Neurology
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Lithium carbonate in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: lack of efficacy in a dose-finding trial.
A neuroprotective effect of lithium in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been recently reported. We performed a multicenter trial with lithium carbonate to assess its tolerability, safety, and efficacy in patients with ALS, comparing 2 different target blood levels (0.4-0.8 mEq/L, therapeutic group [TG], vs 0.2-0.4 mEq/L, subtherapeutic group [STG]). ⋯ The study provides Class II evidence that therapeutic (0.4-0.8 mEq/L) vs subtherapeutic (0.2-0.4 mEq/L) lithium carbonate did not differ in the primary outcome of efficacy (survival/loss of autonomy) in ALS. Both target levels led to dropouts in more than 30% of participants due to patient-perceived lack of efficacy and AEs.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Dual-task performances can be improved in patients with dementia: a randomized controlled trial.
Deficits in attention-related cognitive performance measured as dual-task performance represent early markers of dementia and are associated with motor deficits and increased risk of falling. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a specific dual-task training in patients with mild to moderate dementia. ⋯ This study provides Class II evidence that specific dual-task training improves dual-task performance during walking under complex S3 conditions in geriatric patients with mild to moderate dementia.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Treatment of restless legs syndrome with pregabalin: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
To assess the therapeutic efficacy, required dose, and tolerability of pregabalin in patients with idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS). ⋯ This study provides Class II evidence that pregabalin is effective for the treatment of restless legs syndrome and improves sleep architecture and periodic limb movements in placebo-unresponsive patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A cluster-randomized trial to improve stroke care in hospitals.
We evaluated the effect of performance feedback on acute ischemic stroke care quality in Minnesota hospitals. ⋯ This study provides Class II evidence that informing hospital leaders of compliance with ischemic stroke quality indicators followed by a structured quality improvement intervention did not significantly improve compliance more than informing hospital leaders of compliance with stroke quality indicators without a quality improvement intervention.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Mexiletine is an effective antimyotonia treatment in myotonic dystrophy type 1.
To determine if mexiletine is safe and effective in reducing myotonia in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). ⋯ This study provides Class I evidence that mexiletine at dosages of 150 and 200 mg 3 times daily over 7 weeks is well-tolerated and effective in reducing handgrip relaxation time in DM1.