Study of "ALS reversals": LifeTime environmental exposures (StARLiTE)

Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2023 Feb;24(1-2):54-62. doi: 10.1080/21678421.2022.2090846. Epub 2022 Jul 1.

Abstract

We previously reported on a series of patients diagnosed with ALS whom had an extraordinary course defined by substantial and sustained improvement in weakness and function. For this study, twenty-five of these "ALS Reversals" completed extensive environmental exposure questionnaires. These responses were then compared to a large database of prior responses from patients with typically progressive ALS (n = 6187). The results demonstrated that the "Reversal" participants have had a diverse number of exposures with substantial heterogeneity. In general, this was similar to the control group; however, there were a few specific differences that could be further explored in future research.

Keywords: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; epidemiology; risk; survival.

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors