METHODS: The key items were generated by a panel of experts and selected according to content validity ratios. The developed scale was initially applied to 50 patients with AE (development cohort) to evaluate its acceptability, reproducibility, internal consistency, and construct validity. Then, the scale was applied to another independent cohort (validation cohort, n = 38).
RESULTS: A new scale consisting of 9 items (seizure, memory dysfunction, psychiatric symptoms, consciousness, language problems, dyskinesia/dystonia, gait instability and ataxia, brainstem dysfunction, and weakness) was developed. Each item was assigned a value of up to 3 points. The total score could therefore range from 0 to 27. We named the scale the Clinical Assessment Scale in Autoimmune Encephalitis (CASE). The new scale showed excellent interobserver (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.97) and intraobserver (ICC = 0.96) reliability for total scores, was highly correlated with modified Rankin scale (r = 0.86, p
Methods: Two hundred fifty-six patients with schizophrenia between the age of 18 and 65 years were randomly recruited. This cross-sectional study utilised the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale (PSYRATS-AH). Univariate analysis was performed using an independent t-test or chi-square test, followed by binary logistic regression to determine the factors associated with increased suicidal risks.
Results: The socio-demographic factors associated with suicidal ideation included level of education (p=0.039); secondary-level education (OR=5.76, 95% CI:1.49, 22.34, p=0.011) and tertiary-level education (OR=9.30, 95% CI: 1.80, 48.12, p=0.008) posed a greater risk. A history of attempted suicide (OR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.36, p=0.049) and the presence of co-morbid physical illnesses (OR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.21, p=0.044) were also found to be associated with a suicidal ideation. Other significant factors associated with suicidal thoughts were concurrent depression (OR=9.68, 95% CI: 3.74, 25.05, p<0.001) and a higher PSYRATS score in emotional characteristics of auditory hallucinations (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.21, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Suicide in schizophrenia appears to be more closely associated with certain socio-demographic factors and affective symptoms. Appropriate screening and treatment addressing these challenges must be emphasized if suicidal thoughts and actions are to be reduced.
Case presentation: A 28-year-old Malay woman with no significant medical history presented to HUSM with one month history of on and off fever, two weeks history of generalised limbs weakness and one week history of dysphagia. She was reported to have experienced visual hallucination and significant weight loss. Her laboratory result is significant for leukocytosis, elevated ESR and hypernatremia. Non-enhanced and contrast CT scan of the brain showed severe bilateral frontal cerebral atrophy. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) for multiplex PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was positive. She was promptly started on anti-TB regime combined with dexamethasone. Subsequent follow-up showed significant improvement.
Conclusion: This is a rare clinical manifestation of Tuberculous meningitis that demonstrates the importance of recognising and initiating the treatment early to reduce disabilities and improve clinical outcome.
METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, counter-balanced crossover design with permuted block randomisation for drug order was followed. Dexamphetamine (0.45 mg/kg, PO, q.d.) was administered to healthy participants. Phantom word illusion (speech illusion) and visual-induced flash illusion/VIFI (visual illusion) tests were measured to determine if TBWs were altered as a function of delay between stimuli presentations. Word emotional content for phantom word illusions was also analysed.
RESULTS: Dexamphetamine significantly increased the total number of phantom words/speech illusions (p
METHODS: We prospectively characterized the clinical features and disease burden in a consecutively-recruited multi-ethnic Asian PSP cohort. Patients were extensively phenotyped using the Movement Disorder Society (MDS-PSP) clinical diagnostic criteria and the PSP-Clinical Deficits Scale (PSP-CDS). Caregiver burden was measured using the modified Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Investigations (neuroimaging and genetic tests) were reviewed.
RESULTS: There were 104 patients (64.4% male; 67.3% Chinese, 21.2% Indians, 9.6% Malays), consisting of 48.1% Richardson syndrome (PSP-RS), 37.5% parkinsonian phenotype (PSP-P), and 10.6% progressive gait freezing phenotype (PSP-PGF). Mean age at motor onset was 66.3 ± 7.7 years, with no significant differences between the PSP phenotypes. Interestingly, REM-sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) symptoms and visual hallucinations (considered rare in PSP) were reported in 23.5% and 22.8% of patients, respectively, and a family history of possible neurodegenerative or movement disorder in 20.4%. PSP-CDS scores were highest (worst) in PSP-RS; and correlated moderately with disease duration (rs = 0.45, P