BACKGROUND: While increased neurofilament light chain (NfL) in serum concentrations are linked to the progression of several neurological conditions, their distribution and implications within the general adult population remain largely unexplored. The current research aims to clarify the relationship between serum NfL levels and neurological disorders in a broad and representative population sample.
METHODS: We utilized information gathered from 1751 adults involved in the 2013-2014 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey . Our analytical approach encompassed logistic regression, smoothed curve fitting, and subgroup analyses to identify potential correlations between serum NfL levels and neurological conditions, such as depression, severe hearing and visual impairments, stroke, subjective memory deficits, and sleep problems.
RESULTS: After adjusting for all confounders, we found that higher serum NfL levels were significantly associated with increased risks of depression, stroke, subjective memory deficits, and longer sleep duration (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses supported these findings. Additionally, BMI significantly influenced the relationship between serum NfL levels and long-term subjective memory decline.
CONCLUSIONS: Our research shows that higher serum NfL levels are strongly related to an elevated risk for several neurological disorders. These findings highlight the role of serum NfL serving as a critical marker for early detection and monitoring of neurological conditions, emphasizing its importance in both clinical and public health settings.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a useful intervention for patients with impaired swallowing and a functional gastrointestinal system. Neurological diseases that cause neuromotor dysphagia, brain tumors, and cerebrovascular disease are the most frequent indications; complications are rare, and morbidity and mortality rates are low.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of PEG in patients with neurological diseases, and its impact on care, survival, and costs and benefits.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study, reviewing clinical files of patients hospitalised at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (years 2015-2017) who underwent PEG placement.
RESULTS: The sample included 51 patients: 62.7% were women and the mean (SD) age was 54.4 (18.6) years (range, 18-86). Diagnosis was tumor in 37.3% of cases and cerebrovascular disease in 33.3%. Sixteen patients (33.3%) died and 11 presented minor complications. The PEG tube remained in place for a mean of 9.14 months; in 52.9% of patients it was removed due to lack of improvement and/or tolerated oral intake, with removal occurring after a mean of 5.1 (4.4) months. Among patients\' family members, 78.4% reported a great benefit, 43.1% reported difficulty caring for the PEG, and 45.1% reported complicated care in general. The monthly cost of maintaining the PEG was €175.78 on average (range, 38.38-293.45).
CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study reveals that PEG was well indicated in patients with neurological diseases, with survival rates similar to those reported in other studies with long follow-up periods. In patients with cerebrovascular disease, the PEG tube remained in place a mean of 9.14 months, during recovery of swallowing function; however, the cost is high for our population.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a useful intervention for patients with impaired swallowing and a functional gastrointestinal system. Neurological diseases that cause neuromotor dysphagia, brain tumors, and cerebrovascular disease are the most frequent indications; complications are rare, and morbidity and mortality rates are low.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of PEG in patients with neurological diseases, and its impact on care, survival, and costs and benefits.
METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study, reviewing clinical files of patients hospitalised at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (years 2015-2017) who underwent PEG placement.
RESULTS: The sample included 51 patients: 62.7% were women and the mean (SD) age was 54.4 (18.6) years (range, 18-86). Diagnosis was tumor in 37.3% of cases and cerebrovascular disease in 33.3%. Sixteen patients (33.3%) died and 11 presented minor complications. The PEG tube remained in place for a mean of 9.14 months; in 52.9% of patients it was removed due to lack of improvement and/or tolerated oral intake, with removal occurring after a mean of 5.1 (4.4) months. Among patients\' family members, 78.4% reported a great benefit, 43.1% reported difficulty caring for the PEG, and 45.1% reported complicated care in general. The monthly cost of maintaining the PEG was €175.78 on average (range, 38.38-293.45).
CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study reveals that PEG was well indicated in patients with neurological diseases, with survival rates similar to those reported in other studies with long follow-up periods. In patients with cerebrovascular disease, the PEG tube remained in place a mean of 9.14 months, during recovery of swallowing function; however, the cost is high for our population.