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Papers by lina hassoun

Research paper thumbnail of Mild Amnestic Cognitive Impairment and Depressive Symptoms in Autoimmune Encephalitis Associated with Serum Anti-Neurexin-3α Autoantibodies

Brain Sciences, 2021

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of The association between stress and blood pressure in a sample from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations of Systolic Blood Pressure With Quality of Life and Depressive Mood in Older Adults With Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Results From the Observational DIAST-CHF Study

Psychosomatic medicine, 2018

Although diagnosed arterial hypertension and antihypertensive medication usually have an adverse ... more Although diagnosed arterial hypertension and antihypertensive medication usually have an adverse impact on quality of life, recent studies suggest that actual blood pressure may be positively related to better well-being. However, data in older patients with cardiovascular risk factors are lacking, for whom such an association may be of particular relevance. In 1300 adults aged 50 to 85 years with cardiovascular risk factors (51.5% men, mean age = 65.7 ± 8.2 years) participating in an observational study, we performed standardized measurements of blood pressure and assessed quality of life and depressive symptoms at baseline and 1-year follow-up using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Bivariate analysis demonstrated that systolic blood pressure was associated with higher SF-36 mental component summary scores (r = 0.100, p < .001) and reduced HADS depression (r = -0.082, p = .003). Multivariate regression models adjusting for age, sex,...

Research paper thumbnail of Rationale, design, and methods of a non-interventional study to establish safety, effectiveness, quality of life, cognition, health-related and work capacity data on Alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis patients in Germany (TREAT-MS)

BMC neurology, 2016

Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the cell surface glycoprotein CD52,... more Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the cell surface glycoprotein CD52, is licensed in Europe since October 2013 as treatment for adult patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In three randomized, rater-blinded active comparator clinical trials studies, alemtuzumab administered in two annual courses, had superior efficacy as compared to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, and durable efficacy over 5 years in an extension study with a manageable safety profile in RRMS patients. Data on the utilization and the outcomes of alemtuzumab under clinical practice conditions are limited. Here we describe the rationale, design and methods of the TREAT-MS study (non-interventional long-Term study foR obsErvAtion of Treatment with alemtuzumab in active relapsing-remitting MS). TREAT-MS is a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional, long-term study to collect data on safety, effectiveness, quality of life, cognition and other aspects from 32...

Research paper thumbnail of Hands on Alemtuzumab-experience from clinical practice: whom and how to treat

Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating Disorders, 2016

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody, which was recently approved for the treatment of active rel... more Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody, which was recently approved for the treatment of active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Its main mechanism of action is based on targeting CD52, an antigen of unknown function which is found on B and T lymphocytes, leading to depletion followed by repopulation of these cells. The high efficacy of Alemtuzumab in controlling relapsing remitting MS has been shown in several clinical trials. This new therapy approach is associated with a specific side effects profile requiring regular longterm monitoring. The most important side effects are infusion-associated reactions, a slight increase of infections as well as autoimmune events in almost one third of treated patients. Based on two years of clinical experience in Germany, this review covers the first steps with the careful patient selection to be treated with Alemtuzumab over the preparation steps and the infusion courses up to the longterm monitoring after Alemtuzumab treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Cardiovascular reactivity is independently associated with better mental health: results from the nation-wide German DEGS1 study

Blood pressure monitoring, Jan 4, 2016

Using data from the nation-wide German DEGS1 study, we assessed whether resting blood pressure (B... more Using data from the nation-wide German DEGS1 study, we assessed whether resting blood pressure (BP) and transient changes in BP are associated with symptoms of depression and quality of life (QoL). The study included n=4852 adult participants not taking antihypertensives, who completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for assessment of depressive symptoms and the SF-36 for assessment of QoL. Resting BP was defined as the mean of the second and third reading taken at 3-min intervals. General linear models adjusting for age, sex, and BMI showed that both resting BP and short-term BP changes were associated with higher SF-36 mental component summary and lower Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores. Our data showed that a greater decrease in systolic BP as an indicator for cardiovascular reactivity is related to better mental QoL and fewer depressive symptoms, suggesting a link between BP regulation and mental well-being as part of an adaptive process to mild stressors.

Research paper thumbnail of Association Between Chronic Stress and Blood Pressure: Findings From the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008-2011

Psychosomatic medicine, 2015

The magnitude of the contribution of psychosocial stressors to the development of hypertension re... more The magnitude of the contribution of psychosocial stressors to the development of hypertension remains controversial. Using data from the population-based, nationwide German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults, we investigated the relationship between objectively measured and subjectively perceived stressors and blood pressure (BP). The study sample comprised 3352 participants not taking antihypertensive medication, for whom data on stress exposure and resting BP measurements were available. The Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress screening scale (TICS-SSCS) was used as a measurement of self-perceived chronic stress, and work-related stress was assessed using the recently developed occupational Overall Job Index. On the basis of bivariate tests, TICS-SSCS was negatively associated with both systolic (β-coefficient [B] = -0.16, standard error = 0.03, p < .001) and diastolic BP (B = -0.10, standard error = 0.02, p < .001). After adjustment for age...

Research paper thumbnail of Mild Amnestic Cognitive Impairment and Depressive Symptoms in Autoimmune Encephalitis Associated with Serum Anti-Neurexin-3α Autoantibodies

Brain Sciences, 2021

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of The association between stress and blood pressure in a sample from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations of Systolic Blood Pressure With Quality of Life and Depressive Mood in Older Adults With Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Results From the Observational DIAST-CHF Study

Psychosomatic medicine, 2018

Although diagnosed arterial hypertension and antihypertensive medication usually have an adverse ... more Although diagnosed arterial hypertension and antihypertensive medication usually have an adverse impact on quality of life, recent studies suggest that actual blood pressure may be positively related to better well-being. However, data in older patients with cardiovascular risk factors are lacking, for whom such an association may be of particular relevance. In 1300 adults aged 50 to 85 years with cardiovascular risk factors (51.5% men, mean age = 65.7 ± 8.2 years) participating in an observational study, we performed standardized measurements of blood pressure and assessed quality of life and depressive symptoms at baseline and 1-year follow-up using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Bivariate analysis demonstrated that systolic blood pressure was associated with higher SF-36 mental component summary scores (r = 0.100, p < .001) and reduced HADS depression (r = -0.082, p = .003). Multivariate regression models adjusting for age, sex,...

Research paper thumbnail of Rationale, design, and methods of a non-interventional study to establish safety, effectiveness, quality of life, cognition, health-related and work capacity data on Alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis patients in Germany (TREAT-MS)

BMC neurology, 2016

Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the cell surface glycoprotein CD52,... more Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the cell surface glycoprotein CD52, is licensed in Europe since October 2013 as treatment for adult patients with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). In three randomized, rater-blinded active comparator clinical trials studies, alemtuzumab administered in two annual courses, had superior efficacy as compared to subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, and durable efficacy over 5 years in an extension study with a manageable safety profile in RRMS patients. Data on the utilization and the outcomes of alemtuzumab under clinical practice conditions are limited. Here we describe the rationale, design and methods of the TREAT-MS study (non-interventional long-Term study foR obsErvAtion of Treatment with alemtuzumab in active relapsing-remitting MS). TREAT-MS is a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional, long-term study to collect data on safety, effectiveness, quality of life, cognition and other aspects from 32...

Research paper thumbnail of Hands on Alemtuzumab-experience from clinical practice: whom and how to treat

Multiple Sclerosis and Demyelinating Disorders, 2016

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody, which was recently approved for the treatment of active rel... more Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody, which was recently approved for the treatment of active relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Its main mechanism of action is based on targeting CD52, an antigen of unknown function which is found on B and T lymphocytes, leading to depletion followed by repopulation of these cells. The high efficacy of Alemtuzumab in controlling relapsing remitting MS has been shown in several clinical trials. This new therapy approach is associated with a specific side effects profile requiring regular longterm monitoring. The most important side effects are infusion-associated reactions, a slight increase of infections as well as autoimmune events in almost one third of treated patients. Based on two years of clinical experience in Germany, this review covers the first steps with the careful patient selection to be treated with Alemtuzumab over the preparation steps and the infusion courses up to the longterm monitoring after Alemtuzumab treatment.

Research paper thumbnail of Cardiovascular reactivity is independently associated with better mental health: results from the nation-wide German DEGS1 study

Blood pressure monitoring, Jan 4, 2016

Using data from the nation-wide German DEGS1 study, we assessed whether resting blood pressure (B... more Using data from the nation-wide German DEGS1 study, we assessed whether resting blood pressure (BP) and transient changes in BP are associated with symptoms of depression and quality of life (QoL). The study included n=4852 adult participants not taking antihypertensives, who completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for assessment of depressive symptoms and the SF-36 for assessment of QoL. Resting BP was defined as the mean of the second and third reading taken at 3-min intervals. General linear models adjusting for age, sex, and BMI showed that both resting BP and short-term BP changes were associated with higher SF-36 mental component summary and lower Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores. Our data showed that a greater decrease in systolic BP as an indicator for cardiovascular reactivity is related to better mental QoL and fewer depressive symptoms, suggesting a link between BP regulation and mental well-being as part of an adaptive process to mild stressors.

Research paper thumbnail of Association Between Chronic Stress and Blood Pressure: Findings From the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008-2011

Psychosomatic medicine, 2015

The magnitude of the contribution of psychosocial stressors to the development of hypertension re... more The magnitude of the contribution of psychosocial stressors to the development of hypertension remains controversial. Using data from the population-based, nationwide German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults, we investigated the relationship between objectively measured and subjectively perceived stressors and blood pressure (BP). The study sample comprised 3352 participants not taking antihypertensive medication, for whom data on stress exposure and resting BP measurements were available. The Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress screening scale (TICS-SSCS) was used as a measurement of self-perceived chronic stress, and work-related stress was assessed using the recently developed occupational Overall Job Index. On the basis of bivariate tests, TICS-SSCS was negatively associated with both systolic (β-coefficient [B] = -0.16, standard error = 0.03, p < .001) and diastolic BP (B = -0.10, standard error = 0.02, p < .001). After adjustment for age...