| 1. |
- Nebuchennykh, M., et al.
(author)
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Quantitative sensory testing in patients with polyneuropathy and healthy individuals
- 2008
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Supplementum. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0065-1427 .- 1600-5449 .- 0001-6314 .- 1600-0404. ; 117:188, s. 56-61
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS Elderly individuals and patients with polyneuropathy often feel heat pain or burning sensation on quantitative sensory testing (QST) of warm perception distally in the lower limbs. We therefore studied heat pain threshold (HPT), warm perception threshold (WPT) and the difference between heat pain and warm perception thresholds in 48 patients with symptoms and signs of polyneuropathy matched according to age and gender with 48 healthy persons. METHODS QST (using method of limits) was performed on the distal calf and the dorsal foot. RESULTS Particularly in the neuropathy group several individuals (58%) had an unpleasant feeling, often burning, when the thresholds according to the WPT algorithm were recorded. Difference between heat pain and warm perception thresholds in the lower calf of the patients was 3.9 +/- 3.5 and 5.8 +/- 3.4 degrees C in the controls (P = 0.012), and on the foot 3.8 +/- 2.8 vs 5.3 +/- 3.6 degrees C (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS When performing QST it is important to assess also quality features of warm perception, such as burning and heat pain sensation.
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| 2. |
- Boström, Inger, et al.
(author)
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Does the changing sex ratio of multiple sclerosis give opportunities for intervention?
- 2015
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-6314 .- 1600-0404 .- 0065-1427 .- 1600-5449. ; 132, s. 42-45
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In several international studies, an increasing women-to-men (w/m) ratio in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been reported. Such sex ratios have been analysed by year of onset or by year of birth. In a Swedish study, data from the Swedish MS register (SMSreg) were used to analyse the w/m ratio in Sweden. The sex ratio was analysed both by year of birth (8834 patients) and by year of onset (9098 patients). No increased w/m ratio was seen in this study. The age-specific sex ratio did not demonstrate any significant changes. However, a new investigation of the sex ratio in Sweden, based on data from all available data sources (19,510 patients), showed a significantly increased w/m ratio of MS in Sweden from 1.70 to 2.67. Environmental factors such as cigarette smoking, hormonal factors and nutrition are of interest in this context, but the cause of the increasing w/m ratio in MS is yet not possible to explain.
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| 3. |
- Pugliatti, M, et al.
(author)
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A questionnaire for multinational case-control studies of environmental risk factors in multiple sclerosis (EnvIMS-Q)
- 2012
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0001-6314 .- 1600-0404 .- 0065-1427 .- 1600-5449. ; 126:SI, s. 43-50
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives - The increasing incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) worldwide, especially in women, points to the crucial role of environmental and lifestyle risk factors in determining the disease occurrence. An international multicentre case-control study of Environmental Risk Factors In Multiple Sclerosis (EnvIMS) has been launched in Norway, Sweden, Italy, Serbia and Canada, aimed to examine MS environmental risk factors in a large study population and disclose reciprocal interactions. To ensure equivalent methodology in detecting age-related past exposures in individuals with and without MS across the study sites, a new questionnaire (EnvIMS-Q) is presented. Materials and methods - EnvIMS-Q builds on previously developed guidelines for epidemiological studies in MS and is a 6-page self-administered postal questionnaire. Participants are de-identified through the use of a numerical code. Its content is identical for cases and controls including core and population-specific questions as proxies for vitamin D exposure (sun exposure, dietary habits and supplementation), childhood infections (including infectious mononucleosis) and cigarette smoking. Information on possible confounders or effect modifiers is also obtained. EnvIMS-Q was initially drafted in English and subsequently translated into Italian, Serbian, Norwegian, Swedish and French-Canadian. EnvIMS-Q has been tested for acceptability, feasibility and reliability. Results and Conclusions - EnvIMS-Q has shown cross-cultural feasibility, acceptability and reliability in both patients with MS and healthy subjects from all sites. EnvIMS-Q is an efficient tool to ensure proper assessment of age-specific exposure to environmental factors in large multinational population-based case-control studies of MS risk factors.
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| 4. |
- Guo, Xinxin, 1972, et al.
(author)
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Load force during manual transport in Parkinson's disease.
- 2004
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In: Acta neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0001-6314 .- 1600-0404. ; 109:6, s. 416-24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To search for a physiological method for the measurement of upper extremity dexterity during activities of daily life in Parkinson's disease (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined load force output during manual transport in seven patients with PD and 10 healthy controls. PD patients were measured in both the non-medicated and medicated states. The test movement included two continuous sub-movements: an upward-forward transport of an object from the table to the stand, and a downward-backward transport of the object from the stand to the table. Hand movements were recorded using an optoelectronic camera, and load force was measured using a force sensor installed in the test object. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, PD patients had a different pattern of load force output characterized by slower force development and release, lower peak force, and less dynamic force generation during movement. After medication, the speed of force development and the level of peak force increased in the patients. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that PD impairs the production of preprogrammed movements. The movements observed in the PD patients may result from compensatory strategies relying more on feedback mechanisms.
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| 5. |
- Johansson, Barbro
(author)
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Current trends in stroke rehabilitation. A review with focus on brain plasticity.
- 2011
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1600-0404 .- 0001-6314. ; 123, s. 147-159
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Johansson BB. Current trends in stroke rehabilitation. A review with focus on brain plasticity. Acta Neurol Scand: DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2010.01417.x. (c) 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Current understanding of brain plasticity has lead to new approaches in ischemic stroke rehabilitation. Stroke units that combine good medical and nursing care with task-oriented intense training in an environment that provides confidence, stimulation and motivation significantly improve outcome. Repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and trans-cranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are applied in rehabilitation of motor function. The long-term effect, optimal way of stimulation and possibly efficacy in cognitive rehabilitation need evaluation. Methods based on multisensory integration of motor, cognitive, and perceptual processes including action observation, mental training, and virtual reality are being tested. Different approaches of intensive aphasia training are described. Recent data on intensive melodic intonation therapy indicate that even patients with very severe non-fluent aphasia can regain speech through homotopic white matter tract plasticity. Music therapy is applied in motor and cognitive rehabilitation. To avoid the confounding effect of spontaneous improvement, most trials are preformed >/=3 months post stroke. Randomized controlled trials starting earlier after strokes are needed. More attention should be given to stroke heterogeneity, cognitive rehabilitation, and social adjustment and to genetic differences, including the role of BDNF polymorphism in brain plasticity.
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| 6. |
- Thrainsdottir, Soley, et al.
(author)
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Sural nerve biopsy may predict future nerve dysfunction.
- 2009
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1600-0404 .- 0001-6314. ; 120, s. 38-46
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thrainsdottir S, Malik RA, Rosén I, Jakobsson F, Bakhtadze E, Petersson J, Sundkvist G, Dahlin LB. Sural nerve biopsy may predict future nerve dysfunction. Acta Neurol Scand: DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2008.01118.x. (c) 2008 The Authors Journal compilation (c) 2008 Blackwell Munksgaard.Objective - Sural nerve pathology in peripheral neuropathy shows correlation with clinical findings and neurophysiological tests. The aim was to investigate progression of nerve dysfunction over time in relation to a baseline nerve biopsy. Methods - Baseline myelinated nerve fiber density (MNFD) was assessed in sural nerve biopsies from 10 men with type 2 diabetes, 10 with impaired and 10 with normal glucose tolerance. Nerve conduction and quantitative perception thresholds were estimated at baseline and follow-up (7-10 years later). Results - Subjects with low MNFD (
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| 7. |
- Andgren, S, et al.
(author)
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Time delay between symptom and surgery in patients with carotid artery stenosis.
- 2011
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1600-0404 .- 0001-6314. ; 124, s. 329-333
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Andgren S, Sjöberg L, Norrving B, Lindgren A. Time delay between symptom and surgery in patients with carotid artery stenosis. Acta Neurol Scand: DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2010.01478.x. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives - Many severe strokes are preceded by warning signs such as a transient ischemic attack or stroke with minor deficits. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) of a symptomatic carotid artery stenosis can prevent future strokes, but should be performed within 2 weeks after the initial symptom to maximize the benefit. The aim of this study was to determine the time delays between symptom and CEA. Methods- We performed a single center observational retrospective study at a tertiary stroke center. A total of 142 carotids in 139 patients with symptomatic stenoses between 2002 and 2006 were included. The main outcome measure was time between qualifying cerebrovascular symptom and CEA. Results - The median time between symptom and CEA was 26 days. The longest delays were between the last diagnostic examination and carotid conference, and between carotid conference and surgery. The median time was shorter for those who received emergency medical care (median 21 days) and for those who were admitted immediately to hospital (median 20 days). Conclusions - The time between symptom and surgery is often longer than desirable. There are several measures to improve the chain of procedures for patients with carotid artery stenosis. These may include omitting the formal carotid conference for uncomplicated cases and minimizing waiting time for surgery.
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| 8. |
- Abul-Kasim, Kasim, et al.
(author)
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Hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is an ominous prognostic marker despite optimal workflow.
- 2010
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1600-0404 .- 0001-6314. ; 122, s. 132-139
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abul-Kasim K, Brizzi M, Petersson J. Hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is an ominous prognostic marker despite optimal workflow. Acta Neurol Scand: DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2009.01277.x. (c) 2009 The Authors Journal compilation (c) 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard.Objectives - To evaluate the association between the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) and the functional outcome on one hand, and different predictors such as the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), infarct size, ASPECTS Score, intracerebral hemorrhage, and mortality on the other hand. Material and methods - Retrospective analysis of 120 patients with MCA-stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. We tested the association between HMCAS and NIHSS, infarct volume, ASPECTS, outcome, level of consciousness, different recorded time intervals, and the day/time of admission. Results - Seventy-four percentage of patients treated with thrombolysis developed cerebral infarction. All patients with HMCAS (n = 39) sustained infarction and only 31% showed favorable outcome compared with 62% and 60%, respectively among patients without HMCAS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002). There was statistically significant association between functional outcome and HMCAS (P = 0.002), infarct volume, NIHSS, and ASPECTS (P < 0.001). The time to treatment was 12 min shorter in patients who developed infarction (P = 0.037). Independent predictors for outcome were NIHSS and the occurrence of cerebral infarction on computed tomography for the whole study population, and infarct volume for patients who sustained cerebral infarction. Conclusions - Despite optimal workflow, patients with HMCAS showed poor outcome after intravenous thrombolysis. The results emphasize the urgent need for more effective revascularization therapies and neuroprotective treatment in this subgroup of stroke patients.
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| 9. |
- Lökk, J, et al.
(author)
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Drug and treatment costs in Parkinson's disease patients in Sweden.
- 2012
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1600-0404 .- 0001-6314. ; 125, s. 142-147
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lökk J, Borg S, Svensson J, Persson U, Ljunggren G. Drug and treatment costs in Parkinson's disease patients in Sweden. Acta Neurol Scand: DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2011.01517.x. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Background - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease expected to cause great costs. The aim of this study was to calculate drug and treatment costs in patients with PD in Sweden. Method - All healthcare contacts of patients with PD in Stockholm County, Sweden, were extracted from registers together with information on reimbursements from the authorities to the caregivers. PD-related costs were calculated together with non-PD-related costs. Cost per patient was calculated and extrapolated to the whole Swedish population, taking population demographics into consideration. In addition, nationwide PD drug sales statistics were included. Results - The PD prevalence of Stockholm County was estimated to 196 per 100,000 inhabitants, resulting in an estimated total of about 22,000 patients with PD in Sweden. The cost per patient was estimated to SEK 76,000 of which drug costs accounted for SEK 15,880. The annual direct costs in patients with PD in Sweden were SEK 1.7 billion in 2009. Conclusion - Our study estimates high direct costs in patients with PD in Sweden, SEK 1.7 billion, 52% for inpatient care, 27% for outpatient care and 21% for drugs. With an ageing population and the medical progress, the financial burden on society will most probably increase in the future. This study might initiate and provide information for discussions about future cost allocations and healthcare priorities.
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| 10. |
- Ahlgren, Cecilia, 1946, et al.
(author)
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Multiple sclerosis incidence in the era of measles-mumps-rubella mass vaccinations.
- 2009
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In: Acta neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 1600-0404 .- 0001-6314. ; 119:5, s. 313-20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Viral childhood infections may be involved in the multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Following national Swedish vaccination programs, measles sharply declined in the 1970s, and measles, mumps, and rubella were virtually eliminated in cohorts born from 1981. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the vaccination induced reduction in these infections influences the MS incidence. In addition, the public health aspect justified an early evaluation of beneficial as well as harmful effects of mass vaccinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From an incidence material of 534 MS patients, born 1959-1990, we selected one unvaccinated cohort and four cohorts, each corresponding to a vaccination program (MS patients = 251). RESULTS: With the ability to detect a decrease by 30-35%, and an increase by 37-48% in the MS incidence in the first three cohorts, we found no vaccination related MS incidence changes. The background MS incidence showed a significant gradual age dependent increase. CONCLUSIONS: While the present follow-up provided limited power in the last cohort, there is no evidence as yet that the radical decline in three viral infections influenced the MS incidence. However, the increasing background MS incidence of unknown cause may have concealed a reduction in MS risk associated with mass vaccinations.
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