Neurology Alert – October 1, 2019
October 1, 2019
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Anticonvulsant Prescribing Habits and Declining Teratogenesis: The Changing Landscape of Pregnancy and Epilepsy
These authors analyzed data from a long-standing prospective cohort to study changes in prescribing habits and pregnancy outcomes following restriction on the use of valproic acid in women of child-bearing potential. Declining use of valproate and carbamazepine was associated with a decline in teratogenesis.
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Effects of Probiotics on Cognition and Fall Risk in Patients With Cirrhosis
Patients with cirrhosis and mild cognitive impairment and falls were randomized to a probiotic formulation vs. placebo. Probiotic treatment improved cognitive outcomes and reduced the risk of falls.
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Lifestyle and Environmental Risk Factors for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy
In a large Italian database-derived, case-control study of dietary and environmental factors, antecedent infections and diet appeared to influence the onset and course of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. The diagnosis and treatment of this disorder remain a challenge.
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Adiposity Is Related to Cerebrovascular and Brain Volumetry Outcomes
In this prospective longitudinal study investigating the potential mechanistic link between adiposity and vascular cognitive impairment, anthropometric and metabolic hormone adiposity predictors were differentially associated with cerebrovascular and brain volumetry outcomes by sex in older individuals.
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Are Steroids Indicated in the Treatment of Acute Spinal Cord Injury?
In a comprehensive review of published literature and meta-analysis of clinical trials of acute spinal cord injury treatment with high-dose steroids within eight hours of onset, the authors concluded that there is no benefit regarding neurological recovery and function and an increased risk of adverse side effects from gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Intravenous Thrombolysis Prior to Mechanical Thrombectomy Improves Outcome