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Further evidence showing treatment benefits of beta interferon for multiple sclerosis (pp 1463, 1489)
October 20, 2004Results of a European study in this week's issue of THE LANCET provide further evidence that patients with early symptoms of multiple sclerosis given a weekly injection with interferon beta are less likely to progress to full clinical disease after two years follow-up. The study showed that the drug reduced patients' loss of brain tissue compared with individuals given placebo.
Early findings from the ETOMS (early treatment of multiple sclerosis) trial (see Lancet 2001; 357: 1576-82) showed encouraging results for interferon beta in delaying the progression of full clinical symptoms of multiple sclerosis compared with placebo. The same investigators led by Massimo Filippi (Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy) and colleagues assessed whether this drug can also reduce the rate of patients' brain-volume decrease.
After two years follow up, around a third (31%) of 131 patients given interferon beta and just under half (47%) of 132 patients given placebo converted to clinically definite multiple sclerosis.
The degree of brain-tissue loss assessed by MRI scans was greater among patients given placebo (1"˘68% loss over the two-year period) compared with individuals given beta interferon (1"˘18% tissue loss).
Dr Filippi comments: "This study has confirmed in a large cohort of patients at the earliest clinical stage of multiple sclerosis that brain parenchymal loss takes place rapidly, and has shown that 22 mg interferon beta-1a, given subcutaneously once weekly, can alter this process significantly. Whether higher or more frequent doses would enhance or reduce this effect remains untested."
In an accompanying commentary (p 1463), David Miller (Institute of Neurology, London, UK) cautions that it may be premature to conclude that a beneficial effect of interferon beta (or any other treatment) on global brain-atrophy itself will produce a long-term reduction in disability. Nevertheless he concludes: "The report by Filippi and colleagues is encouraging and commends investigators to include brain atrophy as an outcome measure in future trials of potential disease-modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis."
Lancet
The degree of brain-tissue loss assessed by MRI scans was greater among patients given placebo (1"˘68% loss over the two-year period) compared with individuals given beta interferon (1"˘18% tissue loss).
Dr Filippi comments: "This study has confirmed in a large cohort of patients at the earliest clinical stage of multiple sclerosis that brain parenchymal loss takes place rapidly, and has shown that 22 mg interferon beta-1a, given subcutaneously once weekly, can alter this process significantly. Whether higher or more frequent doses would enhance or reduce this effect remains untested."
In an accompanying commentary (p 1463), David Miller (Institute of Neurology, London, UK) cautions that it may be premature to conclude that a beneficial effect of interferon beta (or any other treatment) on global brain-atrophy itself will produce a long-term reduction in disability. Nevertheless he concludes: "The report by Filippi and colleagues is encouraging and commends investigators to include brain atrophy as an outcome measure in future trials of potential disease-modifying treatments in multiple sclerosis."
Lancet
Multiple Sclerosis Current Events and Multiple Sclerosis News RSSMultiple health concerns surface as winter, vitamin D deficiences arrive
A string of recent discoveries about the multiple health benefits of vitamin D has renewed interest in this multi-purpose nutrient, increased awareness of the huge numbers of people who are deficient in it, spurred research and even led to an appreciation of it as "nature's antibiotic."
Factors from common human bacteria may trigger multiple sclerosis
Current research suggests that a common oral bacterium may exacerbate autoimmune disease. The related report by Nichols et al, "Unique Lipids from a Common Human Bacterium Represent a New Class of TLR2 Ligands Capable of Enhancing Autoimmunity," appears in the December 2009 issue of The American Journal of Pathology.
Drug studied as possible treatment for spinal injuries
Researchers have shown how an experimental drug might restore the function of nerves damaged in spinal cord injuries by preventing short circuits caused when tiny "potassium channels" in the fibers are exposed.
CSHL team solves structure of NMDA receptor unit that could be drug target for neurological diseases
A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) reports on Thursday their success in solving the molecular structure of a key portion of a cellular receptor implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other serious illnesses.
Men leave: Separation and divorce far more common when the wife is the patient
A woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after a diagnosis of cancer or multiple sclerosis than if a man in the relationship is the patient, according to a study that examined the role gender played in so-called "partner abandonment." The study also found that the longer the marriage the more likely it would remain intact.
Neurologists Investigate Possible New Underlying Cause of MS
Neurologists at the University at Buffalo are beginning a research study that could overturn the prevailing wisdom on the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Scientists demonstrate link between genetic defect and brain changes in schizophrenia
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have found that the 22q11 gene deletion - a mutation that confers the highest known genetic risk for schizophrenia - is associated with changes in the development of the brain that ultimately affect how its circuit elements are assembled.
Gentle touch may aid multiple sclerosis patients
While gripping, lifting or manipulating an object such as drinking from a cup or placing a book on a shelf is usually easy for most, it can be challenging for those with neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's, or for people who had a stroke. For them, the tight gripping can cause fatigue, making everyday tasks difficult.
Urate in blood and spinal fluid may predict slower decline in patients with Parkinson's disease
Higher concentration of urate (an antioxidant) in the blood and spinal fluid of patients with early Parkinson's disease is associated with slower rates of clinical decline.
Oxidized form of a common vitamin may bring relief for ulcerative colitis
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology finds retinoic acid may alleviate ulcerative colitis and similar irritable bowel diseases.
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Healing Multiple Sclerosis: Diet, Detox & Nutritional Makeover for Total Recovery by Ann Boroch (Author), Ann Louise Gittleman (Foreword) Multiple Sclerosis can now be healed and this book shows you how. Though MS is widely believed to be incurable, Boroch's breakthrough treatment protocol can dramatically restore patients to health. This landmark book describes her own tumultuous journey with MS: • Her quest for a cure • Case histories of those who have triumphed over MS • The real causes of MS • How to develop a personal treatment plan • Everything you need to bring about recovery, including a detailed and effective self-help treatment protocol • Delicious recipes and recommended foods, with two weeks of sample menus • A five-week nutritional makeover, recommended supplements and a daily sample supplement schedule • A list of recommended products • User-friendly charts and resources |
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The MS Recovery Diet by Ann Sawyer (Author), Judith Bachrach (Author) More than half a million people live with multiple sclerosis, yet conventional medicine still has little to offer patients. There is no known cure-and even recent breakthroughs in drug therapy do not work to control many of the symptoms or promise any degree of recovery. But there is an alternative to drugs that can stop and reverse the ravaging symptoms of MS-the MS Recovery Diet. As this book explains, there are five common food triggers that can set off the symptoms of MS-dairy, grains containing glutens, legumes, eggs, and yeast. Yet because MS is such a complex disease, other foods play a role, as culprits or aides. The MS Recovery Diet explains the background, science, and development of this treatment in one source for the first time, and shows readers how to pinpoint their... |
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