Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics最新文献

Introduction: Non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) is a term used to describe damage to the spinal cord from sources other than trauma. Neuroimaging techniques such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have improved our ability to diagnose and manage NTSCIs. Several practice guidelines utilize MRI in the diagnostic evaluation of traumatic and non-traumatic SCI to direct surgical intervention.

Areas covered: The authors review practices surrounding the imaging of various causes of NTSCI as well as recent advances and future directions for the use of novel imaging modalities in this realm. The authors also present discussions around the use of simple radiographs and advanced MRI modalities in clinical settings, and briefly highlight areas of active research that seek to advance our understanding and improve patient care.

Expert opinion: Although several obstacles must be overcome, it appears highly likely that novel quantitative imaging features and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) as well as machine learning (ML) will revolutionize degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) care by providing earlier diagnosis, accurate localization, monitoring for deterioration and neurological recovery, outcome prediction, and standardized practice. Some intriguing findings in these areas have been published, including the identification of possible serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, which are currently in the early phases of translation.

Introduction: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a neurological condition characterized by a raised intracranial pressure and papilledema, leading to chronic headaches and visual disturbances. By recognizing modifiable risk factors and deploying evidence-based interventions, healthcare providers have the potential to mitigate the burden of the disease and improve patient outcomes.

Areas covered: It is well known that the condition occurs in predominantly pre-menopausal females who live with obesity particularly in the context of recent weight gain. This review discusses what risk factors may contribute to the metabolic underpinnings of cerebrospinal fluid dysregulation. There are a number of disease associations that are important to screen for as they can alter management.

Expert opinion: There is emerging evidence to suggest that idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a systemic metabolic disease and it is unknown what are all the risk factors are that precipitate the condition. Targeting certain hardwired risk factors is unachievable. However, as recent weight gain has been identified as a predominant risk factor for the development of the disease and relapse, modification of body weight should be the primary aim of management. Insightful research into the involvement of the neuroendocrine axis driving cerebrospinal fluid dysregulation now has the potential for the development of therapeutic targets.

Introduction: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the characteristics, types, and impact of interventions to improve adherence to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications within the context of the three phases of adherence, namely, initiation, implementation, and discontinuation.

Methods: PubMed, Psychological Information Database, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for relevant trials using appropriate search terms. Interventions were classified as educational, behavioural, affective, and multifaceted. Data was pooled using odds ratios and proportions.

Results: Seventeen studies were included in this review. In a pooled analysis of four RCTs, interventions did not significantly improve medication adherence (OR = 2.32; 95%-Confidence Interval=CI = 0.91-5.90; p = 0.08). In seven non-randomized trials, a pooled proportion of people who adhered to ADHD medication was considerably higher in the intervention group (85%, 95%CI = 78%-91%) than in the control group (47%, 95%CI = 33%-61%). Interventions varied in terms of study design, methods and their impact on different phases of adherence.

Conclusions: Despite some promising results, the lack of consideration of phase-specific adherence factors may limit the effectiveness and sustainability of interventions to improve adherence in clinical practice. Future interventions should be phase-specific, guided by factors which are pertinent to each phase. Meanwhile, clinicians should choose or tailor interventions based on individual needs and preferences.

Introduction: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) motor symptoms that improves function and quality of life in appropriately selected patients. Because mild to moderate cognitive declines can follow DBS and impact quality of life in a minority of patients, an important consideration involves the cognitive deficit and its prediction.

Areas covered: The author briefly summarizes cognitive outcomes from DBS and reviews in more detail the risks/predictors of post-DBS cognitive dysfunction by mainly focusing on work published between 2018 and 2024 and using comprehensive neuropsychological (NP) evaluations. Most publications concern bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS. Comment is offered on challenges and potential avenues forward.

Expert opinion: STN DBS is relatively safe cognitively but declines occur especially in verbal fluency and executive function/working memory. Numerous predictors and risk factors for cognitive outcomes have been identified (age and pre-operative neuropsychological status appear the most robust) but precise risk estimates cannot yet be confidently offered. Future studies should employ study center consortia, follow uniform reporting criteria (to be developed), capitalize on advances in stimulation, biomarkers, and artificial intelligence, and address DBS in diverse groups. Advances offer an avenue to investigate the amelioration of cognitive deficits in PD using neuromodulation.

Introduction: Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is a common developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with poor long-term outcomes. A substantial proportion of patients with IESS have a potentially surgically remediable etiology. Despite this, epilepsy surgery is underutilized in this patient group. Some surgically remediable etiologies, such as focal cortical dysplasia and malformation of cortical development with oligodendroglial hyperplasia in epilepsy (MOGHE), are under-diagnosed in infants and young children. Even when a surgically remediable etiology is recognised, for example, tuberous sclerosis or focal encephalomalacia, epilepsy surgery may be delayed or not considered due to diffuse EEG changes, unclear surgical boundaries, or concerns about operating in this age group.

Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss the common surgically remediable etiologies of IESS, their clinical and EEG features, and the imaging techniques that can aid in their diagnosis. They then describe the surgical approaches used in this patient group, and the beneficial impact that early epilepsy surgery can have on developing brain networks.

Expert opinion: Epilepsy surgery remains underutilized even when a potentially surgically remediable cause is recognized. Overcoming the barriers that result in under-recognition of surgical candidates and underutilization of epilepsy surgery in IESS will improve long-term seizure and developmental outcomes.

Introduction: The longitudinal course of bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with an active process of neuroprogression, characterized by structural brain alterations and progressive functional impairment. In the last decades, a growing need of a standardized staging model for BD arose, with the aim of a more appropriate definition of stage-specific clinical manifestations and the identification of more customized therapeutic tools.

Areas covered: The authors review the literature on clinical aspects, neurobiological correlates and treatment issues related to BD progression. Thereafter, they address the definition, constructs, and evolution of the staging concept, focusing on the clinical applications of BD staging models available in literature.

Expert opinion: Although several staging models for BD have been proposed to date, their application in clinical practice is still relatively scant. This may have a detrimental impact on the clinical and therapeutic management of BD, in terms of early and proper diagnosis as well as tailored treatment interventions according to the different stages of illness. Future research efforts should tend to the integration of recent insights on neuroimaging and epigenetic markers, toward a standardized and multidimensional staging model.

Introduction: Cholinesterase inhibitors, along with memantine, are the mainstay of symptomatic treatment for AD (Alzheimer's disease); however, these medications are typically administered orally, which can be difficult for people with AD and their caregivers.

Areas covered: In this drug profile and narrative review, the authors trace the development of the new FDA-approved transdermal donepezil. The authors discuss the studies showing its bioequivalence with the oral formulation, including two double-blinded placebo controlled non-inferiority trials. The authors also compare the patch to the only other transdermal cholinesterase inhibitor on the market, rivastigmine, and highlight the potential advantages and disadvantages between these two treatments.

Expert opinion: While the patch is bio-equivalent, it is rather large and may not be affordable for some patients. In addition, there is no high dose (e.g. 23 mg) equivalent. Nevertheless, transdermal donepezil will be useful for people with AD and their caregivers, given its effectiveness and potential convenience.