PNS 2026
Neuromuscular Research Group strongly represented at PNS 2026 in Maastricht
From June 13 to 17, the annual congress of the Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS) took place in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Once again, our neuromuscular research group was strongly represented. A delegation of no fewer than 21 professionals, including pediatric neurologists, neurologists, rehabilitation physicians, immunologists, PhD candidates, and other researchers, traveled to the south of the country to attend the meeting.
Erasmus MC was highly visible throughout the congress. Neurologist Krista Kuitwaard, as a member of the local organizing committee, was directly involved in organizing the event under the leadership of Janneke Hoeijmakers (Neurologist, Maastricht UMC+). In addition, results from several research projects were presented in poster format by Anouk van Dommelen, Merel Huijg, Farah Pelouto, Sophia Mantel, Anmol Rajpar, Osana Schlee, and Yelda Su, covering topics ranging from chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP).
Our group was also well represented on the scientific stage. As the recipient of the Alan J. Gebhart Prize, Bart Jacobs delivered an inspiring 45-minute lecture on the latest developments in GBS research, bringing together the past, present, and future of the field.
Additional presentations were given by:
Anmol Rajpar, who presented an observational analysis of clinical outcomes in GBS patients treated with either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasma exchange.
Anouk van Dommelen, who discussed the role of neurofilament light chain (NfL) and its association with preceding infections, GBS subtypes, and electromyography (EMG) findings.
Eveline Wiegers, who presented a comparative study of imlifidase as an adjunct to IVIg versus IVIg alone, including future treatment strategies for GBS.
These contributions did not go unnoticed:
- Anouk van Dommelen was awarded the Arthur K. Asbury Prize for the best presentation in the field of GBS, CIDP, and inflammatory neuropathies.
- Eveline Wiegers received the Richard A.C. Hughes Prize for the best presentation in the field of clinical research.
In addition to the scientific program, there was ample opportunity for valuable consortium and collaboration meetings, as well as informal social gatherings. One of the highlights was meeting on Maastricht’s famous Vrijthof Square, where we watched a match of the Dutch national football team together, joined by several colleagues from Japan.
Inspired and energized by new ideas, we returned to Rotterdam ready to continue advancing innovative neuromuscular research.