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M Alter

Publications and source records attributed to M Alter.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

HLA-D typing in multiple sclerosis: Israelis tested with European homozygous typing cells.

The association of A3, B7, Dw2 and DR2 histocompatibility (HLA) markers with multiple sclerosis (MS) is well established among Northern Europeans and Caucasoids in the United States. We showed previously that A3 and B7 were not increased among Israelis with MS, and in a preliminary study Dw2 as well. An association of A3 and B7 is also lacking in Italians, Jordanian and Japanese MS patients. In Black American MS patients, the B7 frequency is slightly increased but Dw2 is still significantly associated with MS. For the HLA-DR antigen series DR2 is shown to have a stronger association to MS than A3 and B7. Conceivably, this antigen could be associated with MS even in populations where an association with A3 or B7 is lacking. Therefore, a study of HLA-A, B, C, DR and D antigens was carried out in Israel. No significant excess or deficiency of HLA antigens was found in MS. Possible explanations for these results are as follows: (1) the relevant HLA-D alleles in the Jewish population were not detected by the homozygous typing cells (HTCs) used, since they were derived primarily from European sources; (2) in contrast to the Caucasoid populations the genetic factor predisposing for MS is not associated with HLA alleles in the Israeli population; (3) MS is an heterogeneous disease and in Israelis, an environmental factor is sufficient to cause the disease.

Europe↗
PubMed1982

Histocompatibility (HLA) antigens and multiple sclerosis in Israelis.

The association of A3, B7 and Dw2 histocompatibility (HLA) markers with multiple sclerosis (MS) is well established among North Europeans and Whites in the United States, but is apparently not universal. We previously showed that the incidence of A3, B7 and Dw2 was not higher among Israelis with MS. An association of A3 and B7 was also lacking in Italian, Jordanian and Japanese groups with MS. Recently, the HLA-DR antigen DR2 was shown to have a stronger association with MS than do A3 and B7. Conceivably, DR2 could be associated with MS even in populations where an association with A3 or B7 is lacking. Therefore, a study of DR antigens was carried out in 45 carefully defined Israeli MS patients and in matched control subjects. No significant association between MS and DR antigens was found. We conclude that the association between HLA antigens and MS is specific only to certain populations or particular regions. The implications of this observation on the role played by HLA antigens in the etiopathogenesis of MS is discussed.

HLA Antigens↗
PubMed1981

MS in twins.

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Adult↗
PubMed1981

Acute transverse myelitis: incidence and etiologic considerations.

There have been few population-based studies of acute transverse myelitis (ATM). Therefore, incidence and population selectivity of this disorder in different regions is not well known. Data on all Jewish patients with ATM throughout Israel were collected for the period 1955 through 1975. Based on 62 patients who satisfied rigid diagnostic criteria, the average annual incidence rate was 1.34 per million population. No significant difference in incidence was noted between European/American-born and Afro/Asian-born populations. There was no significant seasonal or annual fluctuation in frequency. In 37% of the patients, a history of infection prior to ATM was reported, more commonly among younger patients. ATM rarely evolved into multiple sclerosis. More than one-third of the patients with ATM made a good recovery; in another one-third recovery was only fair; 14 patients failed to improve and 3 died. If other population-based studies of ATM were undertaken, comparison with our results might shed further light on the causes of this disorder.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1980

Torsion dystonia in Israel.

A country-wide search for idiopathic torsion dystonia (ITD) in Israel between 1969 and 1975 revealed 42 patients (41 Jewish and 1 Druze Arab). Prevalence of ITD per million population, age-adjusted to the United States population in 1970, was 10.8 in the total Jewish population (22.0 among Jews of European extraction contrasted with 1.5 among Jews with Afro-Asian forebears). Among Europeans, the highest prevalence was among Jews from Eastern Europe. The average age-adjusted annual incidence rates per million population were 0.43 in the total Jewish population, 0.98 in the Europeans, and 0.11 in the Afro-Asians. Among the 40 patients for whom familial data were available, the majority of cases (26) were sporadic. The other 14 belonged to four unrelated European families, all of Russian-Polish origin. The pattern of inheritance in these four families fits an autosomal dominant model with incomplete penetrance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Genetic segregation of multiple sclerosis and histocompatibility (HLA) haplotypes.

The possibility that a gene determining susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MSS) may be closely linked to the major histocompatibility locus (HLA) is suggested by observation of a loose association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and certain HLA determinants. In the present study, the possible association was analyzed by studying the segregation of MS and the HLA haplotypes in families with more than one case of MS. Analysis of 48 published families revealed that the haplotype shared by those with MS within the family was also shared by those without clinical signs of MS at close to the 50% frequency expected by chance. Thus, we were unable to demonstrate that MS is associated with one HLA defined parental haplotype. We discussed reasons for this apparent failure to demonstrate existence of an MSS gene using available multiplex MS families.

HLA Antigens↗
PubMed1979

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: familial clustering among Libyan-born Israelis.

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease was studied among Libyan-born Israelis, in whom the disease appears with unusual frequency. Interviews with relatives of deceased victims revealed statistically significant clustering within families. The results suggest either a common source of exposure or a genetic influence on susceptibility to the virus.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: a review of neurological complications.

A case of pseudoxanthoma elasticum with multisystem involvement is described. Neurological complications, as reported in the literature, are reviewed. These include cerebrovascular insufficiency, multiple lacunar infarcts, aneurysms, subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhages, progressive intellectual deterioration, and psychic and mental disturbance which may be due to cortical atrophy. Seizures occur more frequently than in the general population. Hypertension and alteration of cerebral vessels are the two basic pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the neurological complications of this disease.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed1978

Clinical features of the Guillain-Barré syndrome.

In a country-wide search for patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in Israel, 89 patients were found between 1969 and 1972 who met standardized diagnostic criteria. These cases, derived from a well defined population, were analyzed to provide a more accurate picture of the full range of clinical signs than is available from selected case series in the literature. Preceding illnesses, presenting symptoms, maximal neurological deficit, reflex changes, sensory deficit, cranial nerve, sphincter, respiratory, autonomic disturbances and spinal fluid changes were determined. Mortality was 5.6% which is lower than in many series. Alternatives to account for the apparent benignity of GBS in Israel were offered.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Epidemiology of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

From 1969 through 1972, a nationwide search for cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is Israel revealed 89 patients. The average annual age-adjusted incidence was 0.75 per 10(5) persons. Overall incidence of the syndrome was similar in Jewish groups of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Arabs had a lower overall incidence than Jews (0.46 per 10(5) persons), perhaps attributable to fewer Arabs at risk in older age groups. Peaks of incidence occurred among individuals over 60 and under 4 years of age when all cases were combined. No clear seasonal or geographic clustering of GBS was evident in Israel during the 4 years of this study. The incidence of GBS in the present study agrees with previous population-based estimates.

Adolescent↗