Background and purpose
The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between motor complications and non‐motor symptom (NMS) burden in a population of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and also in a subgroup of patients with early PD.
Methods
Patients with PD from the COPPADIS cohort were included in this cross‐sectional study. NMS burden was defined according to the Non‐Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) total score. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part IV was used to establish motor complication types and their severity. Patients with ≤5 years of symptoms from onset were included as patients with early PD.
Results
Of 690 patients with PD (62.6 ± 8.9 years old, 60.1% males), 33.9% and 18.1% presented motor fluctuations and dyskinesia, respectively. The NMS total score was higher in patients with motor fluctuations (59.2 ± 43.1 vs. 38.3 ± 33.1; P < 0.0001) and dyskinesia (63.5 ± 40.7 vs. 41.4 ± 36.3; P < 0.0001). In a multiple linear regression model and after adjustment for age, sex, disease duration, Hoehn & Yahr stage, UPDRS‐III score and levodopa equivalent daily dose, UPDRS‐IV score was significantly related to a higher NMSS total score (β = 0.27; 95% confidence intervals, 2.81–5.61; P < 0.0001), as it was in a logistic regression model on dichotomous NMSS total score (≤40, mild or moderate vs. >40, severe or very severe) (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence intervals, 1.17–1.47; P < 0.0001). In the subgroup of patients with early PD (n = 396; mean disease duration 2.7 ± 1.5 years), motor fluctuations were frequent (18.1%) and similar results were obtained.
Conclusions
Motor complications were frequent and were associated with a greater NMS burden in patients with PD even during the first 5 years of disease duration.
Background and purpose
The aim of our study is to review the relationship between NCSE and sCJD. Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is the most common form of human prion disease. Electroencephalography (EEG)‐detected changes such as periodic sharp wave complexes, superimposable to those seen in non‐convulsive epileptic status (NCSE), have only rarely been described at CJD onset, especially in sporadic CJD (sCJD) cases.
Methods
We describe clinical, EEG, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neuroimaging findings of a confirmed case of sCJD with tau pathology, initially diagnosed as NCSE. We performed a literature review in PubMed of previous publications on both sCJD and NCSE.
Results
An 82‐year‐old woman with no medical history presented with a 2‐week rapidly progressive neurological disorder, with motor aphasia, myoclonus, pyramidalism, and left posterior alien hand. EEG showed periodic sharp waves on right frontal regions, so anti‐epileptic treatment was started. CSF results were normal. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated hyperintensity of the right cerebral cortex in diffusion sequences. Due to suspected new‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE), corticosteroid treatment was started, without clinical improvement. Necropsy results confirmed sCJD with tau pathology. The literature review identified 14 references including a total of 18 cases with NCSE as the presenting symptom of sCJD; the clinical and results in complementary tests were compiled into a table.
Conclusions
Sporadic CJD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with rapid cognitive decline and EEG changes consistent with NCSE. The wide heterogeneity in the etiology of NCSE, including autoimmune disorders, especially NORSE, suggests immunotherapy should be initiated based on a good risk–benefit balance. Some cases of sCJD, such as the present case with tau pathology, may mimic this clinico‐electrical course.
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