Search

Background: Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes (PNSs) are a heterogeneous group of immune-mediated disorders that often precede tumor diagnosis. There are few systematic studies on the spectrum and follow-up of PNSs. Objective: To analyze the clinical spectrum, associated tumors, antibody profile, outcomes, and prognostic predictors in a cohort of PNSs admitted in a tertiary care center. Methods: This retrospective study included 97 patients (2008-2019). PNSs were further classified as "classical," "nonclassical," "definite," and "possible." Clinical profile, diagnostic strategies, therapeutic options, and predictors of outcomes were identified. Results: The median age was 54 years (range 17--81). Thirty-nine (40.2%) had classical PNS, and 58 (59.8%) had nonclassical PNS, 74 (76.3%) had "Definite" PNS while 23 (23.7%) had "Possible" PNS. Cerebellar degeneration, peripheral neuropathy, and encephalopathy were the three most common neurological syndromes. Tumors were diagnosed in 66 (68%) patients; Lung cancer was the most common primary tumor. Antibodies were positive in 52 (53.6%). Anti-Yo antibody and anti-Ma2 antibody were the most common antibodies. The majority (57.7%) received immunotherapy in addition to definitive treatment for the tumor. A good outcome was seen in 53 (54.6%). Factors associated with good outcome were: early diagnosis, mRS <3 at presentation, absence of metastatic disease, and adjuvant immunotherapy. Conclusion: A high index of clinical suspicion is essential for early diagnosis and prompt management of PNS, especially the nonclassical syndromes. Multimodality diagnostic imaging techniques and antibody profiling play a crucial role in the diagnosis. A favorable prognosis can be expected with the judicious use of immunotherapy and definitive treatment of malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People who deliberately ingest poisons commonly present to emergency departments of hospitals in India. However, there is a dearth of information on poisoning using nonorganophosphorus pesticides. Methods: This prospective, hospital-based study attempted to examine the nonorganophosphorus poisons used to attempt suicide. Data on sociodemographic characteristics of patients, site and source of poisons, co-ingested substances, premeditation, and reason for poisoning were collected. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to determine association between poison class and these exposure characteristics. Results: Three hundred and forty-one cases of attempted suicide presented during the 6-month period (1.7% of all emergency room admissions). The majority was predominantly male and was young adults. Poisoning was the most common mode (91.7%), followed by hanging (7.3%) and self-injury (3, 0.9%). Pesticides (44.3%) including organophosphates (25.5%) were the predominant poisons, followed by pharmaceuticals (27.9%), caustics/chemicals (12.0%), and plant poisons (7.0%). One hundred and nine were available for prospective interview as the others who presented were not detained for prolonged observation the emergency department. Most patients who ingested such poisons were women, from rural backgrounds and were educated. The majority sourced the poisons from home, consumed poison at home, and mixed the poison with water; these attempts were impulsive and seemed to be in response to relationship conflicts. In the multivariate analysis, education (P = 0.08) and poison source (outside the home) were significant predictors of pesticide ingestion. Conclusions: Suicidal poisoning results from a complex synthesis of socioeconomic and psychological factors; certain patterns of poisoning are likely to be more prevalent in demographic niche groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]