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Enzyme replacement therapy has drastically changed prospects of patients with Pompe disease, a progressive metabolic myopathy. As classic infantile patients survive due to treatment, they exhibit progressive white matter abnormalities, while brain involvement in late-onset patients is not fully elucidated. To study the underlying microstructure of white matter, we acquired structural (T1, T2, FLAIR) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain in 12 classic infantile patients (age 5–20 years) and 18 late-onset Pompe patients (age 11–56 years). Structural images were scored according to a rating scale for classic infantile patients. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) from classic infantile patients were compared to a reference population, using a Wilcoxon signed-rank, one sample test. Effect sizes (Hedges’ G) were used to compare DTI metrics across different tracts. For late-onset patients, results were compared to (reported) tractography data on normal aging. In classic infantile patients, we found a significant lower FA and higher MD (p

Objectives To evaluate changes in diaphragmatic function in Pompe disease using MRI over time, both during natural disease course and during treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Methods In this prospective study, 30 adult Pompe patients and 10 healthy controls underwent pulmonary function tests and spirometry-controlled MRI twice, with an interval of 1 year. In the sagittal view of 3D gradient echo breath-hold acquisitions, diaphragmatic motion (cranial-caudal ratio between end-inspiration and end-expiration) and curvature (diaphragm height and area ratio) were calculated using a machine learning algorithm based on convolutional neural networks. Changes in outcomes after 1 year were compared between Pompe patients and healthy controls using the Mann-Whitney test. Results Pulmonary function outcomes and cranial-caudal ratio in Pompe patients did not change significantly over time compared to healthy controls. Diaphragm height ratio increased by 0.04 (−0.38 to 1.79) in Pompe patients compared to −0.02 (−0.18 to 0.25) in healthy controls (p = 0.02). An increased diaphragmatic curvature over time was observed in particular in untreated Pompe patients (p = 0.03), in those receiving ERT already for over 3 years (p = 0.03), and when severe diaphragmatic weakness was found on the initial MRI (p = 0.01); no progression was observed in Pompe patients who started ERT less than 3 years ago and in Pompe patients with mild diaphragmatic weakness on their initial MRI. Conclusions MRI enables to detect small changes in diaphragmatic curvature over 1-year time in Pompe patients. It also showed that once severe diaphragmatic weakness has occurred, improvement of diaphragmatic muscle function seems unlikely. Key Points • Changes in diaphragmatic curvature in Pompe patients over time assessed with 3D MRI may serve as an outcome measure to evaluate the effect of treatment on diaphragmatic function. • Diaphragmatic curvature showed a significant deterioration after 1 year in Pompe patients compared to healthy controls, but the curvature seems to remain stable over this period in patients who were treated with enzyme replacement therapy for less than 3 years, possibly indicating a positive effect of ERT. • Improvement of diaphragmatic curvature over time is rarely seen in Pompe patients once diaphragmatic motion shows severe impairment (cranial-caudal inspiratory/expiratory ratio < 1.4).

Pompe disease is an inherited metabolic myopathy caused by deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA), resulting in lysosomal glycogen accumulation. Residual GAA enzyme activity affects disease onset and severity, although other factors, including dysregulation of cytoplasmic glycogen metabolism, are suspected to modulate the disease course. In this study, performed in mice and patient biopsies, we found elevated protein levels of enzymes involved in glucose uptake and cytoplasmic glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscle from mice with Pompe disease, including glycogenin (GYG1), glycogen synthase (GS), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), glycogen branching enzyme (GBE1), and UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP2). Expression levels were elevated before the loss of muscle mass and function. For first time, quantitative mass spectrometry in skeletal muscle biopsies from five adult patients with Pompe disease showed increased expression of glycogen branching enzyme protein relative to healthy controls at the group level. Paired analysis of individual patients who responded well to treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) showed reduction of glycogen synthase, glycogenin, and glycogen branching enzyme 1 in all patients after start of ERT compared to baseline. These results indicate that metabolic changes precede muscle wasting in Pompe disease, and imply a positive feedforward loop in Pompe disease, in which lysosomal glycogen accumulation promotes cytoplasmic glycogen synthesis and glucose uptake, resulting in aggravation of the disease phenotype.

Background and ObjectivesGuillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy that may follow a preceding infection inducing a cross-reactive antibody response to glycosphingolipids in peripheral nerves. The immune response in GBS is considered to be short lasting, explaining its monophasic clinical course. However, the disease course varies between patients, and residual deficits frequently occur. The duration of the antibody response has not been defined extensively in GBS, and the persistence of these antibodies may impair clinical recovery. The aim of this study was to determine the titer course of serum antibody titers to the ganglioside GM1 in relation to clinical course and outcome in patients with GBS.MethodsAcute-phase sera from patients with GBS included in previous therapeutic trials were screened for anti-GM1 IgG and IgM antibodies in ELISA. Anti-GM1 antibody titers were determined in sera collected at entry and during a 6-month follow-up. Clinical course and outcomes were compared between groups based on the titer course.ResultsAnti-GM1 antibodies were detected in 78 (20.7%) of 377 included patients. The anti-GM1 IgG and IgM antibody titer course was highly variable between patients. A subset of anti–GM1-positive patients had persistent anti-GM1 antibodies at 3 months (n = 27/43 [62.8%]) and 6 months (n = 19/41 [46.3%]). Patients with a high anti-GM1 IgG and IgM titer at entry recovered more slowly and less complete than anti–GM1-negative patients (IgG:p= 0.015, IgM:p= 0.03). High vs low IgG titers were independently associated with poor outcome after correcting for known prognostic factors (p= 0.046). Among patients with a high anti-GM1 IgG titer at entry, a slow titer decline was associated with poor outcome at 4 weeks (p= 0.003) and 6 months (p= 0.032). Persistent high IgG titers at 3 and 6 months were associated with poor outcome at 6 months (3 months:p= 0.022, 6 months:p= 0.004).DiscussionHigh anti-GM1 IgG and IgM antibody titers at entry and persistent high anti-GM1 IgG antibody titers are associated with poor outcome in patients with GBS. Antibody persistency indicates ongoing antibody production long after the acute disease state in GBS. Further research is required to determine whether antibody persistency interferes with nerve recovery and is a target for treatments.

Background and Objective: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) at a standard dosage is the treatment of choice for Guillain–Barré syndrome. The pharmacokinetics, however, is highly variable between patients, and a rapid clearance of IVIg is associated with poor recovery. We aimed to develop a model to predict the pharmacokinetics of a standard 5-day IVIg course (0.4 g/kg/day) in patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome. Methods: Non-linear mixed-effects modelling software (NONMEM®) was used to construct a pharmacokinetic model based on a model-building cohort of 177 patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome, with a total of 589 sequential serum samples tested for total immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, and evaluated on an independent validation cohort that consisted of 177 patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome with 689 sequential serum samples. Results: The final two-compartment model accurately described the daily increment in serum IgG levels during a standard IVIg course; the initial rapid fall and then a gradual decline to steady-state levels thereafter. The covariates that increased IgG clearance were a more severe disease (as indicated by the Guillain–Barré syndrome disability score) and concomitant methylprednisolone treatment. When the current dosing regimen was simulated, the percentage of patients who reached a target ∆IgG > 7.3 g/L at 2 weeks decreased from 74% in mildly affected patients to only 33% in the most severely affected and mechanically ventilated patients (Guillain–Barré syndrome disability score of 5). Conclusions: This is the first population-pharmacokinetic model for standard IVIg treatment in Guillain–Barré syndrome. The model provides a new tool to predict the pharmacokinetics of alternative regimens of IVIg in Guillain–Barré syndrome to design future trials and personalise treatment.

The global burden of neurological disorders is substantial and increasing, especially in low-resource settings. The current increased global interest in brain health and its impact on population wellbeing and economic growth, highlighted in the World Health Organization’s new Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other Neurological Disorders 2022–2031, presents an opportunity to rethink the delivery of neurological services. In this Perspective, we highlight the global burden of neurological disorders and propose pragmatic solutions to enhance neurological health, with an emphasis on building global synergies and fostering a ‘neurological revolution’ across four key pillars — surveillance, prevention, acute care and rehabilitation — termed the neurological quadrangle. Innovative strategies for achieving this transformation include the recognition and promotion of holistic, spiritual and planetary health. These strategies can be deployed through co-design and co-implementation to create equitable and inclusive access to services for the promotion, protection and recovery of neurological health in all human populations across the life course.

Background and Aims: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nerves, with significant unmet treatment needs. Clinical trials in CIDP are challenging; thus, new trial designs are needed. We present design of an open-label phase 2 study (NCT04658472) evaluating efficacy and safety of SAR445088, a monoclonal antibody targeting complement C1s, in CIDP. Methods: This phase 2, proof-of-concept, multicenter, open-label trial will evaluate the efficacy, and safety of SAR445088 in 90 patients with CIDP across three groups: (1) currently treated with standard-of-care (SOC) therapies, including immunoglobulin or corticosteroids (SOC-Treated); (2) refractory to SOC (SOC-Refractory); and (3) naïve to SOC (SOC-Naïve). Enrolled participants undergo a 24-week treatment period (part A), followed by an optional treatment extension for up to an additional 52 weeks (part B). In part A, the primary endpoint for the SOC-Treated group is the percentage of participants with a relapse after switching from SOC to SAR445088. The primary endpoint for the SOC-Refractory and SOC-Naïve groups is the percentage of participants with a response, compared to baseline. Secondary endpoints include safety, tolerability, immunogenicity, and efficacy of SAR445088 during 12-week overlapping period (SOC-Treated). Part B evaluates long-term safety and durability of efficacy. Data analysis will be performed using Bayesian statistics (predefined efficacy thresholds) and historical data-based placebo assumptions to support program decision-making. Interpretation: This innovative trial design based on patient groups and Bayesian statistics provides an efficient paradigm to evaluate new treatment candidates across the CIDP spectrum and can help accelerate development of new therapies.

Contains fulltext : 251784.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised regarding the risks of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections in vaccinated patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases treated with immunosuppressants, but clinical data on breakthrough infections are still scarce. The primary objective of this study was to compare the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections between patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases using immunosuppressants, and controls (patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases not taking immunosuppressants and healthy controls) who had received full COVID-19 vaccinations. The secondary objective was to explore determinants of breakthrough infections of the delta (B.1.617.2) variant of SARS-CoV-2, including humoral immune responses after vaccination. METHODS: In this substudy, we pooled data collected in two large ongoing prospective multicentre cohort studies conducted in the Netherlands (Target to-B! [T2B!] study and Amsterdam Rheumatology Center COVID [ARC-COVID] study). Both studies recruited adult patients (age ≥18 years) with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and healthy controls. We sourced clinical data from standardised electronic case record forms, digital questionnaires, and medical files. We only included individuals who were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. For T2B!, participants were recruited between Feb 2 and Aug 1, 2021, and for ARC-COVID, participants were recruited between April 26, 2020, and March 1, 2021. In this study we assessed data on breakthrough infections collected between July 1 and Dec 15, 2021, a period in which the delta SARS-CoV-2 variant was the dominant variant in the Netherlands. We defined a SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection as a PCR-confirmed or antigen test-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection that occurred at least 14 days after vaccination. All breakthrough infections during this period were assumed to be due to the delta variant due to its dominance during the study period. We analysed post-vaccination serum samples for anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies to assess the humoral vaccination response (T2B! study only) and anti-nucleocapsid antibodies to identify asymptomatic breakthrough infections (ARC-COVID study only). We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to explore potential clinical and humoral determinants associated with the odds of breakthrough infections. The T2B! study is registered with the Dutch Trial Register, Trial ID NL8900, and the ARC-COVID study is registered with Dutch Trial Register, trial ID NL8513. FINDINGS: We included 3207 patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases who receive immunosuppressants, and 1807 controls (985 patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease not on immunosuppressants and 822 healthy controls). Among patients receiving immunosuppressants, mean age was 53 years (SD 14), 2042 (64%) of 3207 were female and 1165 (36%) were male; among patients not receiving immunosuppressants, mean age was 54 years (SD 14), 598 (61%) of 985 were female and 387 (39%) were male; and among healthy controls, mean age was 57 years (SD 13), 549 (67%) of 822 were female and 273 (33%) were male. The cumulative incidence of PCR-test or antigen-test confirmed SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections was similar in patients on immunosuppressants (148 of 3207; 4·6% [95% CI 3·9-5·4]), patients not on immunosuppressants (52 of 985; 5·3% [95% CI 4·0-6·9]), and healthy controls (33 of 822; 4·0% [95% CI 2·8-5·6]). There was no difference in the odds of breakthrough infection for patients with immune-mediate inflammatory disease on immunosuppressants versus combined controls (ie, patients not on immunosuppressants and healthy controls; adjusted odds ratio 0·88 [95% CI 0·66-1·18]). Seroconversion after vaccination (odds ratio 0·58 [95% CI 0·34-0·98]; T2B! cohort only) and SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination (0·34 [0·18-0·56]) were associated with a lower odds of breakthrough infections. INTERPRETATION: The incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases on immunosuppressants was similar to that in controls. However, caution might still be warranted for those on anti-CD20 therapy and those with traditional risk factors. FUNDING: ZonMw (the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development) and Reade foundation.

Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy usually starts with a 2.0 g/kg induction dose followed by 1.0 g/kg maintenance doses every 3 weeks. No dose-ranging studies with intravenous immunoglobulin maintenance therapy have been published. The Progress in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating polyneuropathy (ProCID) study was a prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, multicentre, phase III study investigating the efficacy and safety of 10% liquid intravenous immunoglobulin (Panzyga®) in patients with active chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Patients were randomized 1:2:1 to receive the standard intravenous immunoglobulin induction dose and then either 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g/kg maintenance doses every 3 weeks. The primary end point was the response rate in the 1.0 g/kg group, defined as an improvement ≥1 point in adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment score at Week 6 versus baseline and maintained at Week 24. Secondary end points included dose response and safety. This trial was registered with EudraCT (Number 2015–005443-14) and clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02638207). Between August 2017 and September 2019, the study enrolled 142 patients. All 142 were included in the safety analyses. As no post-infusion data were available for three patients, 139 were included in the efficacy analyses, of whom 121 were previously on corticosteroids. The response rate was 80% (55/69 patients) [95% confidence interval (CI): 69–88%] in the 1.0 g/kg group, 65% (22/34; CI: 48–79%) in the 0.5 g/kg group, and 92% (33/36; CI: 78–97%) in the 2.0 g/kg group. While the proportion of responders was higher with higher maintenance doses, logistic regression analysis showed that the effect on response rate was driven by a significant difference between the 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg groups, whereas the response rates in the 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg groups did not differ significantly from the 1.0 g/kg group. Fifty-six per cent of all patients had an adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause and Treatment score improvement 3 weeks after the induction dose alone. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 16 (45.7%), 32 (46.4%) and 20 (52.6%) patients in the 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg dose groups, respectively. The most common adverse reaction was headache. There were no treatment-related deaths. Intravenous immunoglobulin (1.0 g/kg) was efficacious and well tolerated as maintenance treatment for patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Further studies of different maintenance doses of intravenous immunoglobulin in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy are warranted.

SummaryChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is the most common, heterogeneous, immune-mediated neuropathy, characterized by predominant demyelination of motor and sensory nerves. CIDP follows a relapsing–remitting or a progressive course and causes substantial disability. The pathogenesis of CIDP involves a complex interplay of multiple aberrant immune responses, creating a pro-inflammatory environment, subsequently inflicting damage on the myelin sheath. Though the exact triggers are unclear, diverse immune mechanisms encompassing cellular and humoral pathways are implicated. The complement system appears to play a role in promoting macrophage-mediated demyelination. Complement deposition in sural nerve biopsies, as well as signs of increased complement activation in serum and CSF of patients with CIDP, suggest complement involvement in CIDP pathogenesis. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the potential role of the complement system in CIDP. This understanding furnishes a strong rationale for targeting the complement system to develop new therapies that could serve the unmet needs of patients affected by CIDP, particularly in those refractory to standard therapies.

Our objective was to investigate brain structure, cerebral vasculature, and cognitive function in a cohort of patients with late-onset Pompe disease, with particular reference to the differences from those with the classic infantile phenotype, where extensive white-matter abnormalities (WMA) and impaired cognition on long-term enzyme treatment are reported in a subset of patients. Brain imaging (T1, T2, T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, susceptibility-weighted images, and magnetic resonance angiography-time of flight) was combined with extensive cognitive testing of general intelligence (Wechsler IQ Test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) and specific neuropsychological domains (verbal fluency, cognitive flexibility, attention, memory, and visuospatial abilities). We included 19 patients with late-onset Pompe disease (age range 11-56 years). Two patients showed mild punctate WMA within normal range for age, with a Fazekas score (FS) of 1 to 2. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed a slight vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia in two patients yet did not show any aneurysms or vascular dissections. Most patients had age-adjusted scores within the normal range for the Wechsler index scores (verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed) and combined total intelligence (IQ) score (median 101, interquartile range 91-111; one patient had a below-average score for total IQ) as well as for the specific domains verbal fluency, attention, and memory. A subset of patients performed suboptimally on the Rey Complex Figure Test (9/14 patients) or cube-copying/clock-drawing test of the MoCA (8/10 patients). We therefore concluded that our study showed no brain abnormalities, other than minor microvascular lesions considered within normal range for age, nor general cognitive impairment in late-onset Pompe patients. These findings are in sharp contrast with the widespread WMA and cognitive problems found in some classic infantile patients.

The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate diaphragmatic function across various neuromuscular diseases using spirometry-controlled MRI. We measured motion of the diaphragm relative to that of the thoracic wall (cranial-caudal ratio vs. anterior posterior ratio; CC-AP ratio), and changes in the diaphragmatic curvature (diaphragm height and area ratio) during inspiration in 12 adults with a neuromuscular disease having signs of respiratory muscle weakness, 18 healthy controls, and 35 adult Pompe patients – a group with prominent diaphragmatic weakness. CC-AP ratio was lower in patients with myopathies (n=7, 1.25±0.30) and motor neuron diseases (n=5, 1.30±0.10) than in healthy controls (1.37±0.14; p=0.001 and p=0.008), but not as abnormal as in Pompe patients (1.12±0.18; p=0.011 and p=0.024). The mean diaphragm height ratio was 1.17±0.33 in patients with myopathies, pointing at an insufficient diaphragmatic contraction. This was also seen in patients with Pompe disease (1.28±0.36), but not in healthy controls (0.82±0.33) or patients with motor neuron disease (0.82±0.24). We conclude that spirometry-controlled MRI enables us to investigate respiratory dysfunction across neuromuscular diseases, suggesting that the diaphragm is affected in a different way in myopathies and motor neuron diseases. Whether MRI can also be used to evaluate progression of diaphragmatic dysfunction requires additional studies.

Background and ObjectivesThere are concerns on the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). The aim of this study was to determine the risk of recurrence of GBS and exacerbations of CIDP or MMN after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, multicenter cohort study from January 2021 to August 2021. Patients known in 1 of 3 Dutch University Medical Centers with research focus on immune-mediated neuropathy and members of the Dutch Patient Association for Neuromuscular Diseases were invited to participate if they were 18 years or older and diagnosed with GBS, CIDP, or MMN. Participants completed a series of questionnaires at 4 different time points: study baseline (1), within 48 hours before any SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (2 and 3, if applicable), and 6 weeks after their last vaccination (4). Participants unwilling to get vaccinated completed the last questionnaire (4) 4 months after study baseline. We assessed recurrences of GBS, any worsening of CIDP or MMN-related symptoms, treatment alterations, and hospitalization.ResultsOf 1,152 individuals to whom we sent the questionnaires, 674 (59%) signed informed consent. We excluded 153 individuals, most often because they had already received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or had had the infection (84%) before study baseline. Of 521 participants included in analyses, 403 (81%) completed the last questionnaire (time point 4). None of 162 participants with a history of GBS had a recurrence after vaccination. Of 188 participants with CIDP, 10 participants (5%) reported a worsening of symptoms within 6 weeks after vaccination. In 5 (3%) of these patients, maintenance treatment was modified. Two of 53 participants with MMN (4%) reported a worsening of symptoms, and treatment modification was reported by 1 participant.DiscussionWe found no increased risk of GBS recurrence and a low to negligible risk of worsening of CIDP or MMN-related symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Based on our data, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with these immune-mediated neuropathies seems to be safe.

Objective To determine which compound muscle action potential (CMAP) scan-derived electrophysiological markers are most sensitive for monitoring disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and whether they hold value for clinical trials. Methods We used four independent patient cohorts to assess longitudinal patterns of a comprehensive set of electrophysiological markers including their association with the ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R). Results were translated to trial sample size requirements. Results In 65 patients, 225 thenar CMAP scan recordings were obtained. Electrophysiological markers showed extensive variation in their longitudinal trajectories. Expressed as standard deviations per month, motor unit number estimation (MUNE) values declined by 0.09 (CI 0.07–0.12), D50, a measure that quantifies CMAP scan discontinuities, declined by 0.09 (CI 0.06–0.13) and maximum CMAP by 0.05 (CI 0.03–0.08). ALSFRS-R declined fastest (0.12, CI 0.08 – 0.15), however the between-patient variability was larger compared to electrophysiological markers, resulting in larger sample sizes. MUNE reduced the sample size by 19.1% (n = 388 vs n = 314) for a 6-month study compared to the ALSFRS-R. Conclusions CMAP scan-derived markers show promise in monitoring disease progression in ALS patients, where MUNE may be its most suitable derivate. Significance MUNE may increase clinical trial efficiency compared to clinical endpoints.

Background Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint in primary care. The international guidelines for general practitioners (GPs) recommend a stepwise treatment of shoulder pain. Little is known about the actual distribution of these treatments in current practice. Objective To gain insight in the incidence and current management of shoulder complaints in Dutch general practice. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a health care database containing the full electronic medical records of approximately 200 000 patients in Dutch general practice. A search algorithm was constructed to identify incident cases of shoulder complaints from January 2012 to December 2017. Data on the management of shoulder complaints were manually validated in a random sample of 1000 cases. Results The overall incidence of shoulder complaints was 30.3 (95% confidence interval 29.9–30.7) per 1000 person-years. More than half of the patients (58.6%) consulted their GP only once, 44.4% two times or more and 19.7% three times or more. For most patients (58.1%), the GP applied a wait-and-see policy or prescription of oral medication in the first consultation. However, no less than 42.9% of the patients were referred or received an injection already in the first consultation. Conclusions There is a wide variety of treatments for shoulder complaints applied by the GP. Some patients are referred or received an injection already in the first consultation. The stepwise approach recommended by the guideline, might not always be applicable due to the diversity of patient- and shoulder characteristics presented in general practice.

Background and purpose: Chronic axonal polyneuropathy is a common disease, but the etiology remains only partially understood. Previous etiologic studies have identified clinical risk factors, but genetic evidence supporting causality between these factors and polyneuropathy are largely lacking. In this study, we investigate whether there is a genetic association of clinically established important risk factors (diabetes, body mass index [BMI], vitamin B12 levels, and alcohol intake) with chronic axonal polyneuropathy. Methods: This study was performed within the population-based Rotterdam Study and included 1565 participants (median age = 73.6 years, interquartile range = 64.6–78.8, 53.5% female), of whom 215 participants (13.7%) had polyneuropathy. Polygenic scores (PGSs) for diabetes, BMI, vitamin B12 levels, and alcohol intake were calculated at multiple significance thresholds based on published genome-wide association studies. Results: Higher PGSs of diabetes, BMI, and alcohol intake were associated with higher prevalence of chronic axonal polyneuropathy, whereas higher PGS of vitamin B12 levels was associated with lower prevalence of polyneuropathy. These effects were most pronounced for PGSs with lenient significance thresholds for diabetes and BMI (odds ratio [OR]diabetes, p = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–1.39 and ORBMI, p = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.04–1.41) and for the strictest significance thresholds for vitamin B12 level and alcohol intake (OR vitamin B12, p = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.68–0.92 and ORalcohol, p = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02–1.35). We did not find an association between different PGSs and sural sensory nerve action potential amplitude, nor between individual lead variants of PGSp and polyneuropathy. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for polygenic associations of diabetes, BMI, vitamin B12 level, and alcohol intake with chronic axonal polyneuropathy. This supports the hypothesis of causal associations between well-known clinical risk factors and polyneuropathy.

Background and purpose Chronic axonal polyneuropathy is a common, usually multifactorial, disease for which there is no treatment yet available. We investigated the association between cardiovascular health, defined by the health score of the American Heart Association, and chronic axonal polyneuropathy. Methods Between June 2013 and January 2017, we investigated participants of the Rotterdam Study, a population‐based cohort study. Participants were screened for polyneuropathy and categorized as having no, possible, probable or definite polyneuropathy. The cardiovascular health score (range 0–14; higher score reflecting better health) consisted of four health behaviours (diet, physical activity, smoking and body mass index) and three health factors (blood pressure, serum cholesterol and fasting glucose level). Results We included 1919 participants, of whom 120 (6.3%) had definite polyneuropathy. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 69.0 (58.6–73.7) years and 53.4% were women. A higher cardiovascular health score was associated with a lower prevalence of definite polyneuropathy (per point increase: odds ratio [OR] 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84–0.96). Optimal cardiovascular health (score≥10) was strongly associated with a lower prevalence of definite polyneuropathy (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32–0.90). An increase in health factors and health behaviour scores separately was associated with a lower prevalence of polyneuropathy (per point increase: OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.95 and OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.96, respectively). The association between a lower cardiovascular health score and lower sural nerve amplitude was not significant after correction for covariates (difference 0.07µV, 95% CI −0.02–0.17). Conclusions Better cardiovascular health, consisting of both modifiable health behaviours and health factors, is associated with a lower prevalence of chronic axonal polyneuropathy., Chronic axonal polyneuropathy is a common, disabling disease for which there is no treatment yet available. This highlights the need to identify modifiable risk factors. In this population‐based study, we investigated the association between cardiovascular health, defined by the seven‐item American Heart Association score, and chronic axonal polyneuropathy. Better cardiovascular health, consisting of both modifiable health behaviour and health factors, is associated with lower prevalence of chronic axonal polyneuropathy in the general population. This is of interest because individuals can potentially modify their health behaviour.

A síndrome de Guillain–Barré (SGB) é uma doença imunomediada rara, mas potencialmente fatal, dos nervos periféricos e das raízes nervosas, que é geralmente desencadeada por infecções. A incidência da SGB pode, portanto, aumentar durante surtos de doenças infecciosas, como foi observado durante a epidemia do vírus Zika em 2013 na Polinésia Francesa e em 2015 na América Latina. O diagnóstico e manejo da SGB podem ser complicados visto que sua apresentação clínica e o curso da doença são heterogêneos e não existem atualmente diretrizes clínicas internacionais disponíveis. Para auxiliar os médicos, especialmente em um cenário de surto, desenvolvemos uma diretriz globalmente aplicável para o diagnóstico e manejo da SGB. A diretriz se baseia no consenso de especialistas e na literatura atual e tem uma estrutura de dez etapas para facilitar seu uso na prática clínica. Primeiro fornecemos uma introdução aos critérios diagnósticos, às variantes clínicas e aos diagnósticos diferenciais da SGB. A seguir, as dez etapas abrangem o reconhecimento e o diagnóstico precoces da SGB, a internação na unidade de terapia intensiva, a indicação e seleção do tratamento, o monitoramento e tratamento da progressão da doença, o prognóstico do curso e resultado clínico e o manejo das complicações e sequelas.

BackgroundIn Pompe disease, an inherited metabolic muscle disorder, severe diaphragmatic weakness often occurs. Enzyme replacement treatment is relatively ineffective for respiratory function, possibly because of irreversible damage to the diaphragm early in the disease course. Mildly impaired diaphragmatic function may not be recognized by spirometry, which is commonly used to study respiratory function. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify early signs of diaphragmatic weakness in Pompe patients using chest MRI.MethodsPompe patients covering the spectrum of disease severity, and sex and age matched healthy controls were prospectively included and studied using spirometry-controlled sagittal MR images of both mid-hemidiaphragms during forced inspiration. The motions of the diaphragm and thoracic wall were evaluated by measuring thoracic cranial-caudal and anterior–posterior distance ratios between inspiration and expiration. The diaphragm shape was evaluated by measuring the height of the diaphragm curvature. We used multiple linear regression analysis to compare different groups.ResultsWe included 22 Pompe patients with decreased spirometry results (forced vital capacity in supine position p p = 0.001), indicating an increased curvature of the diaphragm during inspiration in Pompe patients.ConclusionsEven in early-stage Pompe disease, when spirometry results are still within normal range, the motion of the diaphragm is already reduced and the shape is more curved during inspiration. MRI can be used to detect early signs of diaphragmatic weakness in patients with Pompe disease, which might help to select patients for early intervention to prevent possible irreversible damage to the diaphragm.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of B cells is associated with increased multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Recently, we found that CXCR3-expressing B cells preferentially infiltrate the central nervous system of MS patients. In chronic virus-infected mice, these types of B cells are sustained and show increased antiviral responsiveness. How EBV persistence in B cells influences their development remains unclear. First, we analyzed ex vivo B-cell subsets from MS patients who received autologous bone marrow transplantation (n=9), which is often accompanied by EBV reactivation. The frequencies of non-class-switched and class-switched memory B cells were reduced at 3-7 months, while only class-switched B cells returned back to baseline at 24-36 months post-transplantation. At these time points, EBV DNA load positively correlated to the frequency of CXCR3+ , and not CXCR4+ or CXCR5+ , class-switched B cells. Second, for CXCR3+ memory B cells trapped within the blood of MS patients treated with natalizumab (anti-VLA-4 antibody n=15), latent EBV infection corresponded to enhanced in vitro formation of anti-EBNA1 IgG-secreting plasma cells under germinal center-like conditions. These findings imply that EBV persistence in B cells potentiates brain-homing and antibody-producing CXCR3+ subsets in MS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background and Objectives:Chronic axonal polyneuropathy is a common disease with increasing prevalence with age. It majorly impacts quality of life and leads to difficulties with various activities. Persons with polyneuropathy often not seek medical care and thus the societal burden of disease is likely underreported. Given the aging populations contemporary data on the prevalence as well as risk factor profiles of polyneuropathy in the general population are required. Therefore, we estimated the current and expected prevalence, and investigated the (co-)occurrence of risk factors in participants with chronic axonal polyneuropathy.Methods:Between June 2013 and January 2020, participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study underwent extensive in-person examination to diagnose polyneuropathy. Age-standardized prevalence’s were calculated for populations aged ≥40 years of the Netherlands, Europe, United States and the world population. Putative risk factors were identified using laboratory findings, interviews, questionnaire data and a review of medical records.Results:In total, 4114 participants were included (mean age 64.3 years, 55.2% females) of whom 167 had chronic axonal polyneuropathy. More than half (54.5%) had yet not received the diagnosis through regular care. Age-standardized prevalence’s were 3.3% (95% CI 2.8-4.0) for the European, 3.0% (95% CI 2.5-3.5) for the US and 2.3% (95% CI 1.9-2.8) for the world population. Based on the expected age distributions, the prevalence of chronic axonal polyneuropathy will increase with ±25% in the next 20 years. Known risk factors were present in 62.9% (N=105) of the cases with polyneuropathy and most often included diabetes (34.1%) and vitamin deficiencies (15.1%). Importantly, combinations of various risk factors were found in 20.4% (N=34) of cases with polyneuropathy.Discussion:Prevalence of chronic axonal polyneuropathy increases with age and is expected to further rise over time. Combinations of multiple known risk factors are often present, indicating the need for a full diagnostic workup, even when a single risk factor for polyneuropathy is known. These findings suggest that cumulative effects of multiple risk factors are important in the development and course of disease.

The diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is often a challenge. The clinical presentation is diverse, accurate biomarkers are lacking, and the best strategy to initiate and maintain treatment is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine how neurologists diagnose and treat CIDP. We conducted a cross‐sectional survey on diagnostic and treatment practices among Dutch neurologists involved in the clinical care of CIDP patients. Forty‐four neurologists completed the survey (44/71; 62%). The respondents indicated to use the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) 2010 CIDP guideline for the diagnosis in 77% and for treatment in 50%. Only 57% of respondents indicated that the presence of demyelinating electrophysiological findings was mandatory to confirm the diagnosis of CIDP. Most neurologists used intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) as first choice treatment, but the indications to start, optimize, or withdraw IVIg, and the use of other immune‐modulatory therapies varied. University‐affiliated respondents used the EFNS/PNS 2010 diagnostic criteria, nerve imaging tools, and immunosuppressive drugs more often. Despite the existence of an international guideline, there is considerable variation among neurologists in the strategies employed to diagnose and treat CIDP. More specific recommendations regarding: (a) the minimal set of electrophysiological requirements to diagnose CIDP, (b) the possible added value of nerve imaging, especially in patients not meeting the electrodiagnostic criteria, (c) the most relevant serological examinations, and (d) the clear treatment advice, in the new EFNS/PNS guideline, would likely support its implementation in clinical practice.

ObjectiveTo assess and compare the diagnostic performance of qualitative and (semi-)quantitative MRI and ultrasound for distinguishing chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) from segmental spinal muscular atrophy (sSMA).MethodsPatients with CIDP (n = 13), MMN (n = 10), or sSMA (n = 12) and healthy volunteers (n = 30) were included. MRI of the brachial plexus, using short tau inversion recovery (STIR), nerve-specific T2-weighted (magnetic resonance neurography [MRN]), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) sequences, was evaluated. Furthermore, with ultrasound, cross-sectional areas of the nerves were evaluated. Three radiologists blinded for diagnosis qualitatively scored hypertrophy and increased signal intensity (STIR and MRN), and intraobserver and interobserver agreement was assessed. For the (semi-)quantitative modalities, group differences and receiver operator characteristics were calculated.ResultsHypertrophy and increased signal intensity were found in all groups including healthy controls. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements varied considerably (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.00–0.811 and 0.101–0.491, respectively). DTI showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among CIDP, MMN, sSMA, and controls for fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity in the brachial plexus. Ultrasound showed significant differences in cross-sectional area (p < 0.05) among CIDP, MMN, and sSMA in upper arm and brachial plexus. For distinguishing immune-mediated neuropathies (CIDP and MMN) from sSMA, ultrasound yielded the highest area under the curve (0.870).ConclusionQualitative assessment of hypertrophy and signal hyperintensity on STIR or MRN is of limited value. DTI measures may discriminate among CIDP, MMN, and sSMA. Currently, ultrasound may be the most appropriate diagnostic imaging aid in the clinical setting.

Background: Disease-specific studies have reported impaired humoral responses after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disorders treated with specific immunosuppressants. Disease-overarching studies, and data on recall responses and third vaccinations are scarce. Our primary objective was to investigate the effects of immunosuppressive monotherapies on the humoral immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with prevalent immune-mediated inflammatory disorders.Methods: We did a cohort study in participants treated in outpatient clinics in seven university hospitals and one rheumatology treatment centre in the Netherlands as well as participants included in two national cohort studies on COVID-19-related disease severity. We included patients aged older than 18 years, diagnosed with any of the prespecified immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, who were able to understand and complete questionnaires in Dutch. Participants with immune-mediated inflammatory disorders who were not on systemic immunosuppressants and healthy participants were included as controls. Anti-receptor binding domain IgG responses and neutralisation capacity were monitored following standard vaccination regimens and a three-vaccination regimen in subgroups. Hybrid immune responses-ie, vaccination after previous SARS-CoV-2 infection-were studied as a proxy for recall responses.Findings: Between Feb 2 and Aug 1, 2021, we included 3222 participants in our cohort. Sera from 2339 participants, 1869 without and 470 participants with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were analysed (mean age 49·9 years [SD 13·7]; 1470 [62·8%] females and 869 [37·2%] males). Humoral responses did not differ between disorders. Anti-CD20 therapy, sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1P) modulators, and mycophenolate mofetil combined with corticosteroids were associated with lower relative risks for reaching seroconversion following standard vaccination (0·32 [95% CI 0·19-0·49] for anti-CD20 therapy, 0·35 [0·21-0·55] for S1P modulators, and 0·61 [0·40-0·90] for mycophenolate mofetil combined with corticosteroids). A third vaccination increased seroconversion for mycophenolate mofetil combination treatments (from 52·6% after the second vaccination to 89·5% after the third) but not significantly for anti-CD20 therapies (from 36·8% to 45·6%) and S1P modulators (from 35·5% to 48·4%). Most other immunosuppressant groups showed moderately reduced antibody titres after standard vaccination that did not increase after a third vaccination, although seroconversion rates and neutralisation capacity were unaffected. In participants with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were boosted after vaccination, regardless of immunosuppressive treatment.Interpretation: Humoral responses following vaccination are impaired by specific immunosuppressants. After standard vaccination regimens, patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disorders taking most immunosuppressants show similar seroconversion to controls, although antibody titres might be moderately reduced. As neutralisation capacity and recall responses are also preserved in these patients, this is not likely to translate to loss of (short-term) protection. In patients on immunosuppressants showing poor humoral responses after standard vaccination regimens, a third vaccination resulted in additional seroconversion in patients taking mycophenolate mofetil combination treatments, whereas the effect of a third vaccination in patients on anti-CD20 therapy and S1P modulators was limited.Funding: ZonMw (The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development).

Summary Background Treatment with one standard dose (2 g/kg) of intravenous immunoglobulin is insufficient in a proportion of patients with severe Guillain-Barre syndrome. Worldwide, around 25% of patients severely affected with the syndrome are given a second intravenous immunoglobulin dose (SID), although it has not been proven effective. We aimed to investigate whether a SID is effective in patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome with a predicted poor outcome. Methods In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (SID-GBS), we included patients (≥12 years) with Guillain-Barre syndrome admitted to one of 59 participating hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients were included on the first day of standard intravenous immunoglobulin treatment (2 g/kg over 5 days). Only patients with a poor prognosis (score of ≥6) according to the modified Erasmus Guillain-Barre syndrome Outcome Score were randomly assigned, via block randomisation stratified by centre, to SID (2 g/kg over 5 days) or to placebo, 7–9 days after inclusion. Patients, outcome adjudicators, monitors, and the steering committee were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome measure was the Guillain-Barre syndrome disability score 4 weeks after inclusion. All patients in whom allocated trial medication was started were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. This study is registered with the Netherlands Trial Register, NTR 2224/NL2107. Findings Between Feb 16, 2010, and June 5, 2018, 327 of 339 patients assessed for eligibility were included. 112 had a poor prognosis. Of those, 93 patients with a poor prognosis were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis: 49 (53%) received SID and 44 (47%) received placebo. The adjusted common odds ratio for improvement on the Guillain-Barre syndrome disability score at 4 weeks was 1·4 (95% CI 0·6–3·3; p=0·45). Patients given SID had more serious adverse events (35% vs 16% in the first 30 days), including thromboembolic events, than those in the placebo group. Four patients died in the intervention group (13–24 weeks after randomisation). Interpretation Our study does not provide evidence that patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome with a poor prognosis benefit from a second intravenous immunoglobulin course; moreover, it entails a risk of serious adverse events. Therefore, a second intravenous immunoglobulin course should not be considered for treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome because of a poor prognosis. The results indicate the need for treatment trials with other immune modulators in patients severely affected by Guillain-Barre syndrome. Funding Prinses Beatrix Spierfonds and Sanquin Plasma Products.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare, but potentially fatal, immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots that is usually triggered by infections. The incidence of GBS can therefore increase during outbreaks of infectious diseases, as was seen during the Zika virus epidemics in 2013 in French Polynesia and in 2015 in Latin America. Diagnosis and management of GBS can be complicated as its clinical presentation and disease course are heterogeneous, and no international clinical guidelines are currently available. To support clinicians, especially in the context of an outbreak, we have developed a globally applicable guideline for the diagnosis and management of GBS. The guideline is based on current literature and expert consensus, and has a ten-step structure to facilitate its use in clinical practice. We first provide an introduction to the diagnostic criteria, clinical variants and differential diagnoses of GBS. The ten steps then cover early recognition and diagnosis of GBS, admission to the intensive care unit, treatment indication and selection, monitoring and treatment of disease progression, prediction of clinical course and outcome, and management of complications and sequelae.El síndrome de Guillain-Barré (SGB) es una enfermedad inmunológica del nervio periférico y las raíces nerviosas, poco frecuente, potencialmente mortal y que suele desencadenarse por infecciones. La incidencia del SGB puede aumentar durante el brote de enfermedades infecciosas, tal como se observó en las epidemias del virus Zika en la Polinesia Francesa en 2013 y en América Latina en 2015. El diagnóstico y el manejo clínico del SGB pueden ser complicados ya que su presentación y el curso de la enfermedad son heterogéneos, y actualmente no se cuenta con guías clínicas internacionales. Para respaldar a los médicos, especialmente en el contexto de un brote de una enfermedad infecciosa, hemos desarrollado una guía clínica aplicable en todo el mundo para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento del SGB. La guía se basa en literatura actualizada y el consenso de expertos, y tiene una estructura de diez pasos para facilitar su uso en la práctica clínica. Inicialmente, brindamos una introducción a los criterios de diagnóstico, variantes clínicas y diagnósticos diferenciales del SGB. Los diez pasos luego abordan el reconocimiento y el diagnóstico temprano del SGB, la admisión a la unidad de cuidados intensivos, indicación y selección de tratamiento, seguimiento y tratamiento de la progresión de la enfermedad, predicción del curso clínico, resultados y tratamiento de complicaciones y secuelas.

Background Guidelines for shoulder pain in general practice recommend treatment with corticosteroid injections (CSI) if initial pain management fails. However, little is known about the actual use and safety of CSIs in treatment by general practitioners (GP). Objective The objective of this study was to gain insight into the use and safety of CSIs for patients with a new episode of shoulder pain in general practice. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a healthcare database containing the electronic medical records of approximately 200,000 patients in general practice. A search algorithm was constructed to identify patients with a new episode of shoulder pain between January 2012 and December 2017. Data on the use of CSIs in 2 random samples (n = 1,000) were manually validated for a 12-month period after the diagnosis. Results In total, 26% of the patients with a new episode of shoulder pain received a CSI. The patient’s age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04) and a history of shoulder pain (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.13–2.12) were significantly associated with the administration of a CSI. Half of the patients received the CSI in the first consultation. The patient’s age was positively associated with the likelihood of receiving the CSI in the first consultation (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02). No serious adverse reactions were recorded by the GP. Conclusion In contrast to the guidelines, CSIs were frequently administered in the first consultation. Older patients and patients with a history of shoulder pain were more likely to receive a CSI for shoulder pain.

The 2021 guideline of the European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society on chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) includes important revisions to the previous 2010 guideline. This article highlights the new criteria and recommendations for the differential diagnosis of CIDP. In the revised guideline, the CIDP spectrum has been modified to include typical CIDP and four well-characterized CIDP variants, namely distal, multifocal/focal, motor and sensory CIDP, replacing the term 'atypical' CIDP. To improve the diagnosis of CIDP, the revised guideline attempts to improve the specificity of the diagnostic criteria for typical CIDP and the four CIDP variants. Specific clinical and electrodiagnostic (including both motor and sensory conduction) criteria are provided for typical CIDP and each of the CIDP variants. The levels of diagnostic certainty have been changed to CIDP and possible CIDP, with the removal of probable CIDP (due to the lack of difference in the accuracy of the electrodiagnostic criteria for probable CIDP) and definite CIDP (due to the lack of a gold standard for diagnosis). If the clinical and electrodiagnostic criteria allow only for a diagnosis of possible CIDP, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, nerve ultrasound, nerve magnetic resonance imaging, objective treatment response, and nerve biopsy can be used as supportive criteria to upgrade the diagnosis to CIDP. Although the revised guideline needs to be validated and its strengths and weaknesses assessed, using the guideline will likely improve the accuracy of diagnosis of CIDP and variants of CIDP, and aid in distinguishing CIDP from conditions with similar features.

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare, but potentially fatal, immune-mediated disease of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots that is usually triggered by infections. The incidence of GBS can therefore increase during outbreaks of infectious diseases, as was seen during the Zika virus epidemics in 2013 in French Polynesia and 2015 in Latin America. Diagnosis and management of GBS can be complicated as its clinical presentation and disease course are heterogeneous, and no international clinical guidelines are currently available. To support clinicians, especially in the context of an outbreak, we have developed a globally applicable guideline for the diagnosis and management of GBS. The guideline is based on current literature and expert consensus, and has a ten-step structure to facilitate its use in clinical practice. We first provide an introduction to the diagnostic criteria, clinical variants and differential diagnoses of GBS. The ten steps then cover early recognition and diagnosis of GBS, admission to the intensive care unit, treatment indication and selection, monitoring and treatment of disease progression, prediction of clinical course and outcome, and management of complications and sequelae., In this Consensus Statement, Leonhard et al. provide a globally applicable guideline for the diagnosis and management of Guillain–Barré syndrome, including information on early recognition of the disease, prediction of clinical course and outcome, and management of complications and sequelae., Key points Classic Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute-onset ascending sensorimotor neuropathy, but the disease can present atypically or as a clinical variant.Abnormal results in electrophysiological studies and a combination of an increased protein level and normal cell count in cerebrospinal fluid are classic features of GBS, but patients with GBS can have normal results in both tests, especially early in the disease course.Respiratory function should be monitored in all patients as respiratory failure can occur without symptoms of dyspnoea.Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange are equally effective in treating GBS; no other treatments have been proven to be effective.The efficacy of repeat treatment in patients who have shown insufficient clinical response is uncertain; nevertheless, this practice is common in patients who show deterioration after an initial treatment response.Clinical improvement is usually most extensive in the first year after disease onset and can continue for >5 years.

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare and heterogeneous but treatable immune-mediated neuropathy. Nerve conduction studies are considered essential for a definite diagnosis, but poor performance and misinterpretation of the results frequently leads to misdiagnosis. Nerve ultrasound and MRI could be helpful in diagnosis. Whereas typical CIDP is relatively easy to diagnose, atypical variants with distinct phenotypes can be a diagnostic challenge. Intravenous or subcutaneous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, and plasma exchange are effective treatments, but maintenance treatments are often required for years, and treatment regimens require careful and regular adjustments to avoid undertreatment or overtreatment. Patients who do not improve, or insufficiently improve after treatment, might have specific characteristics related to a distinct disease mechanism caused by immunoglobulin G4 antibodies to nodal or paranodal proteins, and could require alternative treatments. Future studies should focus on curative and individualised treatment regimens to improve the patient's condition and to prevent further nerve damage.

Management of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is complicated by the challenging diagnosis, monitoring of disease activity, and treatment response. Real world data about the current practice of care in CIDP are rare, but important to improve clinical guidelines. In this study, we determined the current practice of diagnosis and treatment in relation to the clinical outcome of patients with CIDP in a cross-sectional study in The Netherlands. All patients registered at the Dutch neuromuscular patient organization and patients at the Erasmus Medical Center were approached. CIDP diagnosis was confirmed by using patient files and expert consensus. The response rate was 137/197 (70%) and the diagnosis CIDP was confirmed in 112 patients. The time from onset of symptoms until CIDP diagnosis was median 5 months and > 12 months in 26% of the patients. Patients with a late diagnosis (>5 months) compared to patients with an early diagnosis (≤5 months) more frequently had another initial diagnosis (P < .001), multifocal abnormalities (P = .011), final diagnosis made in university hospitals (P = .001), and more (residual) complaints, also illustrated via two patient reported, validated clinical outcome measures. Although 97% of patients received treatment, 88% reported (residual) neurological symptoms and deficits. CIDP diagnosis is often delayed, especially in patients with atypical CIDP variants. Diagnostic delay may result in delayed initiation of treatment. A more rapid and accurate diagnosis of CIDP may prevent or at least reduce residual neurological deficits and accompanying disability in CIDP.

In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of symptoms of chronic polyneuropathy and to construct and validate a simple questionnaire that can help diagnose chronic polyneuropathy. In a multi-step procedure, we initially compiled a 12-item questionnaire concerning polyneuropathy symptoms. The questionnaire was completed by 117 polyneuropathy patients and 188 controls (headache, transient ischemic attack, multiple sclerosis). First, we calculated sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios of each symptom. Next, we used multi-variable logistic regression to create a model that could discriminate patients from controls, using only the most informative symptoms and their frequency of occurrence. Based on the regression coefficients, we developed a simple scoring system (Erasmus Polyneuropathy Symptom Score, E-PSS), which was externally validated in 140 cases with chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy and 96 controls without polyneuropathy. We assessed performance with discrimination (area under the curve, AUC) and calibration analyses. Numb and tingling feet were most frequently reported by polyneuropathy patients and had the highest sensitivity. Walking on cotton wool and allodynia had the highest specificity. Logistic regression yielded a model that contained these four symptoms, complemented with balance problems and tingling hands. Based on this analysis, the E-PSS was created, ranging from 0 to 14. The E-PSS had a good performance (AUC = 0.92) in the derivation set and proved to be valid in the external population (AUC = 0.95). In conclusion, the Erasmus Polyneuropathy Symptom Score (E-PSS) is a simple, validated six-item score that takes the presence and frequency of six different symptoms into account and it may be a helpful tool to screen individuals for the presence of chronic polyneuropathy.

Background and purpose The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of over‐ and underdiagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and to identify related diagnostic pitfalls. Methods We conducted a retrospective study in Dutch patients referred to the Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam between 2011 and 2017 with either a diagnosis of CIDP or another diagnosis that was revised to CIDP. We used the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society (EFNS/PNS) 2010 diagnostic criteria for CIDP to classify patients into three groups: overdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, or confirmed diagnosis of CIDP. Clinical and laboratory features and treatment history were compared between groups. Results A referral diagnosis of CIDP was revised in 32% of patients (31/96; overdiagnosis). Of 81 patients diagnosed with CIDP, 16 (20%) were referred with another diagnosis (underdiagnosis). In the overdiagnosed patients, 20% of muscle weakness was asymmetric, 48% lacked proximal muscle weakness, 29% only had distal muscle weakness, 65% did not fulfil the electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP, 74% had an elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein level, and 97% had another type of neuropathy. In the underdiagnosed patients, all had proximal muscle weakness, 50% had a clinically atypical CIDP, all fulfilled the electrodiagnostic criteria for CIDP, and 25% had an increased CSF protein level. Conclusion Over‐ and underdiagnosis of CIDP is common. Diagnostic pitfalls include lack of attention to proximal muscle weakness as a diagnostic hallmark of CIDP, insufficient recognition of clinical atypical phenotypes, overreliance on CSF protein levels, misinterpretation of nerve conduction studies and poor adherence to electrodiagnostic criteria, and failure to exclude other causes of polyneuropathy., Over‐ and underdiagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is common. A referral diagnosis of CIDP was revised in 32% of patients (31/96; overdiagnosis). Of 81 patients diagnosed with CIDP, 16 (20%) were referred with another diagnosis (underdiagnosis). Almost all overdiagnosed patients had other forms of neuropathy, while underdiagnosed patients were referred with various neurological disorders. Diagnostic pitfalls included lack of attention to proximal muscle weakness as a diagnostic hallmark of CIDP, insufficient recognition of clinical atypical phenotypes, overreliance on cerebrospinal fluid protein levels, misinterpretation of nerve conduction studies and poor adherence to electrodiagnostic criteria, and failure to exclude other causes of polyneuropathy.

Background and purpose Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a clinical and electrophysiological heterogeneous immune‐mediated polyneuropathy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), corticosteroids, and plasma exchange are proven effective treatments for CIDP. The clinical response to IVIg is variable between patients and currently unexplained. Finding biomarkers related to treatment response can help to understand the diversity of CIDP and personalise treatment choice. Methods We investigated whether genetic variation between patients may explain some of these differences in treatment response. Based on previous publications, we selected six candidate genes that might affect immune and axonal functions, IVIg metabolism, and treatment response in CIDP. Genetic variants were assessed in 172 CIDP patients treated with at least one course of IVIg (2 g/kg). A response to IVIg was defined by ≥1 grade improvement on the modified Rankin Scale. Blood samples were tested for variations in CNTN2, PRF1, FCGRT, FCGR2B, GJB1, and SH2D2A genes. Results In univariate analysis, patients with the FCGR2B promoter variant 2B.4/2B.1 responded more often to IVIg than patients with the 2B.1/2B.1 variant (odds ratio [OR] = 6.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–30; p = 0.003). Patients with the p.(Ala91Val) variant of PRF1 were less often IVIg responsive (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.13–0.91; p = 0.038). In multivariate analysis, both PRF1 and FCGR2B showed discriminative ability to predict the chance of IVIg response (area under the curve = 0.67). Conclusions Variations in PRF1 and the promoter region of FCGR2B are associated with the response to IVIg in CIDP. These findings, which require validation, are a first step towards the understanding of the heterogeneity in the treatment response in CIDP., We investigated whether genetic variation in six candidate genes was associated with the response to IVIg in CIDP patients. Variations in PRF1 and the promoter region of FCGR2B were associated with the response to IVIg in CIDP.

Background: The most common subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) are acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN). In the first days after the onset of weakness, standard nerve conduction studies (NCS) may not distinguish GBS subtypes. Reduced nerve excitability may be an early symptom of nerve dysfunction, which can be determined with the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) scan. The aim of this study was to explore whether early changes in motor nerve excitability in GBS patients are related to various subtypes. Methods: Prospective case–control study in 19 GBS patients from The Netherlands and 22 from Bangladesh. CMAP scans were performed within 2 days of hospital admission and NCS 7–14 days after onset of weakness. CMAP scans were also performed in age- and country-matched controls. Results: CMAP scan patterns of patients who were classified as AMAN were distinctly different compared to the CMAP scan patterns of the patients who were classified as AIDP. The most pronounced differences were found in the stimulus intensity parameters. Conclusions: CMAP scans made at hospital admission demonstrate several characteristics that can be used as an early indicator of GBS subtype.

Objective: To revise the 2010 consensus guideline on chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Methods: Seventeen disease experts, a patient representative, and two Cochrane methodologists constructed 12 Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome (PICO) questions regarding diagnosis and treatment to guide the literature search. Data were extracted and summarized in GRADE summary of findings (for treatment PICOs) or evidence tables (for diagnostic PICOs). Results: Statements were prepared according to the GRADE Evidence-to-Decision frameworks. Typical CIDP and CIDP variants were distinguished. The previous term “atypical CIDP” was replaced by “CIDP variants” because these are well characterized entities (multifocal, focal, distal, motor, or sensory CIDP). The levels of diagnostic certainty were reduced from three (definite, probable, possible CIDP) to only two (CIDP and possible CIDP), because the diagnostic accuracy of criteria for probable and definite CIDP did not significantly differ. Good Practice Points were formulated for supportive criteria and investigations to be considered to diagnose CIDP. The principal treatment recommendations were: (a) intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or corticosteroids are strongly recommended as initial treatment in typical CIDP and CIDP variants; (b) plasma exchange is strongly recommended if IVIg and corticosteroids are ineffective; (c) IVIg should be considered as first-line treatment in motor CIDP (Good Practice Point); (d) for maintenance treatment, IVIg, subcutaneous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids are recommended; (e) if the maintenance dose of any of these is high, consider either combination treatments or adding an immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory drug (Good Practice Point); and (f) if pain is present, consider drugs against neuropathic pain and multidisciplinary management (Good Practice Point).

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection of B cells is associated with increased multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Recently, we found that CXCR3‐expressing B cells preferentially infiltrate the CNS of MS patients. In chronic virus‐infected mice, these types of B cells are sustained and show increased antiviral responsiveness. How EBV persistence in B cells influences their development remains unclear. First, we analyzed ex vivo B‐cell subsets from MS patients who received autologous bone marrow transplantation (n = 9), which is often accompanied by EBV reactivation. The frequencies of nonclass‐switched and class‐switched memory B cells were reduced at 3–7 months, while only class‐switched B cells returned back to baseline at 24–36 months posttransplantation. At these time points, EBV DNA load positively correlated to the frequency of CXCR3+, and not CXCR4+ or CXCR5+, class‐switched B cells. Second, for CXCR3+ memory B cells trapped within the blood of MS patients treated with natalizumab (anti‐VLA‐4 antibody n = 15), latent EBV infection corresponded to enhanced in vitro formation of anti‐EBNA1 IgG‐secreting plasma cells under GC‐like conditions. These findings imply that EBV persistence in B cells potentiates brain‐homing and antibody‐producing CXCR3+ subsets in MS., Using blood samples from autologous BMT‐ and natalizumab‐treated MS patients, we demonstrate that high B‐cell EBV load associates with the development of CXCR3+ class‐switched B cells (ex vivo) and plasma cells under IL‐21‐, CD40L‐ and IFN‐γ‐inducing conditions (in vitro). CXCR3 expression on these plasma cells correlated with enhanced EBNA1‐IgG secretion.