Neuromuscular Ultrasound as a Biomarker of Disease Progression in ALS

This study focused on determining whether neuromuscular ultrasound may be a viable option for monitoring ALS progression. Other biomarkers currently available have limiting factors such as subjectivity and invasiveness. 12 participants took part in our study and we measured the thickness of four muscle groups including the biceps brachii, tibialis anterior, geniohyoid, and hemi-diaphragm at both inhalation and exhalation. We measured three times over six months and found significant changes. All muscle groups showed an expected decrease in thickness. When the percentage decline of muscle thickness was correlated to a decline in ALS Functional Rating Scale score (ALSFRS) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), the biceps, tibialis anterior, and diaphragm at both inhalation and exhalation showed significant correlations to FVC. The biceps muscle thickness percent decrease also correlated significantly to ALSFRS decline. The ultrasound method provided a strong and accurate measurement for analyzing muscle thickness decrease in ALS patients in this study. The significant findings of this study and success of the experimental method suggest that there is a basis for further such clinical trials on larger groups of ALS patients in the future.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Williams, Delaney Elizabeth

• ALS

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/82228

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/82228