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Goodman AD, Brown TR, Krupp LB, Schapiro RT, Schwid SR, Cohen R, Marinucci LN, Blight AR. Sustained-release oral fampridine in multiple sclerosis: a randomised, double-blind, controlled trial. Lancet 2009; 373:732-8. [PMID: 19249634 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(09)60442-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 386] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical studies suggested that fampridine (4-aminopyridine) improves motor function in people with multiple sclerosis. This phase III study assessed efficacy and safety of oral, sustained-release fampridine in people with ambulatory deficits due to multiple sclerosis. METHODS We undertook a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, controlled phase III trial. We randomly assigned 301 patients with any type of multiple sclerosis to 14 weeks of treatment with either fampridine (10 mg twice daily; n=229) or placebo (n=72), using a computer-generated sequence stratified by centre. We used consistent improvement on timed 25-foot walk to define response, with proportion of timed walk responders in each treatment group as the primary outcome. We used the 12-item multiple sclerosis walking scale to validate the clinical significance of the response criterion. Efficacy analyses were based on a modified intention-to-treat population (n=296), which included all patients with any post-treatment efficacy data. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00127530. FINDINGS The proportion of timed walk responders was higher in the fampridine group (78/224 or 35%) than in the placebo group (6/72 or 8%; p<0.0001). Improvement in walking speed in fampridine-treated timed walk responders, which was maintained throughout the treatment period, was 25.2% (95% CI 21.5% to 28.8%) and 4.7% (1.0% to 8.4%) in the placebo group. Timed walk responders showed greater improvement in 12-item multiple sclerosis walking scale scores (-6.84, 95% CI -9.65 to -4.02) than timed walk non-responders (0.05, -1.48 to 1.57; p=0.0002). Safety data were consistent with previous studies. INTERPRETATION Fampridine improved walking ability in some people with multiple sclerosis. This improvement was associated with a reduction of patients' reported ambulatory disability, and is a clinically meaningful therapeutic benefit.
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Clinical Trial, Phase III |
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386 |
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Mikol DD, Barkhof F, Chang P, Coyle PK, Jeffery DR, Schwid SR, Stubinski B, Uitdehaag BMJ. Comparison of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a with glatiramer acetate in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (the REbif vs Glatiramer Acetate in Relapsing MS Disease [REGARD] study): a multicentre, randomised, parallel, open-label trial. Lancet Neurol 2008; 7:903-14. [PMID: 18789766 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(08)70200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 344] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate are commonly prescribed for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but no published randomised trials have directly compared these two drugs. Our aim in the REGARD (REbif vs Glatiramer Acetate in Relapsing MS Disease) study was to compare interferon beta-1a with glatiramer acetate in patients with RRMS. METHODS In this multicentre, randomised, comparative, parallel-group, open-label study, patients with RRMS diagnosed with the McDonald criteria who had had at least one relapse within the previous 12 months were randomised to receive 44 mug subcutaneous interferon beta-1a three times per week or 20 mg subcutaneous glatiramer acetate once per day for 96 weeks to assess the time to first relapse. A subpopulation of 460 patients (230 from each group) also had serial MRI scans to assess T2-weighted and gadolinium-enhancing lesion number and volume. Treatments were assigned by a computer-generated randomisation list that was stratified by centre. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00078338. FINDINGS Between February and December, 2004, 764 patients were randomly assigned: 386 to interferon beta-1a and 378 to glatiramer acetate. After 96 weeks, there was no significant difference between groups in time to first relapse (hazard ratio 0.94, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.21; p=0.64). Relapse rates were lower than expected: 258 patients (126 in the interferon beta-1a group and 132 in the glatiramer acetate group) had one or more relapses (the expected number was 460). For secondary outcomes, there were no significant differences for the number and change in volume of T2 active lesions or for the change in the volume of gadolinium-enhancing lesions, although patients treated with interferon beta-1a had significantly fewer gadolinium-enhancing lesions (0.24 vs 0.41 lesions per patient per scan, 95% CI -0.4 to 0.1; p=0.0002). Safety and tolerability profiles were consistent with the known profiles for both compounds. The overall number and severity of adverse events were similar between the treatments and were not an important cause for discontinuation of the trial during the 96 weeks. INTERPRETATION There was no significant difference between interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate in the primary outcome. The ability to predict clinical superiority on the basis of results from previous studies might be limited by a trial population with low disease activity, which is an important consideration for ongoing and future trials in patients with RRMS.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
17 |
344 |
3
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Ascherio A, LeWitt PA, Xu K, Eberly S, Watts A, Matson WR, Marras C, Kieburtz K, Rudolph A, Bogdanov MB, Schwid SR, Tennis M, Tanner CM, Beal MF, Lang AE, Oakes D, Fahn S, Shoulson I, Schwarzschild MA. Urate as a predictor of the rate of clinical decline in Parkinson disease. ARCHIVES OF NEUROLOGY 2009; 66:1460-8. [PMID: 19822770 PMCID: PMC2795011 DOI: 10.1001/archneurol.2009.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of Parkinson disease (PD) and its rate of progression may decline with increasing concentration of blood urate, a major antioxidant. OBJECTIVE To determine whether serum and cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of urate predict clinical progression in patients with PD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Eight hundred subjects with early PD enrolled in the Deprenyl and Tocopherol Antioxidative Therapy of Parkinsonism (DATATOP) trial. The pretreatment urate concentration was measured in serum for 774 subjects and in cerebrospinal fluid for 713 subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Treatment-, age-, and sex-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for clinical disability requiring levodopa therapy, the prespecified primary end point of the original DATATOP trial. RESULTS The HR of progressing to the primary end point decreased with increasing serum urate concentrations (HR for highest vs lowest quintile = 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.94; HR for a 1-SD increase = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.73-0.93). In analyses stratified by alpha-tocopherol treatment (2000 IU/d), a decrease in the HR for the primary end point was seen only among subjects not treated with alpha-tocopherol (HR for a 1-SD increase = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.62-0.89; vs HR for those treated = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.75-1.08). Results were similar for the rate of change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score. Cerebrospinal fluid urate concentration was also inversely related to both the primary end point (HR for highest vs lowest quintile = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44-0.96; HR for a 1-SD increase = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.79-1.02) and the rate of change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score. As with serum urate concentration, these associations were present only among subjects not treated with alpha-tocopherol. CONCLUSIONS Higher serum and cerebrospinal fluid urate concentrations at baseline were associated with slower rates of clinical decline. The findings strengthen the link between urate concentration and PD and the rationale for considering central nervous system urate concentration elevation as a potential strategy to slow PD progression.
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Comparative Study |
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275 |
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Schwarzschild MA, Schwid SR, Marek K, Watts A, Lang AE, Oakes D, Shoulson I, Ascherio A, Parkinson Study Group PRECEPT Investigators, Hyson C, Gorbold E, Rudolph A, Kieburtz K, Fahn S, Gauger L, Goetz C, Seibyl J, Forrest M, Ondrasik J. Serum urate as a predictor of clinical and radiographic progression in Parkinson disease. ARCHIVES OF NEUROLOGY 2008; 65:716-23. [PMID: 18413464 PMCID: PMC2574855 DOI: 10.1001/archneur.2008.65.6.nct70003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Collaborators] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether concentration of serum urate, a purine metabolite and potent antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of Parkinson disease (PD), predicts prognosis in PD. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING The Parkinson Research Examination of CEP-1347 Trial (PRECEPT) study, which investigated the effects of a potential neuroprotectant on rates of PD progression, was conducted between April 2002 and August 2005 (average follow-up time 21.4 months). PARTICIPANTS Eight hundred four subjects with early PD enrolled in the PRECEPT study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary study end point was progression to clinical disability sufficient to warrant dopaminergic therapy. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of reaching end point according to quintiles of baseline serum urate concentration, adjusting for sex, age, and other potential covariates. Change in striatal uptake of iodine I 123-labeled 2-beta-carbomethoxy-3-beta-(4-iodophenyl)tropane ([(123)I]beta-CIT), a marker for the presynaptic dopamine transporter, was assessed with linear regression for a subset of 399 subjects. RESULTS The adjusted HR of reaching end point declined with increasing baseline concentrations of urate; subjects in the top quintile reached the end point at only half the rate of subjects in the bottom quintile (HR, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.72; P for trend < .001). This association was markedly stronger in men (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.26-0.60; P for trend < .001) than in women (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.39-1.50; P for trend = .33). The percentage of loss in striatal [(123)I]beta-CIT uptake also improved with increasing serum urate concentrations (overall P for trend = .002; men, P = .001; women, P = .43). CONCLUSIONS These findings identify serum urate as the first molecular factor directly linked to the progression of typical PD and suggest that targeting urate or its determinants could be an effective disease-modifying therapy in PD. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00040404.
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Collaborators
Rajeev Kumar, Mandar Jog, Cheryl Horn, Kathleen Shannon, Maureen Leehey, Teresa Derian, David Grimes, Melodie Mortensen, Paul Tuite, Neal Hermanowicz, Shari Niswonger, Roger Kurlan, Irenita Gardiner, Janis Miyasaki, Lisa Johnston, James Tetrud, Joseph Friedman, Hubert Fernandez, Robert Rodnitzky, Judith Dobson, Virgilio Evidente, Marlene Lind, Pamela Andrews, Michel Panisset, Brad Racette, Patricia Deppen, Joseph Jankovic, Christine Hunter, Eric Molho, Stewart Factor, Joanne Wojcieszek, Burton Scott, Thyagarajan Subramanian, Ruth Kolb, Andrew Siderowf, Robert Hauser, Joseph Savitt, Melissa Gerstenhaber, Alok Sahay, Maureen Gartner, Margaret Turk, Jean Rivest, Frederick Wooten, Michael Schwarzschild, Marsha Tennis, Kapil Sethi, Lisa Hatch, Ronald Pfeiffer, Brenda Pfeiffer, Andrew Feigin, Tanya Simuni, Karen Williams, Lawrence Elmer, Antonelle deMarcaida, Sheila Thurlow, Sylvain Chouinard, Hubert Poiffaut, Holly Shill, Mark Stacy, Richard Zweig, Rhonda Feldt, Cheryl Waters, Rajesh Pahwa, Amy Parsons, Jennifer Hui, Allan Wu, Richard Camicioli, Pamela King, Arif Dalvi, Un Jung Kang, Stephen Reich, Lisa Shulman, Margery Mark, Ali Rajput, David Song, John M Bertoni, Carolyn Peterson, Karen Blindauer, Jeanine Petit, Bala Manyam, Oksana Suchowersky, Lewis Sudarsky, Daniel Tarsy, Mark Forrest Gordon, Alessandro DiRocco, Amy Andrzejewski, Nestor Galvez-Jimenez, Sami Harik, Samer Tabbal,
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Comparative Study |
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233 |
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Schwid SR, Thornton CA, Pandya S, Manzur KL, Sanjak M, Petrie MD, McDermott MP, Goodman AD. Quantitative assessment of motor fatigue and strength in MS. Neurology 1999; 53:743-50. [PMID: 10489035 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.53.4.743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the test-retest reliability of strength and fatigue measurements in patients with MS and in healthy control subjects, and to examine associations among motor fatigue, strength, and ambulatory impairment in MS patients. BACKGROUND Motor fatigue, defined as the loss of the maximal capacity to generate force during exercise, and weakness are common in patients with MS. METHOD Twenty ambulatory MS patients and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects participated in the study. Test-retest reliability was assessed in two identical testing sessions, separated by 3 to 5 days. Maximal voluntary isometric strength was determined by fixed myometry of seven muscle groups on each side. Motor fatigue was assessed using three exercise protocols: sustained maximal contractions (static fatigue), repetitive maximal contractions, and walking as far as 500 m. Four analysis models for static fatigue were examined for their test-retest reliability and their ability to discriminate between normal fatigue and pathologic fatigue from MS. RESULTS Test-retest reliability in MS patients was excellent for isometric strength and very good for static fatigue. Test-retest reliability was lower for exercise protocols that involved repetitive contractions or ambulation. Compared with healthy control subjects, MS patients were weak in lower extremity muscles, but upper extremity strength was relatively preserved. Fatigue was greater in MS patients, even in muscles that were not clearly weak. There were no significant associations between strength and fatigue in any of the muscles tested. A fatigue analysis model based on the area under the force-versus-time curve gave the best combination of reliability and sensitivity to detect differences between MS patients and healthy control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Strength and motor fatigue can be measured reliably in patients with MS. MS patients experience more fatigue than healthy control subjects during sustained contractions, repetitive contractions, and ambulation. Motor fatigue appears to be distinct from weakness because the degree of fatigue was not associated with the degree of weakness in individual muscles. Quantitative assessment of strength and fatigue may be useful to monitor changes in motor function over time in MS patients.
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Schwid SR, Petrie MD, McDermott MP, Tierney DS, Mason DH, Goodman AD. Quantitative assessment of sustained-release 4-aminopyridine for symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis. Neurology 1997; 48:817-21. [PMID: 9109861 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.48.4.817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of 4-aminopyridine sustained release (4AP SR) (fampridine, EL-970) using quantitative measures of motor function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. BACKGROUND In vitro, 4AP improves conduction through demyelinated axons. A previous multicenter trial of 4AP SR using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) as the primary outcome was unable to establish clinical efficacy. DESIGN/METHODS Ten MS patients with stable motor deficits (EDSS 6.0-7.5) were given 4AP SR 17.5 mg bid and placebo for 1 week each in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Time to walk 8 meters, time to climb four stairs, maximum voluntary isometric contraction measured quantitatively (MVICT), manual muscle testing (MMT), grip strength, EDSS, and the patient's global impression were measured. RESULTS Timed gait was improved on 4AP SR compared with placebo in 9 of 10 subjects (p = 0.02). Timed stair climbing, MVICT, MMT, grip strength, and EDSS showed nonsignificant improvements on 4AP SR. Based on their global impressions, seven subjects preferred 4AP SR over placebo; only one preferred placebo. There were no serious side effects. CONCLUSION 4AP SR improved motor function in MS patients. The quantitative outcomes used in this study permit more sensitive evaluation of the therapeutic effect and promise to be useful in future trials of symptomatic treatments for MS.
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Clinical Trial |
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150 |
7
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Goodman AD, Brown TR, Cohen JA, Krupp LB, Schapiro R, Schwid SR, Cohen R, Marinucci LN, Blight AR. Dose comparison trial of sustained-release fampridine in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2008; 71:1134-41. [PMID: 18672472 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000326213.89576.0e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy and safety of three different doses of sustained-release fampridine in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHOD This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study recruited 206 participants at 24 centers in the United States and Canada. After a single-blind, 2-week placebo run-in, participants were randomly assigned to receive fampridine (10, 15, or 20 mg twice daily) or placebo for 15 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was percent change in walking speed based on the timed 25-foot walk. RESULTS Trends for increased walking speed were consistent across dose groups vs placebo, but not significant, on the prospective analysis. An increase from baseline in lower extremity strength during the 12-week stable-dose period was seen in the groups receiving 10- and 15-mg doses, compared with placebo (p = 0.018 and 0.003). There were no significant changes in other secondary assessments. Post hoc analysis revealed subsets of participants in each dose group with walking speeds during the treatment period that were consistently faster than during the nontreatment period. There were significantly more "consistent responders" in the drug-treated groups than in the placebo group (36.7% compared with 8.5%). Consistent responders showed significantly greater improvement in self-assessed ambulation on the 12-Item MS Walking Scale than did nonresponders. Fampridine was generally well tolerated. Severe and serious adverse events were more frequent at the highest dose. CONCLUSIONS This phase 2 study suggests that a subgroup of patients, when treated with fampridine, experiences a clinically relevant improvement in walking ability, which is sustained for at least 14 weeks.
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Randomized Controlled Trial |
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137 |
8
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Schwid SR, Goodman AD, McDermott MP, Bever CF, Cook SD. Quantitative functional measures in MS: what is a reliable change? Neurology 2002; 58:1294-6. [PMID: 11971105 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.58.8.1294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a first step toward understanding which changes should be considered as meaningful, the authors assessed the reliability of quantitative functional tests on 5 consecutive days in 63 patients with MS, determining the range of measurement variability present when patients are clinically stable. Time to walk 25 feet (T25FW) and the 9-hole peg test (9HPT) varied by <20% of individual mean scores on repeated testing. Therefore, a 20% change on these tests can be considered to be the threshold that reliably indicates a true change in function for an individual.
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Clinical Trial |
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134 |
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Weinstein A, Schwid SR, Schiffer RB, McDermott MP, Giang DW, Goodman AD, Schwid SI. Neuropsychologic status in multiple sclerosis after treatment with glatiramer. ARCHIVES OF NEUROLOGY 1999; 56:319-24. [PMID: 10190822 DOI: 10.1001/archneur.56.3.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) therapy reduces clinical disease activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE To study the effect of glatiramer therapy on neuropsychologic function as part of a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. METHODS Two hundred forty-eight patients with relapsing-remitting MS and mild to moderate disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale score, <5.0) were tested before and 12 and 24 months after randomization to administration of glatiramer acetate, 20 mg/d, or matching placebo. Neuropsychologic tests examined 5 cognitive domains most often disrupted in patients with MS: sustained attention, perceptual processing, verbal and visuospatial memory, and semantic retrieval. RESULTS Baseline neuropsychologic test performance was similar in both treatment groups and was within normal range, except for impaired semantic retrieval. Mean neuropsychologic test scores were higher at 12 and 24 months than at baseline, and no differences were detected between treatment groups over time. No significant interactions were detected between treatment and either time or baseline impairment. CONCLUSIONS Our 2-year longitudinal study showed no effect of glatiramer therapy on cognitive function in relapsing-remitting MS. Although it is possible that glatiramer therapy has no effect on cognitive function, the lack of measurable decline in cognitive function in both patient groups for 2 years limits the opportunity for glatiramer to demonstrate a therapeutic effect by minimizing such decline. Emerging treatments for MS should continue to be examined for their effect on cognitive impairment because it can be a critical determinant of disability. A greater understanding of the natural history of cognitive decline in MS is essential for a rational design of these drug trials.
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Clinical Trial |
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118 |
10
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Krupp LB, Christodoulou C, Melville P, Scherl WF, Pai LY, Muenz LR, He D, Benedict RHB, Goodman A, Rizvi S, Schwid SR, Weinstock-Guttman B, Westervelt HJ, Wishart H. Multicenter randomized clinical trial of donepezil for memory impairment in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2011; 76:1500-7. [PMID: 21519001 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e318218107a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to determine if memory would be improved by donepezil as compared to placebo in a multicenter, double-blind, randomized clinical trial (RCT). METHODS Donepezil 10 mg daily was compared to placebo to treat memory impairment. Eligibility criteria included the following: age 18-59 years, clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS), and performance ≤ ½ SD below published norms on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Neuropsychological assessments were performed at baseline and 24 weeks. Primary outcomes were change on the Selective Reminding Test (SRT) of verbal memory and the participant's impression of memory change. Secondary outcomes included changes on other neuropsychological tests and the evaluating clinician's impression of memory change. RESULTS A total of 120 participants were enrolled and randomized to either donepezil or placebo. No significant treatment effects were found between groups on either primary outcome of memory or any secondary cognitive outcomes. A trend was noted for the clinician's impression of memory change in favor of donepezil (37.7%) vs placebo (23.7%) (p = 0.097). No serious or unanticipated adverse events attributed to study medication developed. CONCLUSIONS Donepezil did not improve memory as compared to placebo on either of the primary outcomes in this study. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class I evidence which does not support the hypothesis that 10 mg of donepezil daily for 24 weeks is superior to placebo in improving cognition as measured by the SRT in people with MS whose baseline RAVLT score was 0.5 SD or more below average.
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Randomized Controlled Trial |
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96 |
11
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Weinstock-Guttman B, Jacobs LD, Brownscheidle CM, Baier M, Rea DF, Apatoff BR, Blitz KM, Coyle PK, Frontera AT, Goodman AD, Gottesman MH, Herbert J, Holub R, Lava NS, Lenihan M, Lusins J, Mihai C, Miller AE, Perel AB, Snyder DH, Bakshi R, Granger CV, Greenberg SJ, Jubelt B, Krupp L, Munschauer FE, Rubin D, Schwid S, Smiroldo J. Multiple sclerosis characteristics in African American patients in the New York State Multiple Sclerosis Consortium. Mult Scler 2003; 9:293-8. [PMID: 12814178 DOI: 10.1191/1352458503ms909oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics of multiple sclerosis (MS) in African American (AA) patients in the New York State Multiple Sclerosis Consortium (NYSMSC) patient registry. The NYSMSC is a group of 18 MS centers throughout New York State organized to prospectively assess clinical characteristics of MS patients. AAs comprise 6% (329) of the total NYSMSC registrants (5602). Demographics, disease course, therapy, and socioeconomic status were compared in AA registrants versus nonAfrican Americans (NAA). There was an increased female preponderance and a significantly younger age at diagnosis in the AA group. AA patients were more likely to have greater disability with increased disease duration. No differences were seen in types of MS and use of disease modifying therapies. Our findings suggest a racial influence in MS. Further genetic studies that consider race differences are warranted to elucidate mechanisms of disease susceptibility.
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90 |
12
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Schwid SR, Goodman AD, Mattson DH, Mihai C, Donohoe KM, Petrie MD, Scheid EA, Dudman JT, McDermott MP. The measurement of ambulatory impairment in multiple sclerosis. Neurology 1997; 49:1419-24. [PMID: 9371932 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.49.5.1419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between continuous measures of ambulatory impairment in MS patients and their ordinal counterparts. Much of the disability caused by MS is due to ambulatory impairment. The Expanded Disability Severity Scale (EDSS) and the Ambulation Index (AI) are ordinal measures of MS severity based largely on the maximal distance subjects can walk (Dmax) and the time to walk 8 m (T8), respectively. At EDSS levels 6.0 to 7.0 and AI levels 3 to 6, scores are defined more by the use of ambulatory aids, rather than by Dmax or T8. We determined Dmax (up to 500 m), T8, the EDSS score, and the AI in 237 ambulatory MS patients. The maximal distance subjects could walk and T8 were strongly related to their ordinal counterparts (Spearman r = 0.65 and 0.91, respectively), but the continuous measures showed considerable variability within EDSS and AI levels that the ordinal scales did not reflect. Most of the variability occurred at EDSS levels 6.0 to 7.0 and AI levels 3 to 6. Because the use of an aid did not clearly predict Dmax or T8, many patients in these ranges had better ambulatory function based on the continuous measures than those with less disability according to the ordinal scales. We found that Dmax and T8 provide more precise information about ambulatory impairment in MS than do the EDSS and AI, allowing better discrimination of differences between patients and potentially greater sensitivity to detect therapeutic effects in clinical trials.
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Schwid SR, Tyler CM, Scheid EA, Weinstein A, Goodman AD, McDermott MP. Cognitive fatigue during a test requiring sustained attention: a pilot study. Mult Scler 2016; 9:503-8. [PMID: 14582777 DOI: 10.1191/1352458503ms946oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background: Fatigue is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but difficulty quantifying fatigue severity has impeded studies of its characteristics, mechanisms, and therapeutics. Motor fatigue can be objectively measured as the decline in strength occurring during sustained contractio ns. A nalogous declines in cognitive performance occur during tasks requiring sustained attentio n. Objective: To objectively measure cognitive fatigue as a decline in performance during tests requiring sustained attentio n. Design/Methods: Patients with clinically stable MS (n=20) and healthy controls (n=21) with comparable age, gender, and education completed the Paced A uditory Serial A ddition Test (PA SAT) and the Digit O rdering Test (DOT) at two identical test sessions separated by 4-10 days, within a month after two practice sessions. C ognitive fatigue was quantified with two pre-specified methods for each test. The reliability of cognitive fatigue assessments was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC s) and construct validity was evaluated using correlations with measures of self-reported fatigue, cognition, and overall impairment/disability. Results: MS patients had an average of 18.7 items correct on the first 20 items of the PA SAT and 17.8 correct on the last 20 items, quantified as 5.3-5.8% declines in performance using the different measurement methods (P =0.01, rejecting the null hypothesis of zero mean decline). A lthough MS patients as a group demonstrated a similar decline at both sessions, IC C s were relatively low. C ontrol patients did not demonstrate significant declines in performance during PA SAT administration, but tests comparing declines in MS patients and controls did not demonstrate significant differences. Fatigue was not demonstrated using the DOT, and test-retest reliability was very poor. Conclusions: MS patients have objectively measurable cognitive fatigue during administration of the PASAT.
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80 |
14
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Schwid SR, Petrie MD, Murray R, Leitch J, Bowen J, Alquist A, Pelligrino R, Roberts A, Harper-Bennie J, Milan MD, Guisado R, Luna B, Montgomery L, Lamparter R, Ku YT, Lee H, Goldwater D, Cutter G, Webbon B. A randomized controlled study of the acute and chronic effects of cooling therapy for MS. Neurology 2003; 60:1955-60. [PMID: 12821739 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000070183.30517.2f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cooling demyelinated nerves can reduce conduction block, potentially improving symptoms of MS. The therapeutic effects of cooling in patients with MS have not been convincingly demonstrated because prior studies were limited by uncontrolled designs, unblinded evaluations, reliance on subjective outcome measures, and small sample sizes. OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of a single acute dose of cooling therapy using objective measures of neurologic function in a controlled, double-blinded setting, and to determine whether effects are sustained during daily cooling garment use. METHODS Patients (n = 84) with definite MS, mild to moderate disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale score < 6.0), and self-reported heat sensitivity were randomized into a multicenter, sham-treatment controlled, double-blind crossover study. Patients had the MS Functional Composite (MSFC) and measures of visual acuity/contrast sensitivity assessed before and after high-dose or low-dose cooling for 1 hour with a liquid cooling garment. One week later, patients had identical assessments before and after the alternate treatment. Patients were then re-randomized to use the cooling garment 1 hour each day for a month or to have observation only. They completed self-rated assessments of fatigue, strength, and cognition during this time, and underwent another acute cooling session at the end of the period. After 1 week of rest, they had identical assessments during the alternate treatment. RESULTS Body temperature declined during both high-dose and low-dose cooling, but high-dose produced a greater reduction (p < 0.0001). High-dose cooling produced a small improvement in the MSFC (0.076 +/- 0.66, p = 0.007), whereas low-dose cooling produced only a trend toward improvement (0.053 +/- 0.031, p = 0.09), but the difference between conditions was not significant. Timed gait testing and visual acuity/contrast sensitivity improved in both conditions as well. When patients underwent acute cooling following a month of daily cooling, treatment effects were similar. Patients reported less fatigue during the month of daily cooling, concurrently on the Rochester Fatigue Diary and retrospectively on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. CONCLUSIONS Cooling therapy was associated with objectively measurable but modest improvements in motor and visual function as well as persistent subjective benefits.
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Clinical Trial |
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Rudick RA, Polman CH, Cohen JA, Walton MK, Miller AE, Confavreux C, Lublin FD, Hutchinson M, O'Connor PW, Schwid SR, Balcer LJ, Lynn F, Panzara MA, Sandrock AW. Assessing disability progression with the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite. Mult Scler 2009; 15:984-97. [PMID: 19667023 DOI: 10.1177/1352458509106212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The initial Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) proposal was a three-part composite of quantitative measures of ambulation, upper extremity function, and cognitive function expressed as a single composite Z-score. However, the clinical meaning of an MSFC Z-score change is not obvious. This study instead used MSFC component data to define a patient-specific disease progression event. OBJECTIVE Evaluate a new method for analyzing disability progression using the MSFC. METHODS MSFC progression was defined as worsening from baseline on scores of at least one MSFC component by 20% (MSFC Progression-20) or 15% (MSFC Progression-15), sustained for >or=3 months. Progression rates were determined using data from natalizumab clinical studies (Natalizumab Safety and Efficacy in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis [AFFIRM] and Safety and Efficacy of Natalizumab in Combination With Interferon Beta-1a in Patients With Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis [SENTINEL]). Correlations between MSFC progression and other clinical measures were determined, as was sensitivity to treatment effects. RESULTS Substantial numbers of patients met MSFC progression criteria, with MSFC Progression-15 being more sensitive than MSFC Progression-20, at both 1 and 2 years. MSFC Progression-20 and MSFC Progression-15 were related significantly to Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score change, relapse rate, and the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score change. MSFC Progression-20 and MSFC Progression-15 at 1 year were predictive of EDSS progression at 2 years. Both MSFC progression end points demonstrated treatment effects in AFFIRM, and results were replicated in SENTINEL. CONCLUSION MSFC Progression-20 and MSFC Progression-15 are sensitive measures of disability progression; correlate with EDSS, relapse rates, and SF-36 PCS; and are capable of demonstrating therapeutic effects in randomized, controlled clinical studies.
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
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Noyes K, Bajorska A, Chappel A, Schwid SR, Mehta LR, Weinstock-Guttman B, Holloway RG, Dick AW. Cost-effectiveness of disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis: a population-based study. Neurology 2011; 77:355-63. [PMID: 21775734 PMCID: PMC3140799 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3182270402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in the United States compared to basic supportive therapy without DMT for patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS Using data from a longitudinal MS survey, we generated 10-year disease progression paths for an MS cohort. We used first-order annual Markov models to estimate transitional probabilities. Costs associated with losses of employment were obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical costs were estimated using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reimbursement rates and other sources. Outcomes were measured as gains in quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and relapse-free years. Monte Carlo simulations, resampling methods, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate model uncertainty. RESULTS Using DMT for 10 years resulted in modest health gains for all DMTs compared to treatment without DMT (0.082 QALY or <1 quality-adjusted month gain for glatiramer acetate, and 0.126-0.192 QALY gain for interferons). The cost-effectiveness of all DMTs far exceeded $800,000/QALY. Reducing the cost of DMTs had by far the greatest impact on the cost-effectiveness of these treatments (e.g., cost reduction by 67% would improve the probability of Avonex being cost-effective at $164,000/QALY to 50%). Compared to treating patients with all levels of disease, starting DMT earlier was associated with a lower (more favorable) incremental cost-effectiveness ratio compared to initiating treatment at any disease state. CONCLUSION Use of DMT in MS results in health gains that come at a very high cost.
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Comparative Study |
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Schwid SR, Panitch HS. Full results of the Evidence of Interferon Dose-Response-European North American Comparative Efficacy (EVIDENCE) study: a multicenter, randomized, assessor-blinded comparison of low-dose weekly versus high-dose, high-frequency interferon beta-1a for relapsing multiple sclerosis. Clin Ther 2008; 29:2031-48. [PMID: 18035202 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2007.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon (IFN)-beta therapy represents an important advance in the management of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), but information about the relative benefits and risks of available preparations is limited. OBJECTIVE This report describes the full results of the Evidence of Interferon Dose-response-European North American Comparative Efficacy (EVIDENCE) study, combining analyses that were previously reported in separate publications for different phases of the study. METHODS The EVIDENCE study was a multicenter, randomized, assessor-blinded comparison of 2 IFN-beta dosing regimens. In the study, patients with relapsing MS were randomly assigned to SC IFN-beta1a 44 lag TIW (Rebif, Serono Inc., Geneva, Switzerland) or IM IFN-betala 30 mug QW (Avonex, Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Massachusetts) for 1 to 2 years. The primary clinical end point during the comparative phase was the proportion of patients who remained free from relapses; secondary and tertiary clinical end points included the annualized relapse rate and time to first relapse, re- spectively. All clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations were performed by blinded assessors. In the crossover phase of the study, patients who were originally randomized to low-dose QW treatment switched to the high-dose TIW treatment for an additional 8 months. Adverse events were determined by spontaneous reporting and monthly laboratory testing during the comparative phase. RESULTS A total of 677 patients were enrolled in the study and evenly randomized to treatment; 605 patients completed the comparative phase and 439 completed the crossover phase. During the comparative phase, a significantly higher proportion of patients in the high-dose TIW treatment group remained free from relapses when compared with patients in the low-dose QW treatment group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0; P = 0.023). The high-dose TIW regimen was also associated with a significant reduction in the annualized relapse rate (-17%; P = 0.033) and a prolonged time to first relapse (hazard ratio, 0.70; P = 0.002). MRI measures of disease activity were significantly reduced in the high-dose TIW group compared with the low-dose QW treatment. During the crossover phase, a 50% reduction in mean relapse rates was observed in patients who converted from low-dose QW treatment to high-dose TIW treatment (P < 0.001), with significant concomitant reductions in MRI activity. Injection-site reactions were significantly more common with high-dose TIW treatment than with low-dose QW treatment (85% vs 33%; P < 0.001). Neutralizing antibody formation was more common with high-dose TIW treatment than with low-dose QW treatment (26% vs 3%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The comparative phase of the EVIDENCE study found that treatment of MS with SC IFN-beta1a 44 microg TIW was associated with a significant reduction in clinical and imaging measures of disease activity over 1 to 2 years, when compared with IM IFN-betala 30 microg QW treatment. The crossover phase found that patients who changed from low-dose QW treatment to high-dose TIW treatment experienced enhanced benefits of treatment without a substantial increase in adverse events.
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Randomized Controlled Trial |
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Schwid SR, Goodman AD, Weinstein A, McDermott MP, Johnson KP. Cognitive function in relapsing multiple sclerosis: Minimal changes in a 10-year clinical trial. J Neurol Sci 2007; 255:57-63. [PMID: 17331542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.01.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2006] [Revised: 01/17/2007] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although cognitive impairment is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), its value as a clinical trial endpoint remains uncertain. For example, in the randomized, blinded, pivotal trial of glatiramer acetate (GA) in patients with relapsing MS, improvements occurred in neuropsychological test scores during 2 years of treatment regardless of whether patients received GA or placebo, likely due to practice effects. OBJECTIVES To assess long-term changes in neuropsychological status following 10 years of prospective evaluation in a typical immunotherapy trial cohort. METHODS Participants in the ongoing open-label GA extension study repeated the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests an average of 10.6+/-0.4 years after their initial baseline evaluation. RESULTS Mean scores on tests of memory and semantic retrieval were not significantly changed over 10 years of follow-up, but tests of attention showed declines for the group as a whole. Using a threshold of a 0.5 SD decline to define significant worsening, individual tests showed declines in 27-49% of participants and a composite score showed worsening in 19%. Controlling for age, gender, and education level, cognitive tests tended to worsen more in participants with better baseline cognitive test scores and higher EDSS scores. Changes in cognitive test scores during the first 2 years of observation were predictive of 10-year changes. CONCLUSIONS Most patients with relapsing MS had stable cognitive performance during 10 years of prospective evaluation, some of which may be related to a therapeutic effect of GA. Because cognitive changes occur slowly on average, they may not be responsive enough to serve as useful endpoints in studies of course-modifying therapies in relapsing MS.
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Waubant E, Hietpas J, Stewart T, Dyme Z, Herbert J, Lacy J, Miller C, Rensel M, Schwid S, Goodkin D. Interferon beta-1a in children with multiple sclerosis is well tolerated. Neuropediatrics 2001; 32:211-3. [PMID: 11571702 DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-17370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis is a chronic demyelinating disease rare in children. Currently marketed disease modifying therapies are limited to adults. OBJECTIVE To determine the tolerability of interferon beta-1a (IFNB-1 a) 30 mcg injected intramuscularly once a week in children with clinically definite relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). DESIGN/METHODS A standardized questionnaire was sent to neurologists in the United States to determine the tolerability of IFNB-1 a in patients younger than 16 years. RESULTS Tolerability data were available for 9 of 33 children who were reported to initiate IFNB-1 a. Mean age on initiating treatment was 12.7 years (range 8 - 15) and mean duration of therapy was 17 months (range 5 - 36). No patient discontinued therapy due to an adverse event. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary data indicate that weekly intramuscular injections of IFNB-1 a are well tolerated.
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Evaluation Study |
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deMarcaida JA, Schwid SR, White WB, Blindauer K, Fahn S, Kieburtz K, Stern M, Shoulson I. Effects of tyramine administration in Parkinson's disease patients treated with selective MAO-B inhibitor rasagiline. Mov Disord 2006; 21:1716-21. [PMID: 16856145 DOI: 10.1002/mds.21048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Rasagiline is a novel, potent, and selective MAO-B inhibitor shown to be effective for Parkinson's disease. Traditional nonselective MAO inhibitors have been associated with dietary tyramine interactions that can induce hypertensive reactions. To test safety, tyramine challenges (50-75 mg) were performed in 72 rasagiline-treated and 38 placebo-treated Parkinson's disease (PD) patients at the end of two double-blind placebo-controlled trials of rasagiline. An abnormal pressor response was prespecified as three consecutive measurements of systolic blood pressure (BP) increases of >or= 30 mm Hg and/or bradycardia of < 40 beats/min. In the first study involving 55 patients with early PD on rasagiline monotherapy, no patients randomized to rasagiline (1 mg/2 mg; n = 38) or placebo (n = 17) developed systolic BP (SBP) or heart rate changes indicative of a tyramine reaction. In the second trial involving 55 levodopa-treated patients, 3 of 22 subjects on rasagiline 0.5 mg/day and 1 of 21 subjects on placebo developed asymptomatic, self-limiting SBP elevations >or= 30 mm Hg on three measurements. No subject on 1 mg/day rasagiline (0/12) experienced significant BP or heart rate changes following tyramine ingestion. These data demonstrate that rasagiline 0.5 to 2 mg daily is not associated with clinically significant tyramine reactions and can be used as monotherapy or adjunct to levodopa in PD patients without specific dietary tyramine restriction.
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Greene YM, Tariot PN, Wishart H, Cox C, Holt CJ, Schwid S, Noviasky J. A 12-week, open trial of donepezil hydrochloride in patients with multiple sclerosis and associated cognitive impairments. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000; 20:350-6. [PMID: 10831023 DOI: 10.1097/00004714-200006000-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction occurs in up to 65% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but there is no effective treatment for the symptoms. The authors conducted a 12-week, open-pilot study to assess the efficacy and tolerability of donepezil HCl administered in patients with MS and cognitive impairment. Seventeen patients at a long-term care facility with Mini-Mental State Examination scores of < or = 25 received 5 mg of donepezil HCl for a 4-week period, followed by 8 weeks of 10 mg of donepezil HCl. Cognitive, neurologic, functional, and behavioral assessments were conducted at baseline and at 4 and 12 weeks. Statistically significant improvement was observed in several cognitive domains including attention, memory, and executive functioning, as well as different aspects of behavior. These data suggest that donepezil HCl merits further study as a potentially viable treatment option for patients with cognitive impairment associated with MS.
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Clinical Trial |
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Schwid SR, Thorpe J, Sharief M, Sandberg-Wollheim M, Rammohan K, Wendt J, Panitch H, Goodin D, Li D, Chang P, Francis G. Enhanced Benefit of Increasing Interferon Beta-1a Dose and Frequency in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 62:785-92. [PMID: 15883267 DOI: 10.1001/archneur.62.5.785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The EVIDENCE (Evidence of Interferon Dose-Response: European North American Comparative Efficacy) Study demonstrated that patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who initiate interferon beta-1a therapy with 44 microg 3 times weekly (TIW) were less likely to have a relapse or activity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with those who initiate therapy at a dosage of 30 microg 1 time weekly (QW). OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of changing the dosage from 30 microg QW to 44 microg TIW in this extension of the EVIDENCE Study. DESIGN/PATIENTS Patients with relapsing MS originally randomized to interferon beta-1a, 30 microg QW, during the comparative phase of the study changed to 44 microg TIW, whereas patients originally randomized to 44 microg TIW continued that regimen. Patients were followed up, on average, for an additional 32 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The within-patient pretransition to post-transition change in relapse rate. RESULTS At the transition visit, 223 (73%) of 306 patients receiving 30 microg QW converted to 44 microg TIW, and 272 (91%) of 299 receiving 44-microg TIW continued the same therapy. The post-transition annualized relapse rate decreased from 0.64 to 0.32 for patients increasing the dose (P<.001) and from 0.46 to 0.34 for patients continuing 44-microg TIW (P = .03). The change was greater in those increasing dose and frequency (P = .047). Patients converting to the 44-mug TIW regimen had fewer active lesions on T2-weighted MRI compared with before the transition (P = .02), whereas those continuing the 44-microg TIW regimen had no significant change in T2 active lesions. Patients who converted to high-dose/high-frequency interferon beta-1a therapy had increased rates of adverse events and treatment terminations consistent with the initiation of high-dose subcutaneous interferon therapy. CONCLUSIONS Patients receiving interferon beta-1a improved on clinical and MRI disease measures when they changed from 30 microg QW to 44 microg TIW.
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Schwid SR, Goodman AD, Puzas JE, McDermott MP, Mattson DH. Sporadic corticosteroid pulses and osteoporosis in multiple sclerosis. ARCHIVES OF NEUROLOGY 1996; 53:753-7. [PMID: 8759981 DOI: 10.1001/archneur.1996.00550080071014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone mineral density is reduced in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), but the reduction has not been shown to correlate with steroid use retrospectively. OBJECTIVE To prospectively measure bone density following a single corticosteroid pulse using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. PATIENTS AND METHODS Thirty acutely relapsing patients with MS were given 1000 mg of methylprednisolone intravenously daily for 3 days followed by an oral prednisone taper for 2 weeks. The bone density was determined at the lumbar spine and femoral neck prior to treatment. Seventeen patients were reevaluated 2,4, and 6 months following treatment. RESULTS Prior to treatment, bone density in patients with MS was already reduced at the femoral neck compared with an age-matched reference population, but the degree of this reduction did not correlate with prior steroid exposure. Lumbar density, in contrast, was normal. Following the steroid pulse, lumbar bone density increased, becoming 1.7% greater than baseline 6 months later (P = .02). Femoral bone density did not change on average, but the patients who required a cane or walker for ambulation had a 1.6% decrease in femoral bone density, while those with better ambulation had a 2.9% increase (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS Bone density is decreased in MS. A single corticosteroid pulse did not reduce bone density in fully ambulatory patients with MS and multiple pulses did not have a cumulative effect on bone density in retrospective analysis. The change in femoral density in poorly ambulatory patients may have been related to inactivity rather than the steroid pulse.
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Schwid SR, Goodman AD, Mattson DH. Autoimmune hyperthyroidism in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta-1b. ARCHIVES OF NEUROLOGY 1997; 54:1169-90. [PMID: 9311363 DOI: 10.1001/archneur.1997.00550210095020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report symptomatic autoimmune hyperthyroidism developing in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with interferon beta-1b (IFN-beta-1b). REPORT OF CASES A 44-year-old woman experienced gradually worsening fatigue, depression, and motor function several months after beginning therapy with IFN-beta-1b for MS. Graves disease associated with episodic palpitations, shortness of breath, hair loss, increased appetite, weight loss, and insomnia was confirmed with endocrinologic studies. Increased fatigue and weakness developed in a 52-year-old woman several months after starting IFN-beta-1b therapy. She also noted sweats, heat intolerance, palpitations, increased appetite, and irritability, and endocrinologic evaluation supported a diagnosis of Graves disease. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first report of autoimmune thyroid disease associated with IFN-beta-1b treatment in patients with MS. Psoriasis has also been reported during interferon therapy for MS, and similar phenomena occur during interferon therapy for hepatitis C. Since some symptoms of thyroid dysfunction may be difficult to distinguish from typical MS-related symptoms, thyroid hormone levels should be checked when unexplained constitutional symptoms occur during IFN-beta-1b therapy.
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Case Reports |
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Schwid SR, Decker MD, Lopez-Bresnahan M. Immune response to influenza vaccine is maintained in patients with multiple sclerosis receiving interferon beta-1a. Neurology 2005; 65:1964-6. [PMID: 16380621 DOI: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000188901.12700.e0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunologic response was assessed prospectively using influenza vaccine in 86 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who were taking interferon beta-1a and 77 patients who were not taking interferon. Blood samples were assayed for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers 0, 21, and 28 days after immunization. The two groups were similar in the proportion of patients achieving an HI titer of 40 or greater, the prespecified primary end point and on all secondary indicators of immune response.
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