Anti-mGluR1 encephalitis: Case illustration and systematic review

BackgroundThe literature for immune-mediated neurological disorders is evolving like no other field of neurological illnesses. Many new antibodies or disorders have been described in the last decade. The cerebellum is a brain structure susceptible to these immune-mediated pathologies, and anti-metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) antibody has a predilection to the cerebellar tissue. Anti-mGluR1 encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems, triggering an acute or subacute cerebellar syndrome with varying degrees of severity. Anti-mGluR1 encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. We aimed to systematically review reported cases of anti-mGluR1 encephalitis and summarize their clinical presentation, management, outcomes, and case reports.MethodsA search of the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted and included all cases of anti-mGluR1 encephalitis published in English before October 1, 2022. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted using “metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1,” “mGluR1,” autoantibodies,” “autoantibodies,” “autoimmunity,” and “antibody” as keywords. The risk of bias assessment of the evidence was performed using appropriate tools. The qualitative variables were presented as frequency and percentage.ResultsIncluding our case, 36 cases of anti-mGluR1 encephalitis (19 males, median age 52.5 years, 11.1% pediatric cases) have been reported. The most common clinical manifestations are ataxia, dysarthria, and nystagmus. Initial imaging was normal in 44.4% of patients; however, 75% of patients showed abnormality later in the disease course. The first-line therapy options include glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange. Rituximab is the most commonly used second-line treatment. Complete remission was achieved in only 22.2% of patients, and 61.8% were disabled by the end of their course.ConclusionAnti-mGluR1 encephalitis manifests as symptoms of cerebellar pathology. Although the natural history has not been completely elucidated, early diagnosis with prompt initiation of immunotherapy could be imperative. Any patient suspected to have autoimmune cerebellitis should be tested for the presence of anti-mGluR1 antibody in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Escalation to an aggressive therapy approach should be applied in cases that do not respond to first-line therapies, and extended follow-up durations are required in all cases

The efficacy of contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation compared to conventional neuromuscular electrical stimulation for recovery of limb function following a stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionLimb paresis following a stroke is a common sequela that can impact patients’ quality of life. Many rehabilitation strategies targeting the restoration of motor function exist. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effects of contralaterally controlled functional electrical stimulation (CCFES) as a modality for limb rehabilitation. Unlike conventional neuromuscular electrical simulation (NMES), the contra-laterality in CCFES is achieved by two methods a bend angle sensor or an electromyographic bridge (EMGB) method, both of which targets signals from the unaffected limb.MethodThis review study was performed following the preferred reporting item for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Records that met the inclusion criteria were extracted from the following databases: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Additional articles were also retrieved from clinicaltrials.gov and China/Asia on Demand (CAOD). Only randomized controlled studies (RCTs) were included.ResultsSixteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria, and 14 of which were included in the quantitative analysis (meta-analysis). The results of the analysis show that when compared to conventional NMES, CCFES displayed a better improvement in the upper extremity Fugl–Meyer assessment (UEFMA) (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.62, p-value <0.0001, I2 = 15%, GRADE: moderate), box and blocks test (BBT) (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.86, p-value = 0.01, I2 = 0%, GRADE: very low), modified Barthel index (mBI) (SMD = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.71, p-value = 0.002, I2 = 0%, GRADE: moderate), active range of motion (AROM) (SMD = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.94, p-value = 0.0002, I2 = 23%, GRADE: moderate), and surface electromyography (sEMG) scores (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.90, p-value = 0.008, I2 = 0%, GRADE: low). The results of the subgroup analysis for the type of sensor used in CCFES shows that an EMGB (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.84, p-value <0.00001, I2 = 7%) is more effective than a bend angle sensor (SMD = 0.17, 95% CI: −0.12, 0.45, p-value = 0.25, I2 = 0%).ConclusionThe results of this study provide strong evidence that shows CCFES being a better electrical stimulation modality compared to conventional NMES. This could be explained by the fact that CCFES is bilateral in nature which offers a platform for better neuroplasticity following a stroke. There is still a need for high-quality studies with a standardized approach comparing CCFES to other treatment modalities.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=342670, identifier CRD42022342670

Prognosis and distribution of ischemic stroke with negative diffusion-weighted imaging: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMagnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is the most sensitive modality for ischemic stroke diagnosis. However, DWI may fail to detect ischemic lesions in a proportion of patients.MethodsFollowing PRISMA statement, a systematic search of Medline, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted until January 3, 2024. The inclusion was confined to English literature with sufficient reporting. Proportions of DWI-negative ischemic stroke were pooled. For binary variables, odds ratios (ORs) were computed using the random-effects model.ResultsFourteen studies constituting 16,268 patients with a clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke and available DWI findings were included. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) was administered to 19.6% of the DWI-negative group and 15.3% of the DWI-positive group. DWI-negative ischemic stroke was reported in 16% (95% CI: 10–24%; after sensitivity analysis: 11% [95% CI: 8–15%]) of stroke patients. Among minor stroke patients (National Institutes of Health Stroke scale [NIHSS] of 5 or less), 24% (95% CI 12–42%) had negative DWI findings. Predictors of DWI-negative scans included posterior circulation stroke, history of ischemic heart disease, prior stroke, or prior transient ischemic attack. Cardioembolic stroke (OR, 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41–0.93) and history of atrial fibrillation increased the likelihood of positive DWI findings (OR, 0.56, 95% CI: 0.45–0.71). Patients with DWI-negative ischemic stroke had higher odds of good functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS] of 0–1) (OR, 2.26; 95% CI: 1.03–4.92), lower odds of stroke recurrence (OR, 0.68; 95% CI: 0.48–0.96), and lower odds of severe disability or mortality (mRS of 3–6) (OR, 0.44; 95% CI: 0.34–0.57) compared to patients with positive DWI. Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after IVT were comparable between groups.ConclusionDWI-negative findings were present in a significant proportion of ischemic stroke patients and may be utilized as a marker for favorable prognosis

Patterns of multiple sclerosis presentation to the emergency department

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) patients are no strangers to the emergency department (ED) due to the relapsing and progressive nature of the disease and the associated complications. This study aimed to identify patterns of ED visits among patients diagnosed with MS, the underlying causes of these visits, and the factors associated with these visits.MethodsThis was a single center retrospective cohort study which utilized a non-probability consecutive sampling technique to include all patients diagnosed with MS (471 patients) from March 2016 to October 2021 in King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. ED visits were categorized as directly related to MS, indirectly related to MS, or unrelated to MS.ResultsOne in four people with MS visited the ED at least once with a total of 280 ED visits. Most ED visits were ones directly related to MS 43.6%, closely followed by unrelated to MS 41.1%, and then indirectly-related MS visits 15.4%. The most common presenting symptoms in directly-related MS visits were weakness 56.6% and numbness/tingling 56.6% followed by gait impairment 29.5%. Indirectly related to MS or unrelated to MS ED visits were commonly due to neurological 17.7% and gastrointestinal 17.1% causes. Using disease modifying therapy (DMT) was significantly associated with no ED visits (p < 0.001). The use of high-efficacy DMTs was significantly associated with no ED visits than using moderate efficacy DMT (p < 0.001). The use of B-cell depleting therapy (ocrelizumab and rituximab) was significantly associated with no visits to the ED than using any other DMT (p < 0.001). Evidence of brain atrophy on imaging was significantly associated with patients who presented to the ED ≥3 times (p = 0.006, UOR = 3.92).ConclusionDue to the nature of the disease, many MS patients find themselves visiting the ED due to MS related and unrelated issues. These patients are not only required to be treated by neurologists but also by multiple disciplines. The use of high-efficacy DMTs and B-cell depleting therapy may reduce the total frequency of ED visits. Special attention should be paid to patients who have evidence of brain atrophy on imaging

Vitamin D serum level predicts stroke clinical severity, functional independence, and disability—A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability and one of the most common neurological conditions globally. Many studies focused on vitamin D as a stroke risk factor, but only a few focused on its serum level as a predictor of stroke initial clinical severity and recovery with inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and stroke clinical severity at admission and functional independence and disability at discharge in Saudi Arabia.MethodologyA retrospective cohort study of adult ischemic stroke patients who had their vitamin D tested and admitted within 7 days of exhibiting stroke symptoms at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Based on vitamin D level, the patients were categorized into normal [25(OH)D serum level ≥ 75 nmol/L], insufficient [25(OH)D serum level is 50–75 nmol/L], and deficient [25(OH)D serum level ≤ 50 nmol/L]. The primary outcome was to assess the vitamin D serum level of ischemic stroke patients’ clinical severity at admission and functional independence at discharge. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess the clinical severity, whereas the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess functional independence and disability.ResultsThe study included 294 stroke patients, out of 774, who were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age of the participants was 68.2 ± 13.4 years, and 49.3% were male. The patients’ distribution among the three groups based on their vitamin D levels is: normal (n = 35, 11.9%), insufficient (n = 66, 22.5%), and deficient (n = 196, 65.6%). After adjusting for potential covariates, regression analysis found a significant inverse relationship of NIHSS based on 25(OH)D serum level (beta coefficient: −0.04, SE: 0.01, p = 0.003). Patients with deficient serum vitamin D level also had significantly higher odds of worse functional independence in mRS score [OR: 2.41, 95%CI: (1.13–5.16), p = 0.023] when compared to participants with normal vitamin D level.ConclusionLow vitamin D levels were associated with higher severity of stroke at admission and poor functional independence and disability at discharge in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Further randomized clinical and interventional studies are required to confirm our findings

Prognostic model to predict postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery based on a national prospective observational cohort study.

Background: Acute illness, existing co-morbidities and surgical stress response can all contribute to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was prospectively to develop a pragmatic prognostic model to stratify patients according to risk of developing AKI after major gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: This prospective multicentre cohort study included consecutive adults undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection, liver resection or stoma reversal in 2-week blocks over a continuous 3-month period. The primary outcome was the rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery. Bootstrap stability was used to select clinically plausible risk factors into the model. Internal model validation was carried out by bootstrap validation. Results: A total of 4544 patients were included across 173 centres in the UK and Ireland. The overall rate of AKI was 14·2 per cent (646 of 4544) and the 30-day mortality rate was 1·8 per cent (84 of 4544). Stage 1 AKI was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (unadjusted odds ratio 7·61, 95 per cent c.i. 4·49 to 12·90; P < 0·001), with increasing odds of death with each AKI stage. Six variables were selected for inclusion in the prognostic model: age, sex, ASA grade, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, planned open surgery and preoperative use of either an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker. Internal validation demonstrated good model discrimination (c-statistic 0·65). Discussion: Following major gastrointestinal surgery, AKI occurred in one in seven patients. This preoperative prognostic model identified patients at high risk of postoperative AKI. Validation in an independent data set is required to ensure generalizability