| 1. |
- Alexander, Tobias, et al.
(author)
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Intestinal Microbiome in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation For Autoimmune Diseases : Considerations and Perspectives on Behalf of Autoimmune Diseases Working Party (ADWP) of the EBMT
- 2021
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In: Frontiers in Oncology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2234-943X. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Over the past decades, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been evolving as specific treatment for patients with severe and refractory autoimmune diseases (ADs), where mechanistic studies have provided evidence for a profound immune renewal facilitating the observed beneficial responses. The intestinal microbiome plays an important role in host physiology including shaping the immune repertoire. The relationships between intestinal microbiota composition and outcomes after HSCT for hematologic diseases have been identified, particularly for predicting the mortality from infectious and non-infectious causes. Furthermore, therapeutic manipulations of the gut microbiota, such as fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), have emerged as promising therapeutic approaches for restoring the functional and anatomical integrity of the intestinal microbiota post-transplantation. Although changes in the intestinal microbiome have been linked to various ADs, studies investigating the effect of intestinal dysbiosis on HSCT outcomes for ADs are scarce and require further attention. Herein, we describe some of the landmark microbiome studies in HSCT recipients and patients with chronic ADs, and discuss the challenges and opportunities of microbiome research for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the context of HSCT for ADs.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Alping, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Cancer Risk for Fingolimod, Natalizumab, and Rituximab in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
- 2020
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In: Annals of Neurology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0364-5134 .- 1531-8249. ; 87:5, s. 688-699
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Novel, highly effective disease-modifying therapies have revolutionized multiple sclerosis (MS) care. However, evidence from large comparative studies on important safety outcomes, such as cancer, is still lacking.METHODS: In this nationwide register-based cohort study, we linked data from the Swedish MS register to the Swedish Cancer Register and other national health care and census registers. We included 4,187 first-ever initiations of rituximab, 1,620 of fingolimod, and 1,670 of natalizumab in 6,136 MS patients matched for age, sex, and location to 37,801 non-MS general population subjects. Primary outcome was time to first invasive cancer.RESULTS: We identified 78 invasive cancers among treated patients: rituximab 33 (incidence rate [IR] per 10,000 person-years = 34.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 23.7-48.3), fingolimod 28 (IR = 44.0, 95% CI = 29.2-63.5), and natalizumab 17 (IR = 26.0, 95% CI = 15.1-41.6). The general population IR was 31.0 (95% CI = 27.8-34.4). Adjusting for baseline characteristics, we found no difference in risk of invasive cancer between rituximab, natalizumab, and the general population but a possibly higher risk with fingolimod compared to the general population (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.98-2.38) and rituximab (HR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.00-2.84).INTERPRETATION: In this first large comparative study of 3 highly effective MS disease-modifying therapies, no increased risk of invasive cancer was seen with rituximab and natalizumab, compared to the general population. However, there was a borderline-significant increased risk with fingolimod, compared to both the general population and rituximab. It was not possible to attribute this increased risk to any specific type of cancer, and further studies are warranted to validate these findings.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Alping, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Safety of Alemtuzumab and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Compared to Noninduction Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis
- 2021
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In: Neurology. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 0028-3878 .- 1526-632X. ; 96:11, s. E1574-E1584
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To assess safety outcomes for the induction therapies alemtuzumab and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) compared to noninduction disease-modifying therapies.Methods We performed a population-based cohort study linking the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Register to national health care registers. Alemtuzumab, AHSCT, and a matched reference group of noninduction therapies (natalizumab, dimethyl fumarate, rituximab, fingolimod) were included if started between 2008 and 2017. Main outcomes were death, thyroid disease, nonthyroid autoimmune disease, and infection.Results We identified 132 alemtuzumab-treated and 139 AHSCT-treated (68% high-dose cyclo-phosphamide and anti-thymocyte globulin [ATG], 32% BCNU, etoposide, cytosine-arabinoside, and melphalan/ATG) patients, together with 2,486 matched patients treated with noninduction therapies. Four patients in the alemtuzumab group died (incidence rate [IR] per 1,000 person-years 8.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-22.0) compared to 1 patient in the AHSCT group (IR 1.7, 95% CI 0.0-9.6), and the mortality rate in the reference group was 0.7 (95% CI 0.3-1.3). Thyroid disease was most frequent in the alemtuzumab group (IR 109, 95% CI 75-154) but also occurred more often for AHSCT (IR 34, 95% CI 18-56) compared to the reference (IR 5.3 95% CI 3.9-7.1). The incidence of nonthyroid autoimmune disease was similar in all groups. IR for infection diagnosed >= 6 months from therapy initiation was 53 (95% CI 30-87) for alemtuzumab, 108 (95% CI 75-150) for AHSCT, and 51 (95% CI 46-57) for the reference.Conclusion We confirmed a high incidence of thyroid disease in alemtuzumab- and, to a smaller extent, AHSCT-treated patients and found a higher incidence of infection for AHSCT compared to both alemtuzumab and noninduction therapies. The incidence of nonthyroid autoimmune disease was low for both therapies.Classification of evidence This study provides Class III evidence of an increased risk of thyroid disease with alemtuzumab and an increased risk of infection with AHSCT treatment.
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| 6. |
- Alping, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Safety of Alemtuzumab and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Compared to Noninduction Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis
- 2021
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In: Neurology. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0028-3878 .- 1526-632X. ; 96:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To assess safety outcomes for the induction therapies alemtuzumab and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) compared to noninduction disease-modifying therapies. Methods We performed a population-based cohort study linking the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Register to national health care registers. Alemtuzumab, AHSCT, and a matched reference group of noninduction therapies (natalizumab, dimethyl fumarate, rituximab, fingolimod) were included if started between 2008 and 2017. Main outcomes were death, thyroid disease, nonthyroid autoimmune disease, and infection. Results We identified 132 alemtuzumab-treated and 139 AHSCT-treated (68% high-dose cyclo-phosphamide and anti-thymocyte globulin [ATG], 32% BCNU, etoposide, cytosine-arabinoside, and melphalan/ATG) patients, together with 2,486 matched patients treated with noninduction therapies. Four patients in the alemtuzumab group died (incidence rate [IR] per 1,000 person-years 8.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-22.0) compared to 1 patient in the AHSCT group (IR 1.7, 95% CI 0.0-9.6), and the mortality rate in the reference group was 0.7 (95% CI 0.3-1.3). Thyroid disease was most frequent in the alemtuzumab group (IR 109, 95% CI 75-154) but also occurred more often for AHSCT (IR 34, 95% CI 18-56) compared to the reference (IR 5.3 95% CI 3.9-7.1). The incidence of nonthyroid autoimmune disease was similar in all groups. IR for infection diagnosed >= 6 months from therapy initiation was 53 (95% CI 30-87) for alemtuzumab, 108 (95% CI 75-150) for AHSCT, and 51 (95% CI 46-57) for the reference. Conclusion We confirmed a high incidence of thyroid disease in alemtuzumab- and, to a smaller extent, AHSCT-treated patients and found a higher incidence of infection for AHSCT compared to both alemtuzumab and noninduction therapies. The incidence of nonthyroid autoimmune disease was low for both therapies. Classification of evidence This study provides Class III evidence of an increased risk of thyroid disease with alemtuzumab and an increased risk of infection with AHSCT treatment.
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| 7. |
- Alping, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Validation of the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Register Further Improving a Resource for Pharmacoepidemiologic Evaluations
- 2019
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In: Epidemiology. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 1044-3983 .- 1531-5487. ; 30:2, s. 230-233
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Register is a national register monitoring treatment and clinical course for all Swedish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, with high coverage and close integration with the clinic. Despite its great value for epidemiologic research, it has not previously been validated. In this brief report, we summarize a large validation of >3,000 patients in the register using clinical chart review in the context of the COMBAT-MS study. While further improving the data quality for a central cohort of patients available for future epidemiologic research, this study also allowed us to estimate the accuracy and completeness of the register data.
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| 8. |
- Aulin, Julia, et al.
(author)
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Neurofilament Light Chain and Risk of Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.
- 2024
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In: Circulation. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Biomarkers reflecting brain injury are not routinely used in risk assessment of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF). Neurofilament light chain (NFL) is a novel biomarker released into blood after cerebral insults. We investigated the association between plasma concentrations of NFL, other biomarkers, and risk of stroke and death in patients with AF not receiving oral anticoagulation.METHODS: For this observational study, baseline plasma samples were available from 3077 patients with AF randomized to aspirin in ACTIVE A (Atrial Fibrillation Clopidogrel Trial With Irbesartan for Prevention of Vascular Events; 2003 to 2008) and AVERROES (Apixaban Versus Acetylsalicylic Acid [ASA] to Prevent Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Who Have Failed or Are Unsuitable for Vitamin K Antagonist Treatment; 2007 to 2009). Median follow-up was 1.5 years. NFL was analyzed with a Single Molecule Array (Simoa). Associations with outcomes (total stroke or systemic embolism, ischemic stroke, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death) were explored with Cox regression models.RESULTS: In the combined cohort, the median NFL level was 16.9 ng/L (interquartile range, 11.1-26.5 ng/L), the median age was 71 years, 58% were men, and 13% had a history of previous stroke. NFL was associated with older age, higher creatinine, lower body mass index, previous stroke, female sex, and diabetes but not cardiac rhythm. Higher NFL was associated with a higher risk of stroke or systemic embolism (n=206) independently of clinical characteristics (hazard ratio, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.10-1.46] per doubling of NFL) and other biomarkers (hazard ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.01-1.37]) and including in patients without previous stroke (hazard ratio, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.02-1.48]). NFL was also independently associated with cardiovascular (n=219) and all-cause (n=311) death. The C index for stroke using only NFL was 0.642, on par with the currently used clinical risk scores. Addition of information on NFL improved discrimination in a model also including clinical information, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, yielding a C index of 0.727.CONCLUSIONS: NFL reflects overt and covert episodes of cerebral ischemia and improves risk assessment of stroke and death in patients with AF without oral anticoagulation, including in patients without previous stroke. The combination of NFL with information on age, history of stroke, and other biomarkers should be explored as a future avenue for stroke risk assessments in patients with AF.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Bergman, Joakim, et al.
(author)
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Intrathecal treatment trial of rituximab in progressive MS : results after a 2-year extension
- 2021
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In: Journal of Neurology. - : Springer Berlin/Heidelberg. - 0340-5354 .- 1432-1459. ; 268:2, s. 651-657
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: To evaluate the effect of intrathecally (IT) delivered rituximab as a therapeutic intervention for progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) during a 3-year follow-up period.Methods: Participants of a 1-year open-label phase 1b study of IT delivered rituximab to patients with PMS were offered extended treatment with follow-up for an additional 2 years. During the extension phase, treatment with 25 mg rituximab was administered every 6 months via a subcutaneous Ommaya reservoir connected to the right frontal horn with a ventricular catheter.Results: Mild to moderate vertigo and nausea occurred in 4 out of 14 participants as temporary adverse events associated with IT rituximab infusion. During the entire 3-year period, two cases of low-virulent bacterial meningitis occurred, which were successfully treated. Walking speed deteriorated significantly during the study.Conclusions: IT administration of rituximab via a ventricular catheter was well tolerated. Considering the meningitis cases, the risk of infection was not negligible. The continued loss of walking speed indicates that IT rituximab was not able to stop disease progression.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Bergman, Joakim, et al.
(author)
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Location matters : highly divergent protein levels in samples from diferent CNS compartments in a clinical trial of rituximab for progressive MS
- 2020
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In: Fluids and Barriers of the CNS. - : BioMed Central. - 2045-8118. ; :1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The relationship between proteins in different CNS extracellular compartments is unknown. In this study the levels of selected proteins in three compartments in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS) were compared.Methods: During an open label, phase 1b study on intraventricular administration of rituximab for PMS, samples were collected from the interstitial space (ISS) of the brain through microdialysis. Samples were also obtained from ventricular and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These samples were analyzed with a multiplexed proximity extension assay, measuring the levels of 180 proteins split equally between two panels, detecting proteins associated with immunology and neurology, respectively.Results: Considerable differences in concentrations were observed between the three analyzed compartments. Compared to ventricular CSF, ISS fluid contained statistically significant higher levels of 25 proteins (84% immunology panel and 16% neurology panel). Ventricular CSF contained significantly higher levels of 54 proteins (31% immunology panel and 69% neurology panel) compared to ISS fluid, and 17 proteins (76% immunology panel and 24% neurology panel) compared to lumbar CSF. Lumbar CSF showed significantly higher levels of 115 proteins (32% immunology panel and 68% neurology panel) compared to ventricular CSF. The three compartments displayed poor correlation with a median Spearman’s rho of -0.1 (IQR 0.4) between ISS and ventricular CSF and 0.3 (IQR 0.4) between ventricular and lumbar CSF.Conclusion: A substantial heterogeneity in the protein levels of samples obtained from different CNS compartments was seen. Therefore, data obtained from analysis of lumbar CSF should be interpreted with caution when making conclusions about pathophysiological processes in brain tissue.
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| 13. |
- Bergman, Joakim, 1989-
(author)
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Studies of the Biology of Intrathecal Treatment in Progressive MS
- 2020
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease, affecting the central nervous system (CNS). About 85% of afflicted present with a relapsing-remitting form of the disease (RRMS), for which a breakthrough in treatment was made in 2008 with rituximab, an antibody directed towards CD20, a surface antigen on B-cells. These findings also contributed to cementing the importance of the B-cell’s role in MS pathophysiology. However, MS also exist as a progressive phenotype, affecting most MS patients either from onset or after a transition from RRMS, and for progressive MS the same treatment effect of anti-CD20 has not been observed. Still, studies have found follicle-like structures containing B-cells in meninges and subarachnoid space of the cortex in progressive MS brains, supporting the involvement of B-cells. Evidence also support the existence of a chronic, low-grade inflammatory process compartmentalised within the CNS that correlates with the progressive phase of MS, which may present a treatment barrier towards anti-CD20. Peripherally administrated therapeutic antibodies cross the intact blood-brain barrier with low efficiency with only 0.1-0.5% of the plasma concentration occurring in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Intrathecal (IT) administration circumvents the blood-brain barrier, presenting an opportunity to better target the CNS B-cells.Aims: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of intrathecal anti-CD20 therapy with rituximab in progressive MS, its effect on disease progression through clinical parameters, and impact on biomarkers in CSF. Furthermore, this thesis aimed to evaluate the effect on biomarkers representative of cell injury related to insertion of a ventricular catheter for drug administration and to examine the interstitial milieu in the brain through microdialysis (MD).Methods: The thesis is based on the open-label, phase IIb, multicentre clinical trial Intrathecal Treatment Trial in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (ITT-PMS; EudraCT 2008-002626-11), in which 23 participants received IT treatment with rituximab, and the extended follow-up study, ITT-PMS extension (EudraCT 2012-000721-53). All participants received a ventricular catheter and an Ommaya reservoir for drug administration through a neurosurgical procedure, and 10 participants received a MD catheter in parallel to the ventricular catheter for 10 days. The treatment effect was evaluated by regular clinical evaluations and analyses of CSF. The clinical outcome was evaluated through walking and upper-limb function tests, and by clinical evaluation scales. Levels of selected CSF biomarkers were analysed from the same time-points as the clinical evaluations.Results: After the completion of the extension trial, one clinical parameter (cognitive performance) showed improvement but could most likely be explained by a learning effect. Worsening of walking speed was observed, while the remaining clinical parameters showed no change. Two severe adverse events occurred in the form of low-virulent bacterial meningitis caused by Propionibacterium, but both were treated effectively with antibiotics without residual symptoms. A ‘spike’ was noticed in the level of lumbar CSF neurofilament light (NFL) following surgery but returned to pre-surgery baseline within 6-12 months. No change was observed for any of the other lumbar CSF biomarkers. No meaningful correlation of protein levels was observed when comparing MD samples, ventricular CSF, and lumbar CSF.Conclusions: Intrathecal treatment through intraventricular administration was well tolerated but not without risks. A continued progression was observed in gait impairment. The insertion of the ventricular catheter caused white matter injury, measured through an increase in NFL in lumbar CSF, in direct association with the surgical procedure. No impact was observed on other CSF biomarkers. There was a poor correlation between different CNS compartments regarding protein levels, arguing for caution in drawing conclusions about brain pathophysiology from lumbar CSF samples.
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| 14. |
- Berntsson, Shala G., 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Rapidly increasing off-label use of rituximab in multiple sclerosis in Sweden : Outlier or predecessor?
- 2018
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0001-6314 .- 1600-0404. ; 138:4, s. 327-331
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Off-label use of rituximab to treat MS patients in Sweden is high, and the need for long-term safety data may not be met. Our objectives were to assess the rate of rituximab prescription in patients with multiple sclerosis in Sweden and, in addition, to evaluate the safety of rituximab in a single centre for patients with multiple sclerosis.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of the Swedish MS register was performed to study the number of MS patients treated with rituximab during the last 6 years. Investigation also included a retrospective review of medical files in search for possible side effects/adverse events in all adult patients with MS treated with rituximab at Uppsala University Hospital.RESULTS: Presently, in Sweden the rate of rituximab prescriptions in relation to other annually started of disease- modifying drugs in MS is 53.5%.CONCLUSIONS: The share of MS patients in Sweden who are treated with rituximab is very high, and also rapidly increasing. Taken into account the off-label use, cases with adverse medical conditions that could possibly be related to rituximab use should be reported thoroughly.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Braun, Madelen, et al.
(author)
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Levels of inflammatory cytokines MCP-1, CCL4, and PD-L1 in CSF differentiate idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus from neurodegenerative diseases
- 2023
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In: Fluids and Barriers of the CNS. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 2045-8118. ; 20
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Neuroinflammatory processes have been suggested to play a role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, but have rarely been investigated in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The aim of this study was to investigate whether levels of inflammatory proteins in CSF are different in iNPH compared to healthy controls and patients with selected neurodegenerative disorders, and whether any of these markers can aid in the differential diagnosis of iNPH.Methods: Lumbar CSF was collected from 172 patients from a single center and represented iNPH (n = 74), Alzheimer's disease (AD) (n = 21), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD (n = 21), stable MCI (n = 22), frontotemporal dementia (n = 13), and healthy controls (HC) (n = 21). Levels of 92 inflammatory proteins were analyzed using a proximity extension assay. As a first step, differences between iNPH and HC were investigated, and proteins that differed between iNPH and HC were then compared with those from the other groups. The linear regressions were adjusted for age, sex, and plate number.Results: Three proteins showed higher (MCP-1, p = 0.0013; CCL4, p = 0.0008; CCL11, p = 0.0022) and one lower (PD-L1, p = 0.0051) levels in patients with iNPH compared to HC. MCP-1 was then found to be higher in iNPH than in all other groups. CCL4 was higher in iNPH than in all other groups, except in MCI due to AD. PD-L1 was lower in iNPH compared to all other groups, except in stable MCI. Levels of CCL11 did not differ between iNPH and the differential diagnoses. In a model based on the four proteins mentioned above, the mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve used to discriminate between iNPH and the other disorders was 0.91.Conclusions: The inflammatory cytokines MCP-1 and CCL4 are present at higher-and PD-L1 at lower-levels in iNPH than in the other investigated diagnoses. These three selected cytokines may have diagnostic potential in the work-up of patients with iNPH.
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| 17. |
- Bridel, Claire, et al.
(author)
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Diagnostic Value of Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurofilament Light Protein in Neurology : A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- 2019
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In: JAMA Neurology. - : American Medical Association (AMA). - 2168-6149 .- 2168-6157. ; 76:9, s. 1035-1048
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Importance Neurofilament light protein (NfL) is elevated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a number of neurological conditions compared with healthy controls (HC) and is a candidate biomarker for neuroaxonal damage. The influence of age and sex is largely unknown, and levels across neurological disorders have not been compared systematically to date.Objectives To assess the associations of age, sex, and diagnosis with NfL in CSF (cNfL) and to evaluate its potential in discriminating clinically similar conditions.Data Sources PubMed was searched for studies published between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2016, reporting cNfL levels (using the search terms neurofilament light and cerebrospinal fluid) in neurological or psychiatric conditions and/or in HC.Study Selection Studies reporting NfL levels measured in lumbar CSF using a commercially available immunoassay, as well as age and sex.Data Extraction and Synthesis Individual-level data were requested from study authors. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the fixed effects of age, sex, and diagnosis on log-transformed NfL levels, with cohort of origin modeled as a random intercept.Main Outcome and Measure The cNfL levels adjusted for age and sex across diagnoses.Results Data were collected for 10 059 individuals (mean [SD] age, 59.7 [18.8] years; 54.1% female). Thirty-five diagnoses were identified, including inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (n = 2795), dementias and predementia stages (n = 4284), parkinsonian disorders (n = 984), and HC (n = 1332). The cNfL was elevated compared with HC in a majority of neurological conditions studied. Highest levels were observed in cognitively impaired HIV-positive individuals (iHIV), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Huntington disease. In 33.3% of diagnoses, including HC, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease (AD), and Parkinson disease (PD), cNfL was higher in men than women. The cNfL increased with age in HC and a majority of neurological conditions, although the association was strongest in HC. The cNfL overlapped in most clinically similar diagnoses except for FTD and iHIV, which segregated from other dementias, and PD, which segregated from atypical parkinsonian syndromes.Conclusions and Relevance These data support the use of cNfL as a biomarker of neuroaxonal damage and indicate that age-specific and sex-specific (and in some cases disease-specific) reference values may be needed. The cNfL has potential to assist the differentiation of FTD from AD and PD from atypical parkinsonian syndromes.
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| 18. |
- Burman, Joachim, et al.
(author)
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Assessing tissue damage in multiple sclerosis: A biomarker approach
- 2014
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0001-6314 .- 1600-0404. ; 130:2, s. 81-89
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord is the gold standard for assessing disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS). MRI is an excellent instrument for determination of accumulated damage to the brain and spinal cord, but tells us little about ongoing tissue damage. In this study, biomarkers of oligodendrocyte, axonal and astrocyte injury were related to MRI and clinical findings and used to assess tissue damage in MS. Materials and methods: Cerebrospinal fluid from 44 patients with relapsing-remitting MS, 20 with secondary progressive MS and 15 controls were investigated with ELISA to determine levels of myelin basic protein (MBP), neurofilament light (NFL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAp). Patients underwent MRI of the brain and spinal cord, and gadolinium enhancing lesions, T1 lesions and T2 lesions were counted. Results: Patients in clinical relapse and patients with nonsymptomatic gadolinium enhancing lesions had high levels of MBP and NFL, indicating ongoing damage to oligodendrocytes and axons. The level of MBP dropped quickly within a week from the onset of a relapse, whereas NFL remained elevated for several weeks and GFAp slowly rose during the course of a relapse. Relapsing-remitting MS patients without gadolinium enhancing lesions had values of MBP, NFL and GFAp similar to controls, while patients with secondary progressive disease had moderately increased values of all biomarkers. Conclusions: Analysis of MBP, NFL and GFAp provides direct means to measure tissue damage and is a useful addition to our methods for evaluation of MS. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
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| 19. |
- Burman, Joachim, et al.
(author)
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Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for aggressive multiple sclerosis : the Swedish experience
- 2014
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In: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. - London, United Kingdom : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0022-3050 .- 1468-330X. ; 85:10, s. 1116-1121
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a viable option for treatment of aggressive multiple sclerosis (MS). No randomised controlled trial has been performed, and thus, experiences from systematic and sustained follow-up of treated patients constitute important information about safety and efficacy. In this observational study, we describe the characteristics and outcome of the Swedish patients treated with HSCT for MS.Methods: Neurologists from the major hospitals in Sweden filled out a follow-up form with prospectively collected data. Fifty-two patients were identified in total; 48 were included in the study and evaluated for safety and side effects; 41 patients had at least 1 year of follow-up and were further analysed for clinical and radiological outcome. In this cohort, 34 patients (83%) had relapsing-remitting MS, and mean follow-up time was 47 months.Results: At 5 years, relapse-free survival was 87%; MRI event-free survival 85%; expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score progression-free survival 77%; and disease-free survival (no relapses, no new MRI lesions and no EDSS progression) 68%. Presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions prior to HSCT was associated with a favourable outcome (disease-free survival 79% vs 46%, p=0.028). There was no mortality. The most common long-term side effects were herpes zoster reactivation (15%) and thyroid disease (8.4%).Conclusions: HSCT is a very effective treatment of inflammatory active MS and can be performed with a high degree of safety at experienced centres.
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| 20. |
- Burman, Joachim, 1974-, et al.
(author)
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Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for neurological diseases
- 2018
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In: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. - : BMJ. - 0022-3050 .- 1468-330X. ; 89:2, s. 147-155
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and myasthenia gravis are leading causes of physical disability in people of working age. In the last decades significant therapeutic advances have been made that can ameliorate the disease course. Nevertheless, many affected will continue to deteriorate despite treatment, and the costs associated with disease-modifying drugs constitute a significant fiscal burden on healthcare in developed countries. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a treatment approach that aims to ameliorate and to terminate disease activity. The erroneous immune system is eradicated using cytotoxic drugs, and with the aid of haematopoietic stem cells a new immune system is rebuilt. As of today, more than 1000 patients with multiple sclerosis have been treated with this procedure. Available data suggest that autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is superior to conventional treatment in terms of efficacy with an acceptable safety profile. A smaller number of patients with other neuroinflammatory conditions have been treated with promising results. Herein, current data on clinical effect and safety of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for neurological disease are reviewed.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
- Burman, Joachim, et al.
(author)
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Bilateral and recurrent optic neuritis in multiple sclerosis
- 2011
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In: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. - : Hindawi Limited. - 0001-6314 .- 1600-0404. ; 123:3, s. 207-210
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective - To assess the frequency of bilateral and recurrent optic neuritis (ON) in multiple sclerosis (MS) and to compare these results with epidemiological data of ON in neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and recurrent ON without other signs of disease. Methods - We identified 472 patients with diagnosis of MS from the Swedish Multiple Sclerosis Register. These patients were evaluated for the presence of ON and whether the ON was the presenting symptom of MS; unilateral or bilateral; monophasic or recurrent. Results - Twenty-one percent presented with ON as their first manifestation of MS. The proportion of patients developing a second attack of ON before demonstration of other manifestations of MS was 5.5% and the frequency of recurrent bilateral ON as the presenting symptom was 3.8%. Only two patients presented with simultaneously appearing bilateral ON corresponding to 0.42%. Conclusion - Recurrent ON, whether unilateral or bilateral, is a common presentation of MS. As MS is a much more common disease than NMO, care must be taken when evaluating the work-up of patients with recurrent ON. In some cases repeated MRI and lumbar punctures are warranted to improve diagnostic accuracy, even in the presence of the serological marker NMO-IgG.
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| 24. |
- Burman, Joachim, et al.
(author)
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Cerebrospinal fluid concentration of Galectin-9 is increased in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis
- 2016
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In: Journal of Neuroimmunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-5728 .- 1872-8421. ; 292, s. 40-44
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Galectin-9 is produced by activated astrocytes, induces a pro -inflammatory response in microglia and maybe important to the pathogenesis of secondary progressive MS. In this study, Galectin-9 concentrations in CSF samples from healthy controls and two independent patient cohorts of MS patients were determined by ELISA. Patients from one of the cohorts underwent MRI as well. Galectin-9 concentrations in CSF were higher in SPMS patients than healthy controls and RRMS patients in both cohorts. Galectin-9 concentrations correlated with the number of lesions on Tl-weighted images, but not with gadolinium enhancing lesions, IgG index or CSF cell count.
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| 25. |
- Burman, Joachim, 1974-, et al.
(author)
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Cerebrospinal fluid cytokines after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and intrathecal rituximab treatment for multiple sclerosis
- 2023
-
In: Brain Communications. - : Oxford University Press. - 2632-1297. ; 5:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Multiple sclerosis has been established as an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Many aspects of the pathophysiology are still unknown and it is presently unclear how different treatments affect the immunopathology of multiple sclerosis. In this study, we explored cytokines discriminating between individuals with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls and then how these cytokines were affected by treatment intervention with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation or intrathecal rituximab. CSF from individuals with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls were analysed with a proximity extension assay to simultaneously determine the level of 92 cytokines and other inflammation-related proteins. In total, CSF from 158 multiple sclerosis patients and 53 healthy controls were analysed. Sixty-four patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and 27 with progressive multiple sclerosis took part in a cross-sectional study and underwent lumbar puncture on a single occasion. Forty-five patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were treated with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and underwent lumbar puncture at baseline and then at follow-up visits made at 1-, 2- and 5 years. Twenty-two patients with progressive multiple sclerosis were treated with intrathecal rituximab and followed with lumbar punctures at baseline and then at follow-up visits made at 3-, 6- and 12 months. Of the 92 studied cytokines, 16 were found to be altered in multiple sclerosis and 11 were decreased after treatment with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. None of the studied cytokines was affected by treatment with intrathecal rituximab for progressive multiple sclerosis. Some proteins were highly associated with each other. Therefore, a cluster analysis was made and then the highest-ranked protein from the four highest-ranked clusters was used for the subsequent analyses. CCL3, IL-12B, CXCL10 and IL-8 discriminated between multiple sclerosis patients and controls, but only IL-12B differed between patients with relapsing-remitting and progressive multiple sclerosis. The CSF concentrations of CCL3, IL-12B and CXCL10 were decreased after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, whereas IL-8 appeared to be unaffected by this intervention. High concentrations of IL-8 were associated with worse outcome in both treatment groups. Overall, the results suggest a profound effect of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation on the inflammatory milieu of the CSF in multiple sclerosis. Burman et al. measured CSF concentrations of 92 cytokines in patients with multiple sclerosis. CCL3, IL-12B, CXCL10 and IL-8 discriminated best between patients and healthy controls. The CSF concentrations of CCL3, IL-12B and CXCL10 decreased after treatment intervention with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
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| 26. |
- Burman, Joachim, et al.
(author)
-
Cerebrospinal fluid cytokines after autologoushaematopoietic stem cell transplantation and intrathecalrituximab treatment for multiple sclerosis
-
In: Brain Communications. - 2632-1297.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Multiple sclerosis has been established as an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Many aspects of the pathophysiology are still unknown and it is presently unclear how different treatments affect the immunopathology of multiple sclerosis. In the present study, we explored cytokines discriminating between individuals with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls and then how these cytokines were affected by treatment intervention with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation or intrathecal rituximab. Cerebrospinal fluid from individuals with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls were analysed with a proximity extension assay to simultaneously determine the level of 92 cytokines and other inflammationrelated proteins. In total, cerebrospinal fluid from 158 multiple sclerosis patients and 53 healthy controls was analysed. Sixty-four patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and 27 with progressive multiple sclerosis took part in a cross-sectional study and underwent lumbar puncture at a single occasion. Forty-five patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis were treated with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and underwent lumbar puncture at baseline and then at follow-up visits made at one, two and five years. Twenty-two patients with progressive multiple sclerosis were treated with intrathecal rituximab and followed with lumbar punctures at baseline and then at follow-up visits made at three, six and twelve months. Out of the 92 studied cytokines, 16 were found to be altered in multiple sclerosis and 11 were decreased after treatment with autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. None of the studied cytokines were affected by treatment with intrathecal rituximab for progressive multiple sclerosis. Some proteins were highly associated with each other. Therefore, a cluster analysis was made and then the highest ranked protein from the four highest ranked clusters were used for the subsequent analyses. CCL3, IL-12B, CXCL10 and IL-8 discriminated between multiple sclerosis patients and controls, but only IL-12B differed between patients with relapsing-remitting and progressive multiple sclerosis. The cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of CCL3, IL-12B and CXCL10 were decreased after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, whereas IL-8 appeared to be unaffected by this intervention. High concentrations of IL-8 were associated with worse outcome in both treatment groups. Overall, the results suggest a profound effect of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation on the inflammatory milieu of the CSF in multiple sclerosis.
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| 27. |
- Burman, Joachim, 1974-
(author)
-
Curing Multiple Sclerosis : How to do it and how to prove it
- 2014
-
Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) with now more than 600 documented cases in the medical literature. Long-term remission can be achieved with this therapy, but when is it justified to claim that a patient is cured from MS? In attempt to answer this question, the outcome of the Swedish patients is described, mechanisms behind the therapeutic effect are discussed and new tools for demonstration of absence of disease have been developed.In Swedish patients treated with HSCT for aggressive MS, disease free survival was 68 % at five years, and no patient progressed after three years of stable disease. Presence of gadolinium enhancing lesions prior to HSCT was associated with a favorable outcome (disease free survival 79 % vs 46 %, p=0.028). There was no mortality and no patient required intensive care.The immune system of twelve of these patients was investigated further. In most respects HSCT-treated patients were similar to healthy controls, demonstrating normalization. In the presence of a potential antigen, leukocytes from HSCT-treated patients ceased producing pro-inflammatory IL-17 and increased production of the inhibitory cytokine TGF-β1 suggesting restoration of tolerance.Cytokine levels and biomarkers of tissue damage were investigated in cerebrospinal fluid from a cohort of MS patients. The levels were related to clinical and imaging findings. A cytokine signature of patients with relapsing-remitting MS could be identified, characterized by increased levels of CCL22, CXCL10, sCD40L, CXCL1 and CCL5 as well as down-regulation of CCL2. Further, we could demonstrate that active inflammation in relapsing-remitting MS is a tissue damaging process, with increased levels of myelin basic protein and neurofilament light. Importantly, relapsing-remitting MS patients in remission displayed no tissue damage. In secondary progressive MS, moderate tissue damage was present without signs of active inflammation.From a clinical vantage point, it seems that we confidently can claim cure of relapsing-remitting MS patients after five years absence of disease activity. The new tools for evaluation of disease can strengthen this assertion and may enable earlier prediction of outcome.
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| 28. |
- Burman, Joachim, 1974-
(author)
-
Delaying the inevitable : Are disease modifying drugs for progressive MS worthwhile?
- 2021
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In: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. - : Elsevier. - 2211-0348 .- 2211-0356. ; 54
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Ocrelizumab and siponimod have a scientifically proven effect in progressive MS and decrease the risk of disability in the short-term. The primary endpoints in the pivotal trials of ocrelizumab and siponimod were reported as a hazard ratio of 3-month confirmed disability progression, which was reported to be 0.76-0.79. Based on this, both drugs were subsequently licensed for use in patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. Hazard ratios are not easily communicated to patients and therefore the alternative endpoint average postponement of disability was calculated with data from the pivotal trials. After two years of treatment, the average postponement of disability was 16 days per year with ocrelizumab and 19 days with siponimod. Over time, the average postponement of disability reached a plateau, when further treatment added little value. Taken together, these data suggest that these interventions have a short-lived and limited clinical effect in patients with progressive MS.
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| 29. |
- Burman, Joachim, 1974-, et al.
(author)
-
Den neurologiska konsultationen
- 2020
-
In: Neurologi. - : Liber. - 9789147128587
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Neurologi är en pedagogisk lärobok med förankring i diagnostisk och terapeutisk tradition i Sverige. I denna sjätte upplaga har texten genomgått en omfattande revision. Boken har fått en helt ny disposition samt ett nytt kapitel om funktionella neurologiska sjukdomar. Även i denna upplaga betonas alltjämt neurologins fundament, dvs. noggrann anamnes, somatisk undersökning och klinisk analys.
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| 30. |
- Burman, Joachim, 1974-, et al.
(author)
-
Epilepsy in multiple sclerosis: A nationwide population-based register study.
- 2017
-
In: Neurology. - 1526-632X .- 0028-3878. ; 89:24, s. 2462-2468
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To determine the cumulative incidence of epilepsy in a population-based cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to investigate the association between epilepsy and clinical features of MS.All available patients in the Swedish MS register (n = 14,545) and 3 age- and sex-matched controls per patient randomly selected from the population register (n = 43,635) were included. Data on clinical features of MS were retrieved from the Swedish MS register, and data on epilepsy and death were retrieved from comprehensive patient registers.The cumulative incidence of epilepsy was 3.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.17-3.76) in patients with MS and 1.4% (95% CI 1.30-1.52) in controls (risk ratio 2.5, 95% CI 2.19-2.76). In a Cox proportional model, MS increased the risk of epilepsy (hazard ratio 3.2, 95% CI 2.64-3.94). Patients with relapsing-remitting MS had a cumulative incidence of epilepsy of 2.2% (95% CI 1.88-2.50), whereas patients with progressive disease had a cumulative incidence of 5.5% (95% CI 4.89-6.09). The cumulative incidence rose continuously with increasing disease duration to 5.9% (95% CI 4.90-7.20) in patients with disease duration ≥34 years. Patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≥7 had a cumulative incidence of epilepsy of 5.3% (95% CI 3.95-7.00). Disease duration and EDSS score were associated with epilepsy after multiple logistic regression (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.04 per year, p = 0.001; and OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.09-1.26 per EDSS step, p < 0.0001).Epilepsy is more common among patients with MS than in the general population, and a diagnosis of MS increases the risk of epilepsy. Our data suggest a direct link between severity of MS and epilepsy.
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| 31. |
- Burman, Joachim, 1974-, et al.
(author)
-
Neurologisk symtomlära
- 2020
-
In: Neurologi. - : Liber. - 9789147128587
-
Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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| 32. |
- Burman, Joachim, et al.
(author)
-
T-cell responses after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for aggressive relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
- 2013
-
In: Immunology. - : Wiley. - 0019-2805 .- 1365-2567. ; 140:2, s. 211-219
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is a potentially curative treatment, which can give rise to long-term disease remission. However, the mode of action is not yet fully understood. The aim of the study was to evaluate similarities and differences of the CD4(+) T-cell populations between HSCT-treated patients (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 9). Phenotyping of memory T cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells and T helper type 1 (Th1) and type 17 (Th17) cells was performed. Further, T-cell reactivity to a tentative antigen, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, was investigated in these patient populations. Patients treated with natalizumab (n = 15) were included as a comparative group. White blood cells were analysed with flow cytometry and T-cell culture supernatants were analysed with magnetic bead panel immunoassays. HSCT-treated patients had similar levels of Treg cells and of Th1 and Th17 cells as healthy subjects, whereas natalizumab-treated patients had lower frequencies of Treg cells, and higher frequencies of Th1 and Th17 cells. Cells from HSCT-treated patients cultured with overlapping peptides from myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein produced more transforming growth factor-beta(1) than natalizumab-treated patients, which suggests a suppressive response. Conversely, T cells from natalizumab-treated patients cultured with those peptides produced more interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-1 and IL-10, indicating a Th17 response. In conclusion, we demonstrate circumstantial evidence for the removal of autoreactive T-cell clones as well as development of tolerance after HSCT. These results parallel the long-term disease remission seen after HSCT.
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| 33. |
- Burman, Joachim, et al.
(author)
-
The cerebrospinal fluid cytokine signature of multiple sclerosis : A homogenous response that does not conform to the Th1/Th2/Th17 convention
- 2014
-
In: Journal of Neuroimmunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-5728 .- 1872-8421. ; 277:1-2, s. 153-159
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this cross-sectional study, we wanted to identify key cytokines characteristic of different stages of multiple sclerosis (MS). To this end, cerebrospinal fluid from patients with MS was investigated with a multiplexed fluorescent bead-based immunoassay. In total 43 cytokines were assessed and related to clinical and imaging data. Increased levels of CCL22, CXCL10 and sCD40L characterized relapsing-remitting MS patients with the presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions; decreased CCL2 and increased CXCL1 and CCL5 were typical of relapsing-remitting MS patients irrespectively of the presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions. These homogenous patterns of cytokine activation do not conform to conventional Th1/Th2/Th17 responses. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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| 34. |
- Burman, Joachim, 1974-, et al.
(author)
-
The cerebrospinal fluid cytokine signature of multiple sclerosis: a homogenous response that does not conform to the Th1/Th2/Th17 convention
-
Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- In this cross-sectional study, we wanted to identify key cytokines characteristic of different stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) that could be used as an outcome measure in clinical trials. To this end, cerebrospinal fluid from a cohort of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS) was investigated with a multiplexed fluorescent bead-based immunoassay. In total 43 cytokines were assessed and related to clinical and imaging data. Cerebrospinal fluid from a separate confirmatory cohort was used to validate cytokines pertinent to SPMS. Increased levels of CCL22, CXCL10 and sCD40L characterized RRMS patients with presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions; decreased CCL2 and increased CXCL1 and CCL5 were typical of RRMS patients irrespectively of presence of gadolinium-enhancing lesions. IL-15 and IL-27 were increased in SPMS patients, but non-significantly in the confirmation cohort. These homogenous patterns of cytokine activation do not conform to conventional Th1/Th2/Th17 responses.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Burman, Joachim, et al.
(author)
-
YKL-40 is a CSF biomarker of intrathecal inflammation in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.
- 2016
-
In: Journal of neuroimmunology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-8421 .- 0165-5728. ; 292, s. 52-7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- YKL-40 (CHI3L1) is a glycoprotein predominantly produced by reactive astrocytes in chronic active MS lesions, which are common in secondary progressive MS. In this study, YKL-40 was investigated in different stages of MS and in relation to MRI findings. YKL-40 levels in CSF samples from two independent patient cohorts of MS patients were determined with ELISA. CSF YKL-40 was increased in patients with active relapsing-remitting MS and correlated with the number of gadolinium enhancing lesions. Patients with secondary progressive MS had similar high levels of YKL-40, whereas not active relapsing-remitting MS patients had YKL-40 levels comparable to healthy controls.
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| 37. |
- Burman, Robert, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
Cytotoxic potency of small macrocyclic knot proteins : Structure-activity and mechanistic studies of native and chemically modified cyclotides
- 2011
-
In: Organic and biomolecular chemistry. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1477-0520 .- 1477-0539. ; 9:11, s. 4306-4314
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The cyclotides are a family of circular and knotted proteins of natural origin with extreme enzymatic and thermal stability and active in a wide range of biological activities make them promising tools for pharmaceutical and crop-protection applications. The cyclotides are divided into two subfamilies depending on the presence (Möbius) or absence (bracelet) of a cis-Pro peptide bond. In the current work we report a series of experiments to give further insight into the structure activity relationship of cyclotides in general, and the differences between subfamilies and the role of their hydrophobic surface in particular. Selective chemical modifications of Glu, Arg, Lys and Trp residues was tested for cytotoxic activity and derivatives in which the Trp residue was modified showed low effect, suggesting the existence of a connection between hydrophobicity and activity. However, over the full set of cyclotides examined, there was no strong correlation between the cytotoxic activity and their hydrophobicity. Instead, it seems more like that the distribution of charged and hydrophobic residues determines the ultimate degree of potency. Furthermore, we found that while the Glu residue is very important in maintaining the activity of the bracelet cyclotide cycloviolacin O2, it is much less important in the Möbius cyclotides. However, despite these differences, a systematic test of mixtures of cyclotides, even from both subfamilies revealed that they act in an additive way.
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| 38. |
- Burman, Robert, 1979-, et al.
(author)
-
Evaluation of toxicity and anti-tumour activity of cycloviolacin O2 in mice.
- 2010
-
In: Biopolymers. - : Wiley. - 0006-3525 .- 1097-0282. ; 94:5, s. 626-634
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cycloviolacin O2 is a small cyclic cysteine-rich protein belonging to the group of plant proteins called cyclotides. This cyclotide has been previously shown to exert cytotoxic activity against a variety of human tumor cell lines as well as primary cultures of human tumor cells in vitro. This study is the first evaluation of its tolerability and antitumor activity in vivo. Maximal-tolerated doses were estimated to 1.5 mg/kg for single intravenous (i.v.) dosing and 0.5 mg/kg for daily repeated dosing, respectively. Two different in vivo methods were used: the hollow fiber method with single dosing (i.v. 1.0 mg/kg) and traditional xenografts with repeated dosing over 2 weeks (i.v. 0.5 mg/kg daily, 5 days a week). The human tumor cell lines used displayed dose-dependent in vitro sensitivity (including growth in hollow fibers to confirm passage of cycloviolacin O2 through the polyvinylidene fluoride fibers), with IC50 values in the micromolar range. Despite this sensitivity in vitro, no significant antitumor effects were detected in vivo, neither with single dosing in the hollow fiber method nor with repeated dosing in xenografts. In summary, the results indicate that antitumor effects are minor or absent at tolerable (sublethal) doses, and cycloviolacin O2 has a very abrupt in vivo toxicity profile, with lethality after single injection at 2 mg/kg, but no signs of discomfort to the animals at 1.5 mg/kg. Repeated dosing of 1 mg/kg gave a local-inflammatory reaction at the site of injection after 2–3 days; lower doses were without complications.
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| 39. |
- Burt, Richard K, et al.
(author)
-
Association of nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with neurological disability in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
- 2015
-
In: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). - : American Medical Association (AMA). - 0098-7484 .- 1538-3598. ; 313:3, s. 275-284
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IMPORTANCE: No current therapy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) results in significant reversal of disability.OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with neurological disability and other clinical outcomes in patients with MS.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Case series of patients with relapsing-remitting MS (n = 123) or secondary-progressive MS (n = 28) (mean age, 36 years; range, 18-60 years; 85 women) treated at a single US institution between 2003 and 2014 and followed up for 5 years. Final follow-up was completed in June 2014.INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with cyclophosphamide and alemtuzumab (22 patients) or cyclophosphamide and thymoglobulin (129 patients) followed by infusion of unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cells.MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary end point was reversal or progression of disability measured by change in the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 1.0 or greater (score range, 0-10). Secondary outcomes included changes in the Neurologic Rating Scale (NRS) score of 10 or greater (score range, 0-100), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) score, quality-of-life Short Form 36 questionnaire scores, and T2 lesion volume on brain magnetic resonance imaging scan.RESULTS: Outcome analysis was available for 145 patients with a median follow-up of 2 years and a mean of 2.5 years. Scores from the EDSS improved significantly from a pretransplant median of 4.0 to 3.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.5 to 4.0; n = 82) at 2 years and to 2.5 (IQR, 1.9 to 4.5; n = 36) at 4 years (P < .001 at each assessment). There was significant improvement in disability (decrease in EDSS score of ≥1.0) in 41 patients (50%; 95% CI, 39% to 61%) at 2 years and in 23 patients (64%; 95% CI, 46% to 79%) at 4 years. Four-year relapse-free survival was 80% and progression-free survival was 87%. The NRS scores improved significantly from a pretransplant median of 74 to 88.0 (IQR, 77.3 to 93.0; n = 78) at 2 years and to 87.5 (IQR, 75.0 to 93.8; n = 34) at 4 years (P < .001 at each assessment). The median MSFC scores were 0.38 (IQR, -0.01 to 0.64) at 2 years (P < .001) and 0.45 (0.04 to 0.60) at 4 years (P = .02). Total quality-of-life scores improved from a mean of 46 (95% CI, 43 to 49) pretransplant to 64 (95% CI, 61 to 68) at a median follow-up of 2 years posttransplant (n = 132) (P < .001). There was a decrease in T2 lesion volume from a pretransplant median of 8.57 cm3 (IQR, 2.78 to 22.08 cm3) to 5.74 cm3 (IQR, 1.88 to 14.45 cm3) (P < .001) at the last posttransplant assessment (mean follow-up, 27 months; n = 128).CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among patients with relapsing-remitting MS, nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was associated with improvement in neurological disability and other clinical outcomes. These preliminary findings from this uncontrolled study require confirmation in randomized trials.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
- Burt, Richard K., et al.
(author)
-
Blogs cannot separate wheat from chaff
- 2017
-
In: Science. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 0036-8075 .- 1095-9203. ; 358:6363, s. 602-602
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 42. |
- Burt, Richard K., et al.
(author)
-
Effect of Nonmyeloablative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation vs Continued Disease-Modifying Therapy on Disease Progression in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis : A Randomized Clinical Trial
- 2019
-
In: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). - : AMER MEDICAL ASSOC. - 0098-7484 .- 1538-3598. ; 321:2, s. 165-174
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IMPORTANCE Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) represents a potentially useful approach to slow or prevent progressive disability in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of nonmyeloablative HSCT vs disease-modifying therapy (DMT) on disease progression.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Between September 20, 2005, and July 7, 2016, a total of 110 patients with relapsing-remitting MS, at least 2 relapses while receiving DMT in the prior year, and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; score range, 0-10 [10 = worst neurologic disability]) score of 2.0 to 6.0 were randomized at 4 US, European, and South American centers. Final follow-up occurred in January 2018 and database lock in February 2018.INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive HSCT along with cyclophosphamide (200mg/kg) and antithymocyte globulin (6mg/kg) (n = 55) or DMT of higher efficacy or a different class than DMT taken during the previous year (n = 55).MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary end point was disease progression, defined as an EDSS score increase after at least 1 year of 1.0 point or more (minimal clinically important difference, 0.5) on 2 evaluations 6 months apart, with differences in time to progression estimated as hazard ratios. RESULTS Among 110 randomized patients (73 [66%] women; mean age, 36 [SD, 8.6] years), 103 remained in the trial, with 98 evaluated at 1 year and 23 evaluated yearly for 5 years (median follow-up, 2 years; mean, 2.8 years). Disease progression occurred in 3 patients in the HSCT group and 34 patients in the DMT group. Median time to progression could not be calculated in the HSCT group because of too few events; it was 24 months (interquartile range, 18-48 months) in the DMT group (hazard ratio, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02-0.24; P < .001). During the first year, mean EDSS scores decreased (improved) from 3.38 to 2.36 in the HSCT group and increased (worsened) from 3.31 to 3.98 in the DMT group (between-group mean difference,-1.7; 95% CI,-2.03 to -1.29; P < .001). There were no deaths and no patients who received HSCT developed nonhematopoietic grade 4 toxicities (such as myocardial infarction, sepsis, or other disabling or potential life-threatening events).CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this preliminary study of patients with relapsing-remitting MS, nonmyeloablative HSCT, compared with DMT, resulted in prolonged time to disease progression. Further research is needed to replicate these findings and to assess long-term outcomes and safety.
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| 43. |
- Burt, Richard K., et al.
(author)
-
New autoimmune diseases after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis
- 2021
-
In: Bone Marrow Transplantation. - : Springer Nature. - 0268-3369 .- 1476-5365. ; 56:7, s. 1509-1517
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Secondary autoimmune diseases (2ndADs), most frequently autoimmune cytopenias (AICs), were first described after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) undertaken for malignant and hematological indications, occurred at a prevalence of similar to 5-6.5%, and were attributed to allogeneic immune imbalances in the context of graft versus host disease, viral infections, and chronic immunosuppression. Subsequently, 2ndADs were reported to complicate roughly 2-14% of autologous HSCTs performed for an autoimmune disease. Alemtuzumab in the conditioning regimen has been identified as a risk for development of 2ndADs after either allogeneic or autologous HSCT and is consistent with the high rates of 2ndADs when using alemtuzumab as monotherapy. Due to the significant consequences but variable incidence, depending on conditioning regimen, of 2ndADs and similarity in known immune reconstitution kinetics after autologous HSCT for autoimmune diseases and after alemtuzumab monotherapy, we propose that an imbalance between B and T lineage regeneration early after HSCT may underlie the pathogenesis of 2ndADs.
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| 44. |
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| 45. |
- Carlsson, Henrik, 1987-, et al.
(author)
-
Evaluation of polarity switching for untargeted lipidomics using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry
- 2022
-
In: Journal of chromatography. B. - : Elsevier. - 1570-0232 .- 1873-376X. ; 1195
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Untargeted lipidomics using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was performed using polarity switching, and in positive and negative polarity separately on the same set of serum samples, and the performances of the methods were evaluated.& nbsp;Polarity switching causes an increase in the cycle time of the HRMS measurements (1.18 s/cycle vs 0.27 s/ cycle), resulting in fewer data points across chromatographic peaks. The coefficient of variation (CV) was on average lower for the added isotopically labelled standards in pooled samples (QC) and patient samples using separate polarities (QC = 5.6%, samples = 12.5%) compared to polarity switching (QC = 8.5%, samples = 13.4%), but the difference was not statistically significant. For the endogenous features measured in the QCs polarity switching resulted in on average significantly higher CVs (3.80 (p = 4.25e-30) and 3.3 percentage points (p = 6.84e-40), for positive and negative modes, respectively) however still acceptable for an untargeted method (mean CVs of 17.9% and 12.2% in positive and negative modes respectively). A slightly larger number of endogenous features were detected using the separate polarities, but the large majority of features (> 95%) were detected with both methodologies. The overlap of features detected in both positive and negative polarities was low (4.1%) demonstrating the importance of using both polarities for untargeted lipidomics. When investigating the effects of a treatment on multiple sclerosis patients it was found that both methodologies gave highly similar biological results, further confirming the applicability of polarity switching.
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| 46. |
- Carlsson, Henrik, et al.
(author)
-
Metabolomics of Cerebrospinal Fluid from Healthy Subjects Reveal Metabolites Associated with Ageing
- 2021
-
In: Metabolites. - : MDPI. - 2218-1989. ; 11:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To increase our understanding of age-related diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) it is important to understand the molecular processes of biological ageing. Metabolomics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a promising methodology to increase our understanding of naturally occurring processes of ageing of the brain and CNS that could be reflected in CSF. In the present study the CSF metabolomes of healthy subjects aged 30-74 years (n = 23) were studied using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), and investigated in relation to age. Ten metabolites were identified with high confidence as significantly associated with ageing, eight with increasing levels with ageing: isoleucine, acetylcarnitine, pipecolate, methionine, glutarylcarnitine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, ketoleucine, and hippurate; and two decreasing with ageing: methylthioadenosine and 3-methyladenine. To our knowledge, this is the first time the CSF metabolomes of healthy subjects are assessed in relation to ageing. The present study contributes to the field of ageing metabolomics by presenting a number of metabolites present in CSF with potential relevance for ageing and the results motivate further studies.
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| 47. |
- Carlsson, Henrik, et al.
(author)
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Targeted metabolomics of CSF in healthy individuals and patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis using high-resolution mass spectrometry
- 2020
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In: Metabolomics. - : SPRINGER. - 1573-3882 .- 1573-3890. ; 16:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Standardized commercial kits enable targeted metabolomics analysis and may thus provide an attractive complement to the more explorative approaches. The kits are typically developed for triple quadrupole mass spectrometers using serum and plasma.Objectives: Here we measure the concentrations of preselected metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a kit developed for high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Secondarily, the study aimed to investigate metabolite alterations in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) compared to controls.Methods: We performed targeted metabolomics in human CSF on twelve SPMS patients and twelve age and sex-matched healthy controls using the Absolute IDQ-p400 kit (Biocrates Life Sciences AG) developed for HRMS. The extracts were analysed using two methods; liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and flow injection analysis-MS (FIA-HRMS).Results: Out of 408 targeted metabolites, 196 (48%) were detected above limit of detection and 35 were absolutely quantified. Metabolites analyzed using LC-HRMS had a median coefficient of variation (CV) of 3% and 2.5% between reinjections the same day and after prolonged storage, respectively. The corresponding results for the FIA-HRMS were a median CV of 27% and 21%, respectively. We found significantly (p < 0.05) elevated levels of glycine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), glycerophospholipid PC-O (34:0) and sum of hexoses in SPMS patients compared to controls.Conclusion: The Absolute IDQ-p400 kit could successfully be used for quantifying targeted metabolites in the CSF. Metabolites quantified using LC-HRMS showed superior reproducibility compared to FIA-HRMS.
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| 48. |
- Cunningham, Janet L., et al.
(author)
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Experiences in implementing immunopsychiatry in real life
- 2023
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In: Journal of Affective Disorders Reports. - : Elsevier. - 2666-9153. ; 13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Immunological mechanisms, both alone and in combination, are associated with a broad range of psychiatric disorders encompassing autoimmune, autoinflammatory disorders but also genetic, metabolic, or other immunological disorders. Early treatment improves the outcome for autoimmune disorders, but early diagnosis is more difficult when isolated psychiatric symptoms are manifestations of autoimmunity. Treatment of these cases must encompass integrated models of disease, as both systemic autoimmunity and psychological processes influence mental health. Several challenges need to be overcome to efficiently merge psychiatric and somatic disease paradigms and medical care ranging from language and conceptual barriers to organizational barriers. Since 2015, the Immunopsychiatry team at Uppsala University has developed a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to improve and integrate care for patients with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders. Based on this experience, we have outlined the obstacles to be overcome in taking steps forward to achieve the long-term goal of understanding and early detection and identification of treatable immunological conditions within the psychiatric patient population; the described framework of evaluations and work-flow may serve as a model for other centers.
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| 49. |
- Dagiasi, Ioanna, et al.
(author)
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Treatment of epilepsy in multiple sclerosis
- 2018
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In: Seizure-European Journal of Epilepsy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1059-1311 .- 1532-2688. ; 58, s. 47-51
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: The prevalence of epilepsy is increased in multiple sclerosis (MS), but information on AED treatment and seizure outcome is scarce. We describe epilepsy characteristics including the use of AEDs and proportion of seizure-free patients at two tertiary hospitals in Sweden. Method: We retrospectively studied electronic medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of MS and seizures at Sahlgrenska university hospital and Uppsala university hospital. Clinical data were reviewed until 2017. Results: We identified a total of 62 MS patients with at least one seizure. Median age at the first seizure (before or after MS) was 41 years (range 0-80). The most common MS disease course at the first seizure was secondary progressive MS, the neurological disability was considerable, and most patients had several MRI lesions at their first seizure. The first EEG demonstrated epileptiform discharges in 38% and unspecific pathology in 40%. Current seizure status could be determined for 37 patients. Out of these, 46% had been seizure free for more than one year at last follow-up. The majority of patients (65%) were on monotherapy at last follow-up. Carbamazepine was the most commonly used first AED, with a retention rate of 52%. No individual AED was associated with a particularly high rate of seizure freedom. The most common reason for discontinuation of the first AED was side-effects. Conclusion: Seizure freedom rates were low, perhaps indicating a need for higher ambitions in management. Side effects of AEDs may be a particular concern when treating epilepsy in patients with MS. (C) 2018 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 50. |
- Das, J., et al.
(author)
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Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a first-line disease-modifying therapy in patients with 'aggressive' multiple sclerosis
- 2021
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In: Multiple Sclerosis Journal. - : SAGE Publications. - 1352-4585 .- 1477-0970. ; 27:8, s. 1198-1204
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background:Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an effective treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have highly active disease, despite the use of standard disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). However, the optimal time for offering AHSCT to patients with ‘aggressive’ MS is yet to be established.Objectives:The objective was to explore the safety and efficacy of AHSCT as a first-line DMT in patients with ‘aggressive’ MS.Methods:All patients with ‘aggressive’ MS who received AHSCT as a first-line DMT in five European and North American centres were retrospectively evaluated.Results:Twenty patients were identified. The median interval between diagnosis and AHSCT was 5 (1–20) months. All had multiple poor prognostic markers with a median pre-transplant Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of 5.0 (1.5–9.5). After a median follow-up of 30 (12–118) months, the median EDSS score improved to 2.0 (0–6.5, p < 0.0001). No patient had further relapses. Three had residual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activities in the first 6 months post-transplant, but no further new or enhancing lesions were observed in subsequent scans.Conclusion:AHSCT is safe and effective as a first-line DMT in inducing rapid and sustained remission in patients with ‘aggressive’ MS.
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