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Background: COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Adequate humoral responses are obtained in pwMS receiving disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) after vaccination, with the exception of those receiving B-cell-depleting therapies and non-selective S1P modulators. However, most of the reported studies on the immunity of COVID-19 vaccinations have included mRNA vaccines, and information on inactivated virus vaccine responses, long-term protectivity, and comparative studies with mRNA vaccines are very limited. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between humoral vaccine responses and COVID-19 infection outcomes following mRNA and inactivated virus vaccines in a large national cohort of pwMS receiving DMTs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and prospective multicenter study on COVID-19-vaccinated pwMS. Blood samples of pwMS with or without DMTs and healthy controls were collected after two doses of inactivated virus (Sinovac) or mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines. PwMS were sub-grouped according to the mode of action of the DMTs that they were receiving. SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were evaluated by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. A representative sample of this study cohort was followed up for a year. COVID-19 infection status and clinical outcomes were compared between the mRNA and inactivated virus groups as well as among pwMS subgroups. Results: A total of 1484 pwMS (1387 treated, 97 untreated) and 185 healthy controls were included in the analyses (male/female: 544/1125). Of those, 852 (51.05%) received BioNTech, and 817 (48.95%) received Sinovac. mRNA and inactivated virus vaccines result in similar seropositivity; however, the BioNTech vaccination group had significantly higher antibody titers (7.175±10.074) compared with the Sinovac vaccination group (823±1.774) (p

Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially its sporadic form (sAD), is of multifactorial nature. Brain insulin resistance and disrupted zinc homeostasis are two key aspects of AD that remain to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary zinc deficiency and supplementation on memory, hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and insulin signaling in intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (icv-STZ)-induced sAD in rats. The memory performance was evaluated by Morris water maze. The expression of hippocampal protein and mRNA levels of targets related to synaptic plasticity and insulin pathway was assessed by Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR. We found memory deficits in icv-STZ rats, which were fully recovered by zinc supplementation. Western blot analysis revealed that icv-STZ treatment significantly reduced hippocampal PSD95 and p-GSK3β, and zinc supplementation restored the normal protein levels. mRNA levels of BDNF, PSD95, SIRT1, GLUT4, insulin receptor, and ZnT3 were found to be reduced by icv-STZ and reestablished by zinc supplementation. Our data suggest that zinc supplementation improves cognitive deficits and rescues the decline in key molecular targets of synaptic plasticity and insulin signaling in hippocampus caused by icv-STZ induced sAD in rats.

To determine changes in retinal microcirculation, caused by fingolimod (FTY720) use, via swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patients.80 patients with RR-MS, who were using fingolimod, and 50 healthy control subjects were included in the study. Group 1 consisted of 40 eyes from 40 RR-MS patients, who had been using fingolimod for less than six months, and Group 2 consisted of 40 eyes from 40 RR-MS patients, who had been using fingolimod for longer than six months. All participants underwent SS-OCTA via DRI OCT Triton (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan), analysing their central macular thickness (CMT) (µm), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (µm), superficial (VDs) (%) and deep vascular plexuses (VDd) (%), choriocapillaris (VDcc) (%), and superficial and deep foveal avascular zones (FAZs, FAZd, respectively) (%) in mean values.The mean follow-up times for patients in Groups 1 and 2 were 2.9 ± 1.5 months and 22.5 ± 11.3 months, respectively. The FAZs value in Group 2 was found to be significantly higher than that in both Group 1 and the control group (Fingolimod use seems to remarkably increase VDs and VDd measurements in the early period of administration and decrease CMT over a longer period of administration in patients with RR-MS.

Introduction: Various restrictions due to the coronavirus infection have affected working life globally. People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have several difficulties in social life, patient follow-up, and receiving treatments. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the experiences of pwMS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We developed a 50-question survey aiming to determine fears, anxieties, and the problems experienced by patients regarding their diseases and social lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was released online via the Turkish MS Society website, local MS societies websites, and social media accounts. Only the answers of the patients who filled out the questionnaire completely were evaluated. Results: In total, 6008 patients took the survey, and 3255 of them completed the questionnaire. Among all, 378 patients (11.6\%) were positive for COVID-19. The most common COVID-19-related symptom was fatigue (48.4\%). The routine medical follow-up was interrupted in 61.4\% and the medication was discontinued in 14\% of the patients. Approximately 25\% of the patients reported different symptoms related to relapse activity. The main concern of the patients related to the COVID-19 pandemic was the disruption of the health of the ones they loved. Among all the patients, 4.4\% lost their jobs. Conclusion: Our data showed that the COVID-19 pandemic strongly affected the working lives of pwMS. Also, the pandemic changed the attitudes of patients and neurologists. Therefore, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on disease approach, patient follow-up, social conditions, and working life should be monitored.

BACKGROUND Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are a group of antibody-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that leads to a reduction in disease activity. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of rituximab as monotherapy in NMOSD and to determine whether the efficacy varies depending on the presence of antibodies in this cohort. METHOD This multicentre national retrospective study included patients with NMOSD treated with rituximab at least for 12 months from Turkey. The primary outcomes were the change in the annualised relapse rate, the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the number of relapse and radiological activity-free patients. RESULTS A total of 85 patients with NMOSD were included in the study. Of 85 patients, 58 (68.2%) were seropositive for anti-Aquaporin4-IgG (antI-AQP4-IgG). All patients were Anti-Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein IgG (anti-MOG-IgG) negative. The median follow-up for rituximab treatment was 21 months (Q1 16-Q3 34.5). During rituximab treatment, the mean annualised relapse rate (ARR) significantly decreased from 1.45 ± 1.53 to 0.15 ± 0.34 (P

Background: COVID-19 is a multisystemic infection with variables consequences depending on individual and comorbid conditions. The course and outcomes of COVID-19 during neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorders (MOGAD) are not clearly known. Objective methods: the aim of this study was to examine the features and outcomes of COVID-19 infection in NMOSD and MOGAD patients. The patients' demographic and clinical factors, disease modifying treatment (DMT) used and disease information of COVID-19 infection were recorded. Conditions leading to hospitalization and severe exposure to COVID-19 infection were also analyzed. Results: the study included 63 patients from 25 centers. Thirty-two patients (50.8%) belong to AQP-4 seropositive group, 13 (20.6%) and 18 (28.6%) were in MOG-positive and double-seronegative groups, respectively. Risk factors for severe COVID-19 infection and hospitalization were advanced age, high disability level and the presence of comorbid disease. Disease severity was found to be high in double-seronegative NMOSD and low in MOGAD patients. No statistically significant effect of DMTs on disease severity and hospitalization was found. Conclusion: in NMOSD and MOGAD patients, advanced age, high disability and presence of comorbid disease pose risks for severe COVID-19 infection. There was no direct significant effect of DMTs for COVID-19 infection., NA

Introduction: Endovascular treatment (ET) has become most well-proven beneficial treatment for the M1-2 occlusions of the middle cerebral artery. Mortality and disability rates are high if large vessel occlusions are not treated. Even if these rates are lower in M3 occlusions, the important branch blockages can end with disability. Small vessels occlusions are difficult to detect and treatment for endovascular interventions. There are few studies on the effectiveness of endovascular treatment for M3 occlusions. In this study, our aim to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of endovascular therapy for M3 occlusions. Methods: This study was conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database in two-centers for acute ischemic stroke of anterior system between July 2015 and April 2020. Demographic, radiologic, procedural variables and outcome variables were collected in patients with who were taken endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke of anterior system. Middle cerebral artery is divided into the sections according to the course and angle of the middle cerebral artery. M3 (opercular) segment of the middle cerebral artery is after the circular sulcus of the insula. Results: The complete or near complete reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) of m3 occlusion was achieved in 15 cases (38.5%). The complete (mTICI 3) reperfusion was achieved in 24 cases (61.5%). The complete or near complete reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) of the other anterior circulation occlusion was achieved in 129 cases (65.9%) while the complete (mTICI 3) reperfusion was achieved in 50 cases (27%). Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrates the ability of endovascularly treatment of M3 occlusions as effective, reliable and cost-effective. Funding Information: None. Declaration of Interests: None. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board with a waiver of informed consent.

Background: We aimed to investigate the effect of 10 µg/kg intrathecal morphine administration in the fast-track cardiac anesthesia protocol on postoperative analgesia and fast-tracking.Materials and Methods: 42 patients from ASA I-III group undergoing elective coronary bypass grafting (CABG) were divided into two groups as intrathecal morphine (ITM) and control (K) groups by closed envelope method. Morphine at a dose of 10 µg/kg was intrathecally administered to the ITM group before induction. The same method of anesthesia induction and maintenance was used in both groups. Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) and tramadol were started in both groups in the intensive care unit. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, extubation time, sedation score, VAS score, capacity of lung, analgesia, time of intensive care and hospital stay were recorded.Results: There was no difference between demographic data and intraoperative data of both groups (p> 005). The extubation time was 192 ± 42.4 minutes in the ITM group and 254.3 ± 88.4 minutes in the control group (p, Amaç: Fast-track (Erken derlenme) kardiyak anestezi protokolünde 10 µgkg-1 dozunda intratekal morfin uygulamasının postoperatif analjezi ve erken derlenme üzerine etkisini araştırmayı planladık.Materyal ve Metod: Elektif koroner bypass greftleme (KABG) operasyonu planlanan ASA I-III grubundan 42 hasta, kapalı zarf usulü ile intratekal morfin (İTM) ve kontrol (K) grubu olarak iki gruba ayrıldı. İTM grubuna indüksiyondan önce 10 µgkg-1 dozundan morfin intratekal olarak uygulandı. Her iki gruba aynı anestezi indüksiyon ve idame yöntemi kullanıldı. Yoğun bakımda her iki gruba hasta kontrollü analjezi (HKA) ile tramadol başlandı. İntraoperatif hemodinamik parametreler, ekstübasyon süresi, sedasyon skoru, VAS skoru, postoperatif akciğer kapasitesi, VAS skoru, yoğun bakım ve hastanede kalış süresi kaydedildi.Bulgular: Her iki grubun demografik verileri ve intraoperatif verileri arasında fark yoktu (p>005). Ekstübasyon zamanı İTM grubunda 192±42.4 dakika, kontrol grubunda 254.3±88.4 dakika bulundu (p

Moyamoya disease is an entity, which is caused by obstruction or stenosis in the area between the internal carotid artery, and anterior and middle cerebral arteries, identified angiographically, and does not have an exactly known etiology. The most frequent symptoms of onset are hemorrhage in adults and ischemia in children. In this paper, we present a case of Moyamoya disease which was diagnosed with a 21 year old male patient who was admitted to our emergency department with headache, nausea vomiting and left hemiparasi complaints and whose radiological findings showed right basal ganglia hemorrhage.\n

INTRODUCTION: In the protection of both primary and secondary ischemic stroke, the effectiveness and reliability of the placement of carotid artery stent (CAS) has been demonstrated. Our aim in this study is to demonstrate the reliability of the CAM procedure performed in the tertiary care neurology clinic and the clinical and radiological to evaluation the two-year results. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who applied to our hospital between July 2015 and July 2016, were evaluated by our neurology clinic, decided on CAS and stenting were studied (average age 71.6 [58-85]). Patients with symptomatic onset of the carotid artery stenosis over 50% angiographically, asymptomatic and over 70% stenosis in the carotid artery were included. RESULTS: The operation success rate was 96.3% (a thrombus developed in the stent 2 hours after the operation in a single patient). No deaths or myocardial infarction occurred in any of these patients with CAS. No ischemic cerebrovascular event or transient ischemic attack occurred in any of the patients at 6 months follow-up. No restenosis was observed in any of the carotid doppler follow-ups performed in our clinic. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We believe that carotid artery stent placement performed by neurologists trained in endovascular surgery can be safely performed with low complication and high success rates in symptomatic or asymptomatic patients and that patients will be monitored in a more healthy manner.

Objective. Comparison of ultrasound (US)-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) patients. The primary outcome was to compare perioperative and postoperative (48 hours) opioid consumption. Methods. A total of 60 patients were randomized into two groups (N =30): an ESPB group and an SAPB group. All the patients received intravenous patient-controlled postoperative analgesia and ibuprofen 400 mg intravenously every eight hours. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, opioid consumption, and adverse events were recorded. Results. Intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption at 0-8, 8-16, and 16-24 hours and rescue analgesic use were significantly lower in the ESPB group (P< 0.05). Static/dynamic VAS scores were significantly lower in the ESPB group (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference between static VAS scores at the fourth hour. There were no differences between adverse effects. Block procedure time and one-time puncture success were similar between groups (P > 0.05 each). Conclusion. US-guided ESPB may provide better pain control than SAPB after VATS. Question. Even though there are studies about analgesia management after VATS, clinicians want to perform the technique that is both less invasive and more effective. Findings. This randomized trial showed that US-guided ESPB provides effective analgesia compared with SAPB. Meaning. Performing single-injection ESPB reduces VAS scores and opioid consumption compared with SAPB.

Comprehensive assessment of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in terms of patient profile, clinical and disease-related factors has great epidemiological value. This study aimed to evaluate patient experience and disease-related awareness in MS patients through a nation-wide survey in Turkey Methods: A total of 1379 MS patients participated in this cross-sectional questionnaire survey conducted between November 2018 and December 2018. The online questionnaire form included items on sociodemographic, disease-related, first-admission, treatment and follow up characteristics as well as the disability status.Patients were diagnosed at median 28.0 years of age, while the average time from admission to diagnosis and time from diagnosis to treatment were 1.2 years and 2.5 months, respectively. Neurology (45.4%) and ophthalmology (23.3%) were the most common clinics for the first admission, while numbness-weakness in lower and upper extremities (37.6%) and double vision-visual problems (30.6%) were the most common symptoms on initial admission. Treatment was initiated after the diagnosis in 1213(88.0%) patients, while 166 (12.0%) patients were treatment-naïve. Treatment discontinuation, treatment switch and use of alternative treatment methods were reported by 31.3%, 49.3% and 22.8% of patients, respectively. The ophthalmology admissions (with double vision or visual problems) were associated with the shortest time from presentation to diagnosis as compared with neurosurgery and internal medicine admissions (median 1.0 vs. 3.0 and 4.0 months, p0.001). The neurology admissions (with numbness-weakness in extremities) were associated with more prompt (median 0.3 vs. 0.5 months, p=0.032) and more frequent onset of treatment after diagnosis (64.5% vs. 2.2% to 15.2%, p0.001). Time from presentation to diagnosis was longer in patients aged50 years (median 6.0 months vs. 2.0 months, p0.001), in patients using alternative medicine (median 3.0 months vs. 1 month, p=0.001) and in patients admitted to a non-MS-center (median 3.0 months vs. 2.0 months, p=0.002). Median (min-max) age at diagnosis was significantly lower in patients with vs. without treatment discontinuation for any reason (26.0(10-56) vs. 29.0(3-60) years, p0.001) and treatment switching (27.0(5-93) vs. 30.0(3-60) years, p0.001).In conclusion, our findings revealed higher likelihood of earlier diagnosis and earlier treatment in patients admitted to an MS-center and in those presenting with ocular problems and sensory-motor deficits, respectively. Our findings also emphasize the association of older patient age with higher likelihood of diagnostic delay, and increased likelihood of treatment discontinuation for any reason and/or treatment switching in case of older patient age, younger age at diagnosis and diagnostic delay. In this regard, our findings highlight the need for improved awareness among patients as well as clinicians on initial manifestations of MS to enable admission or referral to an MS-center and to prevent delay in diagnosis, particularly for onset symptoms other than ocular or sensory-motor characteristics.

Background: The pandemic of the new type of corona virus infection 2019 [Covid-19] also affect people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Currently, the accumulating information on the effects of the infection regarding the & nbsp;& nbsp;demographic and clinical characteristics of the disease, as well as outcomes within different DMTs & cedil; enable us to have better practices on the management of the Covid-19 infection in pwMS. Objective: To investigate the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and to reveal the relationship between the demographic-clinical and therapeutic features and the outcome of Covid-19 infection in a multi- center national cohort of pwMS.& nbsp; Methods: The Turkish Neurological Society-MS Study Group in association with the Italian MuSC-19 Study Group initiated this study. A web-based electronic Case Report Form (eCRF) of Study-MuSC-19 were used to collect the data. The demographic data and MS histories of the patients were obtained from the file tracking forms of the relevant clinics.& nbsp; Results: 309 MS patients with confirmed Covid-19 infection were included in this study. Two hundred nineteen (219) were females (70.9%). The mean age was 36.9, ranging from 18 to 66, 194 of them (62.8%) were under 40. The clinical phenotype was relapsing-remitting in 277 (89.6%) and progressive in 32 (10.4%). Disease duration ranged from 0.2 years to 31.4 years. The median EDSS was 1.5, ranging from 0 to 8.5. The EDSS score was

Objectives: To define the thoughts, emotions, experiences and perceptions of women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to determine sexual, physical, and emotional effects of MS on patients. Methods: Twenty-one women were included into this qualitatively designed study. Results: Three baseline themes were defined as “uncertainty” arising from complaints due to numbness in extremities and loss of sense, balance or vision, “alterations in sexual life,” and “inability” as a result of deformities in marital status and gender role. Conclusion: Healthcare providers should evaluate MS patients meticulously as to sexual life and refer such patients to appropriate health centers.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder affecting the white matter in the central nervous system (CNS), seen usually among young adults (20–40 years of age). Fatigue is an important symptom that affects a large portion of the patient population. The reason for fatigue seen in MS patients is still not well-known. Fatigue is a subjective and non-specific symptom; therefore, it is quite difficult to evaluate fatigue. This symptom has been reported in 75–87% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and two-thirds of these patients indicated fatigue as one of the worst three common symptoms they experienced. In this review, objective measurement methods of fatigue which is a subjective complaint will be discussed.

WOS: 000487283000016, Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune central nervous system disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage (1). Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting the axial skeleton, which can cause structural and functional disorders and decreased quality of life, and cause a characteristic back pain and position (2). The coexistence of MS and AS is rare. Besides the neurogenetic and neuroepidemiologic aspects of this association, there may be an interactive interaction in the treatment. It may be necessary to examine the effect of this situation on the roadmap to be followed in the treatment of both diseases.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS), is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder affecting the white matter in the central nervous system (CNS), seen usually among young adults (20-40 years of age). Fatigue is an important symptom that affects a large portion of the patient population. The reason for fatigue seen in MS patients is still not well-known. Fatigue is a subjective and non-specific symptom; therefore, it is quite difficult to evaluate fatigue. This symptom has been reported in 75-87% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and two-thirds of these patients indicated fatigue as one of the worst three common symptoms they experienced. In this review, objective measurement methods of fatigue which is a subjective complaint will be discussed.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo a duracao do bloqueio espinhal e uma preocupacao para os anestesistas. Lidocaina intratecal em dose baixa tem efeito vasodilatador e aumenta a eliminacao do anestesico local do espaco intratecal. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se esse efeito da lidocaina pode ser usado para aumentar a resolucao da anestesia espinhal com levobupivacaina. Metodo apos obter aprovacao do Comite de Etica e consentimento informado, 40 pacientes submetidos a resseccao transuretral da prostata foram incluidos no estudo. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos e receberam6mgde levobupivacaina + 0,3 mL de lidocaina a 2% (Grupo L) ou6,75mgde levobupivacaina + solucao salina (Grupo C). O desfecho primario foi a diferenca entre os grupos em relacao a duracao do bloqueio espinhal e a permanencia na sala de recuperacao pos‐anestesica (SRPA). Os desfechos secundarios foram a diferenca entre os grupos em relacao ao inicio e a resolucao do bloqueio espinhal; eventos adversos e tratamentos tambem foram investigados. Resultados a resolucao do bloqueio espinhal foi mais rapida no Grupo L do que no Grupo C: 162,43 ± 39,4 min vs. 219 ± 37,3 min (p = 0,000). O tempo na SRPA foi menor no Grupo L do que no Grupo C: 109 ± 49,9 min vs. 148 ± 56,8 min (p = 0,036). Nao houve diferenca entre os grupos em relacao a incidencia de eventos adversos e tratamentos. Os grupos tambem foram semelhantes no que diz respeito a complicacoes. Cefaleia pos‐puncao dural (CPPD) e sintomas neurologicos transitorios (SNT) nao foram observados em nenhum grupo. Conclusao a adicao de lidocaina em dose baixa a levobupivacaina hiperbarica reduz a duracao do bloqueio intratecal proporcionado por levobupivacaina hiperbarica. Essa tecnica pode ser usada para reduzir a duracao do bloqueio espinhal em procedimentos relativamente curtos como resseccao transuretral da prostata (RTUP).

Background: The duration of the spinal block is a concern for anesthetists. Low dose intrathecal lidocaine has vasodilatory effects and increases the local anesthetic clearance from the intrathecal space. The aim was to investigate whether this effect of lidocaine can be used to increase the resolution of levobupivacaine spinal anesthesia. Method: After obtaining ethical approval and informed patient consent, 40 patients underwent transurethral prostate resection were studied. Patients were randomized into two groups and patients received either levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + 0.3 mL 2% lidocaine (Group L) or levobupivacaine 6.75 mg + saline (Group C). The main outcome measures were the difference between groups regarding the duration of the spinal block and PACU stay. Secondary outcome measures were the difference between groups in onset and resolution of the spinal block, adverse events and treatments were also investigated. Results: Spinal block resolved faster in Group L than Group C; 162.43 ± 39.4 min vs 219.73 ± 37.3 min (p = 0.000). PACU time was shorter in Group L (109 ± 49.9 min in Group L vs 148 ± 56.8 min in Group C) (p = 0.036). There was no difference between groups with respect to the incidence of adverse events and treatments. Groups were also similar regarding complications. PDPH and TNS were not observed in any group. Conclusion: Addition of low dose lidocaine to hyperbaric levobupivacaine reduces the duration of the intrathecal block provided by hyperbaric levobupivacaine. This technique can be used to reduce the spinal block duration for relatively short procedures like TUR-P. Justificativa e objetivo: a duração do bloqueio espinhal é uma preocupação para os anestesistas. Lidocaína intratecal em dose baixa tem efeito vasodilatador e aumenta a eliminação do anestésico local do espaço intratecal. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar se esse efeito da lidocaína pode ser usado para aumentar a resolução da anestesia espinhal com levobupivacaína. Método: após obter aprovação do Comitê de Ética e consentimento informado, 40 pacientes submetidos à ressecção transuretral da próstata foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos e receberam6mgde levobupivacaína + 0,3 mL de lidocaína a 2% (Grupo L) ou6,75mgde levobupivacaína + solução salina (Grupo C). O desfecho primário foi a diferença entre os grupos em relação à duração do bloqueio espinhal e a permanência na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica (SRPA). Os desfechos secundários foram a diferença entre os grupos em relação ao início e à resolução do bloqueio espinhal; eventos adversos e tratamentos também foram investigados. Resultados: a resolução do bloqueio espinhal foi mais rápida no Grupo L do que no Grupo C: 162,43 ± 39,4 min vs. 219 ± 37,3 min (p = 0,000). O tempo na SRPA foi menor no Grupo L do que no Grupo C: 109 ± 49,9 min vs. 148 ± 56,8 min (p = 0,036). Não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à incidência de eventos adversos e tratamentos. Os grupos também foram semelhantes no que diz respeito a complicações. Cefaleia pós-punção dural (CPPD) e sintomas neurológicos transitórios (SNT) não foram observados em nenhum grupo. Conclusão: a adição de lidocaína em dose baixa à levobupivacaína hiperbárica reduz a duração do bloqueio intratecal proporcionado por levobupivacaína hiperbárica. Essa técnica pode ser usada para reduzir a duração do bloqueio espinhal em procedimentos relativamente curtos como ressecção transuretral da próstata (RTUP). Justificación y objetivo: la duración del bloqueo raquídeo es una preocupación para los anestesistas. La lidocaína intratecal en dosis baja tiene un efecto vasodilatador y aumenta la eliminación del anestésico local del espacio intratecal. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar si ese efecto de la lidocaína puede ser usado para aumentar la resolución de la anestesia raquídea con levobupivacaína. Método: después de obtener la aprobación del Comité de Ética y el consentimiento informado del paciente, fueron incluidos en el estudio 40 pacientes sometidos a resección transuretral de próstata. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados en 2 grupos y recibieron 6 mg de levobupivacaína + 0,3 mL de lidocaína al 2% (grupo L) o 6,75 mg de levobupivacaína + solución salina (grupo C). El objetivo primario fue analizar la diferencia entre los grupos con relación a la duración del bloqueo raquídeo y la permanencia en la sala de reanimación postanestesia. El secundario fue la diferencia entre los grupos con relación al inicio y al término del bloqueo raquídeo. También se investigaron los eventos adversos y los tratamientos. Resultados: la resolución del bloqueo raquídeo fue más rápida en el grupo L que en el grupo C (162,43 ± 39,4 min vs. 219,73 ± 37,3 min [p = 0,000]). El tiempo en la sala de reanimación postanestesia fue menor en el grupo L que en el grupo C (109 ± 49,9 min vs. 148 ± 56,8 min [p = 0,036]). No hubo diferencia entre los grupos con relación a la incidencia de eventos adversos y tratamientos. Los grupos también fueron similares en lo que respecta a las complicaciones. No se observó en ningún grupo ni cefalea pospunción dural ni síntomas neurológicos transitorios. Conclusión: la adición de una dosis baja de lidocaína a la levobupivacaína hiperbárica reduce la duración del bloqueo intratecal proporcionado por la levobupivacaína hiperbárica. Esa técnica puede ser usada para reducir la duración del bloqueo raquídeo en procedimientos relativamente cortos como la resección transuretral de próstata.

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on female sexuality. Methods Present study included 142 females (70 MS patients, 72 healthy controls). MS patients were evaluated by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) for functional status, by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for severity of depression, by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for severity of pain, and by Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) for sexual function. Main Outcome Measures FSFI, BDI, EDSS, and VAS were the main outcome measures. Results The number of weekly sexual intercourse, total FSFI, and FSFI subscale scores were lower in MS women compared with controls. FSFI total and FSFI subscale scores were statistically significantly lower in MS women with BDI score ≥17 compared with those with BDI score Conclusions Sexual functions are negatively affected in MS women. Sexual functions in MS women seem to be associated with enhanced disability, pain, duration of the disease, and degree of concomitant depression. Therefore, women with MS should also be evaluated in terms of sexual function during routine follow‐ups. Gumus H, Akpinar Z, and Yilmaz H. Effects of multiple sclerosis on female sexuality: A controlled study. J Sex Med 2014;11:481–486.

Introduction To investigate the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on male sexuality. Methods While 61 men with MS were included into the study group, 60 healthy men constituted the control group in the study. In MS patients, such parameters as functional status and depression levels were assessed with the Expanded Disability Status Scala (EDSS) and the Beck Depression Scale (BDS), other parameters such as pain levels, sexual function and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scala (VAS), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the short form-36 (SF-36), respectively. Results Patients with MS were classified as 45 with EDSS 5.5. Mean VAS and BDI scores patients with MS were found statistically significantly higher, compared with those of the controls (p

The use of preincisional plain levobupivacaine, lidocaine adrenaline and saline for perioperative blood loss and postoperative analgesia in pediatric tonsillectomy patients are compared.Ninety patients were randomly assigned into one of the 3 groups to receive preincisional peritonsillar infiltration of levobupivacaine 0.25% (group LB), lidocaine-adrenaline 1% with 1:200,000 (group LA) and saline (group S) under general anesthesia. Intraoperative blood loss, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin (hb) and haematocrit (htc) values, hemostasis time, operation duration, number of cautery used (20 W, 1s) and heart rates were recorded. Pain scores in PACU, at 6th, 12th and 24th hours postoperatively and the number of the patients requiring analgesic treatment for first 24h was also recorded.There was a 30% reduction in perioperative blood loss in group LB and 63% reduction in group LA compared to group S (39 ± 6, 21 ± 4 and 55 ± 7 ml respectively) (p0.001). Even though all three groups have significantly lower postoperative hb and htc values with respect to preoperative levels both local anesthetic groups had significantly higher postoperative hb and htc values than saline (p0.001). Time required for hemostasis, the number of cautery used for haemostasis and operation duration were lower in groups LB and LA with respect to group S. Pain scores of the group LB revealed a significantly lower score throughout 24h. Only 14 patients in group LB demanded additional analgesic where as all patients in the other groups had. Adding adrenaline to the local anesthetic solution showed no side effects. Also we did not happened to see any complications related to local anesthetic injections. There was no postoperative major bleeding in groups.Levobupivacaine has a vasoconstrictive effect in 0.25% concentrations that may be beneficial in tonsillectomy patients and has a consistent analgesic effect.

Administration of remifentanil can be a reliable method for preventing airway reflex responses during emergence. We therefore investigated the effect of maintaining target controlled infusion (TCI) of remifentanil for smooth cLMA removal during emergence from desflurane–remifentanil anaesthesia. Forty-one patients undergoing uretero-renoscopy under general anesthesia with desflurane and at 1–4 ng/ml TCI remifentanil infusion were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 20) or a remifentanil group (n = 21). At the end of the surgery, desflurane and remifentanil infusion were stopped in group C and remifentanil was maintained at the effect-site concentration of 1.5 ng/ml TCI in group R. When LMA removal was accomplished without coughing, teeth clenching, gross purposeful movements, breath holding, laryngospasm, and desaturation to SpO2 less than 90%, removal was regarded as smooth (successful). The emergence and recovery profiles were also evaluated. The incidence and number of complications (coughing, teeth clenching, gross purposeful movements, breath holding, laryngospasm, desaturation to SpO2

We assessed the effect of magnesium on the amount of bleeding, coagulation profiles and surgical conditions during lumbar discectomy under general anaesthesia. Forty patients, of ASA physical status 1-2 and aged 18-65 years, undergoing single-level microscopic lumbar discectomy, were randomly assigned to magnesium sulphate (50 mg.kg(-1) in 100 ml saline over 10 min followed by a continuous infusion of 20 mg.kg.h(-1) ) or saline. The mean (SD) estimated blood loss was 190 (95) and 362 (170) ml in the magnesium and saline groups, respectively (mean difference = 172 ml; 95% CI 84-260 ml). The median (IQR [range]) Fromme's scale score for surgical conditions for the magnesium and saline groups were 2 (2-3 [2-3]) and 3 (2-3 [3-4]), respectively (p < 0.05). The bleeding time, haemoglobin, platelet count, prothrombin time, international normalised ratio and fibrinogen levels were similar in the two groups. The activated partial thromboplastin time was prolonged in the magnesium group immediately postoperatively and at 6 h after surgery. After the bolus of magnesium, the heart rate was higher and the mean arterial pressure lower in the magnesium group. The use of magnesium sulphate during lumbar discectomy decreases blood loss, and provides better surgical conditions without marked haemodynamic effects.

Background: In this study, we present the 3-month follow-up results of a retrospective analysis of obturator nerve (ON) phenol neurolysis performed between 2000 and 2007 in patients with adductor spasticity. Methods: The study was performed by retrospective investigation of the clinical follow-up results of 80 ON phenol treatments in 62 patients. Neurolysis using 5–10 ml 6% phenol was applied with the guidance of fluoroscopy and a peripheral nerve stimulator. Pain, spasticity and hygiene were evaluated and the hip abduction range of motion (ROM) was measured at the end of the first week and in the first, second and third months following the intervention. Results: The visual analogue scale scores decreased significantly in the first week, first month and the second month, but reached their initial values in the third month. A drastic increase in the ROM values was shown in hip abduction in the first week, first month and second month. An increase in the Ashworth Scale values was observed in the second and third months, but they did not reach their initial values. The hygiene score decreased drastically in the first week and the first and second months, but worsened in the third month. The success rate in nerve localization during ON neurolysis was 100%. Conclusion: ON phenol blockade with fluoroscopy and peripheral nerve stimulator guidance in patients with adductor spasticity led to a decrease in spasticity and pain with an increase in the ROM of the hip and better hygiene with an efficacy lasting for about 3 months.

In this study, we compare paravertebral block (PVB) of the T10 and L1 segments and multiple-segment PVB for anesthesia and analgesia in inguinal hernia surgeries.Anatomic study was performed on 3 cadavers. A 15-mL methylene blue solution was injected at the T10 level and then an additional 5-mL dye injection at L1 level. Fifty patients were included in the study. Patients in group 1 (n = 25) underwent PVB of 2 segments at the T10 and L1 vertebrae levels on the same side as the hernia, whereas patients in group 2 (n = 25) underwent PVB through 4 segments at T10, T11, T12, and L1 on the same side as the hernia. Perioperative propofol/remifentanil consumption, surgery start time, time to perform the block, duration of sensory block, postoperative visual analog scale scores, and complications were evaluated.Any passage down to the T12 level was not observed after injection at the T10 level and also only after additional 5-mL dye injection at the L1 level; the genitofemoral, ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were stained with dye in cadavers. The times for block application were 5 mins (SD, 1 min) in group 1 and 16 mins (SD, 4 mins) in group 2 (P0.001). The surgery start time was 25 mins (SD, 3 mins) in group 1 and 27 mins (SD, 6 mins) in group 2 (P = 0.234). In both groups, propofol and remifentanil were used in similar quantities during the perioperative period. Use of paracetamol tablets was similar in both groups (P0.05). Whereas none of the patients in group 1 displayed motor block or contralateral spread, 2 patients in group 2 displayed contralateral spread, and motor block was observed in 1 patient. Twenty-three patients (92%) in group 1 and 24 patients (96%) in group 2 were satisfied with the method (P0.05).Two-segment PVB can be an alternative to 4-segment PVB in inguinal hernia surgeries. Decreasing the number of injections required in this technique may further increase patient comfort and decrease complications.

The aim of this study was to define the sonographic evaluation and morphometric measurements of the suprascapular notch.The suprascapular notch was evaluated by ultrasound on both sides in 50 volunteers (25 males, 25 females). By means of ultrasound, the notch width, the notch depth and the distance between the skin and the notch base (skin-notch base interval) were measured and imaging of the superior transverse scapular ligament was attempted. Furthermore, imaging of the suprascapular artery and vein was performed by Doppler ultrasound.On the measurements performed, the notch was found to be deeper in men than in women on both the right (P = 0.022) and the left (P = 0.011) sides. Taking all volunteers into account without grouping sex, no differences were detected between the two sides with respect to the measurements of the notch width, notch depth and distance between the skin and the notch base. The superior transverse scapular ligament was demonstrated in 48 (96%) of 50 volunteers. On color Doppler ultrasound, the artery-vein complex was visualized in a total of 43 (86%) volunteers.Suprascapular notch measurements and the visualization of the anatomical neighborhood, which may be beneficial for the suprascapular nerve blockade procedure, can be successfully performed by the use of high-frequency ultrasound imaging.

Brucellosis is a common zoonosis in many parts of the world, including Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries. The disease is primarily related to occupations at risk, such as veterinarians, farmers, laboratory technicians, abattoir workers, and others working with animals and their products. Neurologic complications of brucellosis are quite rare, ranging from 1.7 to 10% of those infected. To date, no cases of neurobrucellosis with hydrocephalus have been reported. A 38-year-old right-handed farmer complained of headaches, nausea, vomiting, gait disturbance, and sweating for 2 days. He also complained of bilateral hearing loss of 4 months duration. On neurologic examination, dysmmetry, dysdiadochokinesis, ataxia on the left, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss existed. On cranial MRI, a communicating hydrocephalus was noted. Because the patient consumed fresh sheep cheese and was a farmer, brucellosis was considered in the differential diagnosis. Brucella agglutination was positive with a 1/320 titer in the blood and a 1/80 titer in the cerebrospinal fluid. Ceftriaxone, doxycycline, and rifampicin were administered and by the fourth week of treatment, the ataxia was markedly improved, and the patient was able to walk without support. His cranial MRI demonstrated a total regression of the hydrocephalus. As a result, we suggest that neurobrucellosis should be considered in patients with hydrocephalus, especially if they live in an endemic area for brucellosis, even in the absence of other systemic signs.

Objective The relationship between sleep bruxism and antidepressant drugs in patients remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the incidence rate of antidepressant-related bruxism and to examine whether antidepressant use is associated with this adverse effect in the patients. Methods The study sample was gathered from 2 hospitals. A total of 807 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The sample was divided into 2 groups: the antidepressant group (n = 506) and the control group (n = 301). Sleep bruxism was established with reports from the study participants on the basis of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders: Diagnosis and Coding Manual Second Edition. Results The prevalence of bruxism was significantly higher in the antidepressant group (24.3%) than in the control group (15.3%). The incidence of antidepressant-induced bruxism was 14.0%. The antidepressants most associated with bruxism were paroxetine, venlafaxine, and duloxetine. The patients experiencing antidepressant-induced bruxism had higher age compared with those who did not experience this adverse effect. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest that bruxism is frequently observed in women taking antidepressants and that it seems to be associated with antidepressant use at least in some patients.

Pure motor monoparesis (PMM) is a rare condition, characterized by isolated motor deficit limited to one extremity without sensory defects. Isolated hand-wrist paralysis due to cerebral infarct is rarely seen. We reported a 73-year-old woman with pure motor deficit at distal of left upper extremity due to right parietal lobe infarct.

In neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF1), cerebrovascular disorders are rarely encountered although vasculopathy is a well-known complication. Several mutations seen in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) give rise to the formation of hyperhomocysteinemia and homocystinuria, a considerable risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders, by leading to enzymatic inactivation. In the paper, a 31-year-old young stroke female patient with the coexistence of neurofibromatosis and MTHFR C677T gene mutation was presented.

There are a restricted number of studies about usage of gabapentin for neuropathic pain treatment of pediatric patients. We shared a 12-year-old male case with severe neuropathic pain that hindered the rehabilitation programme for the loss of muscle power and movement limitation. Neuropathic pain developed after peripheral sciatic damage due to firearm traumatisation did not respond to other medical treatments but healed nearly completely after gabapentin usage.

The end-tidal desflurane concentration required for smooth removal of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has not been established. Therefore, we aimed to find the end-tidal desflurane concentration for safe, smooth, and uncomplicated LMA removal.The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Ministry of Health, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Research and the Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. All patients provided written consent. A total of 23 adults, 18-60 years of age and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I, who had been scheduled for urological surgery were included in the study. The intravenous induction of anaesthesia was performed with propofol 2.5 mg kg⁻¹ and remifentanil 10 μg within 30 s. The LMA was inserted. Maintenance of anaesthesia was provided by desflurane, with nitrous oxide and oxygen. The LMA was removed at predetermined end-tidal desflurane concentrations at the end of surgery. The concentration at which LMA removal was attempted was determined by Dixon's up-down method with 0.5% as the step size. When LMA removal was accomplished without coughing, teeth clenching, gross purposeful movements, breath holding, laryngospasm, and desaturation to SpO(2) less than 90%, it was considered a smooth (successful) removal.For smooth removal of the LMA, end-tidal desflurane EC50 was 2.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.9%], and the EC95 value was 3.9% (95% CI 3.1-7.9%).The EC95 of end-tidal desflurane for the smooth removal of the LMA is 3.9%. LMA removal in adults receiving desflurane may be possible at approximately 0.7 minimum alveolar concentration.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of lidocaine on the incidence and severity of myoclonic movements induced by etomidate. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive either 20 mg lidocaine or saline (n = 30, each), 30 s before administration of etomidate (0.3 mg/kg). One minute after etomidate administration we assessed severity of myoclonus. Pretreatment with lidocaine significantly reduced both the incidence and severity of myoclonic movements. As a conclusion, lidocaine is an effective and safe drug to reduce the etomidate-induced myoclonus without significant side effects.

Background. The local anaesthetics used in day-case spinal anaesthesia should provide short recovery times. We aimed to compare hyperbaric prilocaine and bupivacaine in terms of sensory block resolution and time to home readiness in day-case spinal anaesthesia.Methods. Fifty patients undergoing perianal surgery were randomized into two groups. The bupivacaine-fentanyl group (Group B) received 7.5 mg, 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine + 20 μg fentanyl in total 1.9 mL. The prilocaine-fentanyl group (Group P) received 30 mg, 0.5% hyperbaric prilocaine + 20 μg fentanyl in the same volume.Results. Time to L1 block and maximum block was shorter in Group P than in Group B (Group P4.6±1.3 min versus Group B5.9±01.9 min,P=0.017, and Group P13.2±7.5 min versus Group B15.3±6.6 min,P=0.04). The time to L1 regression and S3 regression of the sensorial block was significantly shorter in Group P than in Group B (45.7±21.9 min versus59.7±20.9 min,P=0.024, and133.8±41.4 min versus200.4±64.8 min,P<0.001). The mean time to home readiness was shorter for Group P than for Group B (155±100.2 min versus207.2±62.7 min(P<0.001)).Conclusion. Day-case spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric prilocaine + fentanyl is superior to hyperbaric bupivacaine in terms of earlier sensory block resolution and home readiness and the surgical conditions are comparable for perianal surgery.