Article
Immunology
Elia Sechi, Roberto Zarbo, Maria Angela Biancu, Paola Chessa, Maria Laura Idda, Valeria Orru, Sandra Lai, Stefania Leoni, Paolo Solla
Summary: This article describes an unusual case of a 40-year-old woman with AQP4-IgG-NMOSD who showed prolonged B-cell depletion for nearly five years after a single rituximab reinfusion. In similar rare patients with exceptionally long-lasting B-cell depletion, rituximab reinfusions at fixed pre-planned intervals would result in unnecessary treatment-related risks and health-care expenses.
JOURNAL OF NEUROIMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yinghui Duan, Xin Wang, Xiaoyu Duan, Hanqing Gao, Xiaopei Ji, Xinyi Xiao, Feng Zhu, Qun Xue
Summary: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system, and there may be a potential link between NMOSD and cancer. This study reports three NMOSD cases associated with cancer, and after tumor removal, the patients remained stable without further relapses. An interesting finding is that one patient had slightly elevated levels of AQP4-IgG in their serum, suggesting that AQP4 may not be the main pathogenic antibody in these cases.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Tetsuya Akaishi, Toshiyuki Takahashi, Tatsuro Misu, Kimihiko Kaneko, Yoshiki Takai, Shuhei Nishiyama, Ryo Ogawa, Juichi Fujimori, Tadashi Ishii, Masashi Aoki, Kazuo Fujihara, Ichiro Nakashima
Summary: Intrathecal production of MOG-IgG may occur more frequently than that of AQP4-IgG, suggesting different properties of B-cell trafficking and antibody production between MOG-IgG-associated disease and AQP4-IgG-positive NMOSD.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yoichiro Abe, Masato Yasui
Summary: The discovery of NMO-IgG in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has highlighted the importance of the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system. The unique structure of AQP4 and its subcellular localization may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of NMOSD, in addition to the complement-dependent cytotoxic effects of NMO-IgG. Studies have also shown complement-independent cytotoxic effects of NMO-IgG, potentially involving antibody-induced endocytosis of AQP4.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Rosa Cortese, Ferran Prados Carrasco, Carmen Tur, Alessia Bianchi, Wallace Brownlee, Floriana De Angelis, Isabel de la Paz, Francesco Grussu, Lukas Haider, Anu Jacob, Baris Kanber, Lise Magnollay, Richard S. Nicholas, Anand Trip, Marios Yiannakas, Ahmed T. Toosy, Yael Hacohen, Frederik Barkhof, Olga Ciccarelli
Summary: This study investigated whether imaging characteristics could differentiate between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), aquaporin-4 antibody-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (AQP4-NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). The results showed that the proportion of lesions with the central vein sign (CVS) was the most accurate measure to differentiate RRMS from AQP4-NMOSD, while white matter lesions were the most accurate measure to discriminate RRMS from MOGAD.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Valentina Camera, Leah Holm-Mercer, Ali Asgar Hatim Ali, Silvia Messina, Timotej Horvat, Wilhelm Kuker, Maria Isabel Leite, Jacqueline Palace
Summary: Contrary to multiple sclerosis, new remission silent lesions are rare in follow-up scans of MOGAD and AQP4-NMOSD, indicating a high risk of imminent relapse.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Huijing Xu, Yushuang Gong, Yang Jiao, Jian Guo, Ling Zhao, Juechen Yang, Haibin Tong, Meiyan Sun, Miao Li
Summary: A study developed a cell-based high-throughput screening approach and identified melanthioidine as a potential molecular blocker of NMO-IgG binding to AQP4. Melanthioidine effectively blocked the binding of NMO-IgG to AQP4 and reduced cytotoxicity. This study provides evidence for the development of NMO therapies.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yi Bu, Heng Liu, XuDong Qian, Fan Sun, ChengBo Li, Jingzhe Han
Summary: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD) is a debilitating autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The relationship between harboring an infection and NMOSD is currently unclear and needs further investigation. This article reports meningoencephalitis-like manifestations in a patient with serum AQP4 antibody-positive area postrema syndrome (APS), suggesting a possible association with NMOSD.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dean M. Wingerchuk, Claudia F. Lucchinetti
Summary: Neuromyelitis Optica and its spectrum is a relapsing demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, encompassing six syndromes and associated with aquaporin-4 autoantibodies. Effective treatment is able to prevent relapses.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dean M. Wingerchuk, Claudia F. Lucchinetti
Summary: Neuromyelitis Optica, previously known as Devic's disease, is a relapsing demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system that encompasses six syndromes and is associated with aquaporin-4 autoantibodies. Effective treatment is crucial in preventing relapses.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Viktoria Papp, Melinda Magyari, Orhan Aktas, Thomas Berger, Simon A. Broadley, Philippe Cabre, Anu Jacob, Jun-ichi Kira, Maria Isabel Leite, Romain Marignier, Katsuichi Miyamoto, Jacqueline Palace, Albert Saiz, Maria Sepulveda, Olafur Sveinsson, Zsolt Illes
Summary: The systematic review of worldwide prevalence, incidence, and demographic characteristics of NMOSD highlighted variations among different geographic areas and ethnicities, with prominent female predominance in adults and peak incidence and prevalence in middle-aged adults. African ethnicity had the highest incidence and prevalence of NMOSD, whereas White ethnicity had the lowest, suggesting the need for further epidemiologic studies to investigate genetic effects and etiologic factors.
Article
Immunology
Shuwen Deng, Qiang Lei, Wei Lu
Summary: This study investigated the demographic characteristics of pregnancy-related attacks (PRAs) in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The results showed that maintaining immunosuppressive (IS) therapy during pregnancy greatly reduced the occurrence of PRAs in NMOSD patients. However, there was a higher risk of unhealthy newborn occurrence in patients receiving IS treatment during pregnancy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chunhua Yuan, Ying Liu, Yankun Hao, Lei Yan, Jun Liang, Huipeng Jin
Summary: The study aimed to compare the efficacy of Rituximab (RTX) and cyclophosphamide (CPM) as maintenance therapy for neuromyelitis optica (NMO). The results showed that RTX was superior to CPM in terms of safety, efficacy, and durability of remission.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Oliver Schmetzer, Elisa Lakin, Ben Roediger, Ankelien Duchow, Susanna Asseyer, Friedemann Paul, Nadja Siebert
Summary: This study examined the role of anti-AQP4-IgG in patients with Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The results suggest that anti-AQP4-IgG may not play a predominant role in driving NMOSD, but rather may be associated with the disease and could be a relevant factor in only a subgroup of patients.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Valentina Damato, Jakob Theorell, Adam Al-Diwani, Anne-Kathrin Kienzler, Mateusz Makuch, Bo Sun, Adam Handel, Deniz Akdeniz, Antonio Berretta, Sudarshini Ramanathan, Andrew Fower, Daniel Whittam, Emily Gibbons, Nicholas McGlashan, Edward Green, Saif Huda, Mark Woodhall, Jacqueline Palace, Fintan Sheerin, Patrick Waters, Maria Leite, Anu Jacob, Sarosh R. Irani
Summary: This study reveals the relationship between clinical relapses and germinal center activity in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs), and shows that rituximab can suppress germinal center activity and reduce the production of AQP4 antibodies.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Neuroimaging
Davide Simonato, Sergios Gargalas, Pete J. Cox, Victoria Young, Rufus Corkill, Wilhelm Kuker, Maurizio Fuschi, Emmanuel Houdart, Marc-Antoine Labeyrie
Summary: This study found that anterior thalamic perforators may originate from the aneurysm wall in the absence of PcoA. An association was observed between aneurysm wall origin and a higher risk of perforator infarction after aneurysm coiling compared to other variants.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINTERVENTIONAL SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Dewen Meng, Thomas Welton, Afaf Elsarraj, Paul S. Morgan, Roshan das Nair, Cris S. Constantinescu, Nikos Evangelou, Dorothee P. Auer, Rob A. Dineen
Summary: The study explores the effective connectivity of the dorsolateral-prefrontal circuit in people with multiple sclerosis and its association with cognitive function. Reduced effective connectivity in this circuit is linked to more severe cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. Additionally, the study identifies the dorsolateral prefrontal circuit as a potential target for therapeutic strategies aimed at improving cognition in MS patients.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2021)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Nikos Evangelou, Afagh Garjani
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Laura Smith, Hannah Elwick, Jacqueline R. Mhizha-Murira, Gogem Topcu, Clare Bale, Nikos Evangelou, Stephen Timmons, Paul Leighton, Roshan das Nair
Summary: The study collected and synthesized stakeholder perspectives to develop a care pathway for cognitive problems in MS, producing a logic model. The proposed pathway was perceived as helpful in providing standardized support for a neglected MS symptom. Training packages, online cognitive screening, and triaging decisions were viewed as crucial activities.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Christopher Martin Allen, Ellen Mowry, Mar Tintore, Nikos Evangelou
Summary: Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a single attack of inflammatory demyelination of the central nervous system, which can predict the development of multiple sclerosis. MRI scanning remains the most influential prognostic investigation during diagnosis, while multiple testing methods and medical history information also contribute to the diagnosis.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Christopher Meek, Nima G. Moghaddam, Nikos Evangelou, Lloyd L. Oates, Gogem Topcu, Christopher Allen, Roshan das Nair
Summary: Transitioning to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) is challenging for individuals, with changes in healthcare appointments, withdrawal of treatments, and difficulties in maintaining social contacts. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and value of providing ACT-based telephone support during this transition. Results showed that while the recruitment strategy was not feasible, data collection procedures were acceptable and the intervention did not demonstrate efficacy based on self-report measures alone. Further adjustments are needed before progressing to a definitive trial.
JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Afagh Garjani, Rodden M. Middleton, Richard Nicholas, Nikos Evangelou
Summary: This study aims to understand the recovery process from COVID-19 among patients with MS and identify predictors, including patients' pre-COVID-19 physical and mental health status. The findings suggest that patients with preexisting severe neurologic impairment or mental health problems are less likely to recover from COVID-19.
NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
Gogem Topcu, Jacqueline R. Mhizha-Murira, Holly Griffiths, Clare Bale, Avril Drummond, Deborah Fitzsimmons, Kristy-Jane Potter, Nikos Evangelou, Roshan das Nair
Summary: This meta-synthesis explores the experiences of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in receiving a diagnosis and aims to obtain a conceptual understanding of adjustment to the diagnosis. The study finds that people go through emotional turmoil and difficulties during the diagnosis process, but support resources and adaptive coping strategies facilitate the adjustment process. It also identifies unmet emotional and informational support needs that, if addressed, could enhance adjustment to the diagnosis.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Amjad Altokhis, Aimee M. Hibbert, Christopher M. Allen, Olivier Mougin, Abdulmajeed Alotaibi, Su-Yin Lim, Cris S. Constantinescu, Rasha Abdel-Fahim, Nikos Evangelou
Summary: This study found that the presence and number of iron rims surrounding lesions in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis are associated with long-term disability.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Christopher Meek, Roshan das Nair, Nikos Evangelou, Rodden Middleton, Katie Tuite-Dalton, Nima Moghaddam
Summary: This study investigated the level of psychological flexibility and its relationship to distress and quality of life in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). It found that higher psychological flexibility was associated with lower self-reported distress and higher quality of life in SPMS patients. However, psychological flexibility did not moderate the impact of physical disability on distress and quality of life.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Tierney Tindall, Gogem Topcu, Shirley Thomas, Clare Bale, Nikos Evangelou, Avril Drummond, Roshan das Nair
Summary: The purpose of this study is to develop a patient care pathway for emotional support during the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), and to explore potential barriers and facilitators to implementation. The results suggest that the care pathway should include comprehensive information provision and follow-up sessions with healthcare professionals, and that peer support workers can deliver additional emotional support. Participants emphasized the importance of tailoring interventions within a standardized system to ensure equitable service provision.
HEALTH EXPECTATIONS
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
L. A. Taylor, J. R. Mhizha-Murira, G. Law, N. Evangelou, R. das Nair
Summary: The study analyzed data from the CRAMMS trial and found that younger patients with higher education, diagnosed with RRMS and PPMS who have not recently relapsed, show better cognitive function improvement after cognitive rehabilitation.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Safiya A. Zaloum, Callum H. Wood, Pooja Tank, Matthew Upcott, Nicola Vickaryous, Valerie Anderson, David Baker, Randy Chance, Nikos Evangelou, Katila George, Gavin Giovannoni, Katharine E. Harding, Aimee Hibbert, Gillian Ingram, Stephen Jolles, Angray S. Kang, Samantha Loveless, Stuart J. Moat, Aidan Richards, Neil P. Robertson, Francesca Rios, Klaus Schmierer, Mark Willis, Ruth Dobson, Emma C. Tallantyre
Summary: This study investigated the infection rates of COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) after vaccination. It found that individuals who tested negative for antibodies after vaccination were more likely to be infected with COVID-19. However, the overall rate of severe cases was low.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Gogem Topcu, Laura Smith, Jacqueline R. Mhizha-Murira, Nia Goulden, Zoe Hoare, Avril Drummond, Deborah Fitzsimmons, Nikos Evangelou, Klaus Schmierer, Emma C. Tallantyre, Paul Leighton, Kimberley Allen-Philbey, Andrea Stennett, Paul Bradley, Clare Bale, James Turton, Roshan das Nair
Summary: This study aims to develop a cognitive screening and management pathway for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and evaluate its feasibility. Through observational study, a feasibility randomized controlled trial, and semi-structured interviews, researchers will assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the intervention as well as its potential impact on the management of cognitive problems in MS patients.
PILOT AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Robert Hurford, Isabel Taveira, Wilhelm Kuker, Peter M. Rothwell
Summary: The prevalence of UIA in patients with confirmed TIA/minor stroke is around 5%, which is likely higher than in the general population. However, the risk of SAH is low under intensive medical treatment and guideline-based management/monitoring.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
