JOURNAL ARTICLE
RESEARCH SUPPORT, NON-U.S. GOV'T
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Motor unit number estimate-based rates of progression of ALS predict patient survival.

Muscle & Nerve 1999 November
We have examined, as predictors of survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), linear estimates of rates of disease progression (LEP), based on motor unit number estimates (MUNE). Motor unit number estimates of thenar, hypothenar, and extensor digitorum brevis muscles (according to the manual method of McComas), isometric grip and foot dorsiflexion (FD) strength, and forced vital capacity (FVC) were available in 34 patients. Linear estimates of rates of disease progression were derived. Probability of survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Motor unit number estimates, LEP based on MUNE, and demographic characteristics were tested as risk factors within the Cox Proportional Hazards Model, using regression techniques. Individually, all MUNE-based LEP were highly significant (P < 0.00005); bulbar onset attained modest significance (P = 0.044). Secondary analysis showed MUNE-based LEP were more significant than regionally concordant function-based LEP. Linear estimates of rates of disease progression based on MUNE may thus predict survival of patients with ALS better than LEP based on function.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app