Pavel Šiarnik

Sleep disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE Poor sleep is a frequent symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between nocturnal polysomnographic (PSG) findings and quality of sleep, fatigue, and increased daytime sleepiness among patients with MS. METHODS Clinical characteristics were collected. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale were used to assess quality of sleep, fatigue, excessive daytime sleepiness, and the presence of restless legs syndrome (RLS). All patients underwent nocturnal diagnostic PSG examination. RESULTS Fifty patients with MS were enrolled into the study. Age was the only independent variable significantly determining apnea-hypopnea index and desaturation index (DI) (beta = 0.369, p = 0.010, beta 0.301, p = 0.040). PSQI and ESS score were significantly higher in a population with RLS (p = 0.004, p = 0.011). FSS significantly correlated with DI (r = 0.400, p = 0.048). Presence of RLS was the only independent variable significantly determining PSQI and ESS (p = 0.005, p = 0.025). DI and presence of RLS were independent variables determining FSS (p = 0.015, p = 0.024). CONCLUSION Presence of RLS seems to be the main factor determining poor sleep, fatigue, and daytime somnolence. Sleep disordered breathing and its severity influences only fatigue in patients with MS.

Association of Sleep Disordered Breathing with Wake-Up Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Full Polysomnographic Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a frequent comorbidity in stroke patients. SDB is one of the independent risk factors for ischemic stroke. Conversely, stroke may contribute to SDB onset or aggravate premorbid SDB. Multiple mechanisms underlying SDB might be responsible for the development of stroke. The aim of this study was to compare polysomnographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of wake-up (WUS) and non-wake-up acute ischemic strokes (NWUS). METHODS We prospectively enrolled 88 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Clinical characteristics of the population were recorded on admission, and blood samples were obtained in the fasting condition following morning. SDB was assessed using standard overnight polysomnography in the acute phase of the stroke. RESULTS WUS were present in 16 patients (18.2%), and NWUS in 72 patients (81.8%). In WUS compared to NWUS, we observed significantly higher values of apnea-hypopnea index (24.8 vs. 7.6, p = 0.007), desaturation index ([DI] 26.9 vs. 8.8, p = 0.005), arousal index (22.6 vs. 13.1, p = 0.035), diastolic blood pressure (91.6 mm Hg vs. 85.2 mm Hg, p = 0.039), triglyceride levels ([TG] 1.9 mmol/L vs. 1.2 mmol/L, p = 0.049), and significantly lower levels of D-dimer (0.4 μg/L vs. 0.7 μg/L, p = 0.035). DI (CI: 1.003-1.054, p = 0.031) and TG (CI: 1.002-1.877, p = 0.049) were the only independent variables significantly associated with WUS in binary logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS Although the design of our study does not prove the causal relationship between SDB and WUS, higher severity of SDB parameters in WUS supports this hypothesis. COMMENTARY A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 467.

Characteristics of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Etiologic Subtypes of Minor-to-Moderate Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is frequent in stroke patients. A strong association has been suggested between SDB and atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we evaluated the characteristics of SDB in etiologic subtypes of acute ischemic stroke. We also investigated the relationship between SDB and AF in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 72 patients with minor-to-moderate acute ischemic stroke. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of population were recorded on admission. SDB was assessed using standard polysomnography within 7 days after stroke onset. RESULTS Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in small-vessel strokes was significantly lower than that in large-artery atherosclerosis strokes (P = .031), cardioembolic strokes (P = .011), and strokes of other or unknown etiology (.008). Desaturation index (DI) in small-vessel strokes was significantly lower than that in cardioembolic strokes and in large-artery strokes (P = .008, P = .035). Arousal index (AI) in large-artery strokes was significantly higher than that in small-vessel strokes (P = .013), cardioembolic strokes (P = .007), and strokes of other or unknown etiology (.027). In a multivariate regression model were age (odds ratio [OR], 1.083; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.022-1.148; P = .007) and DI (OR, 1.037; 95% CI, 1.004-1.071; P = .026) the only significant variables independently associated with AF. CONCLUSIONS We observed higher AHI, DI, and AI in large-artery strokes that may relate to more severe neurologic deficit in this subgroup. Age and DI were the only independent variables significantly associated with AF in acute ischemic stroke. Higher AHI and DI in cardioembolic strokes may thus mirror more frequent premorbid presence of SDB in patients with AF.

Decreased baroreflex sensitivity in Parkinson's disease is associated with orthostatic hypotension

BACKGROUND Autonomic dysfunction is a substantial part of extrapyramidal diseases, including Parkinsons disease (PD). Baroreflex is an important determinant of short-term blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular variability. Impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in PD has been a subject of investigation in several studies, however the relationship between BRS and orthostatic hypotension (OH) is still poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To compare the BRS of Parkinsons disease patients with those of an age-matched control population, and to determine BRS association with blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension and antiparkinson treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study included 52 patients with Parkinsons disease and 52 controls. We assessed autonomic dysfunction with a Finometer device using the method of spontaneous fluctuations of blood pressure (BP) and the R-R interval in time domain, expressed as baroreflex sensitivity. Supine and standing blood pressure were measured under standard conditions. RESULTS BRS values were significantly lower in the PD group as compared to the control group: 4.0±2.0 vs. 6.4±3.8ms/mmHg (p=0.001). We determined a significant correlation between decreased BRS values and increased systolic BP (p=0.003) as well as between decreased BRS values and orthostatic hypotension (OH), in the PD group (p=0.048). Moreover, patients with PD and OH had significantly lower BRS as compared with patients with PD without OH (3.2±2 versus 4.5±2, p=0.045). We also determined that BRS values were significantly lower in the PD population treated with LDOPA+COMTI as compared to the LDOPA+COMTI untreated patients (3.0±1.5 vs. 4.8±2.0, p<0.001). CONCLUSION BRS was significantly lower in the PD group, supine hypertension and orthostatic hypotension was strongly associated with low BRS. We determined for the first time that orthostatic hypotension strongly correlates with decreased baroreflex sensitivity in PD patients. Moreover, orthostatic hypotension was associated with low BRS not only qualitatively but also quantitatively. We also revealed a strong association between LDOPA+COMTI therapy and decreased BRS in the literature for the first time.

Causes of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Acute Stroke—A Polysomnographic Study

BACKGROUND Sleep disorders are common in stroke patients. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which is present in up to 72% of stroke patients, is the most frequent cause of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in common population. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of EDS in stroke patients and to analyze the impact of SDB, stroke severity, and location of stroke on EDS in the acute phase of stroke. METHODS We enrolled 102 patients with the clinical diagnosis of acute stroke. Baseline clinical characteristics were recorded on admission. An Epworth sleepiness scale score higher than 9 was considered as EDS. To detect SDB, we performed standard overnight polysomnography within 4 ± 2 days after the stroke onset. RESULTS EDS was present in 21 patients (20.6%). In a population with EDS, we found a significantly higher number of obstructive apneic pauses, central apneic pauses, as well as significantly higher values of respiratory disturbance index (RDI), RDI during nonrapid eye movement sleep, desaturation index, and significant decrease of REM sleep duration. RDI (odds ratio [OR], 1.031; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007-1.056; P = .01) and duration of REM sleep (OR, .922; 95% CI, .853-.997; P = .042) were the only independent variables significantly associated with EDS in a binary multivariate regression model. CONCLUSION SDB is a common, significant, and treatable cause of EDS in acute stroke patients. We suppose that examination in sleep laboratories is reasonable in all stroke patients with EDS, although the impact of SDB therapy on EDS and overall outcome in acute stroke remains unknown.

Prevalence of Rhinitis in Athletes: Systematic Review

Background Prevalence of rhinitis in athletes has frequently been studied and varies widely from 27% to 74%. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the prevalence of rhinitis in athletes, to specifically compare the evidence of rhinitis in land-based and aquatic athletes. Methods Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the non-MEDLINE subset of PubMed was performed from inception to March 8, 2016, to identify studies on rhinitis in athletes. Results Of the 373 identified unique articles, a total of 13 studies satisfied the criteria for this review. The final group contained 9 cohort and 4 case-control studies. We found 10 studies that reported the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (21%–56.5%). In contrast, nonallergic rhinitis was identified by only 1 author (6%). We have also evaluated the prevalence of rhinitis in the separate subgroups (land, water, and cold air) where swimmers seem to be the most affected (40%–74%), followed by cross-country skiers (46%) and track and field athletes (21 to 49%). Conclusion We did not reveal any convincing trend of a higher prevalence in land-based athletes compared to general population. By contrast, aquatic and cold air athletes demonstrate increased prevalence reflecting the irritant effects of their environment on the nasal mucosa.

Clinical accuracy of the distinction between Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration

Alzheimers disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), although less prevalent overall, is almost as common as AD in patients under the age of 65. AD and FTLD are histopathologically distinct, with AD being characterised by extracellular amyloid plaques and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles, and FTLD by the presence of non-AD histological pathology, most commonly either tau-positive inclusions or ubiquitin-positive or TDP 43 positive inclusions. Clinically, AD and FTLD may occur with overlapping symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease. In the case of Alzheimers disease, it is represented by isolated decline of recent episodic memory; later on, by the impairment of time and space orientation, whereby the alteration of social behaviour and amnesic aphasia occur predominantly in the advanced phases of the disease. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration is demonstrated in three clinical subunits: 1) The behavioural-dysexecutive variant of FTLD (frontotemporal dementia, the frontal variant of FTLD, {fvFTLD}), 2) Progressive non-fluent aphasia, 3) Semantic dementia (SD) with the profound impairment of social conduct (fvFTLD) or with severe speech impairment (PNFA, SD). Considering the different clinical symptomatology with FTLD diagnostics, it is necessary to use different psychometric tests than in the case of Alzheimers disease. Therapy and the degree of dependence of the affected person are also different. All three diseases within the FTLD category, mainly the behavioural-dysexecutive variant, require a higher level of nursing care on the part of other persons or institutions in comparison with Alzheimers disease. The goal of our publication is to point to the differences in clinical manifestation and the findings of auxiliary examinations that are helpful in the clinical accuracy of the distinction between these two types of dementia (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 18).

Carotid intima-media thickness is not associated with homocysteine and vitamin D levels in obstructive sleep apnea

Abstract Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is associated with increased vascular morbidity. Accelerated atherosclerosis might be one of the most important mechanisms linking OSA with the development of vascular disorders. Homocysteine (HCY) and vitamin D has been associated with atherogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess a possible association between the levels of HCY and vitamin D and the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), which is a known marker for subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with OSA. We prospectively enrolled 110 patients with the history of snoring, who underwent standard overnight polysomnography. Clinical characteristics of the population were recorded on admission and blood samples were obtained in the fasting condition following morning. Extracranial cIMT measurements were performed according to the standardized scanning protocol. A significant correlation was found between cIMT and apnea-hypopnea index (r = .276, p = .006), age (r = .486, p < .001), diabetes mellitus (r = .377, p < .001), coronary artery disease (r = .274, p = .006) and history of stroke (r = .251, p = .012). We failed to find any significant correlation between cIMT and the levels of HCY (r = .036, p = .724) or vitamin D (r = .027, p = .800). In conclusion, our data suggest that the association of cIMT with the severity of OSA can be influenced by multiple metabolic consequences of OSA including traditional and non-traditional risk factors. HCY and vitamin D do not seem to play a superior role in this process.

Heart rate variability is associated with outcome in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Purpose: Autonomic imbalance as measured by heart rate variability (HRV) has been associated with poor outcome after stroke. Observations on HRV changes in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are scarce. Here, we aimed to investigate HRV in ICH as compared to a control group and to explore associations with stroke severity, hemorrhage volume and outcome after ICH. Methods: We examined the autonomic modulation using frequency domain analysis of HRV during the acute phase of the ICH and in a healthy age‐ and hypertension‐matched control group. Hematoma volume, intraventricular extension, initial stroke severity and baseline demographic, clinical parameters as well as mortality and functional outcome were included in the analysis. Results: 47 patients with ICH and 47 age‐ and hypertension matched controls were analyzed. ICH patients showed significantly lower total high frequency band (HF) and low frequency band (LF) powers (p = 0.01, p < 0.001), higher normalized HF power (p = 0.03), and lower LF/HF ratio (p < 0.001) as compared to the controls. Autonomic parameters showed associations with stroke severity (p = 0.004) and intraventricular involvement (p = 0.01) and predicted poor outcome independently (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Autonomic changes seems to be present in acute ICH and are associated with poor outcome independently. This may have future monitoring and therapeutic implications.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Association With Restless Legs Syndrome, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing

STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep disorders are frequent in stroke patients. The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and restless legs syndrome (RLS) among stroke survivors is up to 91%, 72%, and 15%, respectively. Although the relationship between EDS and SDB is well described, there are insufficient data regarding the association of EDS with RLS. The aim of this study was to explore the association between EDS, SDB, and RLS in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS We enrolled 152 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was used to assess EDS. SDB was assessed using standard overnight polysomnography. All patients filled in a questionnaire focused on RLS. Clinical characteristics and medication were recorded on admission. RESULTS EDS was present in 16 (10.5%), SDB in 90 (59.2%) and RLS in 23 patients (15.1%). EDS was significantly more frequent in patients with RLS in comparison with the patients without RLS (26.1% versus 7.8%, P = .008). ESS was significantly higher in the population with RLS compared to the population without RLS (7 [0-14] versus 3 [0-12], P = .032). We failed to find any significant difference in the frequency of EDS and values of ESS in the population with SDB compared to the population without SDB. Presence of RLS (beta = 0.209; P = .009), diabetes mellitus (beta = 0.193; P = .023), and body mass index (beta = 0.171; P = .042) were the only independent variables significantly associated with ESS in multiple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a significant association of ESS with RLS, diabetes mellitus, and obesity in patients with acute ischemic stroke.