BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis is presumably cell-mediated autoimmune disorder with immune abnormalities as presence of activated T-cells and increase interleukin 2 (IL-2) and soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels in central nervous system and peripheral blood of patients. The aim of immunosuppressive treatment is to diminish such activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of immunosuppressive cladribine treatment with total dose of 2.1 mg/kg b.w. administered in 7 cycles for 12 months, on serum leucocytes in 34 chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (CPMS) patients observed for 2 years as well as IL-2 and sIL-2R serum levels assessed before and right after the treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The patients were divided in two groups: group I, cladribine-treated, n = 34; group II, placebo-treated, n = 35. Group III were healthy controls, n = 20. Leucocyte levels were determined with flow-cytometry. IL-2 and sIL-2R levels were assessed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Statistically significant gradual decrease of lymphocyte level was observed from 7th week to 12th month after the beginning of treatment. During the following 12 months, lymphocyte levels remained decreased in comparison to baseline. Mean values of IL-2 and sIL-2R levels measured 12 months after the treatment were found to be lowered by 20% (p. = 0.01) and by 24% (p. = 0.0005), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate fast and long-lasting decrease of serum leucocyte level and suppressive influence of cladribine treatment on immune processes in multiple sclerosis patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Spontaneous intracranial epidural accumulation of air in a patient with excessive skull pneumatization].

We report a rare case of spontaneous epidural accumulation of air in the occipital region resulting from an unusual hyperpneumatization of the cranium in a 37-year-old miner. For suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage the patient was admitted to neurological department. Performed computed tomography (CT) revealed extensive hyperpneumatization of the cranium, involving also the upper part of the cervical vertebral column, and epidural pneumocephalus. To the authors knowledge, so much pneumatization of the cranium seems to be very rare and when present, however, can cause spontaneous pneumocephalus. Based on the two years follow-up of this patient, conservative therapy showed to be sufficient for him, despite this, we have suggested him periodically perform CT of the head.

Adult↗

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[IgM immunoglobulin in cerebrospinal fluid in cases of multiple sclerosis (preliminary report)].

In cases of multiple sclerosis, central nervous system syphilis and other neurological diseases the IgM was determined in the cerebrospinal fluid by means of radial diffusion. The control group comprised patients with neurosis. It was found that IgM determinations must be done in concentrated fluid when this method is used. Raised total and percent level of IgM in the cerebrospinal fluid was observed in 8 out of 29 cases of multiple sclerosis in the acute phase of the disease.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Blood levels of selected hormones in patients with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Hormonal studies in patients with multiple sclerosis are rare and they often produce results which are difficult to interpret. These investigations, however, are becoming more and more important as they may cast some light on possible interrelationships between hormonal and immune systems. The aim of the present work was to investigate endocrine function in patients with multiple sclerosis on the basis of blood levels of selected pituitary (TSH, ACTH, GH) and thyroid hormones (T3, T4), and cortisol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-nine MS subjects, including 25 menstruating women, 6 post-menopausal women and 18 men were included in the analysis. The hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay and immunoradiometric assay kids. RESULTS: Pituitary function in respect of TSH, corticotropin and growth hormone secretion was normal. Both men and women suffering from multiple sclerosis manifested low serum T3 concentrations coexisting with normal T4 levels which may indicate changed peripheral conversion pathway of thyroid hormones. On the other hand, the disturbances in pituitary-adrenal cortex system in respect of glycocorticosteroid secretion were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Normal function in respect to pituitary hormones (TSH, corticotropin, growth hormone) and normal T4 level versus low serum T3 concentration may indicate changes in peripheral conversion pathway of thyroid hormones in MS patients.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Activity of sRNA-amino acyl synthetases in experimental cyanide encephalopathy.

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Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Changes in the cerebrospinal fluid levels of adenosine cyclic- 3',5'-monophosphate (c-AMP) in patients with generalized tonic-clonic epileptic seizures].

Authors evaluated the activity of c-AMP in the CSF as the biochemical marker for evaluation of epileptic seizure activity in patients with epilepsy. The impact of monitored phenytoin treatment on c-AMP activity in CSF was investigated. It was shown that the general tonic-clonic seizures cause a significant concentration increase of c-AMP in CSF. Monitored phenytoin treatment had a stabilizing effect on c-AMP activity in CSF.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Mortality in vascular diseases of the central nervous in the Katowice province in comparison with other provinces and all Poland (evaluation based on hospital statistical charts)].

As part of the programme of investigations on the effect of environmental pollution, which is far advanced in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, on the health of the population the authors analysed the death rate from vascular diseases of the central nervous system. Using the data of the Central Statistical Bureau this death rate in the years 1976-1986 in the Province of Katowice was compared with those in the neighbouring provinces of Bielsko, Czestochowa and Opole, and with those in the so called clean provinces--Chełm, Zamość, Zielona Góra. The death rate from these diseases in the provinces of Katowice, Czestochowa and Opole (with particularly high pollution of air and soil) was higher than in the control provinces, and the authors consider the possibility of a harmful effect of this pollution on the incidence of and mortality from the vascular diseases of the central nervous system. The increase of the death rate in the Province of Katowice was due to a 49% rise in the mortality in the group of men aged 50-59 years. The rise of this death rate in Poland was caused by increased mortality in the age group 40-59 years, and not in the older age groups, as it had been prognosticated earlier. The authors suggest long-term prospective studies in this region.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Effect of ACTH therapy on IgG synthesis in cerebrospinal fluid spaces in patients with disseminated sclerosis].

In 33 cases of multiple sclerosis treated with ACTH (2500 u during 40 days) IgG and albumins were determined in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid by Mancini's method. These determinations served for calculation of the IgG: albumin ration and IgG index. After the treatment a significant reduction was found of the serum level of IgG and IgG index, without significant changes in albumin concentration. The effect of ACTH therapy on IgG synthesis within the CSF spaces was not significant in the whole group. In the subgroup of patients with initially demonstrated IgG synthesis within the CSF spaces (before the treatment) a significant decrease was found of the IgG index and a non-significant decrease of the absolute IgG level in the CSF. A comparison of the results with our previous investigations shows that ACTH, despite its positive effect on multiple sclerosis exacerbations exerts a much weaker effect on the local IgG synthesis in the central nervous system than high doses of prednisone, despite an evident reduction of serum IgG level by ACTH.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Prospective evaluation of the effectiveness of high doses of methylprednisolone in multiple sclerosis].

The aim of the reported study was an assessment of the effectiveness of high doses of methylprednisolone in the treatment of active exacerbation and its effect on the natural course of multiple sclerosis. The study was carried out on 24 patients with clinically certain disease, who were divided, according to the treatment given to them, into two subgroups: treated with methylprednisolone and treated with prednisone. The treatment was conducted by the double blind method. The statistical analysis of the results obtained in this material showed that in patients with acute and severe exacerbation of the disease methylprednisolone administration in high doses caused a rapid regression of paralysis and paresis and improved motor efficiency. However, an evaluation of the results after a year from treatment termination showed in both subgroups a progression of clinical changes and increased motor deficiency. This suggests that treatment with corticosteroids has no significant effect on the course of multiple sclerosis.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Evaluation of the results of treating progressive multiple sclerosis with cyclophosphamide].

Cyclophosphamide (4000 mg intravenously, in daily doses of 400 mg) in combination with moderate dose of prednisone (1075 mg during 30 days) was given to 39 patients with the chronically progressing form of multiple sclerosis. The results of this treatment were evaluated immediately after the treatment and one and two years later, using a numerical scale of neurological examination in the scales of motor efficiency A. I. (ambulation index) and the DDS (disability status scale of Kurtzke). In the first year after this treatment stabilization of the disease (60% of cases) or even clinical improvement (10-20%) were noted. However, in the second year after the treatment an evident progression of symptoms occurred in 50-60% of cases. In view of moderately positive results of this treatment it is necessary to carry out observations extended over many years, to repeat cyclophosphamide cycles, and to compare the results with those after other immunosuppressants.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Value of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of non-concentrated cerebrospinal fluid in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis].

Using SDS-PAGE for non-concentrated cerebrospinal fluid investigations connected with immunofixation and silver impregnation of gels the authors found oligoclonal IgG in 39 cases (95%) of clinically reliably diagnosed multiple sclerosis, and in 92.3% of probable multiple sclerosis cases. The number of IgG lines reached 13, while in the control group of neuroses it never exceeded 6-8. Comparative analysis of the IgG spectrum in cerebrospinal fluid and serum in the same multiple sclerosis cases demonstrated different IgG patterns which were only partly similar. Moreover, it was found that the electrophoretic pattern of cerebrospinal fluid proteins in each case of multiple sclerosis had an individual peculiar pattern of Ig spectrum. The use of SDS-PAGE in combination with silver impregnation made possible obtaining of qualitatively very good separation in 10-20 microliters samples of non-concentrated cerebrospinal fluid. The silver impregnation method is 50-100 times more sensitive than the traditional staining of gel with Coomasie Blue R-250. In multiple sclerosis SDS-PAGE of non-concentrated cerebrospinal fluid combined with silver impregnation of gel is a very god diagnostic method.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Eales disease and multiple sclerosis. Case report].

The authors report a case of coexistence of Eales disease and multiple sclerosis in which signs of perivenous retinitis preceded by 25 years the appearance of neurological changes. Considering the similarity in the course of both disease and the histological character of perivascular changes the authors suggest presence of a common causative factor and pathological mechanism of the development of clinical changes.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Neuronal ceroid-lipofuscinosis--a childhood form. Clinical study].

Ten cases of the late-childhood form of neuronal ceroidolipofuscinosis are presented stressing particularly the great uniformity of the clinical pattern in various cases. Epileptic fits were the presenting sign, followed by progressive dementia, motor disturbances and visual disturbances. The appearance of these clinical signs associated with diffuse, high-grade dysrhythmia in EEG and progressing cerebral atrophy in CT images are indications to rectal mucosa biopsy or biopsy examination of the appendix, skin or conjunctiva. Histochemical and ultrastructural examinations of biopsy material make possible intravital diagnosis of neuronal ceroidolipofuscinosis.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Cerebral proteins in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

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Animals↗