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Updated MS: The Guide now available online

The updated version of MS: The Guide is now online to view as an HTML file.

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UK: QoL Principles included in the Neurological Conditions Specialist Library (NCSL)

Principles to Promote the Quality of Life is now available in the Neurological Conditions Specialist Library (NCSL).

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Profile of the Month : August 2008

Country: Argentina
Age: 37
Occupation: Social Communication Trainer, publicist, designer
Type of MS: Relapse remitting
Year of diagnosis: 2001

Throughout our lives, with or without MS, we face frustrating situations, disappointments and sadness, but we always find a way to keep going.

Read the full article here:

English Francais Espanol Italiano Русский

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Effect of laquinimod on MRI-monitored disease activity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIb study

The authors report the findings of the phase II clinical trial of laquinimod, a new oral medication for relapsing-remitting MS. They found that the treatment was safe and that it reduced MRI activity over 36 weeks of treatment. This is encouraging and the next step is a phase III trial looking at clinical effects in larger groups of patients.

authors: Comi G, Pulizzi A, Rovaris M, Abramsky O, Arbizu T, Boiko A, Gold R, Havrdova E, Komoly S, Selmaj K, Sharrack B, Filippi M; LAQ/5062 Study Group.

source: Lancet. 2008 Jun 21;371(9630):2085-92.

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Gray matter atrophy is related to long-term disability in multiple sclerosis.

The authors compared brain MRI measurements in people with different types of MS after 20 years of follow-up. They found that abnormalities of gray matter were better predictors of disability than white matter abnormalities.

authors: Fisniku LK, Chard DT, Jackson JS, Anderson VM, Altmann DR, Miszkiel KA, Thompson AJ, Miller DH.

source: Ann Neurol. 2008 Jun 20. [Epub ahead of print]

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Constraint-Induced Movement therapy can improve hemiparetic progressive multiple sclerosis. Preliminary findings.

The authors studied the effect of Constraint-Induced Movement therapy in people with progressive MS with weakness of one arm. This treatment is a kind of physiotherapy program in which the good arm is restricted in order to encourage movement of the weak one. They found some benefit from it but further larger studies are needed to confirm this.

authors: Mark VW, Taub E, Bashir K, Uswatte G, Delgado A, Bowman MH, Bryson CC, McKay S, Cutter GR.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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Factors associated with the risk of secondary progression in multiple sclerosis.

The authors investigated which factors were associated with developing secondary progressive MS. They found that disease modifying treatments for MS might delay the onset but further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

authors: Koch M, Uyttenboogaart M, van Harten AM, De Keyser J.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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The effect of functional electrical stimulation on the physiological cost of gait in people with multiple sclerosis.

The authors studied the effects of an electrical stimulator for weak ankle muscles in people with MS. They found that it improved walking in this small group.

authors: Paul L, Rafferty D, Young S, Miller L, Mattison P, McFadyen A.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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Very early scans for demonstrating dissemination in time in multiple sclerosis.

In certain clinical situations, the current diagnostic criteria for MS require a new MRI lesion compared with a reference scan performed at least 30 days after the onset of the symptoms. The authors studied whether a reference MRI performed sooner than this made any difference to the accuracy of the criteria. They concluded that new MRI lesions increased relapse risk regardless of the timing of the first scan.

authors: Tur C, Tintoré M, Rovira A, Nos C, Río J, Téllez N, Galán I, Perkal H, Comabella M, Sastre-Garriga J, Montalban X.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jun;14(5):631-5.

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Alexithymia in multiple sclerosis: relationship with fatigue and depression.

The authors studied alexithymia, a personality trait consisting of difficulty in identifying and describing feelings to others, in people with MS. They found that about 14% of people with MS had alexithymia and it was associated with higher levels of fatigue and depression, which may have important implications for treatment.

authors: Bodini B, Mandarelli G, Tomassini V, Tarsitani L, Pestalozza I, Gasperini C, Lenzi GL, Pancheri P, Pozzilli C.

source: Acta Neurol Scand. 2008 Jul;118(1):18-23. Epub 2007 Dec 27.

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Failure to develop multiple sclerosis in patients with neurologic symptoms without objective evidence.

The authors investigated the risk of developing MS in people with neurological symptoms but normal examination and investigations. They were reassured to find that none of the participants developed MS at 4 years follow-up.

authors: Boster A, Caon C, Perumal J, Hreha S, Zabad R, Zak I, Tselis A, Lisak R, Khan O.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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Efficiency of cognitive control recruitment in the very early stage of multiple sclerosis: a one-year fMRI follow-up study.

The authors used functional MRI, a new MRI technique, to investigate the relationship between brain activation and functions such as working memory and processing speed in people with early MS. They found that an increase in brain activation on MRI was associated with better performance of the tests.

authors: Audoin B, Reuter F, Duong MV, Malikova I, Confort-Gouny S, Cherif AA, Cozzone PJ, Pelletier J, Ranjeva JP.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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Retinal nerve fiber layer atrophy is associated with physical and cognitive disability in multiple sclerosis.

The authors investigated the use of two techniques to image the nerve fiber layer of the retina at the back of the eye and its relationship with symptoms in MS. They found that thinning of the nerve fiber layer maybe associated with physical symptoms and that one of the techniques is a good way to assess it.

authors: Toledo J, Sepulcre J, Salinas-Alaman A, García-Layana A, Murie M, Bejarano B, Villoslada P.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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Contribution of incidence to increasing prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Alberta, Canada.

This study shows an increase in the frequency of MS between 1990 and 2004 in Alberta, a region of Canada, which is amongst the highest reported worldwide.

authors: Warren SA, Svenson LW, Warren KG.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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Increasing prevalence and incidence of multiple sclerosis in northern Japan.

This study shows that MS is also increasing in frequency in Japan in recent years.

authors: Houzen H, Niino M, Hata D, Nakano F, Kikuchi S, Fukazawa T, Sasaki H.

source: Mult Scler. 2008 Jun 23. [Epub ahead of print]

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Montenegro: reduced public transport costs for people with MS

MSIF Corresponding Organisation, the Montenegro MS Association, has successfully worked to obtain reduced bus and train fares for people with MS. Upon producing a Montenegro MS Association membership card, members will only have to pay 25% of the full ticket price for their journeys.

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