11/8/2024 - In this comprehensive discussion, four prominent neuromuscular experts—Drs. Bhaskar Roy, Jeff Allen, Diana Castro, and Luis Querol—explore recent developments in Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). The conversation centers on the new European Academy of Neurology and Peripheral Nerve Society guidelines, highlighting significant changes in diagnostic criteria and disease classification. The experts discuss the challenges of diagnosing CIDP, particularly in pediatric cases and variant forms, while emphasizing the importance of proper electrodiagnostic testing and the role of supportive criteria like CSF studies and MRI. They delve into the emerging field of autoimmune neuropathies and the significance of specific antibody testing. The podcast concludes with a discussion of treatment options, including traditional approaches (IVIG, corticosteroids, plasmapheresis) and newer therapies such as FcRn inhibitors and complement-targeting drugs, while also addressing the controversial role of rituximab in CIDP treatment. Throughout the discussion, the experts stress the importance of regular diagnostic reassessment and the need for more personalized treatment approaches based on patient profiles. 34 min

Join this Lessons From the Lab as Dr. Devon Rubin picks the amazing brains of Drs. Donald Sanders and Janice Massey on the approach to a patient with weakness. Learn what it means when a patient walks into the office sucking on hard candy as well as what tools should be used to think about and assess for an uncommon neuromuscular disorder.

Dr. Devon Rubin presents Dr. David Preston with a challenging case of a man with subacute lower extremity weakness. Enjoy the potpourri of information about anticoagulation, A waves, F waves, demyelination, ultrasound, Siri, and so much more!

2/26/2022-  Dr. Hearn interviews Dr. Van Den Bergh on European Academy of Neurology/Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy: Report of a Joint Task Force—Second Revision      30 minutes

8/29/2014-  Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index: Initial Evaluation of a Disease-Specific Outcome Measure by Dr. Chad Heatwole and interviewed by Dr. Nicholas Silvestri. From the Muscle and Nerve article: INTRODUCTION: In preparation for clinical trials we examine the validity, reliability, and patient understanding of the Myotonic Dystrophy Health Index (MDHI). METHODS: Initially we partnered with 278 myotonic dystrophy type-1 (DM1) patients and identified the most relevant questions for the MDHI. Next, we used factor analysis, patient interviews, and test-retest reliability assessments to refine and evaluate the instrument. Lastly, we determined the capability of the MDHI to differentiate between known groups of DM1 participants. RESULTS: Questions in the final MDHI represent 17 areas of DM1 health. The internal consistency was acceptable in all subscales. The MDHI had a high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.95) and differentiated between DM1 patient groups with different disease severities. CONCLUSIONS: Initial evaluation of the MDHI provides evidence that it is valid and reliable as an outcome measure for assessing patient-reported health. These results suggest that important aspects of DM1 health may be measured effectively using the MDHI. Muscle Nerve. 2014 Jun;49(6):906-14. doi: 10.1002/mus.24097.