2024-04-19 18:07:58
A study by the University of the Basque Country and Biobizkaia has shown that a method commonly used to perform ophthalmological tests can also be used to monitor the neurodegeneration that occurs in Parkinson’s patients. In the course of research it has been discovered that retinal neurodegeneration probably precedes cognitive decline.
When diagnosed with Parkinson’s or another neurodegenerative disease, patients wonder what to expect from the disease. For neurologists, however, it is not possible to answer these questions precisely, since “the evolution of patients is usually very varied: some do not experience any changes over the years, while others end up with dementia or in wheelchair,” explained Ane Murueta-Goyena, researcher at the Department of Neurosciences at the UPV/EHU.
Currently, identifying Parkinson’s patients at risk of cognitive impairment is a great challenge, however, it is necessary to provide more effective clinical treatments and intensify clinical trials. In fact, Dr. Ane Murueta-Goyena, in collaboration with the Biobizkaia research staff, wanted to check if the visual system allows us to predict this deterioration, that is, what future the patient can expect in a few years. For this, the thickness of the retina was used.
The retina is a membrane located at the back of the eyeball, it is related to the nervous system and consists of several layers. During the study, the thickness of the innermost layer of the retina of a cohort of Parkinson’s patients was measured using optical coherence tomography. This type of tomography is a routinely used instrument in ophthalmological tests, since it allows high-resolution, repeatable and precise measurements to be made.
A thinner layer
Thus, the evolution of this retinal layer was analyzed and compared in people with and without Parkinson’s during the period 2015-2021. The results of the analysis of images of the retinal layers of Parkinson’s patients were also confirmed in a hospital in the United Kingdom. The results showed that the retinal layer is noticeably thinner in Parkinson’s patients.
It was also observed that, during the initial phases of the disease, it is in the retina where the greatest neurodegeneration is detected and, from a given moment, when the layer is already very thin, a kind of stabilization of the neurodegeneration process occurs. . Retinal thinning and cognitive decline do not occur simultaneously.
“The initial changes in the retina are more evident and then, as the years go by, a clinical worsening of the patients is observed, both in cognitive and motor terms,” explained Murueta-Goya. In other words, slower loss of retinal layer thickness is associated with faster cognitive decline. This slowness is related to greater severity of the disease.
The doctor has attached great importance to the results. “We have obtained information on the progression of the disease, and the tool we propose is non-invasive and available in all hospitals,” she said, although she clarified that the results need to be validated internationally. “By slightly improving the resolution of the technology, we will be closer to validating the method for monitoring the neurodegeneration that occurs in Parkinson’s disease,” he noted, adding that they are continuing the research in another cohort of patients and that funding is ” the key”.
#Analyzing #progression #retinal #thickness #predict #cognitive #progression #patients #Parkinsons
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Dengue Cases Surging in the Americas, Breaking Records in 2023, Reports PAHO- CNN
Americas Report Record Dengue Cases, Surpassing 2023 Numbers
Situation Overview
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the number of dengue cases in the Americas has reached an all-time high, surpassing the records set in 2023. The latest figures indicate that more than 5.2 million cases of dengue have been reported in the region. PAHO spokesperson Ashley Baldwin warned that the situation is an emergency and requires immediate attention.
Southern Hemisphere Hardest Hit
The countries in the southern hemisphere, particularly Brazil, have been the hardest hit so far. In response to the escalating cases, Brazil declared a state of public health emergency in Rio de Janeiro. In Peru, 20 out of 25 regions are under a health alert due to the dengue epidemic, with more than 134,000 cases reported this week.
Preparing for the Arrival of Spring
While some South American hotspots have seen the situation stabilize in recent weeks, PAHO warns that countries in the region, as well as those in the northern hemisphere, must be prepared for the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures. PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa highlighted the cyclical nature of dengue cases, noting that the southern hemisphere experiences peak cases in the first half of the year, while the northern hemisphere sees an increase in the second half.
Factors Contributing to Dengue Outbreaks
PAHO attributes the rise in dengue cases to various factors, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, rapid population growth, and inadequate water and sanitation services. These conditions create breeding sites for mosquitoes, the primary vectors for the transmission of dengue and other viruses.
Efforts to Control the Outbreak
PAHO recommends the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to control the dengue outbreak. This strategy includes surveillance, mosquito vector control, and clinical management. While there is currently no specific treatment for dengue, early detection and access to proper medical care can reduce the severity of the illness and the probability of mortality.
About Dengue
Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Apart from dengue, this mosquito is also known to carry other viruses such as yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. It causes flu-like symptoms and in extreme cases, can lead to death. Dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries, mostly in tropical and subtropical areas, including several US territories.
Source:
CNN
Dengue Cases Surging in the Americas, Breaking Records in 2023, Reports PAHO- CNN
Understanding Sepsis: An Interview with Dr. Djillali Annane
2024-04-18 05:00:00
INTERVIEW – Djillali Annane, head of the intensive care unit at the Raymond-Poincaré hospital in Garches, deplores the lack of awareness of this disease responsible for 80,000 deaths per year in France.
Professor Djillali Annane is head of the adult medical intensive care unit at the Raymond-Poincaré hospital in Garches and director of the Larene team: Laboratory for the study of the neuroendocrine response to sepsis (UMR1173 infection & inflammation, Inserm, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University). During the Covid crisis, this doctor dedicated to the most difficult cases was one of the media “white coats” who enlightened the public on the seriousness of Sars-CoV-2 infection and the necessary humanity that required its support.
LE FIGARO. – Sepsis, what is it ?
PROFESSOR DJILLALI ANNANE. – It is an abnormal response of our body in the grip of an infection, by a virus, a bacteria, a parasite, a fungus… Ordinarily, when we are contaminated by a pathogen, the body develops inflammation, it is a physiological response. which aims to rid us of the intruder.
In the vast majority of cases, this happens correctly, without complications…
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#alert #French #sepsis #dangerous #infection #preventable
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