MIND Diet Adherence Might be Associated with a Reduced Odds of Multiple Sclerosis: Results from a Case –Control Study
ConclusionThe MIND diet and its components, including green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, and beans, seem to decrease the odds of MS; besides butter and stick margarine, the MIND diet's unhealthy components seem to have the same protective effects, while pastries and sweets, cheese, poultry, and fried/fast foods have an inverse effect. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 29, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Podcast on B Cell-Targeting Therapies and Other Multiple Sclerosis Concerns During COVID-19
AbstractThe ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to raise questions for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their healthcare providers. Common questions have included whether people living with MS are at higher risk of COVID-19 or of severe disease, whether certain disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS heighten COVID-19 risk, and if/how COVID-19 vaccinations should be administered in relation to MS treatments. Anti-CD20 therapies, which target B cells, have been of particular interest given the role B cells play in the response to both the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and...
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 23, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Correction to: Low Fluctuation of Symptoms May Delay Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Series
(Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 23, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

A Principal Component Analysis Approach to Estimate the Disability Status for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Using Japanese Claims Data
ConclusionWe developed a PC1 score to indicate MS severity using information from a Japanese claims database. Since changes in demographic features we observed are consistent with findings of previous research, this score might represent MS severity to some extent. Further research is necessary to validate this score with clinical measurement of disability such as the EDSS. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 22, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Study Assessing Adherence to Interferon Beta-1b Therapy and Patient Satisfaction Using the BETACONNECT Auto-Injector
ConclusionThis study shows that the BETACONNECT device was associated with high adherence to interferon beta-1b therapy in patients with MS. Patients also reported high degrees of satisfaction with the device. Therefore, this may be a viable delivery option to help with adherence and persistence, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 22, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

ANCA-Associated Vasculitic Neuropathies: A Review
AbstractAnti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a systemic disorder that frequently affects the peripheral nervous system and consists of three distinct conditions: microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, previously Wegener ’s granulomatosis), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, previously Churg-Strauss syndrome). The neuropathic features associated with this condition usually include mononeuritis multiplex, which reflects the locality of lesions. Findings suggestive of vasculitis are usually fou nd in the epineurium and occur diffusely thro...
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 19, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Development of a Population Pharmacokinetic Model for the Diroximel Fumarate Metabolites Monomethyl Fumarate and 2-Hydroxyethyl Succinimide Following Oral Administration of Diroximel Fumarate in Healthy Participants and Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
ConclusionsAge, sex, race, and baseline liver function parameters such as total bilirubin, albumin, and aspartate aminotransferase were not considered to be significant predictors of MMF or HES disposition. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 18, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Adherence to and Persistence with Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis Over 24  Months: A Retrospective Claims Analysis
ConclusionsPatients initiating OCR in a real-world setting achieved higher rates of adherence and persistence at 24  months compared with those initiating other DMTs, consistent with published literature showing similar results at 12 and 18 months. Optimizing medication adherence and persistence is fundamental to MS care, so clinicians should consider all elements of DMTs that may improve compliance. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 12, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Therapy Switches in Fingolimod-Treated Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Long-Term Experience from the German MS Registry
ConclusionTreatment switches from fingolimod to subsequent DMDs currently occur after shorter treatment durations than 10  years ago, possibly due to the growing treatment spectrum. Planning adequate washout periods is essential and should be done on an individualized basis. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 12, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Psychometric Properties of Clinical Indicators for Identification and Management of Advanced Parkinson ’s Disease: Real-World Evidence From G7 Countries
ConclusionSpecific clinical indicators of advanced PD and eligibility for device-aided therapy demonstrated excellent psychometric properties in a large sample, and thus may provide an objective and reliable approach for patient identification and treatment optimization. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 11, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Tolerability of Opicapone in Healthy Chinese and Caucasian Subjects: An Open-Label, Single-Center, Phase  1 Study
ConclusionEthnicity had no significant impact on PK and PD parameters after single or multiple doses of OPC, and OPC was safe and tolerable in healthy Chinese subjects.Trial RegistrationChiCTR number, CTR20192230. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 10, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Deciphering the Network Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease
ConclusionThese data suggest that STN-DBS outcomes largely rely on the modulatory interference from cortical areas, particularly M1 and SMA, to DBS locations. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - January 9, 2022 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Evaluating the Economic Burden of Relapses in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder: A Real-World Analysis Using German Claims Data
ConclusionPatients with NMOSD consume substantial healthcare resources and incur heavy costs during active disease phases. This study captured direct measurable healthcare costs and likely underestimates the real societal/emotional burden on patients and their families. Nevertheless, prevention of acute relapses represents one compelling strategy to minimize the economic burden of NMOSD in Germany. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - December 23, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Comparative All-Cause Mortality Among a Large Population of Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Versus Matched Controls
ConclusionPatients with SMA of all ages, including adults and type III patients, had a higher all-cause mortality rate as compared to age-matched controls during the pre-treatment era. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - December 22, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research

Low Fluctuation of Symptoms May Delay Diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Series
ConclusionWhile the typical clinical pattern of myasthenia gravis is well known and easily recognizable, there are cases when the diagnosis, and thus the treatment, is delayed because of low or absent fluctuation of symptoms. The acknowledgment of this probably underestimated presentation is important for expeditious management. (Source: Neurology and Therapy)
Source: Neurology and Therapy - December 18, 2021 Category: Neurology Source Type: research