Search

Background. In 2008, the Movement Disorders Society published the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS). This has become the established tool for assessing the severity and disability associated with dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). We translated and validated the Polish version of the UDysRS, explored its dimensionality, and compared it to the Spanish version, which is the Reference Standard for UDysRS translations. Material and methods. The UDysRS was translated into Polish by a team led by JS and GO. The back-translation, completed by colleagues fluent in both Polish and English who were not involved in the original translation, was reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee of the MDS Rating Scales Programme. Then the translated version of the UDysRS underwent cognitive pretesting, and the translation was modified based on the results. The approved version was considered to be the Official Working Document of the Polish UDysRS and was tested on 250 Polish PD patients recruited at movement disorder centres. Data was compared to the Reference Standard used for validating UDysRS translations. Results. The overall factor structure of the Polish version was consistent with that of the Reference Standard version, as evidenced by the high Confirmatory Fit Index score (CFI = 0.98). The Polish UDysRS was thus confirmed to share a common factor structure with the Reference Standard. Conclusions. The Official Polish UDysRS translation is recommended for use in clinical and research settings. Worldwide use of uniform rating measures offers a common ground to study similarities and differences in disease manifestations and progression across cultures.

Nutrition regimen in parenteral nutrition (PN) patients allows for a control of diet components. This may affect the process of lipid deposition in the vascular wall and change the risk of atherosclerosis. This study aims to examine the effect of long-term PN in adults on carotid intima-media thickness.Thirty long-term PN patients (15 men and 15 women, mean age 64.7 ± 8.5 years) and thirty healthy volunteers (HV) (15 men and 15 women, mean age 64.9 ± 8.77 years) entered the study. Total amino acid and lipid formulation intake as well as duration of PN were calculated for PN patients. The common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA IMT) was examined in both groups. A lower CCA IMT (right/left mean: PN - 776 ± 121 vs HV - 848 ± 121 μm, p 0.05; right/left maximum CCA IMT: PN - 935 ± 139 vs HV - 1024 ± 135 μm, p 0.05) in PN patients was observed. A lower serum level of total (PN - 131.43 ± 43.12 vs HV - 209.2 ± 48.01 mg/dl, p 0.05) and HDL (PN- 44.16 ± 12.45 vs HV - 72.57 ± 25.04 mg/dl, p 0.05) cholesterol was reported in the PN patients. A correlation between patients' age and CCA IMT was observed in the control group, but not in the PN patients (right/left mean CCA IMT - PN: r = 0.48, p-0.007 vs HV: p-0.073; right/left maximum CCA IMT - PN: r = 0.48, p-0.008, vs HV: p-0.073).Long term PN in adults is associated with lower CCA IMT. Long-term PN patients are a unique group in which carotid intima-media thickness does not correlate with the age.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atherosclerotic disease are independent risk factors for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). The optimal biological marker which could allow differentiation between AF and non-AF AIS patients is still not available. Aim of the study. Aim of the present study was to investigate the role of pentosidine as a potential biological marker for AF in an AIS patient group. Materials and methods. Sixty-three acute ischaemic hemispheric stroke patients were recruited and divided into two groups according to the presumed underlying mechanism: with or without atrial rhythm disorders. Ten healthy volunteers were a reference group for serum level of pentosidine. Carotid artery ultrasound was performed, and common carotid artery stiffness and intima-media thickness were measured. Serum levels of pentosidine and selected routine biochemical risk factors for atherosclerosis (cholesterol and its lipoprotein fractions, homocysteine) were examined. Results. A higher serum level of pentosidine was observed in patients without atrial fibrillation (1,509 ± 485.13pmol/ml); a statistically significant difference was observed compared to the reference group (1,041.52 ± 411.17pmol/ml; p = 0.01), but not the AF patients (1,438.19 ± 495.97pmol/ml; p = 0.59). No significant difference in the non-AF group compared to the AF group for carotid intima-media thickness (IMT)/stiffness and pentosidine serum level was recorded. Conclusions and clinical implications. A higher serum level of pentosidine was observed in AIS patients without atrial fibrillation compared to the healthy volunteers. According to the results of the present study, no difference between these patients in the selected risk factors of atherosclerosis were observed. Further studies are needed to identify a reliable marker of AF that would bring added value to the standard diagnostic workup after acute ischaemic stroke.

Introduction Aspirin is still widely used in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. To predict which patients cannot benefit from aspirin due to aspirin resistance remains a great clinical challenge. Material and methods Fifty one acute stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients (ASG) with a history of regular aspirin intake for the previous 7 days or more were included to the study within 24 hours of symptoms onset. Twenty nine patients admitted to our department for other reasons were the controls (CG). Each patient underwent routine blood tests (white blood cells, platelets, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein) and additional blood test: glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Biochemical aspirin resistance was measured using the VerifyNow Aspirin platelet function analyzer. Results There were 9 aspirin resistance patients in ASG (17.5%) and 3 in CG (10.3%) (p = 0.38). There were no differences in either age or gender between those groups. Twelve aspirin-resistant patients differed from aspirin nonresistant patients in age, NT-proBNP and total cholesterol levels (univariate model, p = 0.004, 0.04, 0.02, respectively). In a multivariate model patients aged 76 years and more would likely to be aspirin resistant with odds ratio = 9 (95% confidence interval: 1-78). Conclusions Patients aged 76 and more can be more likely aspirin resistant than younger patients. We believe that especially in the elderly with congestive heart failure there is a strong need for further investigations in this field, including searching for alternative antiplatelet therapies.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum metabolomic biomarkers and brain in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) biomarkers in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) as well as to investigate compound concentration changes by comparing the results with healthy control subjects. Univariate statistical analysis of the serum showed significant differences in the levels of phenylalanine, tyrosine, lysine, glutamine, glutamate, acetone, acetate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, and 1-monoacylglycerol (1-MAG) between the PD patient group and the control group. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis showed significantly different compound concentrations of acetate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glutamine, tyrosine, 1-MAG and testosterone. In vivo MRS of the putamen showed significantly higher concentrations of glutamine/glutamate complex and glutamine in patients with PD in comparison to control subjects. Following disrupted metabolic pathways in patients with PD were identified: dopamine synthesis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, the metabolism of pyruvate, arginine, proline, alanine, aspartate, glutamate, tyrosine and phenylalanine. The obtained results may indicate changes in neurotransmission, disturbances in energy production and an altered cell membrane structure.

Background. In 2008, the Movement Disorders Society (MDS) published a new Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) as the official benchmark scale for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). We have translated and validated the Polish version of the MDS-UPDRS, explored its dimensionality, and compared it to the original English one. Methods. The MDS-UPDRS was translated into Polish by a team of Polish investigators led by JS and GO. The back-translation was completed by colleagues fluent in both languages (Polish and English) who were not involved in the original translation, and was reviewed by members of the MDS Rating Scales Programme. Then the translated version of the MDS-UPDRS underwent cognitive pretesting, and the translation was modified based on the results. The final translation was approved as the Official Working Document of the MDS-UPDRS Polish version, and was tested on 355 Polish PD patients recruited at movement disorders centres all over Poland (at Katowice, Gdansk, Łodź, Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Krakow). Confirmatory and explanatory factor analyses were applied to determine whether the factor structure of the English version could be confirmed in the Polish version. Results. The Polish version of the MDS-UPDRS showed satisfactory clinimetric properties. The internal consistency of the Polish version was satisfactory. In the confirmatory factor analysis, all four parts had greater than 0.90 comparative fit index (CFI) compared to the original English MDS-UPDRS. Explanatory factor analysis suggested that the Polish version differed from the English version only within an acceptable range. Conclusions and clinical implications. The Polish version of the MDS-UPDRS meets the requirements to be designated as the Official Polish Version of the MDS-UPDRS, and is available on the MDS web page. We strongly recommend using the MDS-UPDRS instead of the UPDRS for research purposes and in everyday clinical practice.

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of individual and combined single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine transporter (DAT), and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) genes with the occurrence of motor levodopa‐induced complications (MLIC) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Materials and Methods We studied 76 patients with PD (MLIC occurred in 56.6%) and 60 controls. Allelic discrimination of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met), rs397595 DAT (SLC6A3), and rs4680 COMT (Val158Met) genes were genotyped. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using multinominal logistic regression. Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) analysis and OPLS discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) were used to analyze qualitative genetic data. Results The risk of PD in subjects with the AG BDNF genotype was increased sixfold (OR = 6.12, 95% CI = 2.88–13.02, p 1). There were no differences in distributions of BDNF, DAT and COMT genotypes between PD groups with and without MLIC, while OPLS model showed that genotype combination of AG BDNF, AG DAT, and GG COMT was correlated with MLIC and genotypes combination of GG BDNF, AA DAT, and AA COMT with lack of MLIC in PD patients (VIP > 1). Conclusions Our results confirmed the association of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met) with the risk of PD and suggest a synergic effect of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met), rs397595 DAT (SLC6A3), and rs4680 COMT (Val158Met) polymorphisms on the occurrence of MLIC., The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of individual and combined single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine transporter (DAT), and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) genes with the occurrence of motor levodopa‐induced complications (MLIC) in Parkinson's disease (PD). Seventy‐six patients with PD and 60 controls were included. Allelic discrimination of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met), rs397595 DAT (SLC6A3), and rs4680 COMT (Val158Met) genes were genotyped. The risk of PD in subjects with the AG BDNF genotype was increased sixfold, and AG BDNF and AG DAT genotypes were correlated with PD in orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA). OPLS model showed that genotype combination AG BDNF, AG DAT, and GG COMT was correlated with MLIC and genotypes combination GG BDNF, AA DAT, and AA COMT with lack of MLIC in PD patients.

Background Perfusion computed tomography (PCT) is part of acute stroke protocol in many hospitals; however, its clinical utility is still being disputed. Beyond its use in core and penumbra estimation, there is also a question about PCT role in stroke mimics diagnosis. Case series or small, retrospective studies showed equivocal results. This is the first published prospective, comparative study on PCT in differentiating stroke and seizure in acute setting. Methods Patients with acute focal neurologic deficits and without acute ischemic lesions on routine CT underwent PCT and electroencephalography (EEG) within 12 hours after symptom onset. Perfusion parameters were set up as asymmetry indices for corresponding regions of brain hemispheres. EEG findings were assigned to 1 of 5 classes. Neurologic examination was performed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Follow-up noncontrast computed tomography was performed on the third day after symptom onset. If no CT changes appeared, magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging was conducted. Results Final diagnosis was hemispheric ischemic stroke in 17 patients and focal neurologic deficits in the course of seizures (post- and intraictally) in 12 patients. Those groups were significantly different only in one single PCT parameter—time to peak (TTP)—in the lateral part of the middle cerebral artery territory. Analyzed groups were not significantly different in the NIHSS scores and the EEG evaluation. Conclusions TTP may stay relatively when seizure is a cause of focal neurologic deficits, but not stroke. Further, large, prospective studies are necessary to verify the results.

Background: Patients with minor acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack are at high risk for subsequent stroke, and more potent antiplatelet therapy in the acute setting is needed. However, the potential benefit of more intense antiplatelet therapy must be assessed in relation to the risk for major bleeding. The SOCRATES trial (Acute Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Treated With Aspirin or Ticagrelor and Patient Outcomes) was the first trial with ticagrelor in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in which the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor were compared with those of aspirin. The main safety objective was assessment of PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes)–defined major bleeds on treatment, with special focus on intracranial hemorrhage (ICrH). Methods: An independent adjudication committee blinded to study treatment classified bleeds according to the PLATO, TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction), and GUSTO (Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries) definitions. The definitions of ICrH and major bleeding excluded cerebral microbleeds and asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformations of cerebral infarctions so that the definitions better discriminated important events in the acute stroke population. Results: A total of 13 130 of 13 199 randomized patients received at least 1 dose of study drug and were included in the safety analysis set. PLATO major bleeds occurred in 31 patients (0.5%) on ticagrelor and 38 patients (0.6%) on aspirin (hazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–1.34). The most common locations of major bleeds were intracranial and gastrointestinal. ICrH was reported in 12 patients (0.2%) on ticagrelor and 18 patients (0.3%) on aspirin. Thirteen of all 30 ICrHs (4 on ticagrelor and 9 on aspirin) were hemorrhagic strokes, and 4 (2 in each group) were symptomatic hemorrhagic transformations of brain infarctions. The ICrHs were spontaneous in 6 and 13, traumatic in 3 and 3, and procedural in 3 and 2 patients on ticagrelor and aspirin, respectively. In total, 9 fatal bleeds occurred on ticagrelor and 4 on aspirin. The composite of ICrH or fatal bleeding included 15 patients on ticagrelor and 18 on aspirin. Independently of bleeding classification, PLATO, TIMI, or GUSTO, the relative difference between treatments for major/severe bleeds was similar. Nonmajor bleeds were more common on ticagrelor. Conclusions: Antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack showed a bleeding profile similar to that of aspirin for major bleeds. There were few ICrHs. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01994720.

TM ) as adjunctive therapy in patients with refractory partial-onset seizures: a randomized controlled trial. Acta Neurol Scand 2014: 129: 143‐153. © 2013 The Authors. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica published by John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Objective – To evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of oncedaily 1200 mg and 2400 mg SPN-804 (Oxtellar XR TM , Supernus Pharmaceuticals), an extended-release tablet formulation of oxcarbazepine (OXC), added to 1-3 concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in adults with refractory partial-onset seizures, with or without secondary generalization. Methods – The Prospective, Randomized Study of OXC XR in Subjects with Partial Epilepsy Refractory (PROSPER) study was a multinational, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group Phase 3 study. The primary efficacy endpoint was median percent reduction from baseline in monthly (28-day) seizure frequency for the 16-week double-blind treatment period in the intentto-treat (ITT) population with analyzable seizure data. Other efficacy analyses included proportion of patients with ≥ 50% seizure reduction, proportion of patients seizure free, and the relationship between clinical response and plasma concentration. Results – Median percent reduction was -28.7% for placebo, 38.2% (P = 0.08 vs placebo) for once-daily SPN-804 1200 mg, and 42.9% (P = 0.003) for SPN-804 2400 mg. Responder rates were 28.1%, 36.1% (P = 0.08), and 40.7% (P = 0.02); 16-week seizure-free rates in a pragmatic ITT analysis were 3.3%, 4.9% (P = 0.59), and 11.4% (P = 0.008), respectively. When data were analyzed separately for study site clusters, a post hoc analysis demonstrated that both SPN-804 dosages were significantly superior to placebo in median percent seizure reduction (placebo: 13.3%; 1200 mg: 34.5%, P = 0.02; 2400 mg: 52.7%, P = 0.006) in the North American study site cluster. A concentration–response analysis also supported a clinically meaningful effect for 1200 mg. Adverse event types reflected the drug’s established profile. Adverse event frequency was consistent with a pharmacokinetic profile in which SPN-804 produces lower peak plasma concentrations vs immediate-release OXC. Once-daily dosing was not associated with any new safety signals. Conclusions – Adjunctive once-daily SPN-804 improved seizure control in patients with inadequately controlled partial-onset seizures. Adverse event occurrence and discontinuations due to adverse events suggest improved tolerability vs previously published data with immediaterelease OXC.

We report a case of deep brain stimulation (DBS) hardware failure due to emergently performed subcutaneous coronary angioplasties complicated by cardioversion for rapid worsening of angina pectoris and some trouble shooting problems emerged after invasive cardiovascular procedures. The patient with prior implantation of permanent pacemaker due to vasovagal syndrome underwent successful left-sided unilateral electrode implantation into the subthalamic nucleus. During 21 months follow-up period the patient experienced 2 times episodes of aggravation of unstable angina pectoris 15 and 21 months respectively, which necessities emergent coronary angioplasties. After the first emergently performed coronary angioplasty with cardioversion the interrogation of DBS system revealed the depletion of an internal pulse generator (IPG). The secondly performed coronary angioplasty complicated by ventricular tachyarrhythmia with DBS system switched on during emergent cardioversion resulted in partial dysfunction of DBS electrode. Patients harboring cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and DBS systems require special attention and good cooperation of neurosurgeons, interventional cardiologist, and neurologist. Some emergently performed invasive cardiovascular procedures which necessities cardioversion may cause DBS hardware failure with subsequent worsening of movement disorder symptoms.

Chronic treatment with levodopa in Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with the risk of development of motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, i.e. motor levodopa-induced complications (MLIC).The aim of the study was to investigate factors influencing prevalence of MLIC in PD patients.76 patients with idiopathic PD were included in the study. Theirs mean disease duration was 10,33 years and mean levodopa therapy duration was 8,65 years. The most common drug regimen was levodopa with ropinirole. The patients were evaluated using Hoehn and Yahr scale, UPDRS II, III, and were qualified for 4 clinical subtypes according to van Rooden at al. classification.The prevalence of MLIC was 54% with their mean duration of 3,34 years. MLIC were influenced by higher levodopa equivalent dose, younger age at onset, younger age, longer disease duration, and longer levodopa therapy regardless of PD clinical subtype. Although women had more advanced disease according to Hoehn and Yahr score, sex did not influence MLIC. The incidence of MLIC in both sexes was probably leveled by inclusion of sex as a risk factor of MLIC in treatment strategy. Therefore modifiable MLIC risk factors should be investigated in different PD populations.

Background and purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between syncope or presyncope occurrence and dysfunction of the cardiovascular autonomic system in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Material and methods Twenty-four PD patients were studied, including 10 subjects with syncope/presyncope and 14 controls without those symptoms. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), Holter electrocardiographic monitoring, carotid sinus massage, tilt test, and cardiac scintigraphy with 123 I metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) were performed. Results Differences between the two groups were found in myocardial scintigraphy and ABPM. The stepwise regression analyses suggest that the values of late phase reduced uptake of MIBG (95% CI: 0.0–0.77; p 0.05) and daytime minimum systolic blood pressure (95% CI: 0.78–0.98; p = 0.007) may be related to the occurrence of syncope/presyncope. Conclusions The findings suggest an association between syncope/presyncope occurrence and dysfunction of the cardiovascular autonomic system in PD patients. Both 123 I MIBG myocardial scintigraphy and ABPM may help identify a group of patients with an elevated risk for syncopic episodes which, in turn, may affect the choice of treatment.

Axial myoclonus (AM) is characterized by sudden muscle jerks involving axial and proximal muscles. It includes propriospinal myoclonus (PSM) which consists of trunk flexion or extension jerking with activity arising in axial muscles and spreading to caudal and rostral muscles at low velocity along propriospinal pathways. We report on two patients displaying flexion AM jerks in the absence of structural lesion of the central nervous system or electrophysiological evidence of organic origin. A conversion disorder was diagnosed. The jerks disappeared after psychoeducation with the patients remaining symptom free in 6-year long follow-up. The diagnoses of psychogenic axial (propriospinal-like) myoclonus were established. The literature on psychogenic axial (propriospinal-like myoclonus) is limited to a case report. Our cases demonstrate a good response to psychotropic medication and psychoeducation and fulfill the psychogenic movement disorder criteria. The phenomenology of psychogenic abnormal movements is diverse and PSM-like clinical picture may be a novel presentation.

Introduction Restricted usage of V alpha and beta genes has been found in several diseases, which exert autoreactive T cells. So far no information on T cell receptor (TCR) usage in degenerative diseases is available. Since T cells may be involved in pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, the analysis of the TCR repertoire is of importance. Material and methods We have tested the frequency of 6 V beta-subtypes and the most common V alpha-subfamily on peripheral blood lymphocytes in 21 PD patients and 20 controls, separately on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. For our study Diversi--T, the first available Mab set specific for TCR V regions, was used. Results As a results, no significant differences were found with one exception, i.e., lower frequency of V beta 8(a) expression on CD8+ T cells in PD patients than in controls. Conclusion The failure of preferential usage or lack of usage of the tested V-chain alleles by CD4+ T cells argues against an involvement of helper T cells in PD induction.

Autonomic dysfunctions are the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) and often precede the motor symptoms of the disease. Autonomic dysfunction may be a dominant symptom of the advanced stages of PD as well as a major cause of patient disability. Despite the wide use of neurostimulation in clinical practice, the effect of deep brain stimulation of subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) on autonomic symptoms of PD still remains only partially understood. The aim of the study is evaluation of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) in patients with PD before STN DBS and following bilateral STN DBS.The study included 25 subjects aged between 31 and 71 years, diagnosed with the idiopathic PD and selected for treatment with STN DBS. All the patients were in advanced stages of PD, disease duration ranged from 5 to 22 years. The patients enrolled into this study underwent STN DBS. Neurological examination including assessment of the severity of parkinsonism according to UPDRS scale, a psychological examination and an electrophysiological examination of autonomic disturbances based on heart rate and blood pressure variability were conducted on all patients two weeks before and three months after STN DBS.After STN DBS an improvement in terms of the analyzed parts of the UPDRS has been shown. The improvement of motor disorders assessed by III part UPDRS during the "off" medication/stimulation "on" was 67.8%. Orthostatic hypotension before the STN DBS procedure was observed in 56% of patients and after STN DBS in 53% of them. Before STN DBS the imbalance of the sympathetic--parasympathetic components with the predominance of the sympathetic based on HRV parameters--the ratio LF/HF-RRI (2.5) and a higher rate of LFnu (61.3%) than HFnu (38.6%) has been shown. Three months post STN DBS an increase parameters of spectral analysis of HRV in the low frequency LF-RRI, and high-frequency HF-RRI and the total power spectrum PSD-RRI was observed. After STN DBS an increase of parameters of spectral analysis of systolic BPV, very low frequency VLF-sBP, low frequency LF-sBP and total power spectrum PSD-sBP was noted.Results of the study suggest that STN DBS is an effective treatment method of both motor symptoms and autonomic dysfunctions. The disturbances of HRV and BPV before and after STN DBS indicate the increase of autonomic system activity with sympathetic dominance.

Backgound Our objective is to assess the impact of varying risk profiles in men and women on the clinical picture of ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods The study involved 185 patients, 100 women and 85 men. We assessed the patients' neurological status upon admission, 1 and 2 weeks following stroke onset, using the Scandinavian Stroke Scale and the Barthel Index; stroke syndromes according to the Oxfordshire Classification; their etiology and pathogenesis according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment; and the prevalence of vascular risk factors. We used cranial magnetic resonance imaging to locate infarcts. Results Women had more total anterior circulation infarct subtype strokes, whereas men had more posterior circulation infarct and lacunar infarct. On neuroimaging, women had more infarcts in the middle cerebral artery circulation, whereas men had more in the brain stem and/or cerebellum. Women had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and coronary artery disease, whereas men were more likely to smoke and abuse alcohol. Women had more cases of cardioembolism, whereas men had more strokes caused by atherosclerosis of large vessels. Conclusions In the present study, heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease and AF, were more prevalent among women. It seems that AF is a risk factor with significant impact on the epidemiological differences regarding ischemic stroke in men and women.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative movement disorder of unknown aetiology. Immune abnormalities have been described in PD including the occurrence of autoantibodies against neuronal structures and high numbers of microglia cells expressing the histocompatibility glycoprotein human leucocyte antigen-DR in the substantia nigra. An infectious cause for PD has been discussed for years. Disturbed cellular and humoral immune functions in peripheral blood of patients with PD have been also reported. An elevated gammadelta(+) T cell population and increased immunoglobulin G immunity in CSF to heat shock proteins have been found in PD. Cytokines and apoptosis-related proteins were elevated in the striatum in patients with PD. Activated glial cells may participate in neuronal cell death in PD by providing toxic substances. We may conclude that the immune system is involved in the pathogenesis of PD. However, we are not able to determine whether the disturbances described above constitute a primary or secondary phenomenon. Immunomodulatory agents may have important applications in the development of new therapies for PD.

One of the important mechanisms involved in the development of vascular lesions leading to ischemic stroke could be an immune response to heat shock proteins (hsp). For carotid atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, an association with an increase in anti-hsp 65 antibodies has been demonstrated. The aim of our study was (1) to investigate whether ischemic stroke is associated with a humoral immune response to hsp; (2) to study the connection between anti-hsp antibodies and other stroke risk factors; (3) to estimate if the elevated levels of anti-hsp antibodies could be an independent risk factor for stroke. We examined 180 patients (in the first 48 h after stroke onset) and 64 age-matched healthy controls. The levels of IgG and IgM antibodies to hsp 65 and 70 were measured by ELISA. Ischemic stroke was connected with a significant elevation of anti-hsp 65 and anti-hsp 70 antibody levels (IgG and IgM) compared with controls (p < 0.0001). The multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that increased levels of anti-hsp 65 and anti-hsp 70 IgG antibodies are independent risk factors for stroke. Our results suggest that humoral immunity to hsp is common in stroke patients and that elevated levels of anti-hsp antibodies could be triggering factors for stroke.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous disease thought to be elicited by an autoimmune process. Many studies in recent years have concentrated on finding the alterations in the peripheral blood immune profile in MS patients that would reflect disease activity. In the present study, we investigated surface antigen expression on lymphocytes and granulocytes from MS patients and control subjects. We have studied 29 patients suffering from relapsing-remitting or relapsing-progressive forms of MS. The disease was diagnosed in all patients at least 12 months before inclusion into the study. All patients had no attack at the study entry date or within a previous month. The control group included 29 age-matched subjects. Phenotyping of peripheral blood leukocytes was carried out with different fluorescence-conjugated murine monoclonal antibodies. The analysis was performed with three-color flow cytometry. The following antigens were determined [cluster of definition (CD)]: leukocyte common antigen (LCA) (B220, T 200, Ly-5), CD45; LPS-R (lipopolysaccharide receptor), CD14; found on all T cells, CD3; LFA-2 (lymphocyte function associated antigen, T 11), CD2; coreceptor for MHC class II molecules, found on helper T cells, CD4; coreceptor for MHC class I molecules, found on suppressor/cytotoxic T cells, CD8; B4, found on all human B cells, CD19; NCAM (neural cell adhesion molecule), CD56; integrin beta2 subunit, associated with CD11a (CD11a/CD18, LFA-1, alphaLbeta2) and CD11b (CD11b/CD18, Mac-1,CR3, alphaMbeta2), CD18; alphaL, alpha subunit of integrin LFA-1 (alphaLbeta2, CD11a/CD18), CD11a; alphaM, alpha subunit of integrin Mac-1 (CR3, alphaMbeta2, CD11b/CD18), CD11b; ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule), CD54; H-CAM, Hermes antigen, Pgp-1, CD44; AIM (activation inducer molecule), early activation antigen, CD69; T-cell receptor gammadelta, TCR gammadelta. In the MS group, we have found a significant increased expression of CD54 and CD44 antigens on lymphocytes, and higher percentage CD54(+) and CD11a+CD54(+) lymphocytes out of all lymphocytes compared with the control group. We have also found a significant increased expression of CD11a, CD18 and CD54 antigens on granulocytes, and higher percentage CD11b+CD18(+) granulocytes out of all granulocytes in MS patients compared with control. Higher levels of expression of the adhesion molecules may reflect the activation state of leukocytes in MS patients.

The nervous system tumors pose a current challenge to modern medicine. Diagnosis, established at an early stage of tumor development, increases the chance of the use of radical therapeutic methods, which is associated with better prognosis. The preferred method of treatment of brain tumors is the surgical treatment. Success of this therapy depends on the possibility of the radical removal of neoplastic tissue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the type and duration of clinical symptoms, which were the cause for hospitalization, prehospital diagnostics and possibilities of the use the methods of treatment giving the chance for cure at the time of diagnosis of the neoplastic process within central nervous system.A retrospective analysis of medical records of 56 patients, hospitalized in 2009-2010 at the Department of Neurology and Epileptology, The Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education in Warsaw. The basis for the diagnosis were the results of two-phase neuroimaging studies. The whole results were analyzed statistically to looking for a correlation between the duration of symptoms prior to hospitalization, their nature and the proposed treatment.Draws attention to the young age of analyzed patients (mean age 67 years). The most common symptoms were disturbances of consciousness or behavioral changes (37% patients), limb weakness and sensory disturbances (37%) and speech disorders (30%). Other, commonly reported nonspecific symptoms were: somnolence, deterioration of everyday functioning, fatigue and malaise. In the group of the 56 patients with confirmed tumor, 14 (25%) were urgently admitted to our Department, 13 (23%) arrived first to the general practitioner practice. Unfortunately, 29 (52%) out of 56 patients did not arrived to the outpatient physician, despite the first discomfort feelings. They got at a later time directly to the hospital emergency room. In most cases the proposed treatment was neurosurgical operation (n = 19, 35%), whereas radiotherapy was suggested to 4 patients (8%), and palliative treatment in the form of radiation therapy to the whole area of the brain (n = 11, 20%) and of the spine (n = 1) to 12 people. We did not find a statistically significant correlation in our study.Nonspecific symptoms that may be the only manifestation of proliferative disease within the central nervous system, should attract particular oncology attention, otherwise the diagnosis may be delayed. Advancement of the disease at the moment of establishment of the diagnosis does not allow for the use of causal treatment.

BACKGROUND: Thrombolysis is of net benefit in patients with acute ischaemic stroke, who are younger than 80 years of age and are treated within 4·5 h of onset. The third International Stroke Trial (IST-3) sought to determine whether a wider range of patients might benefit up to 6 h from stroke onset. METHODS: In this international, multicentre, randomised, open-treatment trial, patients were allocated to 0·9 mg/kg intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) or to control. The primary analysis was of the proportion of patients alive and independent, as defined by an Oxford Handicap Score (OHS) of 0-2 at 6 months. The study is registered, ISRCTN25765518. FINDINGS: 3035 patients were enrolled by 156 hospitals in 12 countries. All of these patients were included in the analyses (1515 in the rt-PA group vs 1520 in the control group), of whom 1617 (53%) were older than 80 years of age. At 6 months, 554 (37%) patients in the rt-PA group versus 534 (35%) in the control group were alive and independent (OHS 0-2; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1·13, 95% CI 0·95-1·35, p=0·181; a non-significant absolute increase of 14/1000, 95% CI -20 to 48). An ordinal analysis showed a significant shift in OHS scores; common OR 1·27 (95% CI 1·10-1·47, p=0·001). Fatal or non-fatal symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage within 7 days occurred in 104 (7%) patients in the rt-PA group versus 16 (1%) in the control group (adjusted OR 6·94, 95% CI 4·07-11·8; absolute excess 58/1000, 95% CI 44-72). More deaths occurred within 7 days in the rt-PA group (163 [11%]) than in the control group (107 [7%], adjusted OR 1·60, 95% CI 1·22-2·08, p=0·001; absolute increase 37/1000, 95% CI 17-57), but between 7 days and 6 months there were fewer deaths in the rt-PA group than in the control group, so that by 6 months, similar numbers, in total, had died (408 [27%] in the rt-PA group vs 407 [27%] in the control group). INTERPRETATION: For the types of patient recruited in IST-3, despite the early hazards, thrombolysis within 6 h improved functional outcome. Benefit did not seem to be diminished in elderly patients. FUNDING: UK Medical Research Council, Health Foundation UK, Stroke Association UK, Research Council of Norway, Arbetsmarknadens Partners Forsakringsbolag (AFA) Insurances Sweden, Swedish Heart Lung Fund, The Foundation of Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg, Polish Ministry of Science and Education, the Australian Heart Foundation, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Swiss National Research Foundation, Swiss Heart Foundation, Assessorato alla Sanita, Regione dell'Umbria, Italy, and Danube University.

BACKGROUND: Thrombin potently activates platelets through the protease-activated receptor PAR-1. Vorapaxar is a novel antiplatelet agent that selectively inhibits the cellular actions of thrombin through antagonism of PAR-1. METHODS: We randomly assigned 26,449 patients who had a history of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or peripheral arterial disease to receive vorapaxar (2.5 mg daily) or matching placebo and followed them for a median of 30 months. The primary efficacy end point was the composite of death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, or stroke. After 2 years, the data and safety monitoring board recommended discontinuation of the study treatment in patients with a history of stroke owing to the risk of intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS:At 3 years, the primary end point had occurred in 1028 patients (9.3%) in the vorapaxar group and in 1176 patients (10.5%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio for the vorapaxar group, 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 0.94; P

The authors present a case of 39 years old male who was admitted to the hospital with non-specific vision disorders. The clinical features and radiological examination have led to the diagnosis of arteriovenosum malformation in midbrain. In case of that patient it is worth noticing the difference between the size and location of malformation and its clinical symptoms. The neurological symptoms didn't indicate that there is arteriovenous malformation of that size in midbrain and shows the importance of radiological examination in neurological practice. Location of malformation was also a problem in choosing the way of treatment. Radiotherapy was chosen as less invasive in case of that patient. The patient is currently undergoing radiotherapy in Oncology Center in Gliwice, in general satisfactory condition.

Fiszer U, Michalowska M, Baranowska B, Wolinska-Witort E, Jeske W, Jethon M, Piaścik-Gromada M, Marcinowska-Suchowierska E. Leptin and ghrelin concentrations and weight loss in Parkinson’s disease. Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 121: 230–236. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objectives – To investigate the role of leptin, ghrelin, GH and IGF-1 in energy balance disturbances in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Materials and methods – Thirty-nine patients were included: 11 PD patients with unintentional weight loss, 16 PD patients without weight loss and 12 controls. UPDRS, MMSE, MADRS, appetite scale, BMI, adipose tissue content, plasma leptin and active ghrelin concentrations and serum GH, IGF-1, TSH, T3 and T4, concentrations were evaluated. Results – A lower plasma leptin concentration and a higher serum IGF-1 concentration were found in PD patients with weight loss. BMI and the content of adipose tissue were positively correlated with leptin concentration in all PD patients. Paradoxically, the lower BMI was, the lower plasma active ghrelin concentration was in PD patients with the weight loss. Conclusion – These findings confirm that changes of plasma leptin concentration occur in PD patients with loss of weight.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the different causes of falling in Parkinson's disease (PD) and to evaluate the influence of falls on patients' quality of life (QoL). We recruited 60 PD patients (31 with falls, 29 without falls). We found that falls were caused by: unstable posture (29.0%), freezing or festination (25.8%), sudden loss of postural reflexes (toppling falls) (25.8%), co-existing neurological disorders (6.5%), cardiological disorders (6.5%), and symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (3.2%). Duration of the disease was longer, its stage more advanced, daily levodopa dosage higher, and the proportion of patients with abnormalities in the EEG apparently greater in the group with falls. The presence of falls was found to be a factor contributing to a multidirectional negative impact on patients' QoL. QoL also depended on impairment of cognitive function, daily dosage of levodopa, disease duration, disease progression, and sex. The results of this study underline the need to diagnose the causes of falls in order to institute appropriate treatment and to improve patients' QoL.

The aim of this study is to present a clinical role for 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy in the differential diagnosis in patients with parkinsonian syndromes. We present a 51-year-old woman with parkinsonian syndrome and syncope occurrence. She reproduced spontaneous syncope in the tilt test. We present also a 60-year-old man with parkinsonian syndrome and syncope and presyncope occurrence. He also reproduced spontaneous syncope in the tilt test. Cardiac 123I-MIBG scintigraphy was performed in both patients. In the former patient, the H/M ratio of MIBG uptake was within normal ranges, in the latter, it was abnormally impaired. The results of the 123I-MIBG cardiac scintigraphy confirm results of the other studies. In the patient with Parkinson's disease the H/M ratio of MIBG uptake was abnormally impaired. The patient with the multiple system atrophy was within normal ranges.

The purpose of this research was to establish if determined at the reception level of troponin I could be such kind of factor. Presented data represent preliminary report of this study.The analyzed data base on 196 patients with IS: 166 discharged from hospital and 30 with clinical course terminated by death. The IS was confirmed by computed tomography (CT). The conducted recording consists of data like e.g.: age, sex and risk stroke factors. Also the following factors were evaluated on admission: state of consciousness, level of neurological deficiency according to Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS). After half of year again SSS level was evaluated.The studied groups differed in level of neurological deficiency determined on admission. The direct mortality within IS group and increased level of troponin I represents 20.90% and with correct level of troponin I represents 12.40% (p=NS). The half year mortality group recording has not been considered yet because research is still continuing and database is continually updated.The increased level of troponin I on admission is not a prognostic factor of direct mortality within IS patients. We noticed that occurrence of disturbances in patient's EKG places those patients in the group of increased risk of death.

Purpose Symptoms of depression are present in 40 to 60 percent of patients with epilepsy. Prior research indicated significant correlation between the incidence and frequency of focal seizures and clinical depression, especially in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Anticonvulsive drugs and psychosocial factors contribute to the occurrence of depression as well. The aim of the study was to determine the major depression risk factors in patients with epilepsy. Methods The research was conducted on 203 patients with epilepsy (117 females and 86 males), aged 18 to 50 years, with total time of illness ranging from 60 to 580 months. All subjects underwent the same research protocol, which was applied interictally. Interictal depression was diagnosed according to ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for affective and delusional disorders. The diagnosis was supported by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Statistical analysis included χ 2 test, Fisher’s exact test and stepwise logical regression model analysis. Results In our study 100 patients with epilepsy out of 203 suffered from concurrent depression (49.2%); 76 of them had severe depression (37.4%) and 24 patients had mild depression (11.8%). Complex partial seizures and absence of secondary generalized tonic–clonic seizures were found to be the risk factors for depression. Treatment with clonazepam, frequent hospitalizations (drug-resistancy) and lack of occupational activity were revealed to be additional significant contributing factors. Conclusions Depression in patients with epilepsy is a serious medical and social problem since it afflicts almost one half of all patients treated in epilepsy referral centers. It seems to be correlated with certain types of epileptic seizures, with high frequency of seizures, sub-optimal pharmacologic treatment and lack of occupational and social activity.

Prevalence of depression among the people with epilepsy is between 40 and 75%, which is higher than in population and among the patients with other chronic illness. Higher percentage of suicides and hospitalizations due to affective disorders make the diagnosis and evaluation of risk factors very important for further treatment. The following study has been performed on the group of one hundred patients with epilepsy lasting more than 5 years, aged 16-55, who were hospitalized or consulted in 2001 year. Depression was diagnosed on the basis of ICD-10 diagnostic scheme using Beck, Hamilton and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scales. Patients were divided into three groups (with depression, dysthymia and controls). For statistical analysis chi2 (Fisher exact test) and Mann-Whitney test were used. Comparing to controls, the complex partial seizures or simple partial and complex ones were seen more often in patients with depression (p0.003) and in patients with dysthymia comparing to controls ones (p0.001). All types of epileptic seizures analyzed during one month revealed statistically significant differences between the groups (Mann-Whitney test: controls vs dysthymic ones p0.02; controls vs depression ones p0.03). Simple partial seizures and (or) complex partial ones and high percentage of complex ones were found to be statistically significant risk factors for depression and dysthymia.

Strokes are still considered a major social problem. The purpose of this paper is to discuss hormonal changes in various periods of life in the context of stroke occurrence. The influence of menopause and andropause on cerebrovascular diseases is described and the association between such conditions and osteoporosis is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to the incidence of strokes in pregnancy, as well as among women receiving oral contraceptives and replacement therapy.

Objectives – It has been reported that the prevalance of parkinsonism might be associated with exposure to whooping cough. Methods – Examination of levels of antibodies against Bordetella pertussis in serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests [presence of IgG antibodies against filamentous hemagglutinin and pertussis toxin (PT)] were performed in 81 persons (including 45 patients with controls) (age-matched groups). Results – Positive results were found in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), patients with other non-inflammatory diseases, and controls (about 40–45% in each group). A detailed examination of separate responses (IgG and IgA antibodies against PT, and a whole cell immune response) and of the serum level of immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM was also performed. Conclusion – Our results demonstrate numerous cases of whooping cough serum antibodies among the adult population (also among PD patients). The results of our research, i.e. a common occurrence of Bordetella pertussis infection do not provide evidence of relationship between PD and the above-mentioned infection.

The assessment of the levels of IgG antibodies against Bordetella pertussis in serum using ELISA test was performed in 59 patients (including 30 patients with Parkinson's disease--PD, 15 patients with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases, and 14 controls). The average age in the groups was 64.0, 64.4, and 58.7 years, respectively. Positive results were found in 17/30 patients with PD, 8/15 subjects with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases and in 7/14 controls. The above results are surprising and demonstrate a high incidence of subclinical whooping cough among the adult population. No statistically significant difference has been found between patients with Parkinson's disease and patients with other neurological diseases. A tendency is observed for a higher percentage of negative results among controls in comparison with patients with Parkinson's disease and other non-inflammatory neurological diseases.

Falls in Parkinson's disease may pose a significant threat for patients. This is not only a clinical problem, but also an economic one. The effects of falls may cause deterioration of the quality of life for both patients and their caretakers. The causes of falls are not clinically uniform: the falls are caused by various factors and require a differential diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the above mentioned causes, as well as to draw clinicians' attention to the possibility of effective therapy for certain disorders that cause such falls in patients with Parkinson's disease. 51 patients with recognized Parkinson's disease were examined, including 25 persons who reported falls that had occurred within the past 6 months and 26 persons who had no falls. In both groups there were patients with different types of the disease (tremulous, akinetic-hipertonic and mixed). The clinical status of the patients was assessed using the Hoehn and Yahr scale. In each patient Schellong test and EEG examinations were performed. It has been established that the occurrence of falls is related to the duration of the disease (on average 9.6 years in the group with falls versus 6.2 years in the group without falls) and the daily levodopa dosage (on average 806.0 mg in the group with falls versus 499.0 mg in the group without falls). The proportion of patients with abnormalities in the EEG (revealed mainly as slowing of EEG background activity) was notably higher in the group with falls. The comparison of such groups from the point of view of sex, age, stage of the disease and the occurrence of asymptomatic orthostatic hypotension did not reveal any statistically significant differences. The analysis of the causes of falls in the examined patients revealed that in 8 cases they fell due to unstable posture, 4--due to freezing or festination, 1--due to symptomatic orthostatic hypotension, 1--due to co-existing neurological disorders, 2--due to the heart arrhythmia (requiring implantation of pacemaker), in 8 persons--due to toppling falls and in 1 patients the falls could not be classified.

T cells with gamma delta receptor form small percentage of lymphocytes in healthy individuals, whereas their number increases in persons with immunological disorders. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), which play a central role in protein transformation, could be antigens for gamma delta T cells. HSPs participate in mutual interactions of gamma delta cells and tissue cells, taking part in defense mechanism against infection and auto destruction. There is an interest' in the HSPs' role in modulation of both normal and pathological activity within the nervous system. HSPs can protect cells against undesired stimulation, probably by long-term protein expression. Results of the studies suggest participation of gamma delta T cells and HSPs in pathogenesis of certain diseases, including neurological ones (multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and cerebrovascular diseases), although detailed explanation of this problem requires further studies.

The study confirming the presence of oligoclonal IgG in cerebrospinal fluid by isoelectric focusing (IEF) with PhastSystem equipment was carried out in 68 patients with clinically definite MS, in 23 with clinically probable MS and in 23 with other neurological diseases. Other indicators intrathecal synthesis of IgG were olso marked. According to the results it was confirmed that the most sensitive method of detection of intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins is finding of the oligoclonal IgG. Using the PhastSystem evidently shorties the diagnostic process. The sensivity of the method equals that of MRI and both have similar clinical value.

Background Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is approved in Europe for use in patients with acute ischaemic stroke who meet strictly defined criteria. IST-3 sought to improve the external validity and precision of the estimates of the overall treatment effects (efficacy and safety) of rtPA in acute ischaemic stroke, and to determine whether a wider range of patients might benefit. Design International, multi-centre, prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint (PROBE) trial of intravenous rtPA in acute ischaemic stroke. Suitable patients had to be assessed and able to start treatment within 6 hours of developing symptoms, and brain imaging must have excluded intracranial haemorrhage and stroke mimics. Results The initial pilot phase was double blind and then, on 01/08/2003, changed to an open design. Recruitment began on 05/05/2000 and closed on 31/07/2011, by which time 3035 patients had been included, only 61 (2%) of whom met the criteria for the 2003 European approval for thrombolysis. 1617 patients were aged over 80 years at trial entry. The analysis plan will be finalised, without reference to the unblinded data, and published before the trial data are unblinded in early 2012. The main trial results will be presented at the European Stroke Conference in Lisbon in May 2012 with the aim to publish simultaneously in a peer-reviewed journal. The trial result will be presented in the context of an updated Cochrane systematic review. We also intend to include the trial data in an individual patient data meta-analysis of all the relevant randomised trials. Conclusion The data from the trial will: improve the external validity and precision of the estimates of the overall treatment effects (efficacy and safety) of iv rtPA in acute ischaemic stroke; provide: new evidence on the balance of risk and benefit of intravenous rtPA among types of patients who do not clearly meet the terms of the current EU approval; and, provide the first large-scale randomised evidence on effects in patients over 80, an age group which had largely been excluded from previous acute stroke trials. Trial registration ISRCTN25765518

Interleukin-1 activity in cerebrospinal fluid of 30 subacute sclerosis panencephalitis and 27 multiple sclerosis patients was measured. ELISA and costimulation thymocyte test revealed no presence of interleukin-1 activity in the cerebrospinal fluid in the tested groups.

The new techniques identifying inactive clinical injury, as well as revealing immunological disturbances connected with the CNS, are very helpful for arriving at the correct diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. In their analysis the authors of the work include six cases and emphasize the great practical significance of magnetic resonance imaging and oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid in making the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Application of dopamine agonists in the therapy of Parkinson's disease constitutes significant progress. The adverse effects of dopamine agonists in the treatment of this disease are caused by various action mechanisms and depend upon the composition and pharmacological characteristics of the drug, its impact upon the dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic receptors, as well as dosage and duration of treatment. The most important ones include: nausea and vomiting, orthostatic hypotonia, psychiatric syndromes, sleep disturbances, pleuropulmonary and retroperitoneal fibrosis, vasoconstrictive properties, oedema, hormonal disturbances, as well as dyskinesias. Knowledge of such adverse effects is necessary for each physician, although in Poland dopamine agonists are used in a minority of patients due to the significant costs of the treatment.

The demonstration of the presence of intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins as oligoclonal band (OB) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is considered to be important as an aid to multiple sclerosis diagnosis. We used the Phast System equipment for OB detection in the CSF. Separation was performed on polyacrylamide gels pI 3-9.7. After separation proteins were visualised with silver staining according to manufacturer instruction or transferred electrophoretically on to nitro-cellulose membrane and developed by immunostaining technique. We also calculated indexes of intrathecal synthesis of IgG. We tested CSF of patients with clinically defined multiple sclerosis (n = 29) according to Poser criteria. In all cases IgG indexes were normal. OB were present in 83% with silver staining and in 93% when we used immunoblotting technique.1. Detection of OB with Past System is easily performed in routine diagnostic process. 2. Immunoblotting technique increases sensitivity of detection of OB and needs small amounts of CSF. 3. The demonstration of OB in CSF is a method of choice in diagnostic process of inflammatory diseases of nervous system, especially in cases of MS.

During recent years it has been demonstrated that activated leukocytes may play a role in disturbances of flow in microcirculation, such disturbances leading to the enlargement of the necrosis zone and area of ischaemic penumbra. Astrocytes, microglial and endothelium cells are also active in the evolution of ischaemic changes in brain. The above cells are producing cytokines, which upregulate the expression of adhesion molecules being responsible for accumulation of inflammatory cells in injured brain. Very significant is also the secretion of neurotoxic substances such as free radicals, nitric oxide or proteolytic enzymes by leukocytes and glial cells. Pre-stroke infection may increase activation of leukocytes and enhance inflammatory process in ischaemic focus. This paper discusses also the results of a treatment of the experimental brain stroke using therapy which reduces inflammatory and immunological response.

In the study the influence of giving gammaglobulin on the course of stroke was tested. The trial was double blind, with a control group and with a randomised administering of gammaglobulin and placebo. The condition for including a patient in the trial was clinical diagnosis of stroke, period of time from the onset not longer than five days, and the absence of both clinical and laboratory features of infection. 36 patients were given gammaglobulin (Veinoglobulin Institut Merieux) in 10 g doses at 3-day intervals, 35 patients were given placebo: 10g of albumin. The clinical follow-up lasted 30 days. Three patients from the gammaglobulin group and nine patients from the placebo group died. Administration of gammaglobulin decreased the tisc of death by 74%. The improvement of neurological deficit in 30-day survivals in the treated group was more expressed than in the placebo group. The total number of infections, number of days with increased temperature, number and time of given antibiotics were comparable in both groups. The results obtained suggest that prophylactic treatment with gammaglobulin does not prevent infections but their course is milder with consequent better clinical improvement and lower mortality.

Objectives - The aim of this study was to investigate whether adhesion molecules play a role in acute ischemic stroke. Material and methods -Using immunofluorescence phenotyping and flow cytometry, the expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules CD54, CD11a, CD11b and CD18 in peripheral blood were measured within 12 h after onset of ischemia in 20 patients with stroke. Follow-up measurements were performed at 7 and 30 days after ictus. Results - CD18 immunofluorescence was significantly increased on the leukocytes within 12 h after onset in patients with stroke compared with the age-matched control group (20 patients with other neurological diseases). Follow-up measurement of CD18 revealed normal results as found in the control group. Conclusion - Our data support the idea that adhesion molecules are involved in tissue injury in ischemic stroke.

The nervous system has been demonstrated recently to play an important role in immunological processes. The effect of the dopaminergic system on the functions of the immune system is poorly known as yet. It is known that lymphocytes possess a binding site for 3H-spiperone. Certain immunological parameters were studied in patients with Parkinson's disease treated or not treated with levodopa, and in two control groups. In the patients the proportion of suppressor lymphocytes was increased, the ratio of helper to suppressor lymphocytes was lower, and the stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes by non-specific mitogens was reduced. These disturbances were similar to those observed during the ageing process, but were more pronounced. No significant effect of levodopa treatment was observed on these immunological parameters.

Numerous factors are involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, including inflammation in certain regions of the brain. Studies suggest a significant role of microglia in dopaminergic cell injury. Cytokines and apoptosis-related proteins were elevated in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid. The occurrence of autoantibodies against neuronal structures has been found in Parkinson's disease. Disturbed cellular and humoral immune functions in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients have been also reported. An infectious cause of Parkinson's disease has been also discussed for years.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related neurodegenerative movement disorder of unknown etiology. In PD immune abnormalities were reported, but the cause of such abnormalities has not been resolved. Recently, the increased proportion of gamma delta + T cells out of all T cells has been found in patients with PD. Heat shock proteins (hsps) could be targets for gamma delta + T lymphocytes. We examined serum and CSF of patients with PD, age-matched patients with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (OND old), young patients with other non-inflammatory neurological diseases (OND young), and donors of blood (DB). Antibodies were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The plates were coated with recombinant mycobacterial hsp 65 and hsp 70. The present study showed that the mean ELISA ratio of CSF from patients with PD was significantly greater than that of CSF from patients with OND old (tested against IgG anti-hsp 65 and IgG anti-hsp 70) and OND young (tested against IgG anti-hsp 70). There was no difference between the mean ELISA ratio of sera from patients with PD, OND old and OND young (tested against IgG anti-hsp 65 and IgG anti-hsp 70). The significance of hsps immunity is not completely clear. Increased hsps expression, which is induced by stress, provides cells with protection against the environmental insults. Alternatively, the antibodies may be present as a consequence of prior infections.