Recent items - Multiple Sclerosis Journal
The Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score: associations with MC1R single nucleotide polymorphisms and host response to ultraviolet radiation
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Multiple sclerosis outcome may be influenced by ultraviolet radiation and vitamin D synthesis, suggesting skin type and genes determining this phenotype are candidates for disability. However, though associations between melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) single nucleotide polymorphisms and disability are reported, some data are incompatible with their expected influence on skin type. Objective: Determine which MC1R single nucleotide polymorphisms affect disability and establish if ultr [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Multiple sclerosis outcome may be influenced by ultraviolet radiation and vitamin D synthesis, suggesting skin type and genes determining this phenotype are candidates for disability. However, though associations between melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) single nucleotide polymorphisms and disability are reported, some data are incompatible with their expected influence on skin type. Objective: Determine which MC1R single nucleotide polymorphisms affect disability and establish if ultr [...]
Composite MRI scores improve correlation with EDSS in multiple sclerosis
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Quantitative measures derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been widely investigated as non-invasive biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the correlation of single measures with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is poor, especially for studies with large population samples. Objective: To explore the correlation of MRI-derived measures with EDSS through composite MRI scores. Methods: Magnetic resonance images of 126 patients with relapsing—remittin [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Quantitative measures derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been widely investigated as non-invasive biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the correlation of single measures with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is poor, especially for studies with large population samples. Objective: To explore the correlation of MRI-derived measures with EDSS through composite MRI scores. Methods: Magnetic resonance images of 126 patients with relapsing—remittin [...]
The Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen (ARCS) in patients with multiple sclerosis: a practical tool for multiple sclerosis clinics
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Cognitive impairment is a common complication of multiple sclerosis, even in early stage disease, with significant impacts on life quality and social interaction. However, its detection is highly test-dependent. Objective: To validate a recently described screening tool, the ARCS, for detecting cognitive impairment in a multiple sclerosis population. Methods: The ARCS administers tests of executive function, memory, visual spatial construction and language via an audio device to uns [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Cognitive impairment is a common complication of multiple sclerosis, even in early stage disease, with significant impacts on life quality and social interaction. However, its detection is highly test-dependent. Objective: To validate a recently described screening tool, the ARCS, for detecting cognitive impairment in a multiple sclerosis population. Methods: The ARCS administers tests of executive function, memory, visual spatial construction and language via an audio device to uns [...]
Correlation of self-assessed fatigue and alertness in multiple sclerosis
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Fatigue is the most common symptom in multiple sclerosis patients, but is difficult to measure; quantification thus relies on self-assessed questionnaires. Objective: To evaluate a battery of neuropsychological tests regarding their capacity to objectify self-reported fatigue. Methods: We assessed the correlation between age, gender, education, Kurtzke’s Expanded Disability Status Scale, depression, fatigue and neuropsychological testing using a cross-sectional approach in 110 [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Fatigue is the most common symptom in multiple sclerosis patients, but is difficult to measure; quantification thus relies on self-assessed questionnaires. Objective: To evaluate a battery of neuropsychological tests regarding their capacity to objectify self-reported fatigue. Methods: We assessed the correlation between age, gender, education, Kurtzke’s Expanded Disability Status Scale, depression, fatigue and neuropsychological testing using a cross-sectional approach in 110 [...]
Impact on activities of daily living using a functional electrical stimulation device to improve dropped foot in people with multiple sclerosis, measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Dropped foot is a common problem following multiple sclerosis. Functional electrical stimulation can elicit an active muscle contraction providing dorsiflexion and eversion. Objective: To determine if the Odstock dropped foot stimulator (ODFS), improved Activities of Daily Living for people with multiple sclerosis. Method: 64 people with unilateral dropped foot due to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis took part in a randomized controlled trial. Research volunteers were assign [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Dropped foot is a common problem following multiple sclerosis. Functional electrical stimulation can elicit an active muscle contraction providing dorsiflexion and eversion. Objective: To determine if the Odstock dropped foot stimulator (ODFS), improved Activities of Daily Living for people with multiple sclerosis. Method: 64 people with unilateral dropped foot due to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis took part in a randomized controlled trial. Research volunteers were assign [...]
Efficacy of an executive function intervention programme in MS: a placebo-controlled and pseudo-randomized trial
02/09/2010 13:57
We evaluated a rehabilitation programme for executive deficits in multiple sclerosis patients by comparing outcome scores of a cognitive intervention group (CIG; n = 11) with those of a placebo group (n = 14) and an untreated group (n = 15). Executive functioning and verbal learning improved significantly more in the CIG. The treatment effect on verbal learning was still present at 1-year follow-up. Baseline brain atrophy, quantified by the brain parenchymal fraction, was associated with treatm [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
We evaluated a rehabilitation programme for executive deficits in multiple sclerosis patients by comparing outcome scores of a cognitive intervention group (CIG; n = 11) with those of a placebo group (n = 14) and an untreated group (n = 15). Executive functioning and verbal learning improved significantly more in the CIG. The treatment effect on verbal learning was still present at 1-year follow-up. Baseline brain atrophy, quantified by the brain parenchymal fraction, was associated with treatm [...]
Osteoporosis in multiple sclerosis
02/09/2010 13:57
Fractures resulting from osteoporosis are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. People with multiple sclerosis experience reduced mobility and are susceptible to falls. Glucocorticoid use and reduced mobility are known risk factors for osteoporosis. This paper is a review of osteoporosis in people with multiple sclerosis, looking at its prevalence, risk factors and possible mechanisms. We also review management guidelines for osteoporosis in the general population and [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Fractures resulting from osteoporosis are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. People with multiple sclerosis experience reduced mobility and are susceptible to falls. Glucocorticoid use and reduced mobility are known risk factors for osteoporosis. This paper is a review of osteoporosis in people with multiple sclerosis, looking at its prevalence, risk factors and possible mechanisms. We also review management guidelines for osteoporosis in the general population and [...]
Improving the translational hit of experimental treatments in multiple sclerosis
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: In other neurological diseases, the failure to translate pre-clinical findings to effective clinical treatments has been partially attributed to bias introduced by shortcomings in the design of animal experiments. Objectives: Here we evaluate published studies of interventions in animal models of multiple sclerosis for methodological design and quality and to identify candidate interventions with the best evidence of efficacy. Methods: A systematic review of the literature describin [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: In other neurological diseases, the failure to translate pre-clinical findings to effective clinical treatments has been partially attributed to bias introduced by shortcomings in the design of animal experiments. Objectives: Here we evaluate published studies of interventions in animal models of multiple sclerosis for methodological design and quality and to identify candidate interventions with the best evidence of efficacy. Methods: A systematic review of the literature describin [...]
Interleukin 18 Receptor 1 expression distinguishes patients with multiple sclerosis
02/09/2010 13:57
Definition of dysregulated immune components in multiple sclerosis may help in the identification of new therapeutic targets. Deviation of the interleukin 18 receptor 1 (IL18R1) is of particular interest since the receptor is critical for experimental neuroinflammation. The objective of this study was to determine whether expression of IL18R1 varies between multiple sclerosis patients and controls, and to test genetic association of IL18R1 with multiple sclerosis. We used quantitative real-time [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Definition of dysregulated immune components in multiple sclerosis may help in the identification of new therapeutic targets. Deviation of the interleukin 18 receptor 1 (IL18R1) is of particular interest since the receptor is critical for experimental neuroinflammation. The objective of this study was to determine whether expression of IL18R1 varies between multiple sclerosis patients and controls, and to test genetic association of IL18R1 with multiple sclerosis. We used quantitative real-time [...]
Urinary neopterin and nitric oxide metabolites as markers of interferon {beta}-1a activity in primary progressive multiple sclerosis
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Interferon beta has not been demonstrated to be effective in exploratory phase 2 clinical trials in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. However, using more sensitive indicators of a treatment response, such as biomarkers, might help to identify sub-groups of patients who may benefit from therapy. Objective: To assess the utility of measuring urinary neopterin and nitric oxide metabolite excretion for monitoring interferon β-1a (IFNβ-1a) treatment in patients with prima [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Interferon beta has not been demonstrated to be effective in exploratory phase 2 clinical trials in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. However, using more sensitive indicators of a treatment response, such as biomarkers, might help to identify sub-groups of patients who may benefit from therapy. Objective: To assess the utility of measuring urinary neopterin and nitric oxide metabolite excretion for monitoring interferon β-1a (IFNβ-1a) treatment in patients with prima [...]
Pregnancy-induced fluctuations in functional T-cell subsets in multiple sclerosis patients
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: During pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity is reduced. It is not known which factors mediate this disease amelioration. Objective: To study whether the frequency of two important T-cell subsets, T-helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T-cells (Treg), is altered in relation to pregnancy-induced MS disease amelioration. Methods: Each individual was tested longitudinally, after sampling of blood at timepoints before pregnancy, during the [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: During pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity is reduced. It is not known which factors mediate this disease amelioration. Objective: To study whether the frequency of two important T-cell subsets, T-helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T-cells (Treg), is altered in relation to pregnancy-induced MS disease amelioration. Methods: Each individual was tested longitudinally, after sampling of blood at timepoints before pregnancy, during the [...]
High risk of MS in Iranian immigrants in Gothenburg, Sweden
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: In this study we investigated the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in migrants who had moved from Iran to Gothenburg, Sweden. Methods: Patients born in Iran were retrieved from a population-based cohort, which included 534 MS and clinically isolated syndrome patients, born 1959—1990, aged 10—39 years at disease onset in Gothenburg. The expected versus observed number of migrants from Iran was calculated. Results: The MS risk in the Iranian migrants in Gothenburg was sever [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: In this study we investigated the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in migrants who had moved from Iran to Gothenburg, Sweden. Methods: Patients born in Iran were retrieved from a population-based cohort, which included 534 MS and clinically isolated syndrome patients, born 1959—1990, aged 10—39 years at disease onset in Gothenburg. The expected versus observed number of migrants from Iran was calculated. Results: The MS risk in the Iranian migrants in Gothenburg was sever [...]
Hippocampal atrophy in relapsing-remitting and primary progressive MS: a comparative study
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: In multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination and neuroaxonal damage are seen in the hippocampus, and MRI has revealed hippocampal atrophy. Objectives: To investigate and compare hippocampal volume loss in patients with relapsing—remitting MS (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) using manual volumetry, and explore its association with memory dysfunction. Methods: Hippocampi were manually delineated on volumetric MRI of 34 patients with RRMS, 23 patients with PPMS and 18 contro [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: In multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination and neuroaxonal damage are seen in the hippocampus, and MRI has revealed hippocampal atrophy. Objectives: To investigate and compare hippocampal volume loss in patients with relapsing—remitting MS (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) using manual volumetry, and explore its association with memory dysfunction. Methods: Hippocampi were manually delineated on volumetric MRI of 34 patients with RRMS, 23 patients with PPMS and 18 contro [...]
Familial prevalence of autoimmune disorders in multiple sclerosis in Northern Greece
02/09/2010 13:57
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate for up to 7 years the prevalence of autoimmune disorders among naïve (untreated) multiple sclerosis family members compared with a contemporary general control population in Northern Greece, in a prospective case-control study, and to examine the possible relationship between immunomodulatory treatment and the appearance of additional autoimmune disorders. Methods: The patients and controls enrolled comprised 1383 patients with definit [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate for up to 7 years the prevalence of autoimmune disorders among naïve (untreated) multiple sclerosis family members compared with a contemporary general control population in Northern Greece, in a prospective case-control study, and to examine the possible relationship between immunomodulatory treatment and the appearance of additional autoimmune disorders. Methods: The patients and controls enrolled comprised 1383 patients with definit [...]
Preclinical studies of methylthioadenosine for the treatment of multiple sclerosis
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Methylthioadenosine (MTA) is a natural metabolite with immunomodulatory properties. MTA improves the clinical course and pathology of the animal model of multiple sclerosis, even when therapy is started after disease onset. Objective: Our aim was to compare the efficacy of MTA in ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) compared with first line approved therapies, to develop an oral formulation of MTA and to assess its pharmacokinetic profile. Methods: EAE was in [...]
02/09/2010 13:57
Background: Methylthioadenosine (MTA) is a natural metabolite with immunomodulatory properties. MTA improves the clinical course and pathology of the animal model of multiple sclerosis, even when therapy is started after disease onset. Objective: Our aim was to compare the efficacy of MTA in ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) compared with first line approved therapies, to develop an oral formulation of MTA and to assess its pharmacokinetic profile. Methods: EAE was in [...]
Characterization of in vitro expanded bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells from patients with multiple sclerosis
30/07/2010 20:31
Recent studies have investigated the potential of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a therapy for multiple sclerosis. Whether MSCs from individuals with multiple sclerosis are functionally and/or phenotypically abnormal has received less attention. Through our Phase I clinical trial, SIAMMS, we were able to isolate and characterize MSCs from individuals with multiple sclerosis. The objective of the study was to demonstrate that MSCs from individuals with multiple s [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
Recent studies have investigated the potential of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a therapy for multiple sclerosis. Whether MSCs from individuals with multiple sclerosis are functionally and/or phenotypically abnormal has received less attention. Through our Phase I clinical trial, SIAMMS, we were able to isolate and characterize MSCs from individuals with multiple sclerosis. The objective of the study was to demonstrate that MSCs from individuals with multiple s [...]
Cognitive function in radiologically isolated syndrome
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) is characterized by patients with asymptomatic T2 hypersignals detected by brain MRI fulfilling dissemination in space criteria and is suggestive of subclinical multiple sclerosis (MS). In previous studies, it was demonstrated that visual evoked potential and cerebrospinal fluid help to identify pejorative markers in converting to MS. Objective: To date the cognitive function has never been investigated in a cohort of RIS. The objective of this [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) is characterized by patients with asymptomatic T2 hypersignals detected by brain MRI fulfilling dissemination in space criteria and is suggestive of subclinical multiple sclerosis (MS). In previous studies, it was demonstrated that visual evoked potential and cerebrospinal fluid help to identify pejorative markers in converting to MS. Objective: To date the cognitive function has never been investigated in a cohort of RIS. The objective of this [...]
Modeling lesion counts in multiple sclerosis when patients have been selected for baseline activity
30/07/2010 20:31
The number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions discovered via magnetic resonance imaging is a well-established outcome for multiple sclerosis studies, especially Phase II Studies. Due to the high cost of magnetic resonance imaging scans, many investigators select participants for the presence of lesions. While this selection procedure is thought to improve the power of inferences, the effect of screening for baseline activity on parameter estimation and interval coverage has not yet been examin [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
The number of new gadolinium-enhancing lesions discovered via magnetic resonance imaging is a well-established outcome for multiple sclerosis studies, especially Phase II Studies. Due to the high cost of magnetic resonance imaging scans, many investigators select participants for the presence of lesions. While this selection procedure is thought to improve the power of inferences, the effect of screening for baseline activity on parameter estimation and interval coverage has not yet been examin [...]
Early diffuse demyelinating lesion in the cervical spinal cord predicts a worse prognosis in relapsing--remitting multiple sclerosis
30/07/2010 20:31
Objective: To study the long-term outcome and persistence of two patterns of cervical spinal cord abnormality in early relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Methods: RRMS patients with a spinal cord MRI performed during the first 3 years of the disease, a control MRI 5 years later and who have been followed up at least 10 years were included. Patients were grouped according the T2 spinal cord MRI into: (A) nodular pattern, if one or more focal lesions were present; and (B) diffus [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
Objective: To study the long-term outcome and persistence of two patterns of cervical spinal cord abnormality in early relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Methods: RRMS patients with a spinal cord MRI performed during the first 3 years of the disease, a control MRI 5 years later and who have been followed up at least 10 years were included. Patients were grouped according the T2 spinal cord MRI into: (A) nodular pattern, if one or more focal lesions were present; and (B) diffus [...]
Polymorphisms of innate pattern recognition receptors, response to interferon-beta and development of neutralizing antibodies in multiple sclerosis patients
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: Interferon-beta therapy of patients with relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis involves repeated ‘immunizations’ with exogenous protein solutions. Innate pattern recognition receptors play an important role in immune responses towards foreign substances and may thus be related to treatment outcome. Objective: To determine the genotypes at 42 single nucleotide polymorphism loci in selected pattern recognition receptors for 567 prospectively followed relapsing&mdash [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: Interferon-beta therapy of patients with relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis involves repeated ‘immunizations’ with exogenous protein solutions. Innate pattern recognition receptors play an important role in immune responses towards foreign substances and may thus be related to treatment outcome. Objective: To determine the genotypes at 42 single nucleotide polymorphism loci in selected pattern recognition receptors for 567 prospectively followed relapsing&mdash [...]
Pregnancy outcome in women with multiple sclerosis: results from a prospective nationwide study in Finland
30/07/2010 20:31
The majority of individuals obtaining the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis are women of childbearing age. They are naturally concerned as to how multiple sclerosis affects the course of pregnancy and the developing foetus. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the incidence of pregnancy complications and delivery risks, and to follow the natural course of multiple sclerosis during and after pregnancy in a cohort of Finnish patients with multiple sclerosis. Sixty-one patients [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
The majority of individuals obtaining the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis are women of childbearing age. They are naturally concerned as to how multiple sclerosis affects the course of pregnancy and the developing foetus. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the incidence of pregnancy complications and delivery risks, and to follow the natural course of multiple sclerosis during and after pregnancy in a cohort of Finnish patients with multiple sclerosis. Sixty-one patients [...]
Clinical and economic impact of a specialty care management program among patients with multiple sclerosis: a cohort study
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: To evaluate the clinical and economic impact of a specialty care management program among patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis included patients aged ≥18 years with ≥2 claims of multiple sclerosis diagnosis and ≥1 multiple sclerosis medications from 1 January 2004 to 30 April 2008. The outcome metrics included medication adherence and persistence, multiple sclerosis-related hospitalization, and multiple sclerosis-related cost. Multiv [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: To evaluate the clinical and economic impact of a specialty care management program among patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis included patients aged ≥18 years with ≥2 claims of multiple sclerosis diagnosis and ≥1 multiple sclerosis medications from 1 January 2004 to 30 April 2008. The outcome metrics included medication adherence and persistence, multiple sclerosis-related hospitalization, and multiple sclerosis-related cost. Multiv [...]
The effect of low-dose naltrexone on quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) may promote psychological well-being as well as generalized health especially in autoimmune disorders. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of LDN on the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients with relapsing—remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) using the scales and composite scores of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire. Methods: A 17-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, crossover-design clinical t [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) may promote psychological well-being as well as generalized health especially in autoimmune disorders. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of LDN on the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients with relapsing—remitting and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) using the scales and composite scores of the MSQoL-54 questionnaire. Methods: A 17-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, crossover-design clinical t [...]
Quality indicators for multiple sclerosis
30/07/2010 20:31
Determining whether persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) receive appropriate, comprehensive healthcare requires tools for measuring quality. The objective of this study was to develop quality indicators for the care of persons with MS. We used a modified version of the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method in a two-stage process to identify relevant MS care domains and to assess the validity of indicators within high-ranking care domains. Based on a literature review, interviews with persons with MS [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
Determining whether persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) receive appropriate, comprehensive healthcare requires tools for measuring quality. The objective of this study was to develop quality indicators for the care of persons with MS. We used a modified version of the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method in a two-stage process to identify relevant MS care domains and to assess the validity of indicators within high-ranking care domains. Based on a literature review, interviews with persons with MS [...]
HLA-DRB1*1501 tagging rs3135388 polymorphism is not associated with neuromyelitis optica
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: Association of the HLA-DRB1*1501 allele with multiple sclerosis is well established, but its association with neuromyelitis optica has only been evaluated in small populations. Methods: We performed a case-control genetic association study to evaluate the association of HLA-DRB1*1501 with neuromyelitis optica. The single nucleotide polymorphism rs3135388, which tags HLA-DRB1*1501, was genotyped in 164 patients with neuromyelitis optica, 220 patients with multiple sclerosis and 959 c [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
Background: Association of the HLA-DRB1*1501 allele with multiple sclerosis is well established, but its association with neuromyelitis optica has only been evaluated in small populations. Methods: We performed a case-control genetic association study to evaluate the association of HLA-DRB1*1501 with neuromyelitis optica. The single nucleotide polymorphism rs3135388, which tags HLA-DRB1*1501, was genotyped in 164 patients with neuromyelitis optica, 220 patients with multiple sclerosis and 959 c [...]
Performance of the Swanton multiple sclerosis criteria for dissemination in space
30/07/2010 20:31
New diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) have been proposed by Swanton and co authors, but were not yet evaluated in patients suspected of MS, but diagnosed with another disease. The dissemination in space (DIS) criterion of these Swanton criteria was investigated in such a patient group and compared with the present McDonald criteria. We found that with the Swanton criteria for DIS, simplicity can be combined with some gain in sensitivity, without major loss of specificity.
30/07/2010 20:31
New diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) have been proposed by Swanton and co authors, but were not yet evaluated in patients suspected of MS, but diagnosed with another disease. The dissemination in space (DIS) criterion of these Swanton criteria was investigated in such a patient group and compared with the present McDonald criteria. We found that with the Swanton criteria for DIS, simplicity can be combined with some gain in sensitivity, without major loss of specificity.
Multiple sclerosis and solar exposure before the age of 15 years: case--control study in Cuba, Martinique and Sicily
30/07/2010 20:31
Few studies report a protective role of childhood solar exposure to multiple sclerosis. Our objective was to confirm the protective role of childhood solar exposure in multiple sclerosis in Cuba, Martinique and Sicily. This was a matched case— control study, and cases met Poser criteria for clinically, laboratory (definite, probable) multiple sclerosis. Controls were resident population, without neurological disorder, living close to cases (within 100 km), matched for sex, age (±5 [...]
30/07/2010 20:31
Few studies report a protective role of childhood solar exposure to multiple sclerosis. Our objective was to confirm the protective role of childhood solar exposure in multiple sclerosis in Cuba, Martinique and Sicily. This was a matched case— control study, and cases met Poser criteria for clinically, laboratory (definite, probable) multiple sclerosis. Controls were resident population, without neurological disorder, living close to cases (within 100 km), matched for sex, age (±5 [...]