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ABSTRACT: Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a common inherited ataxia, caused by an expanded GAA repeat sequence in the Frataxin (FXN) gene. The proprioceptive system, which enters the cerebellum through the cerebellar peduncles, is a primary focus of pathology. In this study, we investigate the relationship of clinical and genetic data with diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) indices reflecting white matter integrity of the cerebellar peduncles. Nine FRDA patients underwent DTI. After between-subject registration using tract-based spatial statistics, a white matter atlas was used for computing average values of DTI indices in the regions of interest. These were the inferior, middle and superior cerebellar peduncles (ICP, MCP, SCP). For Bonferroni correction, significance threshold was set to p < 0.0056. We found that radial diffusivity (D(⊥)) within the ICP significantly correlated with scores on the Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS, Spearman's ρ = 0.883, p = 0.0016, all two-sided) and, at trend level, with number of trinucleotide repeats (ρ = 0.812, p = 0.008). D(⊥) in the SCP correlated with scores on the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA, ρ = 0.867, p = 0.0025). These findings support the role of DTI, and especially D(⊥), as an informative biomarker in FRDA.
Neurological Sciences 05/2013; · 1.32 Impact Factor
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Gregor K Wenning,
Felix Geser,
Florian Krismer,
Klaus Seppi,
Susanne Duerr, Sylvia Boesch,
Martin Köllensperger,
Georg Goebel,
Karl P Pfeiffer,
Paolo Barone, [......],
Ruth Djaldetti,
Eldad Melamed,
Thomas Gasser,
Christoph Kamm,
Giuseppe Meco,
Carlo Colosimo,
Olivier Rascol,
Wassilios G Meissner,
François Tison,
Werner Poewe
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal and still poorly understood degenerative movement disorder that is characterised by autonomic failure, cerebellar ataxia, and parkinsonism in various combinations. Here we present the final analysis of a prospective multicentre study by the European MSA Study Group to investigate the natural history of MSA. METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of MSA were recruited and followed up clinically for 2 years. Vital status was ascertained 2 years after study completion. Disease progression was assessed using the unified MSA rating scale (UMSARS), a disease-specific questionnaire that enables the semiquantitative rating of autonomic and motor impairment in patients with MSA. Additional rating methods were applied to grade global disease severity, autonomic symptoms, and quality of life. Survival was calculated using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and predictors were identified in a Cox regression model. Group differences were analysed by parametric tests and non-parametric tests as appropriate. Sample size estimates were calculated using a paired two-group t test. FINDINGS: 141 patients with moderately severe disease fulfilled the consensus criteria for MSA. Mean age at symptom onset was 56·2 (SD 8·4) years. Median survival from symptom onset as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 9·8 years (95% CI 8·1-11·4). The parkinsonian variant of MSA (hazard ratio [HR] 2·08, 95% CI 1·09-3·97; p=0·026) and incomplete bladder emptying (HR 2·10, 1·02-4·30; p=0·044) predicted shorter survival. 24-month progression rates of UMSARS activities of daily living, motor examination, and total scores were 49% (9·4 [SD 5·9]), 74% (12·9 [8·5]), and 57% (21·9 [11·9]), respectively, relative to baseline scores. Autonomic symptom scores progressed throughout the follow-up. Shorter symptom duration at baseline (OR 0·68, 0·5-0·9; p=0·006) and absent levodopa response (OR 3·4, 1·1-10·2; p=0·03) predicted rapid UMSARS progression. Sample size estimation showed that an interventional trial with 258 patients (129 per group) would be able to detect a 30% effect size in 1-year UMSARS motor examination decline rates at 80% power. INTERPRETATION: Our prospective dataset provides new insights into the evolution of MSA based on a follow-up period that exceeds that of previous studies. It also represents a useful resource for patient counselling and planning of multicentre trials. FUNDING: Fifth Framework Programme of the European Union, the Oesterreichische Nationalbank, and the Austrian Science Fund.
The Lancet Neurology 02/2013; · 23.46 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is caused by reduced expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Cardiac muscle involvement has been attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction, but involvement of skeletal muscle has not been fully investigated. Improved motor skills in FRDA patients after administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) have been reported. To elucidate the characteristics of skeletal muscle in FRDA and assess the potential effects of rhuEPO on skeletal muscle neovascularization and regeneration, 7 genetically confirmed FRDA patients underwent biopsy of the gastrocnemius muscle before and after administration of 3,000 international units of rhuEPO 3 times per week for 2 months. Muscle tissue was investigated using standard histologic methods, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical assays of mitochondrial enzymes. In pretreatment FRDA samples, there were neurogenic and myopathic changes and reduced capillary density versus that in healthy control biopsies (n = 4). Satellite cells were increased, but markers of satellite cell activation and differentiation did not differ from controls. Respiratory chain complex and citrate synthase activities were reduced in FRDA and remained unchanged after treatment. Administration of rhuEPO resulted in increases in muscle capillary densities and in endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood. These data indicate that there are morphological and biochemical abnormalities of skeletal muscle in FRDA. The rhuEPO-induced changes were subtle, but increased capillary density might result in improved oxygen supply and myofiber function.
Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology 07/2012; 71(8):708-15. · 4.26 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Dysarthria is an acquired neurogenic sensorimotor speech symptom and an integral part within the clinical spectrum of ataxia syndromes. Ataxia measurements and disability scores generally focus on the assessment of motor functions. Since comprehensive investigations of dysarthria in ataxias are sparse, we assessed dysarthria in ataxia patients using the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment. The Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment is a ten-item validated test in which eight items focus on the observation of oral structures and speech functions. Fifteen Friedreich's ataxia patients and 15 healthy control individuals were analyzed using clinical and logopedic methodology. All patients underwent neurological assessment applying the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia. In Friedreich's ataxia patients, the Frenchay sub-item voice showed to be most affected compared to healthy individuals followed by items such as reflexes, palate, tongue, and intelligibility. Scoring of lips, jaw, and respiration appeared to be mildly affected. Ataxia severity in Friedreich's ataxia patients revealed a significant correlation with the Frenchay dysarthria sum score. The introduction of a binary Adapted Dysarthria Score additionally allowed allocation to distinct dysarthria pattern in ataxias. The Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment proved to be a valid dysarthria measure in Friedreich's ataxia. Its availability in several languages provides a major advantage regarding the applicability in international clinical studies. Shortcomings of the Frenchay test are the multiplicity of items tested and its alphabetic coding. Numerical scoring and condensation of assessments in a modified version may, however, provide an excellent clinical tool for the measurement and scoring of dysarthria in ataxic speech disorders.
Journal of Neurology 07/2011; 259(3):420-6. · 3.47 Impact Factor
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Heike Jacobi,
Till-Karsten Hauser,
Paola Giunti,
Christoph Globas,
Peter Bauer,
Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch,
László Baliko,
Alessandro Filla,
Caterina Mariotti,
Maria Rakowicz, [......],
Jun-Suk Kang,
Susanne Ratzka,
Berry Kremer,
Dennis A Stephenson,
Béla Melegh,
Massimo Pandolfo,
Sophie Tezenas du Montcel,
Johannes Borkert,
Jörg B Schulz,
Thomas Klockgether
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ABSTRACT: To assess the clinical spectrum of ataxia and cerebellar oculomotor deficits in the most common spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs), we analysed the baseline data of the EUROSCA natural history study, a multicentric cohort study of 526 patients with either spinocerebellar ataxia type 1, 2, 3 or 6. To quantify ataxia symptoms, we used the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). The presence of cerebellar oculomotor signs was assessed using the Inventory of Non-Ataxia Symptoms (INAS). In a subgroup of patients, in which magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were available, we correlated MRI morphometric measures with clinical signs on an exploratory basis. The SARA subscores posture and gait (items 1-3), speech (item 4) and the limb kinetic subscore (items 5-8) did not differ between the genotypes. The scores of SARA item 3 (sitting), 5 (finger chase) and 6 (nose-finger test) differed between the subtypes whereas the scores of the remaining items were not different. In SCA1, ataxia symptoms were correlated with brainstem atrophy and in SCA3 with both brainstem and cerebellar atrophy. Cerebellar oculomotor deficits were most frequent in SCA6 followed by SCA3, whereas these abnormalities were less frequent in SCA1 and SCA2. Our data suggest that vestibulocerebellar, spinocerebellar and pontocerebellar circuits in SCA1, SCA2, SCA3 and SCA6 are functionally impaired to almost the same degree, but at different anatomical levels. The seemingly low prevalence of cerebellar oculomotor deficits in SCA1 and SCA2 is most probably related to the defective saccadic system in these disorders.
The Cerebellum 06/2011; 11(1):155-66. · 3.21 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Friedreich ataxia is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the frataxin gene, leading to reduced levels of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Assays to quantitatively measure frataxin in peripheral blood have been established. To determine the validity of frataxin as a biomarker for clinical trials, we assessed frataxin in clinically affected tissue.
In 7 patients with Friedreich ataxia, frataxin content was measured in blood and skeletal muscle before and after treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin, applying the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.
We found frataxin content to be correlated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and skeletal muscle in drug-naive patients with Friedreich ataxia. The correlation of frataxin content in both compartments remained significant after 8 weeks of treatment. Skeletal-muscle frataxin values correlated with ataxia using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score.
Our results endorse frataxin measurements in peripheral blood cells as a valid biomarker in Friedreich ataxia.
Movement Disorders 06/2011; 26(10):1935-8. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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Wolfgang Nachbauer,
Sascha Hering,
Markus Seifert,
Hannes Steinkellner,
Brigitte Sturm,
Barbara Scheiber-Mojdehkar,
Markus Reindl,
Alexander Strasak,
Werner Poewe,
Guenter Weiss, Sylvia Boesch
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ABSTRACT: Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive inherited neurodegenerative disorder leading to reduced expression of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Previous studies showed frataxin upregulation in FRDA following treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO). Dose-response interactions between frataxin and rhuEPO have not been studied until to date. We administered escalating rhuEPO single doses (5,000, 10,000 and 30,000 IU) in monthly intervals to five adult FRDA patients. Measurements of frataxin, serum erythropoietin levels, iron metabolism and mitochondrial function were carried out. Clinical outcome was assessed using the "Scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia". We found maximal erythropoietin serum concentrations 24 h after rhuEPO application which is comparable to healthy subjects. Frataxin levels increased significantly over 3 months, while ataxia rating did not reveal clinical improvement. All FRDA patients had considerable ferritin decrease. NADH/NAD ratio, an indicator of mitochondrial function, increased following rhuEPO treatment. In addition to frataxin upregulation in response to continuous low-dose rhuEPO application shown in previous studies, our results indicate for a long-lasting frataxin increase after single high-dose rhuEPO administration. To detect frataxin-derived neuroprotective effects resulting in clinically relevant improvement, well-designed studies with extended time frame are required.
The Cerebellum 05/2011; 10(4):763-9. · 3.21 Impact Factor
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Movement Disorders 04/2011; 26(8):1569-71. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch,
Mathieu Coudert,
Sophie Tezenas du Montcel,
Paola Giunti,
Robyn Labrum,
Alexandra Dürr,
Pascale Ribai,
Perrine Charles,
Christoph Linnemann,
Ludger Schöls, [......],
Chantal Depondt,
Jun-Suk Kang,
Jörg B Schulz,
Thomas Klopstock,
Nicole Lossnitzer,
Bernd Löwe,
Caroline Frick,
Daniela Rottländer,
Thomas E Schlaepfer,
Thomas Klockgether
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ABSTRACT: This is a description of the prevalence and profile of depressive symptoms in dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA). Depressive symptoms were assessed in a convenience sample of 526 genetically confirmed and clinically affected patients (117 SCA1, 163 SCA2, 139 SCA3, and 107 SCA6) using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). In addition, depressive status according to the examiner and the use of antidepressants was recorded. Depression self-assessment was compared with an interview-based psychiatric assessment in a subset of 26 patients. Depression prevalence estimates were 17.1% according to the PHQ algorithm and 15.4% when assessed clinically. The sensitivity of clinical impression compared with PHQ classification was low (0.35), whereas diagnostic accuracy of PHQ compared with psychiatric interview in the subset was high. Antidepressants were used by 17.7% of patients and in >10% of patients without current clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Depression profile in SCA did not differ from a sample of patients with major depressive disorder except for the movement-related item. Neither depression prevalence nor use of antidepressants differed between genetic subtypes, with only sleep disturbance more common in SCA3. In a multivariate analysis, ataxia severity and female sex independently predicted depressive status in SCA. The PHQ algorithmic classification is appropriate for use in SCA but should stimulate further psychiatric evaluation if depression is indicated. Despite a higher risk for depression with more severe disease, the relation of depressive symptoms to SCA neurodegeneration remains to be shown.
Movement Disorders 03/2011; 26(5):870-6. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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Martin Köllensperger,
Felix Geser,
Jean-Pierre Ndayisaba, Sylvia Boesch,
Klaus Seppi,
Karen Ostergaard,
Erik Dupont,
A Cardozo,
Eduardo Tolosa,
Michael Abele, [......],
Jose Berciano,
Tanya Gurevich,
Nir Giladi,
Monique Galitzky,
Olivier Rascol,
Christoph Kamm,
Thomas Gasser,
Uwe Siebert,
Werner Poewe,
Gregor K Wenning
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ABSTRACT: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a Parkinson's Disease (PD)-like α-synucleinopathy clinically characterized by dysautonomia, parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, and pyramidal signs in any combination. We aimed to determine whether the clinical presentation of MSA as well as diagnostic and therapeutic strategies differ across Europe and Israel. In 19 European MSA Study Group centres all consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of MSA were recruited from 2001 to 2005. A standardized minimal data set was obtained from all patients. Four-hundred thirty-seven MSA patients from 19 centres in 10 countries were included. Mean age at onset was 57.8 years; mean disease duration at inclusion was 5.8 years. According to the consensus criteria 68% were classified as parkinsonian type (MSA-P) and 32% as cerebellar type (MSA-C) (probable MSA: 72%, possible MSA: 28%). Symptomatic dysautonomia was present in almost all patients, and urinary dysfunction (83%) more common than symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (75%). Cerebellar ataxia was present in 64%, and parkinsonism in 87%, of all cases. No significant differences in the clinical presentation were observed between the participating countries. In contrast, diagnostic work up and therapeutic strategies were heterogeneous. Less than a third of patients with documented orthostatic hypotension or neurogenic bladder disturbance were receiving treatment. This largest clinical series of MSA patients reported so far shows that the disease presents uniformly across Europe. The observed differences in diagnostic and therapeutic management including lack of therapy for dysautonomia emphasize the need for future guidelines in these areas.
Movement Disorders 10/2010; 25(15):2604-12. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch,
Mathieu Coudert,
Paola Giunti,
Christoph Globas,
Laszlo Baliko,
Roberto Fancellu,
Caterina Mariotti,
Alessandro Filla,
Maryla Rakowicz,
Perrine Charles, [......],
Ludger Schöls,
Elszbieta Zdzienicka,
Jun-Suk Kang,
Susanne Ratzka,
Berry Kremer,
Jörg B Schulz,
Thomas Klopstock,
Bela Melegh,
Sophie Tezenas du Montcel,
Thomas Klockgether
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ABSTRACT: Patient-based measures of subjective health status are increasingly used as outcome measures in interventional trials. We aimed to determine the variability and predictors of subjective health ratings in a possible target group for future interventions: the spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs). A consecutive sample of 526 patients with otherwise unexplained progressive ataxia and genetic diagnoses of SCA1 (117), SCA2 (163), SCA3 (139), and SCA6 (107) were enrolled at 18 European referral centers. Subjective health status was assessed with a generic measure of health related quality of life, the EQ-5D (Euroqol) questionnaire. In addition, we performed a neurological examination and a screening questionnaire for affective disorders (patient health questionnaire). Patient-reported health status was compromised in patients of all genotypes (EQ-5D visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) mean 61.45 +/- 20.8). Specifically, problems were reported in the dimensions of mobility (86.9% of patients), usual activities (68%), pain/discomfort (49.4%), depression/anxiety (46.4%), and self care (38.2%). Multivariate analysis revealed three independent predictors of subjective health status: ataxia severity, extent of noncerebellar involvement, and the presence of depressive syndrome. This model explained 30.5% of EQ-VAS variance in the whole sample and might be extrapolated to other SCA genotypes.
Movement Disorders 02/2010; 25(5):587-95. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence for neuroprotective properties of Erythropoietin in neurodegenerative disorders. Although the magnitude of effect is still controversial, very recent findings point to neuronal protection in the central nervous system by Erythropoietins. Erythropoietin is a powerful growth factor which enhances cellular size and ultimatively increases the number of mitochondria. Friedreich Ataxia (FA), an inherited neurodegenerative disorder is caused by a loss of function mutation in the first intron on chromosome 9. FA patients therefore suffer a marked reduction of Frataxin, a mitochondrial protein which is involved in mitochondrial iron homeostasis and/or assembly of iron-sulfur (FeS) proteins and heme synthesis. Mitochondrial dysfunction results in a deleterious energy deficit especially in tissues highly dependent on oxidative phosphorylation such as neurons, muscle cells or pancreatic insular cells. Beneficial effects of recombinant human Erythropoietin (rhuEPO) may derive from an increase in Frataxin levels through currently unknown post-transcriptional and/or post-translational mechanisms. Moreover, additional effects via BDNF and through mitochondrial iron chelation may complete the spectrum of rhuEPOs actions in FA and may be part of its beneficial treatment effects. However, there are clear limitations to chronic rhuEPO treatment. Apart from hematopoietic side effects, tumor growth may be enhanced by rhuEPO application. In this review we provide an overview of studies using rhuEPO in FA and discuss potential beneficial effects of Erythropoietin in FA.
The Open Drug Discovery Journal 01/2010; 2:18-24.
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Katrin Bürk,
Ulrike Mälzig,
Stefanie Wolf,
Suzette Heck,
Konstantinos Dimitriadis,
Tanja Schmitz-Hübsch,
Sascha Hering,
Tobias M Lindig,
Verena Haug,
Dagmar Timmann,
Ingrid Degen,
Bernd Kruse,
Jan-Markus Dörr,
Susanne Ratzka,
Anja Ivo,
Ludger Schöls, Sylvia Boesch,
Thomas Klockgether,
Thomas Klopstock,
Jörg B Schulz
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ABSTRACT: To test the validity and reliability of the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) in Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). SARA is limited to eight items and can be performed rapidly. Ninety-six patients with a molecular genetic diagnosis of FRDA were rated using three different clinical scales, the FRDA Rating Scale (FARS), the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), and SARA. Despite considerable discrepancies in scale size and subscale structure, SARA total scores were significantly correlated with ICARS (r = 0.953, P < 0.0001) and FARS (r = 0.938, P < 0.0001) total scores. SARA total scores also correlated with the activities of daily living (ADL, r = 0.929, P < 0.0001). Although originally developed for the use in dominantly inherited ataxias, which are primarily ataxias of the cerebellar type, SARA can also be used successfully to assess afferent ataxia, which is the predominant form in FRDA. Because SARA is characterized by high interrater reliability and practicability, SARA is applicable and well suited forclinical trials of FRDA.
Movement Disorders 07/2009; 24(12):1779-84. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Friedreich ataxia is the most frequent hereditary ataxia, with an estimated prevalence of 3-4 cases per 100,000 individuals. This autosomal-recessive neurodegenerative disease is characterized by progressive gait and limb ataxia, dysarthria, lower-limb areflexia, decreased vibration sense, muscular weakness in the legs, and a positive extensor plantar response. Non-neurological signs include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and diabetes mellitus. Symptom onset typically occurs around puberty, and life expectancy is 40-50 years. Friedreich ataxia is usually caused by a large GAA-triplet-repeat expansion within the first intron of the frataxin (FXN) gene. FXN mutations cause deficiencies of the iron-sulfur cluster-containing subunits of the mitochondrial electron transport complexes I, II, and III, and of the iron-sulfur protein aconitase. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been addressed in several open-label, non-placebo-controlled trials, which indicated that treatment with idebenone might ameliorate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; a well-designed phase II trial suggested concentration-dependent functional improvements in non-wheelchair-bound children and adolescents. Other current experimental approaches address iron-mediated toxicity, or aim to increase FXN expression through the use of erythropoietin and histone deacetylase inhibitors. This Review provides guidelines, from a European perspective, for the diagnosis of Friedreich ataxia, differential diagnosis of ataxias and genetic counseling, and treatment of neurological and non-neurological symptoms.
Nature Reviews Neurology 05/2009; 5(4):222-34. · 12.46 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In a "proof-of-concept" study, we demonstrated that recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) increases frataxin levels in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) patients. We now report a 6-month open-label clinical pilot study of safety and efficacy of rhuEPO treatment in FRDA. Eight adult FRDA patients received 2.000 IU rhuEPO thrice a week subcutaneously. Clinical outcome measures included Ataxia Rating Scales. Frataxin levels and indicators for oxidative stress were assessed. Hematological parameters were monitored biweekly. Scores in Ataxia Rating Scales such as FARS (P = 0.0063) and SARA (P = 0.0045) improved significantly. Frataxin levels increased (P = 0.017) while indicators of oxidative stress such as urine 8-OHdG (P = 0.012) and peroxide levels decreased (P = 0.028). Increases in hematocrit requiring phlebotomies occurred in 4 of 8 patients. In this explorative open-label clinical pilot study, we found an evidence for clinical improvement together with a persistent increase of frataxin levels and a reduction of oxidative stress parameters in patients with FRDA receiving chronic treatment with rhuEPO. Safety monitoring with regular blood cell counts and parameters of iron metabolism is a potential limitation of this approach.
Movement Disorders 09/2008; 23(13):1940-4. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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Martin Köllensperger,
Felix Geser,
Klaus Seppi,
Michaela Stampfer-Kountchev,
Martin Sawires,
Christoph Scherfler, Sylvia Boesch,
Joerg Mueller,
Vasiliki Koukouni,
Niall Quinn, [......],
Michael Abele,
Thomas Klockgether,
Christoph Kamm,
Thomas Gasser,
Ruth Djaldetti,
Carlo Colosimo,
Giuseppe Meco,
Anette Schrag,
Werner Poewe,
Gregor K Wenning
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ABSTRACT: The clinical diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) is fraught with difficulty and there are no pathognomonic features to discriminate the parkinsonian variant (MSA-P) from Parkinson's disease (PD). Besides the poor response to levodopa, and the additional presence of pyramidal or cerebellar signs (ataxia) or autonomic failure as major diagnostic criteria, certain other clinical features known as "red flags" or warning signs may raise the clinical suspicion of MSA. To study the diagnostic role of these features in MSA-P versus PD patients, a standardized red flag check list (RFCL) developed by the European MSA Study Group (EMSA-SG) was administered to 57 patients with probable MSA-P and 116 patients with probable PD diagnosed according to established criteria. Those red flags with a specifity over 95% were selected for further analysis. Factor analysis was applied to reduce the number of red flags. The resulting set was then applied to 17 patients with possible MSA-P who on follow-up fulfilled criteria of probable MSA-P. Red flags were grouped into related categories. With two or more of six red flag categories present specificity was 98.3% and sensitivity was 84.2% in our cohort. When applying these criteria to patients with possible MSA-P, 76.5% of them would have been correctly diagnosed as probable MSA-P 15.9 (+/-7.0) months earlier than with the Consensus criteria alone. We propose a combination of two out of six red flag categories as additional diagnostic criteria for probable MSA-P.
Movement Disorders 07/2008; 23(8):1093-9. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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Martin Köllensperger MD,
PhD Felix Geser MD,
Klaus Seppi MD,
Michaela Stampfer-Kountchev MD,
Martin Sawires MD,
Christoph Scherfler MD,
Sylvia Boesch MD,
Joerg Mueller MD,
Vasiliki Koukouni MD,
Niall Quinn MD, [......],
Michael Abele,
Thomas Klockgether,
Christoph Kamm,
Thomas Gasser,
Ruth Djaldetti,
Carlo Colosimo,
Giuseppe Meco,
Anette Schrag,
Werner Poewe,
Gregor K. Wenning
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The clinical diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) is fraught with difficulty and there are no pathognomonic features to discriminate the parkinsonian variant (MSA-P) from Parkinson's disease (PD). Besides the poor response to levodopa, and the additional presence of pyramidal or cerebellar signs (ataxia) or autonomic failure as major diagnostic criteria, certain other clinical features known as “red flags” or warning signs may raise the clinical suspicion of MSA. To study the diagnostic role of these features in MSA-P versus PD patients, a standardized red flag check list (RFCL) developed by the European MSA Study Group (EMSA-SG) was administered to 57 patients with probable MSA-P and 116 patients with probable PD diagnosed according to established criteria. Those red flags with a specifity over 95% were selected for further analysis. Factor analysis was applied to reduce the number of red flags. The resulting set was then applied to 17 patients with possible MSA-P who on follow-up fulfilled criteria of probable MSA-P. Red flags were grouped into related categories. With two or more of six red flag categories present specificity was 98.3% and sensitivity was 84.2% in our cohort. When applying these criteria to patients with possible MSA-P, 76.5% of them would have been correctly diagnosed as probable MSA-P 15.9 (±7.0) months earlier than with the Consensus criteria alone. We propose a combination of two out of six red flag categories as additional diagnostic criteria for probable MSA-P. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society.
Movement Disorders 06/2008; 23(8):1093 - 1099. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To determine the role of recombinant human erythropoietin as a possible treatment option in Friedreich's ataxia, we performed an open-label clinical pilot study. Primary outcome measure was the change of frataxin levels at week 8 versus baseline. Twelve Friedreich's ataxia patients received 5,000 units recombinant human erythropoietin three times weekly subcutaneously. Frataxin levels were measured in isolated lymphocytes by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and serum peroxides, were measured. Treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin showed a persistent and significant increase in frataxin levels after 8 weeks (p < 0.01). All patients showed a reduction of oxidative stress markers.
Annals of Neurology 11/2007; 62(5):521-4. · 11.09 Impact Factor
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Martin Köllensperger,
Klaus Seppi,
Claudia Liener, Sylvia Boesch,
Dirk Heute,
Katherina J Mair,
Joerg Mueller,
Martin Sawires,
Christoph Scherfler,
Michael F Schocke,
Eveline Donnemilier,
Irene Virgolini,
Gregor K Wenning,
Werner Poewe
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ABSTRACT: Both diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) of the basal ganglia and meta-iodobenzylguanidin (MIBG) scintigraphy of the heart have been reported useful in the differential diagnosis of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) vs. the parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA-P). Their diagnostic value, however, has never been directly compared in patients with parkinsonism and autonomic dysfunction. We have studied 9 patients with PD and 9 patients with MSA-P matched for age and disease severity. Regional trace of the diffusion tensor values were determined in the putamina. Cardiac MIBG uptake was quantified by comparing regions of interest over heart and mediastinum Heart/Mediastinum (H/M) ratio. Furthermore, all patients underwent tilt testing. PD patients showed significantly lower H/M ratios than normal controls; however, there was considerable overlap between the two patient groups. We did not detect any significant differences of blood pressure response to passive tilt between the two patient groups. Sensitivity of MIBG scintigraphy versus DWI for the differentiation of MSA-P from PD was 55.6% vs. 100%, specificity 88.8% vs. 100%, and area under the curve 0.802 vs. 1.000. Our data suggest that DWI is superior to both tilt table testing and MIBG scintigraphy in the differential diagnosis of PD versus MSA-P.
Movement Disorders 10/2007; 22(12):1771-6. · 4.51 Impact Factor
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Martin Köllensperger MD,
Klaus Seppi MD,
Claudia Liener MD,
Sylvia Boesch MD,
Dirk Heute MD,
Katherina J. Mair MD,
Joerg Mueller MD,
Martin Sawires MD,
Christoph Scherfler MD,
Michael F. Schocke MD, [......],
Dirk Heute,
Katherina J. Mair,
Joerg Mueller,
Martin Sawires,
Christoph Scherfler,
Michael F. Schocke,
Eveline DonnemilIer,
Irene Virgolini,
Gregor K. Wenning,
Werner Poewe
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ABSTRACT: Both diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) of the basal ganglia and meta-iodobenzylguanidin (MIBG) scintigraphy of the heart have been reported useful in the differential diagnosis of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) vs. the parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy (MSA-P). Their diagnostic value, however, has never been directly compared in patients with parkinsonism and autonomic dysfunction. We have studied 9 patients with PD and 9 patients with MSA-P matched for age and disease severity. Regional trace of the diffusion tensor values were determined in the putamina. Cardiac MIBG uptake was quantified by comparing regions of interest over heart and mediastinum Heart/Mediastinum (H/M) ratio. Furthermore, all patients underwent tilt testing. PD patients showed significantly lower H/M ratios than normal controls; however, there was considerable overlap between the two patient groups. We did not detect any significant differences of blood pressure response to passive tilt between the two patient groups. Sensitivity of MIBG scintigraphy versus DWI for the differentiation of MSA-P from PD was 55.6% vs. 100%, specificity 88.8% vs. 100%, and area under the curve 0.802 vs. 1.000. Our data suggest that DWI is superior to both tilt table testing and MIBG scintigraphy in the differential diagnosis of PD versus MSA-P. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Movement Disorders 09/2007; 22(12):1771 - 1776. · 4.51 Impact Factor
