 |
|
MS patients not receiving medications to slow disease progression, research shows
April 17, 2007WINSTON-SALEM - Neurologists at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have found that many patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) are not taking or being prescribed drugs approved to treat the disease.
"When we looked at patients who are being seen by family practitioners and by neurologists, we were surprised at the number of people who are not benefiting from drugs proven to help reduce the side effects of MS," said Cormac O'Donovan, M.D., a neurologist and co-investigator of the study. "Hopefully by educating physicians about the benefits of these drugs and beginning treatment early, we can slow the progression of this disease."
O'Donovan's research was published this month by Biomed Central Medicine on their website at biomedcentral.com.
O'Donovan and his team studied patient visits to family practitioners, neurologists or internists between 1998 and 2004 across the United States. There were an estimated 6.7 million MS patient visits to physicians during this time. Neurologists recorded the most patient visits (50.7 percent).
About 62 percent of patients visiting neurologists and 92 percent seen by family practitioners/internists were not using immunomodulatory agents (IMAs), according to the research. Treatment with IMAs is known to reduce the frequency of relapses and slow disease progression.
Six IMAs have been approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating MS. They are: interferon-1b (sold under the name Betaseron®), interferon-1a (Avonex®), glatiramer acetate (GA or Copaxone®), interferon-1a (Rebif®), mitoxantrone (Novantrone®) and natalizumab (Tysabri®).
"Our study could not determine exactly why these FDA approved drugs were not being prescribed for the treatment of MS," O'Donovan said. "Some individuals may have mild symptoms at first and decide to defer treatment. Other factors may be that physicians are not as familiar with the newer drugs on the market and the risk-to-benefit ratio. Some patients may not even be aware of the pros and cons of IMAs or were advised by their physician that they did not meet the criteria for taking the drug. The increased use of IMAs by neurologists probably reflects greater awareness of the drugs' availability and their use by specialists who more often treat patients with MS. We need to spend some time looking further into the issue."
MS is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. It is the second most common cause of neurological disability in young adults. The cause of MS is unknown but environmental factors and genetics are thought to contribute to the onset of the disease.
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
O'Donovan and his team studied patient visits to family practitioners, neurologists or internists between 1998 and 2004 across the United States. There were an estimated 6.7 million MS patient visits to physicians during this time. Neurologists recorded the most patient visits (50.7 percent).
About 62 percent of patients visiting neurologists and 92 percent seen by family practitioners/internists were not using immunomodulatory agents (IMAs), according to the research. Treatment with IMAs is known to reduce the frequency of relapses and slow disease progression.
Six IMAs have been approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating MS. They are: interferon-1b (sold under the name Betaseron®), interferon-1a (Avonex®), glatiramer acetate (GA or Copaxone®), interferon-1a (Rebif®), mitoxantrone (Novantrone®) and natalizumab (Tysabri®).
"Our study could not determine exactly why these FDA approved drugs were not being prescribed for the treatment of MS," O'Donovan said. "Some individuals may have mild symptoms at first and decide to defer treatment. Other factors may be that physicians are not as familiar with the newer drugs on the market and the risk-to-benefit ratio. Some patients may not even be aware of the pros and cons of IMAs or were advised by their physician that they did not meet the criteria for taking the drug. The increased use of IMAs by neurologists probably reflects greater awareness of the drugs' availability and their use by specialists who more often treat patients with MS. We need to spend some time looking further into the issue."
MS is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. It is the second most common cause of neurological disability in young adults. The cause of MS is unknown but environmental factors and genetics are thought to contribute to the onset of the disease.
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Neurologist Current Events and Neurologist News RSSResearchers find potential treatment for Huntington's disease
Investigators at Burnham Institute for Medical Research (Burnham), the University of British Columbia's Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics and the University of California, San Diego have found that normal synaptic activity in nerve cells (the electrical activity in the brain that allows nerve cells to communicate with one another) protects the brain from the misfolded proteins associated with Huntington's disease.
Possible help in fight against muscle-wasting disease
A compound already used to treat pneumonia could become a new therapy for an inherited muscular wasting disease, according to researchers at the University of Oregon and the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in New York.
Alzheimer's researchers find high protein diet shrinks brain
One of the many reasons to pick a low-calorie, low-fat diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and fish is that a host of epidemiological studies have suggested that such a diet may delay the onset or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Cost Effectiveness of Blood Pressure Device Evaluated
A study conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) demonstrates that, for certain patient populations, an experimental device that lowers blood pressure may be a cost effective treatment. The implantable device, called Rheos, is in advanced stages of testing for individuals with drug resistant hypertension.
Rochester-led Parkinson's study pays off again, 2 decades later
Parkinson disease progresses more slowly in patients who have higher levels of urate, a chemical that at very high level is associated with gout, scientists have found.
Michigan hospital launches gene therapy study for Parkinson's disease
A Michigan hospital is embarking on a research study for advanced Parkinson's disease using a state-of-the-art treatment called gene transfer.
Can an over-the-counter vitamin-like substance slow the progression of Parkinson's disease?
Rush University Medical Center is participating in a large-scale, multi-center clinical trial in the U.S. and Canada to determine whether a vitamin-like substance, in high doses, can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects about one million people in the United States.
Mayo Clinic identifies 2 genes as potential therapeutic targets for multiple sclerosis
A Mayo Clinic study has found that two genes in mice were associated with good central nervous system repair in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Fewer injection site reactions in patients using Avonex
Data from an observational phase IV study of 499 patients entitled The Swiss MS Skin Project show that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients taking AVONEX (interferon beta-1a IM) reported significantly fewer injection site reactions (ISRs) compared to patients on Betaferon® (interferon beta-1b), Copaxone® (glatiramer Acetate) or Rebif ® (interferon beta-1a).
Seizure drug enhances sleep for women with hot flashes
Gabapentin, a drug initially used to treat seizures, improves sleep quality in menopausal women with hot flashes, University of Rochester Medical Center researchers report online and in the September issue of the Journal of Women's Health.
More Neurologist Current Events and Neurologist News Articles
 |
The Brain Has a Mind of Its Own: Insights from a Practicing Neurologist by Richard Restak M.D. (Author) Neurologist and best-selling author Richard Restak puts readers in touch with the latest scientific findings about the most complex and inscrutable object in creation--the human brain. "By all means let Richard Restak take you on this lively journey to the very roots of our being. Along the way you will gain new understanding of consciousness, dreams, drugs, emotions, memory loss, and many kindred subjects."--William Warner Line drawings. |
 |
T-Shirt Womens Brown " Neurologist Do it normally ... " Occupations Large by TopExpressions |
 |
Neurology for the Non-Neurologist (Weiner, Neurology for the Non-Neurologist) by William J Weiner (Editor), Christopher G Goetz (Editor) The thoroughly updated Fifth Edition of this popular book provides a practical introduction to contemporary neurology for nonspecialists. It offers straightforward guidance on diagnosis and management of all disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Each chapter includes case studies with multiple-choice questions, plus a bulleted list indicating when to consult a neurologist. This edition features increased emphasis on treatment, including drugs, devices, and rehabilitation. The authors provide complete information on all new neurologic drugs--including dosage and interactions--and discuss herbal and alternative medicines where appropriate. This edition also includes more tables and illustrations to speed clinicians' access to information. |
 |
Jean-Martin Charcot French Neurologist with Some of His Patients Depicted in the Background Art Giclee Poster Print by Paul Renouard, 9x12 by AllPosters.com AllPosters.com is the world's #1 seller of posters, prints, photographs, specialty products and framed art. We're dedicated to bringing our customers the best selection of high quality wall décor that is perfect for their home or office. Browse our catalog of over 300,000 items that include entertainment and specialty posters, decorative prints, and art reproductions. Whether you're looking for your favorite movie or music poster, a framed Monet reproduction, or a print of the Eiffel Tower you will find it at AllPosters.com. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/allposters to find Special Offers and search by subject category or artist. AllPosters.com provides unmatched service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your... |
 |
Neurology For The Non-neurologist by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Neurology for the Non-Neurologist : Neurology for the Non-Neurologist Pub Date: April 2004 Product Type: Print Author/s: William J Weiner MD; Christopher G Goetz MD The thoroughly updated Fifth Edition of this popular book provides a practical introduction to contemporary neurology for nonspecialists. It offers straightforward guidance on diagnosis and management of all disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. Each chapter includes case studies with multiple-choice questions, plus a bulleted list indicating when to consult a neurologist.This edition features increased emphasis on treatment, including drugs, devices, and rehabilitation. The authors provide complete information on all new neurologic drugs-including dosage and interactions-and... |
 |
ABC News Specials Brave New World: Hope - A Case Study The brain, brain surgeons, brain scientists and hope. What happens when very smart, cutting edge scientists face an ordinary, garden-variety family tragedy? What's more important, a big brain or a big heart? |
|
Neurology for the Non-Neurologist [VHS] Starring: National Centre for Advanced Medical Education | |
 |
Human Brain Facts and Figures FRAMED POSTER 18" x 24" Educational Print in Black Metal Frame. by Imagine This Enterprises Our FRAMED Poster is brilliantly illustrated and loaded with facts, offering a unique visual introduction to the fascinating human brain. This poster - called BRAIN FACTS - provides surprising facts and figures about the brain. Part of the HUMAN BRAIN POSTER SERIES. The poster will be delivered to you READY to HANG in a sturdy and attractive BLACK METAL FRAME, with reinforced metal construction and adjustable hardware. |
 |
T-Shirt Womens Brown " Neurologist " your mom warned you about Occupations Large by TopExpressions |
 |
Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from a Neurologist and Classroom Teacher by Judy Willis (Author) Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning is the first book for educators written by an author who is both a neurologist and a classroom teacher. Dr. Willis used her neurology expertise to examine the past two decades of learning-centered brain research. Using her background and experience as a clinical neurologist and neuroscience researcher, she sifted through the abundance of neuroimaging and brain mapping information. She assessed what information was both valid and relevant to education. She then employed her training and experience as a classroom teacher to provide strategies for implementing the best of this research in the classroom. She brings this knowledge to life in a comprehensive and accessible style. Teachers will be introduced to strategies that will work in... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |