Research Spotlight

Theodore Phillips, J., A. A. Erwin, S. Agrella, M. Kremenchutzky, J. F. Kramer, M. J. Darkes, J. Kendter, H. Abourjaily, J. Rana and R. J. Fox (2015). “Consensus Management of Gastrointestinal Events Associated with Delayed-Release Dimethyl Fumarate: A Delphi Study.” Neurol Ther 4(2): 137-146.

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INTRODUCTION: Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF, also known as gastro-resistant DMF) is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) occur with DMF therapy. METHODS: We used a Delphi process to reach consensus among North American clinicians on effective real-world management strategies for GI AEs associated with DMF. Clinicians were asked to complete two rounds of questionnaires developed by a steering committee; consensus in round 2 was attained if >/=70% of respondents agreed on a particular strategy. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on several strategies to manage GI AEs, including administering DMF with food, slow titration, dose reduction, and use of symptomatic therapies. CONCLUSION: These consensus strategies provide clinicians with information on real-world approaches used to address the tolerability of DMF in patients with multiple sclerosis. FUNDING: Biogen.

Garofalo, R., B. Flanagin, A. Castagna, E. Y. Lo and S. G. Krishnan (2015). “Long stem reverse shoulder arthroplasty and cerclage for treatment of complex long segment proximal humeral fractures with diaphyseal extension in patients more than 65 years old.” Injury 46(12): 2379-2383.

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INTRODUCTION: Treatment of long segment proximal humeral fractures with extension below the surgical neck into the diaphysis remains a significant challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes following primary long-stem RSA with cerclage fixation for complex long segment proximal humeral fractures with diaphyseal extension in patients more than 65 years old. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February 2010 and March 2013, 22 patients who suffered a complex proximal humerus fracture with extended diaphyseal involvement underwent surgery with long-stem RSA and cerclages fixation. There were 17 female and 5 male patients, and the mean age was 77.2 years at time of surgery (range 65-84 years). All patients had a 3 or 4-part proximal humerus fracture or a two part fracture with a split of humeral head, with extension to the proximal diaphysis. Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed on all 22 patients at 6 weeks, at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and then at 2 years. Clinical evaluation consisted of the shoulder rating Constant scale. X ray evaluation was done to evaluate fracture healing and eventually humeral and glenoid component loosening or other complications. RESULTS: No infections were reported, neither other serious complications. Two patients developed a seroma and one patient developed chronic pain at that was treated with referral to pain management. No patients were lost at follow-up. At final follow-up, average active elevation was 132.5 degrees (range 100 degrees -140 degrees ), external rotation 30 degrees (range 55 degrees -10 degrees ). Average abduction was 120 degrees (range 90 degrees -135 degrees ). The mean adjusted Constant score was 72/100 (range 64-82). All fractures were healed within 3 months after surgery. No loosening of the humeral or glenoid components and no episodes of dislocation/instability were observed in this series. We did not observe scapular notching in any patient on the x-ray at most recent follow-up. CONCLUSION: Long-stem RSA with cerclages wire fixation represents a viable treatment option for complex long-segment displaced proximal humerus fractures with diaphyseal extension in patients older than 65 years. Our results suggest clinical outcomes at two years of follow up are satisfactory with an acceptable complication rate.

Fromm, N. M., D. B. Salisbury, S. J. Driver, M. N. Dahdah and K. R. Monden (2015). “Functional Recovery From Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus: A Tale of Two Courses.” Rehabilitation Psychology 60(4): 383-390.

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Objective: In 2012, the highest numbers of West Nile Virus (WNV) cases were reported by the Center for Disease Control since 2003. This outbreak included over half of the identified patients being classified with one of the more debilitating neuroinvasive subtypes of WNV. Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment options in symptom management, longitudinal research on WNV neurocognitive and functional outcomes is limited by sample size, retrospective review, and/or reliance on self-report measures for cognitive status and level of independence. This study describes the cases of 2 patients diagnosed with WNV as they complete rehabilitation across the continuum of care. Research Method: Review of two cases that experience different rehabilitation outcomes 4-18 months post diagnosis. Results: The cases presented here demonstrate the potentially differential courses of recovery and outcomes for physical (e.g., balance, ambulation, upper extremity function), cognitive (e.g., attention, executive functions, memory, language, visuospatial), and emotional functioning, as assessed via measures administered by the patient’s physical therapists and neuropsychologists. These patients were evaluated as part of the standard clinical practice to monitor changes, track recovery, and provide recommendations across the continuum of care from admission to discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation, during outpatient day neurorehabilitation, and while receiving outpatient neuropsychology services. Conclusions: These cases highlight the variability in rehabilitative course for individuals diagnosed with WNV. Consistent follow-up with patients is recommended to ensure management of remitting and chronic symptoms.

Chujo, D., T. S. Nguyen, E. Foucat, D. Blankenship, J. Banchereau, G. T. Nepom, D. Chaussabel and H. Ueno (2015). “Adult-onset type 1 diabetes patients display decreased IGRP-specific Tr1 cells in blood.” Clinical Immunology 161(2): 270-277.

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The breakdown of immune tolerance against islet antigens causes type 1 diabetes (T1D). The antigens associated with adult-onset T1D (AT1D) remain largely undefined. It is possible that AT1D patients display a unique type of CD4(+) T cells specific for a certain islet antigen. Here we analyzed the cytokine production profiles of CD4(+) helper T (Th) cells that are specific for three islet antigens; GAD65, preproinsulin, and IGRP in patients with AT1D, juvenile-onset T1D (JT1D), and age-, gender- and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched control adults. While IGRP-specific Th cells in AT1D patients were dominantly Th1 cells, IGRP-specific Th cells in control adults and JT1D patients were dominantly Th2 and T regulatory type 1 (Tr1) cells. Notably, the frequency of IGRP-specific Tr1 cells was significantly lower in AT1D patients than in control adults and JT1D patients. In conclusion, our study suggests that IGRP-specific Th cells play a unique pathogenic role in AT1D.

Frontal Sinus Mucopyocele Presenting as a Subcutaneous Forehead Mass.

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Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses are benign, chronic, expanding lesions that characteristically develop because of obstruction of the sinus ostium. The frontal sinus is the most common sinus to be affected by a mucocele, which usually results from trauma or inflammatory processes. Patients with these lesions frequently present with visual complaints of decreased visual acuity, visual field abnormalities, proptosis, ptosis, displacement of the globe, or restricted ocular movements secondary to erosion through the thin bone of the superior orbit and compression on the globe. Often, intracranial extension of frontal sinus mucoceles is also present from erosion through the posterior table of the frontal sinus. Very rarely, they will present as a subcutaneous forehead mass or swelling. To the best of our knowledge, only 5 cases of a frontal sinus mucocele presenting as a forehead subcutaneous mass has been previously reported. We report the case of an 80-year-old woman with a history of remote forehead trauma who presented with a frontal sinus mucopyocele manifesting as a subcutaneous forehead mass eroding through the skin.