Primary fatigue contributes to cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis
- Citation:
- El-Tamawy, M., M. Darwish, S. Ahmed, A. Abdelalim, and E. Moustafa, "Primary fatigue contributes to cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis", The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery, vol. 53, issue 2: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, pp. 74-78, April 1, 2016.
Abstract:
BackgroundA rising concern about quality of life of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has emerged. Cognitive dysfunction and primary fatigue have been largely related to each other.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between primary fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and inflammatory biomarkers for patients with MS.Patients and methodsA total of 40 Egyptian MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale<5) were divided into two groups according to the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), into patients with fatigue (G1; FSS>36) and those without fatigue (G2; FSS<36). Patients with depression and sleep problems were excluded from the study. Cognitive functions were assessed for both groups using the computer-based 'RehaCom' software, using which the following tests were carried out: (a) attention/concentration tests and (b) reaction behavior tests. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were analyzed for all MS patients.ResultsA statistically significant decrease in cognitive functions was found in G1 compared with G2 (P < 0.001), as well as a statistically significant higher level of TNF-α and IFN-γ in G1 compared with G2. FSS was positively correlated with the attention/concentration test. Correlative study also indicated a strong relation between the level of cytokines and FSS but not cognitive dysfunction.ConclusionPrimary fatigue contributes to cognitive dysfunction in patients with MS and is associated with elevated serum level of TNF-α and IFN-γ
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