosis and a proper treatment may yield a rapid and simple cure for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Although the Gufoni maneuver is widely used to treat apogeotropic horizontal-canal BPPV (HC-BPPV), few studies have clarified the relationship between the speed and intensity of maneuver execution and successful canalith reposition. To evaluate the effect of accelerated execution of the Gufoni maneuver, a prospective randomized controlled study was conducted with HC-BPPV patients in a single dizziness clinic. ⋯ The overall resolution rate was 48% (24 of 50; p=1.00), regardless of acceleration. Our results suggest that a faster, more intense execution of the Gufoni maneuver provides little benefit in treating apogeotropic HC-BPPV. Detachment of the otolith from the cupula or the gravitational force-when the otolith is in the anterior arm of the HC-may be more important contributors to treatment efficacy.
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients can suffer episodes of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) leading to an acute respiratory failure (ARF) requiring noninvasive ventilation (NIV). ⋯ NBS can predict noninvasive management failure during LRTI in ALS.