Biomedical subjects

Natasa Dragasević

Publications and source records attributed to Natasa Dragasević.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Clinical characteristics of paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia in Serbian family with Myofibrillogenesis regulator 1 gene mutation.

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features of a large Serbian family with paroxysmal nonkinesigenic dyskinesia (PNKD) and one of the two previously described mutations in the Myofibrillogenesis regulator 1 gene (MR-1), which causes an alanine-to-valine substitution at position 9. In 5 examined out of 12 affected family members, attacks of dyskinesias appeared in the first 6 months of life. Both frequency and severity of attacks showed an age-dependent incremental-decremental pattern with a peak between 13 to 15 years of age. They were frequently precipitated by stress, caffeine, fever, hunger, tiredness, as well as abrupt changes in temperature. Three of our patients differentiated two types of attacks: mild (120-180 minutes), with a predominance of functionally insignificant choreoathetoid movements, and severe ( approximately 15-30 minutes), characterized by disabling dystonic and choreic movements of the extremities, trunk, and face. Sleep was the most reliable factor to discontinue an attack. This Serbian family further demonstrates that recurrent MR-1 mutations are associated with PNKD worldwide, which will affect genetic testing.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Clinical characteristics of multiple system atrophy in serbian population].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Mulstiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative central nervous system disorder, characterized by any combination of extrapyramidal, cerebellar, pyramidal or autonomic disturbance. The aims of our study were to define clinical characteristics of MSA patients in our population, to account for neuroradiological and electrophysiological profile of the disease and to evaluate one-dose levodopa response. METHODS: We have diagnosed 29 patients as MSA, with disease duration from the first symptom 5 years on average on examination. The examinating procedure included an anamnesis and complete neurological investigations, as well as neurootological and neuroradiological examinations. The study included the patients of the Institute of Neurology of the Clinical Center of Serbia in the period of 1996-2001, who completed both clinical and diagnostic criteria for a possible and probable MSA. RESULTS: Autonomic disturbances were documented in 93.1%, whereas extrapyramidal symptoms were seen in additional 89.3% with symmetrical onset in 60%. Levodopa response was poor or moderate. Cerebellar signs were present in 63%, while pyramidal signs occured in 78.7%. There was no a cognitive deterioration (MMSE > 24). CT scan and MRI showed cerebellar and brainstem atrophy, as well as diffuse cortical atrophy. CONCLUSION: Failure of additional diagnostic procedures to distinguish MSA patients required a precise understanding of their clinical specificities. Our results support this statement.

Antiparkinson Agents↗

PubMed2004

Bilateral chorea-ballism associated with hyperthyroidism.

We describe a 50-year-old patient with four episodes of recurrent bilateral chorea-ballism (BCB) and associated hyperthyroidism. Reappearance of BCB, associated with increased serum levels of thyroid hormones and lack of relevant changes on brain computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scans, suggested that the involuntary movements were likely due to thyrotoxicosis-induced biochemical changes.

Chorea↗