Mansur A Kutlubaev, Ekaterina V Pervushina, Matthew C Kiernan
{"title":"The nature of fatigue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Mansur A Kutlubaev, Ekaterina V Pervushina, Matthew C Kiernan","doi":"10.1007/s13760-025-02890-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-025-02890-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) typically describe symptoms of fatigue. Despite this frequency, the underlying mechanisms of fatigue are poorly understood, and are likely multifactorial. To help clarify mechanisms, the present systematic review was undertaken to determine the risk factors related to fatigue in ALS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases using key words. From a total of 40,014 articles, 18 articles were included in the final review, following PRISMA guidelines. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to study the relationship between fatigue in ALS and different covariates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighteen studies were included in the analysis. A number of factors were investigated, including age, sex, disease severity and duration, site of disease onset, neurophysiological parameters, and respiratory symptoms, depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, and pain. Combined analyses established that participants with ALS who reported fatigue had more severe disease, as confirmed by lower functional rating scores, than those who did not report fatigue. The remaining factors including depression, anxiety and pain, were not found to be related to the onset of fatigue in ALS. Overall, fatigue worsened quality of life in patients diagnosed with ALS.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Fatigue in ALS appears to be particularly associated with progressive neurological deficit and disability, linked to both central and peripheral neuromuscular mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":7042,"journal":{"name":"Acta neurologica Belgica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145022565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A study of the responsiveness of the Six-Spot Step Test in people with multiple sclerosis.","authors":"Esben Køhler, Jacob Callsen, John Kodal Brincks","doi":"10.1007/s13760-025-02887-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-025-02887-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the responsiveness of the Six-Spot Step Test (SSST) in people with multiple sclerosis to assess its capability as a measure for detecting changes in gait and balance capacity following a 10-week training intervention.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The SSST, Timed 25-Foot Walk, and mini-BESTest were administered to 71 individuals with MS, ranging from mild to severe disability, before and after a 10-week program of progressive resistance and balance training. However, 16 patients were lost to follow-up. This study adhered to the COSMIN framework for reporting and evaluating the psychometric properties of health-related outcome measures.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Spearman's analyses revealed a moderate negative correlation between changes in the SSST and the mini-BESTest (r<sub>s</sub> = -0.33, p = 0.02) and changes in the SSST and the Timed 25-Foot Walk (r<sub>s</sub> = -0.37, p = 0.01). Significant median (min;max) changes and corresponding effect sizes (ES) were observed in the SSST (-1.4 (-11.4;4.7), p < 0.001, ES = -0.84), the Mini-BESTest (3 (-3;13), p < 0.001, ES = 0.89), and the Timed 25-Foot Walk (0.09 (-0.21;0.54), p < 0.001, ES = 0.71).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The SSST serves as a sensitive measure for changes in gait and balance capacity. Furthermore, the consistently large effect sizes observed across all three gait and balance assessments following the exercise intervention suggest that these measures reflect a shared underlying construct-functional mobility-which is essential for independent community living.</p>","PeriodicalId":7042,"journal":{"name":"Acta neurologica Belgica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144991200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Neurological impairments in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A comprehensive review.","authors":"Xiao-Fang Zhang, Wenguang Hu, Jie Hu","doi":"10.1007/s13760-025-02880-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-025-02880-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most prevalent form of muscular dystrophy, is characterized by neurological complications including cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric disorders, and epilepsy. Neuroimaging investigations have demonstrated structural brain alterations, hemodynamic disturbances, and metabolic dysregulation in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. These neurological impairments are primarily attributed to cerebral dystrophin deficiency and subsequent downstream molecular/cellular abnormalities, including altered excitation-inhibition balance, blood-brain barrier disruption, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. Current therapeutic strategies focus on two main methods: (1) enhancing brain expression of truncated dystrophin; (2) addressing downstream consequences of dystrophin loss. This review synthesizes recent literature on the neurological manifestations of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, providing a theoretical framework to inform clinical management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7042,"journal":{"name":"Acta neurologica Belgica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144991210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fear of falling, gait capacity, and dual task performance in multiple sclerosis patients with and without neurogenic overactive bladder.","authors":"Humeyra Kiloatar, Cimen Olcay Demir, Aylin Aydogdu Delibay, Dursun Ceylan, Emine Saygin Uysal","doi":"10.1007/s13760-025-02889-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-025-02889-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms significantly affect the independence and quality of life in patient with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) by limiting daily activities. This study aimed to explore differences in fear of falling (FoF), gait, dual-task performance, and self-perceived impact of disease among PwMS with and without OAB.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Participants were divided into two groups based on their Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-V8) scores: OAB (score ≥ 8) and non-OAB (score < 8). Assessments included the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) for FoF, the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) for gait capacity, the Dual-Task Questionnaire (DTQ) for dual-task performance, and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) for self-perceived impact of disease.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 78 PwMS. Significant differences were found between groups in fall history, number of falls, and all outcome measures (OAB-V8, FES-I, DTQ, 2MWT, MSIS-29; p < 0.001). OAB-V8 scores positively correlated with FES-I, DTQ, and MSIS-29 (r = 0.71-0.78, p < 0.001) and negatively with 2MWT (r = -0.38, p < 0.001). Similar patterns were observed between FES-I, DTQ, and MSIS-29, which showed strong positive correlations, while both negatively correlated with 2MWT.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PwMS with OAB exhibit higher FoF, poorer gait, and impaired dual-task performance compared to those without OAB. These findings highlight the significant impact of OAB on functional and disease-related outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7042,"journal":{"name":"Acta neurologica Belgica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144991271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ari Maruani, Sophie Demeret, Mathilde Piljan, Nicolas Weiss, Clémence Marois
{"title":"Zilucoplan in myasthenic crisis refractory to conventional treatment: a report of two cases.","authors":"Ari Maruani, Sophie Demeret, Mathilde Piljan, Nicolas Weiss, Clémence Marois","doi":"10.1007/s13760-025-02860-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-025-02860-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7042,"journal":{"name":"Acta neurologica Belgica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144938543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Risk of psychosis following mild traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Akinwale Aguda, Ioannis Mavroudis","doi":"10.1007/s13760-025-02883-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-025-02883-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as concussion, has historically been regarded as a transient and benign condition. However, recent studies suggest it may increase the risk of long-term psychiatric outcomes, including psychosis. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the association between mTBI and subsequent risk of psychosis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar was conducted through June 2025. Studies were eligible if they included individuals with a history of mTBI, a non-TBI control group, and reported psychosis-related outcomes with estimable risk measures. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the metafor package in R. Risk of bias and publication bias were assessed, and meta-regression was conducted to explore moderators such as adjustment status and effect size type.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven studies comprising pediatric and adult populations were included. The pooled risk ratio (RR) for psychosis following mTBI was 1.57 (95% CI: 1.28-1.91, p < 0.001), indicating a statistically significant association. The 95% prediction interval (1.03-2.38) suggests generalizability across future studies. No significant publication bias was detected (Egger's test p = 0.10). Meta-regression found no difference between adjusted and unadjusted estimates (p = 0.802). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>mTBI is associated with a moderate but statistically significant increase in the risk of psychosis. Given the prevalence of mTBI in the general population, these findings highlight the need for long-term psychiatric monitoring and preventive strategies, particularly in youth and high-risk individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":7042,"journal":{"name":"Acta neurologica Belgica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144938545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L Van Avermaet, S Proost, G Vangrinsven, P G Jorens, L Yperzeele
{"title":"Pneumocephalus in pneumococcal meningitis.","authors":"L Van Avermaet, S Proost, G Vangrinsven, P G Jorens, L Yperzeele","doi":"10.1007/s13760-025-02882-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-025-02882-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7042,"journal":{"name":"Acta neurologica Belgica","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144938478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}