Frontiers in Neurology最新文献

Objective: To analyze the effect of fasting blood glucose levels after reperfusion of acute large vessel occlusion (ALVO) on patient functional prognosis.

Methods: Retrospectively included ALVO patients from three large stroke centers in China, all of whom achieved vascular reperfusion after mechanical thrombectomy or bridging thrombolysis. The prognosis scores of all patients at 90 ± 7 days post-recanalization were categorized into a good prognosis group (mRS 0-2) and a poor prognosis group (mRS 3-6). The relationship between mean blood glucose levels at 72 h post-recanalization and prognosis was explored using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Then we measured the area under the ROC curve for all factors to assess their predictive performance.

Results: (1) Totally 2,056 patients were included in the study, with 1,488 males and 568 females. There were 1,370 patients in the good prognosis group (mRS 0-2) and 686 in the poor prognosis group (mRS 3-6). (2) The two groups exhibited significant differences in terms of age, preoperative mRS score, history of diabetes, and mean fasting blood glucose (MFBG) (p < 0.001). (3) With 90-day mRS as the outcome variable, all independent variables were included in Univariate and multivariate regression analyses analysis, and the results showed that: age, preoperative mRS score, history of diabetes, and MFBG are all independent predictors of prognosis after recanalization of ALVO, with MFBG demonstrating a higher predictive power than the other factors (AUC = 0.644).

Conclusion: Various factors are correlated with the prognosis in patients who have undergone ALVO recanalization. Notably, the MFBG level demonstrates a significant predictive value for outcomes within the first 72 h following the recanalization procedure.

Introduction: Effective management of epilepsy in working-age patients is essential to reduce the burden on individuals, families, and communities. This study aimed to assess the long-term efficacy of phenobarbital (PB) in working-age patients with epilepsy in rural Northeast China and identify the risk factors for seizures during treatment.

Methods: Patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with convulsive epilepsy in rural areas of Jilin Province between 2010 and 2024 were included, and demographic and clinical data were recorded. Seizure frequency, self-efficacy, adherence, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed monthly.

Results: Of the 3,568 participants, 288 (8.1%) withdrew from the study and 159 (4.5%) died. During the first year of treatment, 75.2% of patients experienced a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency compared with baseline (considered as treatment effectiveness); 53.7% of patients were seizure-free. By the tenth year, 97.7% of patients showed treatment effectiveness, and 89.6% were seizure-free. Self-efficacy was improved in 37.8% of patients in the first year and in 72% of patients by the tenth year. The independent risk factors for seizures during treatment were higher baseline seizure frequency [odds ratio (OR) = 1.431, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.122-1.824], presence of multiple seizure types (OR = 1.367, 95% CI: 1.023-1.826), and poor adherence (OR = 14.806, 95% CI: 3.495-62.725), with significant differences observed in the first, third, and fifth years. The most commonly reported AEs were drowsiness (43.3%), dizziness (25.0%), and headaches (17.0%), most of which were mild and decreased over time. Age at enrollment was the only factor influencing withdrawal (hazard ratio = 0.984, 95% CI: 0.973-0.996, p = 0.010), with a substantial number of patients who withdrew (32.6%) relocating for work. Cardiovascular disease was the primary cause of death, and age at enrollment was the only risk factor (hazard ratio = 1.026, 95% CI: 1.009-1.043, p = 0.002).

Discussion: Working-age adults with epilepsy demonstrated a favorable response and tolerability to PB monotherapy. Baseline seizure frequency, seizure type, and adherence consistently predicted prognosis throughout the treatment period. Withdrawal was mainly explained by work-related pressures in this age group. Therefore, it is essential to implement interventions that support patient adherence to therapy and maintain stable regimens.

Detecting and monitoring elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is crucial in managing various neurologic and neuro-ophthalmic conditions, where early detection is essential to prevent complications such as seizures and stroke. Although traditional methods such as lumbar puncture, intraparenchymal and intraventricular cannulation, and external ventricular drainage are effective, they are invasive and carry risks of infection and brain hemorrhage. This has prompted the development of non-invasive techniques. Given that direct, non-invasive access to the brain is limited, a significant portion of research has focused on utilizing the eyes, which uniquely provide direct access to their internal structure and offer a cost-effective tool for non-invasive ICP assessment. This review explores the existing non-invasive ocular techniques for assessing chronically elevated ICP. Additionally, to provide a comprehensive perspective on the current landscape, invasive techniques are also examined. The discussion extends to the limitations inherent to each technique and the prospective pathways for future advancements in the field.

Background: The addition of antiplatelet therapy to anticoagulant therapy in patients with stroke with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and atherothrombotic disease may increase bleeding risk without reducing recurrent stroke risk.

Aims: To evaluate the clinical benefits of anticoagulant monotherapy compared to combination therapy with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.

Methods and design: This is an investigator-initiated prospective multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial. Patients with NVAF and atherothrombotic disease who have had a recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack will be eligible to participate in this trial.

Study outcomes: The primary outcome is a composite of ischemic cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, systemic embolism, ischemic events requiring urgent revascularization, and major bleeding events within 2 years after randomization.

Sample size estimates: This study will enroll 400 patients, 200 receiving anticoagulant monotherapy and 200 receiving combination therapy. This sample size will provide 90% power (one-sided p = 0.025) to detect a risk reduction in outcome events within 2 years, assuming event rates of 13 and 27% for each group, respectively, and a 10% loss to follow-up at a 2.5% significance level with one-sided log-rank tests at an interim analysis and a final analysis.

Discussion: This will be the first study to assess the net clinical benefit of oral anticoagulant monotherapy in ischemic stroke patients with NVAF and atherothrombosis.

Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03062319, NCT03062319; https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000029222, UMIN000025392; https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCTs051180202, jRCTs051180202.

Introduction: Currently, neurological diseases has surpassed cardiovascular diseases as the primary cause of global disease burden. Among these, headache disorders are the most prevalent and have emerged as the main cause of disability in people under 50 years old in recent years. Since the release of GBD 2021, there has been no comprehensive systematic exposition on the burden of headache among individuals under 50 years old and a forecast for future burdens. This study aims to quantify the global, regional, and national burden of headache disorders among people under 50 from 1992 to 2021 and to predict future trends in order to provide policy makers with precise and effective epidemiological evidence.

Methods: This study extracted the incidence, prevalence, and DALYs data related to headache disorders in the 5-50 age group from the GBD 2021. After age-standardizing the data, we used joinpoint regression analysis and health inequity analysis to analyze the burden and temporal trend of headache disorders and predicted the future disease burden and changes based on the age-period-cohort model.

Results: By 2021, the case number of global incidence, prevalence and DALYs have increased by 35, 39, and 41%, respectively, over the past 30 years. The incidence and prevalence of tension-type headache (TTH) are significantly higher than those of migraine, but migraine causes greater health burdens. The burden is higher for female than for male. In terms of age, youth aged 25-29 years had the highest incidence in 2021, with an age-standardized rate (ASR) of 13,454.64 (95%CI, 9,546.96-18,361.36) per 100,000 population. Nationally, the highest ASR of incidence and prevalence are found in Norway, and the most damaging to health is found in Belgium. Among the five sociodemographic index (SDI) categories, the middle SDI has the highest number of cases (190 million in 2021). It is worth noting that the forecast shows that by 2046 the three indicators will reach 680 million, 2.33 billion, and 41 million, respectively, indicating that the burden of headache disorders in this age group will continue to persist.

Conclusion: Globally, the burden of headache disorders in people under 50 years of age remains significant and has not improved over the past 30 years, especially in regions with high SDI. Headache problems will continue to pose a serious public health challenge for this age group for some time to come. This study reveals the burden and distribution of headache disorders in this age group, providing important basis for governments and policymakers to accurately and effectively allocate health care resources, strengthen prevention and management strategies, and respond to this global health problem.

Background: Stroke often impairs upper extremity motor function, with recovery in the sub-acute phase being crucial for regaining independence. This study examines changes in isometric muscle strength, dexterity, and self-care independence during this period, and evaluates the effects of a comprehensive intensive rehabilitation (COMIRESTROKE).

Methods: Individuals in sub-acute stroke recovery and age- and sex-matched controls were assessed for pre- and post-rehabilitation differences in primary outcomes (grip/pinch strength, Nine Hole Peg Test [NHPT], Action Research Arm Test [ARAT]). COMIRESTROKE's effects on primary and secondary outcomes (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS], Modified Rankin Scale [MRS], Functional Independence Measure [FIM]) were evaluated. Outcomes were analyzed for dominant and non-dominant limbs, both regardless of impairment and with a focus on impaired limbs.

Results: Fifty-two individuals with stroke (NIHSS 7.51 ± 5.71, age 70.25 ± 12.66 years, 21.36 ± 12.06 days post-stroke) and forty-six controls participated. At baseline, individuals with stroke showed significantly lower strength (dominant grip, key pinch, tip-tip pinch, p _adj < 0.05), higher NHPT scores (p _adj < 0.05), and lower ARAT scores (p _adj < 0.001). COMIRESTROKE led to improvements in dominant key pinch, non-dominant tip-tip pinch, NHPT, and both dominant and non-dominant ARAT (p _adj < 0.05). Notably, non-dominant key pinch improved significantly when considering only impaired hands. Pre- and post-test differences between groups were significant only for ARAT (both limbs), even after adjustment (p _adj < 0.05). All secondary outcomes (NIHSS, MRS, FIM) showed significant improvement post-COMIRESTROKE (p _adj < 0.001).

Conclusion: Individuals with stroke exhibit reduced muscle strength and dexterity, impairing independence. However, comprehensive intensive rehabilitation significantly improves these functions. Data are available from the corresponding author upon request and are part of a sub-study of NCT05323916.

Background: Photobiomodulation (PBM), using red- or near-infrared light, has been used to treat tendinopathies, nerve injuries, osteoarthritis and wounds and evaluated in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). To date, only a few studies have been performed in EAE but surprisingly, a few clinical studies in humans have already been performed, despite the paucity of preclinical evidence.

Objective: Therefore, this study systematically reviewed the usefulness of PBM in ameliorating the clinical signs of EAE, a commonly used animal model of multiple sclerosis, and determine if there is enough evidence to warrant human studies.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched in July 2024 for studies relating to PBM and EAE without any language restrictions. Since only three studies have been published, all studies were included in the systematic review and data related to clinical signs of EAE was pooled together to conduct a meta-analysis. Non-homogenous data was also reported and thematically synthesized.

Results: A meta-analysis of the pooled data from the three included studies demonstrated a significant reduction of the clinical severity of EAE, with a mean reduction of 1.44, 95% CI (-2.45, -0.42), p = 0.006. PBM also significantly reduced other parameters such as infiltration of mononuclear cells, CNS demyelination, apoptosis markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, there was an overall high risk of bias in all of the studies.

Conclusion: The meta-analysis supports the use of PBM to ameliorate the symptoms of EAE, but the paucity of studies and the high risk of bias in the included studies warrants further preclinical investigation before conducting human studies.

Background: Early rehabilitation after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) contributes to functional recovery. However, the optimal time for starting rehabilitation remains a topic of ongoing investigation. This article aims to shed light on the safety and efficacy of very early rehabilitation (VER) initiated within 48 h of stroke onset.

Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception to January 20, 2024. Relevant literature on VER in patients with AIS was reviewed and the data related to favorable and adverse clinical outcomes were collected for meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was conducted at different time points, namely at discharge and at three and 12 months. Statistical analyses were performed with the help of the Meta Package in STATA Version 15.0.

Results: A total of 14 randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies and 3,039 participants were included in the analysis. VER demonstrated a significant association with mortality [risk ratio (RR) = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.00, 1.61)], ability of daily living [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 6.90, 95% CI (0.22, 13.57)], and limb motor function [WMD = 5.02, 95% CI (1.63, 8.40)]. However, no significant difference was observed between the VER group and the control group in adverse events [RR = 0.89, 95% CI (0.79, 1.01)], severity of stroke [WMD = 0.52, 95% CI (-0.04, 1.08)], degree of disability [RR = 1.06, 95% CI (0.93, 1.20)], or recovery of walking [RR = 0.98, 95% CI (0.94, 1.03)] after stroke. Subgroup analysis revealed that VER reduced the risk of adverse events in the late stage (at three and 12 months) [RR = 0.86, 95% CI (0.74, 0.99)] and degree of disability at 12 months [RR = 1.28, 95% CI (1.03, 1.60)], and improved daily living ability at 3 months [WMD = 4.26, 95% CI (0.17, 8.35)], while increasing severity of stroke during hospitalization [WMD = 0.81, 95% CI (0.01, 1.61)].

Conclusion: VER improves activities of daily living (ADLs) and lowers the incidence of long-term complications in stroke survivors. However, premature or overly intense rehabilitation may increase mortality in patients with AIS during the acute phase. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024508180.

Systematic review registration: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/). PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024508180.

Introduction: Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as an alternative treatment in drug-resistant epilepsy patients. Effects of VNS on the cardiac autonomic system are controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between VNS parameters and heart rate variability (HRV) in epilepsy patients who underwent VNS treatment.

Methods: Our study included 31 patients who underwent VNS for drug-resistant epilepsy. Patients were divided into groups according to response to VNS and VNS parameters. All patients underwent 24-h Holter ECG.

Results: The mean age of 31 VNS-treated epilepsy patients included in the study was 33.87 ± 7.6 years. When patients were grouped according to VNS response, 25 patients were in the VNS responder group and six patients were in the VNS-nonresponder group. When comparing Holter parameters in the VNS responder and non-responder groups, the median HF was significantly lower in the VNS responder group. VNS duration and signal frequency had a positive effect on LF/HF, while output and off time had a negative effect on LF/HF. When ROC analysis was performed to determine the cut-off values of the parameters for the VNS-responsive state, the AUC value of the HF parameter was 0.780, which was statistically significant. The cut-off value to distinguish response to VNS was 156.9.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the effects of VNS parameters on HRV parameters are quite complex. However, the conclusion is that VNS is a neuromodulation method that affects the autonomic system in a complex way. Different levels of VNS parameters may also contribute to this effect. Furthermore, HRV parameters can be used as biomarkers to predict the patient population that may benefit from VNS.