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Novakova L, Hedström AK, Axelsson M, Brandt AF, Alfredsson L, Olsson T, Lycke J. Medically unexplained symptoms are common in women in tertiary neurological healthcare center: A survey cohort study of persons investigated for suspected multiple sclerosis. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3459. [PMID: 38451005 PMCID: PMC10918608 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant proportion of individuals with suspicious onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) does not fulfill the diagnostic criteria. Although some receive other diagnoses, many remain undiagnosed and lack healthcare follow-up. This study aimed to characterize persons with undetermined diagnosis (PwUD) through a questionnaire. METHODS Incident cases with suspected MS were consecutively admitted to a tertiary neurological healthcare center in a prospective cohort study. Those who remained undiagnosed after 40 months (mean, range 31-52) were considered PwUD. They completed a modified questionnaire, previously used in a population-based case-control study of incident MS cases. Their responses were compared with two control cohorts, persons with MS (PwMS) and healthy controls, randomly selected from national registries, matched by age, gender, and area of residence. RESULTS Out of 271 patients with suspected MS onset, 72 (20.3%) were PwUD with a female majority (79%). The response rate was 83% and 39% reported persisting MS-like symptoms. Compared to controls (n = 548) and PwMS (n = 277), fewer PwUD were currently smoking (p = .4 and p = .03), consumed less alcohol (p = .04 and p = .01), and had children (p = .02 and p = .002). PwUD reported occurrence of other autoimmune disease in 29%, higher compared to PwMS and controls (p < .001 and p < .001). CONCLUSIONS UD is common among persons investigated for suspected MS, in particular among female parents. Our data suggest that PwUD can be characterized as nonsmokers with low alcohol consumption and a higher prevalence of autoimmune disease, in particular thyroid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Novakova
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Neurology, Region Västra GötalandSahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Anna Karin Hedström
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
- Center for Molecular MedicineKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Markus Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Neurology, Region Västra GötalandSahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Anne Frandsen Brandt
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Neurology, Region Västra GötalandSahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
| | - Lars Alfredsson
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Region StockholmStockholmSweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
| | - Tomas Olsson
- Department of Clinical NeuroscienceKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
- Center for Molecular MedicineKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Jan Lycke
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Neurology, Region Västra GötalandSahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
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Carlson AM, Sollero CV, Nair KV, Sillau S, Wu Q, Gyang T, Li Z, Armstrong MJ. Prevalence of multiple sclerosis and treatment utilization in a large, highly diverse population. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 61:103784. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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van Rensburg SJ, van Toorn R, Erasmus RT, Hattingh C, Johannes C, Moremi KE, Kemp MC, Engel-Hills P, Kotze MJ. Pathology-supported genetic testing as a method for disability prevention in multiple sclerosis (MS). Part I. Targeting a metabolic model rather than autoimmunity. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:1151-1167. [PMID: 33909200 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00711-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this Review (Part I), we investigate the scientific evidence that multiple sclerosis (MS) is caused by the death of oligodendrocytes, the cells that synthesize myelin, due to a lack of biochemical and nutritional factors involved in mitochondrial energy production in these cells. In MS, damage to the myelin sheaths surrounding nerve axons causes disruption of signal transmission from the brain to peripheral organs, which may lead to disability. However, the extent of disability is not deterred by the use of MS medication, which is based on the autoimmune hypothesis of MS. Rather, disability is associated with the loss of brain volume, which is related to the loss of grey and white matter. A pathology-supported genetic testing (PSGT) method, developed for personalized assessment and treatment to prevent brain volume loss and disability progression in MS is discussed. This involves identification of MS-related pathogenic pathways underpinned by genetic variation and lifestyle risk factors that may converge into biochemical abnormalities associated with adverse expanded disability status scale (EDSS) outcomes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings during patient follow-up. A Metabolic Model is presented which hypothesizes that disability may be prevented or reversed when oligodendrocytes are protected by nutritional reserve. Evidence for the validity of the Metabolic Model may be evaluated in consecutive test cases following the PSGT method. In Part II of this Review, two cases are presented that describe the PSGT procedures and the clinical outcomes of these individuals diagnosed with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J van Rensburg
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Ronald van Toorn
- Department of Pediatric Medicine and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rajiv T Erasmus
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Coenraad Hattingh
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Clint Johannes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kelebogile E Moremi
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Merlisa C Kemp
- Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Penelope Engel-Hills
- Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maritha J Kotze
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Cape Town, South Africa
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Constantinescu C, Novakova L, Brandt AF, Malmeström C, Constantinescu R, Axelsson M, Lycke J. Persons with suspicious onset of multiple sclerosis but with undetermined diagnosis had persistent lower cognition and reduced quality of life. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2021; 52:102977. [PMID: 33964570 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.102977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGOUND Differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) includes a variety of disorders and misdiagnosis is common. OBJECTIVE To follow-up persons with suspected onset of MS but in whom the diagnostic investigation was negative. METHODS In a prospective study including 271 persons with clinical features of suspected MS onset, 136 persons were diagnosed with MS or clinically isolated syndrome (PwMS), 46 had other disorders, and 89 persons had a negative diagnostic work-up, i.e. persons with undetermined diagnosis (PwUD). They underwent diagnostic reassessment, and those who remained without a diagnosis were investigated for signs of pathology including cognitive tests and assessments of quality of life (QoL). Results were compared with those of PwMS and 24 age and sex matched healthy controls (HC). RESULTS After reassement 55 (20%) persons still had undetermined diagnosis (PwUD). They had similar age and gender distribution as PwMS. In 76% of PwUD, the suspected clinical onset included sensory symptoms. PwUD and PwMS scored similarly in cognitive tests and QoL but significantly lower than HC. At 3 years follow-up, PwMS and PwUD improved in most test parameters, but PwUD scored lower than PwMS in cognition. CONCLUSION PwUD constituted the dominating differential diagnosis in persons with suspected clinical onset of MS. QoL and cognition were comparable with those of PwMS but significantly lower than in HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Constantinescu
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gotheburg, Sweden
| | - Lenka Novakova
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gotheburg, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | | | - Clas Malmeström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gotheburg, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Radu Constantinescu
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gotheburg, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Markus Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gotheburg, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Lycke
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gotheburg, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Kaisey M, Solomon AJ, Luu M, Giesser BS, Sicotte NL. Incidence of multiple sclerosis misdiagnosis in referrals to two academic centers. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2019; 30:51-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2019.01.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Kister I, Corboy JR. Reducing costs while enhancing quality of care in MS. Neurology 2016; 87:1617-1622. [PMID: 27590294 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid escalation in prices of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) over the past decade has resulted in a dramatic overall increase in the costs of MS-related care. In this article, we outline various approaches whereby neurologists can contribute to responsible cost containment while maintaining, and even enhancing, the quality of MS care. The premise of the article is that clinicians are uniquely positioned to introduce innovative management strategies that are both medically sound and cost-efficient. We describe our "top 5" recommendations, including strategies for customizing relapse treatment; developing alternative dosing schedules for Food and Drug Administration-approved MS DMTs; using off-label therapies for relapse suppression; and limiting the use of DMTs to those who clearly fulfill diagnostic criteria, and who might benefit from continued use over time. These suggestions are well-grounded in the literature and our personal experience, but are not always supported with rigorous Class I evidence as yet. We advocate for neurologists to take a greater role in shaping clinical research agendas and helping to establish cost-effective approaches on a firm empiric basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Kister
- From the Department of Neurology (I.K.), NYU Multiple Sclerosis Care Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (J.R.C.), University of Colorado School of Medicine; and Rocky Mountain MS Center at University of Colorado (J.R.C.), Aurora.
| | - John R Corboy
- From the Department of Neurology (I.K.), NYU Multiple Sclerosis Care Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY; Department of Neurology (J.R.C.), University of Colorado School of Medicine; and Rocky Mountain MS Center at University of Colorado (J.R.C.), Aurora
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Toledano M, Weinshenker BG, Solomon AJ. A Clinical Approach to the Differential Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2015; 15:57. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-015-0576-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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