“The collegial and intellectual environment at the Menzies Institute greatly facilitated learning throughout the placement. Furthermore, cross-fertilisation of ideas between different disciplines within the institute, such as rheumatology, diabetes, cancer and genetics, was possible. I was able to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and numerous contacts the MS Research Group had amassed through previous collaborative research into MS in Tasmania and across Australia.” Helen Tremlett (right centre, with Australian colleagues)

Overseen by Prof Anne-Louise Ponsonby and Dr Ingrid Van der Mei of the Institute’s MS Research Group, Helen spent four months working on part of an ongoing three-year population-based MS observational study being carried out in southern Tasmania. The study is primarily examining whether lifestyle and environmental factors influence the progression of MS and Helen was able to use the collected data for the two projects she carried out.

Project one – Adherence in multiple sclerosis: contrasting factors affect stopping immunomodulatory therapy and missing doses

During the study both levels of non-adherence – stopping immunomodulatory drugs (IMDs) and missing doses – were examined. Little is currently known about the latter. Demographic, clinical, psychological and cognitive factors affecting adherence were examined by logistic regression and a longitudinal analysis. The influence of missed doses on clinical outcomes was then examined.

It was found that stopping IMD was associated with previous relapses and education level whilst missing doses was associated with alcohol use and a prior history of missed doses. It was concluded that adherence measures should be routinely incorporated into clinical trials, which would facilitate establishing if missed doses drives therapeutic failure or reflects a ‘healthy adherer’ effect.

A paper has been submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and an abstract will be submitted to ECTRIMS in 2007.

Project two – Relationship between relapses, infection and seasonal environmental factors in MS

The relationship between infections, relapses and disease progression in MS was examined with a special emphasis on assessing the seasonality of relapses and the contributions of these factors to the seasonal pattern. Ambient climatic and atmospheric data collated by the Cardio Respiratory Group in Tasmania supported the study.

The analysis is ongoing and collaborative work on this project will continue between the Menzies Research Institute, Tasmania and the University of British Columbia.

“I wish to thank MSIF for enabling me to travel to Tasmania to carry out research at the Menzies Institute. I found the whole experience very positive and highly rewarding. I intend to continue building collaborations with Tasmania that were initiated because of the Du Pré Grant.” Helen Tremlett