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A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Published on: February 21, 2011
Quantitating progression in ALS
Mamede de Carvalho1, Manuel Scotto, Arminda Lopes
1Department of Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Laboratory of Electromyography, Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Lisbon, Portugal. mamedemg@mail.telepac.pt
Neurology
|May 25, 2005
Summary
This study found that the neurophysiologic index (NI) and motor unit number estimation (MUNE) reliably track ALS progression. These measures, along with abductor digiti minimi muscle strength, showed significant changes over 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression assessment requires reliable clinical and neurophysiologic markers.
- Existing methods may have limitations in sensitivity and consistency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the value of clinical and neurophysiologic measurements for assessing ALS progression.
- To determine the reliability and rate of change for motor unit number estimation (MUNE) and the neurophysiologic index (NI).
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Inclusion of clinical assessments and neurophysiologic measurements.
- Correlation analysis between MUNE, NI, and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscle strength (maximal voluntary isometric contraction force [MVIC-ADM]).
- Assessment of changes at 3, 6, and 12 months.
Main Results:
- MUNE and NI demonstrated significant correlation with MVIC-ADM.
- Both MUNE and NI proved to be reliable measures.
- The NI exhibited lower variability compared to MUNE.
- MUNE, NI, and MVIC-ADM showed the highest rates of change, indicating sensitivity to progression.
- The NI is identified as a potentially valuable new neurophysiologic measurement for tracking ALS.
Conclusions:
- MUNE and NI are reliable and sensitive neurophysiologic tools for monitoring ALS progression.
- The neurophysiologic index (NI) shows promise as a new, reliable measurement with lower variation.
- These findings support the use of NI and MUNE in clinical trials and patient monitoring for ALS.
