What's in the literature?

In this issue, we review recent reports of predictors of outcomes of myasthenic crisis and the possible role of statins and West Nile virus in triggering myasthenia gravis. The role and value of autoantibodies in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, in predicting cardiac involvement, and as a biomarker of clinical status are also examined. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, we cover the results of the recent phase 1 trial regarding intraspinal stem cell injections and a case report on intrathecal mesenchymal stem cell therapy as well as a number of articles regarding biomarkers, particularly neurofilament, and various aspects of noninvasive ventilation. A recent report assessed signs and symptoms of female carriers of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and found interesting results regarding features of myelopathy. The results of a randomized, placebo-controlled study of intravenous immunoglobulin in multifocal motor neuropathy are summarized. Regarding muscle disease, an article demonstrating limb and respiratory muscle weakness from inhaled corticosteroids is discussed as well as a report of serologic and clinical predictors of improvement in patients treated for refractory myositis with rituximab. Last, we highlight a report of a clinical method of differentiating organic from nonorganic upper extremity weakness.