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MS research update - 26 April 2012

The MS Trust runs a weekly search for interesting and relevant research articles relating to multiple sclerosis using Medline, a specialised search engine for medical journals. The original abstracts to each of the articles can be accessed via the links provided.

For further information on any topic please contact the information team at info@mstrust.org.uk.

This week's highlighted research...

Improving relapse care

Improving relapse care

This study compared the experiences of people being treated for a relapse either as part of a clinical trial or within the standard out-patient service.

Both groups received identical treatment - intravenous infusion of steroid (methylprednisolone) for three days. The two groups completed questionnaires to measure their experience of treatment, answering questions under four headings: interpersonal care, access to care, information and coordination of care.

Interpersonal care was significantly worse in the out-patient group, implying that a clinical trial in some way provided a setting that improved this aspect of relapse management.

The researchers suggest that this may be a result of the study design, of the care given or changes in behaviour of patients and/or health professionals while taking part in the study. They recommend incorporating elements of structured clinical trials into routine practice in order to provide a more person-centred service for the treatment of relapses.

McNicholas N, Patel A, Chataway J., et al.
It is better to be in a clinical trial than not: lessons learnt from clinical neurology - the management of acute multiple sclerosis relapses.
QJM. 2012 Apr 17. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Diagnosis

Maalouly G, Mantout F, Feldman-Billard S, et al.
Oligoclonal band and multiple sclerosis risk in monosymptomatic optic neuritis patients: a retrospective study of 84 patients.
Mult Scler. 2012 Apr 18. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Mattarozzi K, Vignatelli L, Baldin E, et al.
Effect of the disclosure of MS diagnosis on anxiety, mood and quality of life of patients: a prospective study.
Int J Clin Pract. 2012 May;66(5):504-514. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2012.02912.x.
abstract

Symptoms and symptom management

Pozzilli C, Schweikert B, Ecari U, et al.
Quality of life and depression in multiple sclerosis patients: longitudinal results of the BetaPlus study.
J Neurol. 2012 Apr 18. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Hartung HP.
Advances in the management of multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.
Expert Rev Neurother. 2012 Apr;12(4 Suppl):1.
abstract

Moss-Morris R, McCrone P, Yardley L, et al.
A pilot randomised controlled trial of an Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy self-management programme (MS Invigor8) for multiple sclerosis fatigue.
Behav Res Ther. 2012 Mar 13;50(6):415-421. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Xiao Y, Wang J, Luo H.
Sildenafil citrate for erectile dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Apr 18;4:CD009427.
abstract

Gal RL, Vedula SS, Beck R.
Corticosteroids for treating optic neuritis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Apr 18;4:CD001430.
abstract

Jongen PJ, Ter Horst AT, Brands AM.
Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis.
Minerva Med. 2012 Apr;103(2):73-96.
abstract

Disease modifying treatments

Chiba K, Adachi K.
Discovery of fingolimod, the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator and its application for the therapy of multiple sclerosis.
Future Med Chem. 2012 Apr;4(6):771-81.
abstract

Bischoff C, Schreiber H, Bergmann A.
Background information on multiple sclerosis patients stopping ongoing immunomodulatory therapy: a multicenter study in a community-based environment.
J Neurol. 2012 Apr 18. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Lanzillo R, Bonavita S, Quarantelli M, et al.
Natalizumab is effective in multiple sclerosis patients switching from other disease modifying therapies in clinical practice.
Neurol Sci. 2012 Apr 22. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Hauser SL, Johnston SC.
Multiple sclerosis drugs: Sticker shock.
Ann Neurol. 2012 May;71(5):A5-6. doi: 10.1002/ana.23608.
abstract

Balcer LJ, Galetta SL, Polman CH, et al.
Low-contrast acuity measures visual improvement in phase 3 trial of natalizumab in relapsing MS.
J Neurol Sci. 2012 Apr 20. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Bignardi D, Ribizzi G, Voltolini S, et al.
Successful desensitization to natalizumab in a skin test--positive patient: a case report.
Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012 Feb;44(1):26-9.
abstract

Gheuens S, Smith DR, Wang X, et al.
Simultaneous PML-IRIS after discontinuation of natalizumab in a patient with MS.
Neurology. 2012 Apr 18. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Drugs in development

Liu J, Wang L, Zhan SY, et al.
Daclizumab for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Apr 18;4:CD008127.
abstract

Other treatments

Wade D.
Evaluation of the safety and tolerability profile of Sativex(®): is it reassuring enough?
Expert Rev Neurother. 2012 Apr;12(4 Suppl):9-14.
abstract

Oreja-Guevara C.
Clinical efficacy and effectiveness of Sativex(®), a combined cannabinoid medicine, in multiple sclerosis-related spasticity.
Expert Rev Neurother. 2012 Apr;12(4 Suppl):3-8.
abstract

Rehabilitation

Jackson K, Edginton-Bigelow K, Bowsheir C, et al.
Feasibility and effects of a group kickboxing program for individuals with multiple sclerosis: a pilot report.
J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2012 Jan;16(1):7-13. Epub 2010 Sep 29.
abstract

Co-existing conditions

Mullen AE, Wilmarth MA, Lowe S.
Cervical Disk Pathology in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Two Case Reports.
Phys Ther. 2012 Apr 19. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Assessment tools

Jacobs JV, Kasser SL.
Balance impairment in people with multiple sclerosis: Preliminary evidence for the Balance Evaluation Systems Test.
Gait Posture. 2012 Apr 21. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Cohen JA, Reingold SC, Polman CH, et al.
Disability outcome measures in multiple sclerosis clinical trials: current status and future prospects.
Lancet Neurol. 2012 May;11(5):467-476.
abstract

Phan-Ba R, Calay P, Grodent P, et al.
Motor fatigue measurement by distance-induced slow down of walking speed in multiple sclerosis.
PLoS One. 2012;7(4):e34744. Epub 2012 Apr 13.
abstract
free full paper

Livshits I, Hussein S, Kennedy C, et al.
Comparison of a 1.5T standard vs. 3T optimized protocols in multiple sclerosis patients.
Minerva Med. 2012 Apr;103(2):97-102.
abstract

Causes of MS

Disanto G, Morahan JM, Barnett MH, et al.
The evidence for a role of B cells in multiple sclerosis.
Neurology. 2012 Mar 13;78(11):823-32.
abstract

Vitamin D

Schwalfenberg GK.
Solar radiation and vitamin d: mitigating environmental factors in autoimmune disease.
J Environ Public Health. 2012;2012:619381.
abstract
free full paper

Paediatric MS

Kornek B, Schmitl B, Vass K, et al.
Evaluation of the 2010 McDonald multiple sclerosis criteria in children with a clinically isolated syndrome.
Mult Scler. 2012 Apr 23. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Absoud M, Lim MJ, Chong WK, et al.
Paediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes: incidence, clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features.
Mult Scler. 2012 Apr 19. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Genetics

Baranzini SE, Nickles D.
Genetics of multiple sclerosis: swimming in an ocean of data.
Curr Opin Neurol. 2012 Apr 18. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Other demyelinating conditions

Chan JW.
Early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of optic neuritis.
Neurologist. 2012 Jan;18(1):23-31.
abstract

Provision of care

Skovgaard L, Bjerre L, Haahr N, et al.
An investigation of multidisciplinary complex health care interventions - steps towards an integrative treatment model in the rehabilitation of People with Multiple Sclerosis.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Apr 23;12(1):50. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

CCSVI

Blinkenberg M, et al.
Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and venous stenoses in multiple sclerosis.
Acta Neurol Scand. 2012 Apr 25. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2012.01671.x. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Simka M, Ludyga T, Latacz P, et al.
Diagnostic accuracy of current sonographic criteria for the detection of outflow abnormalities in the internal jugular veins.
Phlebology. 2012 Apr 23. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract

Amato M, Saia V, Hakiki B, et al.
No association between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency and pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis.
Mult Scler. 2012 Apr 18. [Epub ahead of print]
abstract