Neurology
-
Systemic inflammation is associated with ischemia and Alzheimer disease (AD). We hypothesized that inflammatory biomarkers would be associated with neuroimaging markers of ischemia (i.e., white matter hyperintensities [WMH]) and AD (i.e., total brain volume [TCB]). ⋯ Although our observational cross-sectional data cannot establish causality, they are consistent with the hypothesis that higher inflammatory markers are associated with greater atrophy than expected for age.
-
Patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) presenting within 3 hours of symptom onset are known to be at increased risk of expansion. However, only a minority arrive within this time frame. Therefore, alternative markers for expansion risk are needed. ⋯ Contrast extravasation is independently associated with hematoma expansion. Patients presenting within the first few hours after symptom onset have traditionally been considered those at highest risk of expansion. However, for those presenting later, the presence of contrast may be a useful marker to guide therapies aimed at decreasing this risk.
-
Comparative Study
A longitudinal study on quality of life and depression in ALS patient-caregiver couples.
To evaluate the modification of quality of life (QoL) and depression in a series of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient-caregiver couples during a period of 9 months and compare them to patients' ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALS-FRS). ⋯ We found a substantial steadiness of quality of life and depression in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis over a 9-month period, vs a significant increase of burden and depression of their caregivers.