Research news - September 2009
Way Ahead 2009;13(4):2
- New research methods required to prove effectiveness of popular CAMs
- New PROM to assess symptoms, activities, and quality of life in MS
- New figure for UK prevalence of MS
- New study into PEGylated interferon beta-1a
- Breastfeeding reduces relapses in MS
New research methods required to prove effectiveness of popular CAMs
Existing research suggests that a significant proportion of the MS population use some form of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). However, a report recently published by the King's Fund asserts that new research is needed into the clinical and cost effectiveness of the complementary therapies used by millions of Britons every year to improve and manage their health. Though the report calls for new robust research methods in the use of CAMs generally, it has the potential to shape future research into the effectiveness of CAMs in MS.
The report recognises that in spite of the increasing popularity of treatments like acupuncture, reflexology and osteopathy, the evidence as to whether and how they work is scarce. But lack of agreement on the best methods to test the effectiveness of complementary therapies has proved an obstacle to addressing this problem.
The full report, entitled, 'Assessing complementary practice: building consensus on appropriate research methods' can be downloaded from the King's Fund website
Source: King's Fund
New PROM to assess symptoms, activities, and quality of life in MS
For long-term conditions such as MS, Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) can be particularly useful tools for measuring patient views on the effectiveness of treatments and rehabilitation. There are quite a number of existing patient-reported outcome measures available for use with MS patients, but no single scale reliably informs on all types of MS impact from the patient's perspective. This article describes the development and evaluation of an outcome tool, the Patient-Reported Indices for Multiple Sclerosis (PRIMUS), to assess MS symptoms, activities and quality of life. The content of the tool was based on qualitative interviews with UK MS patients and checked by clinical experts. The tool developers conclude that the PRIMUS will serve as a valuable tool for assessing patient-perceived impact of MS and its treatment in clinical settings, trials and research studies. The PRIMUS will be made freely available to clinicians and researchers. Individuals wishing to use the measure are advised to contact the lead author.
Doward LC, McKenna SP, Meads DM, et al.
The development of patient-reported outcome indices for multiple sclerosis (PRIMUS)
Mult Scler 2009;15(9):1092-1102.
abstract
New figure for UK prevalence of MS
Research recently reported but yet to be published, confirms what many health professionals and people with MS have long suspected, that there are more than 85,000 people in the UK with the condition. The research carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine suggests the figure may be closer to 100,000.
Researchers used data from the General Practice Research Database (GPRD), which contains anonymised records from 6% of GP practices in the UK. MS is not directly recorded, but researchers searched for codes that indicate a diagnosis of MS.
Source: MS Society
New study into PEGylated interferon beta-1a
Recruitment has commenced for a US-based phase III trial assessing the safety and effectiveness of PEGylated interferon beta-1a (BIIB017) in relapsing remitting MS. PEGylated interferon beta-1a is a chemically modified version of interferon beta-1a which remains in the human system for longer. Study participants will be randomised into three groups to receive either: fortnightly injections; monthly injections; or placebo. The main aim of the study is to determine whether the drug reduces annual relapse rates. The secondary outcome measure is a reduction in the total number of new brain lesions. If the treatment proves successful, it could provide people with MS with a new treatment option involving less frequent injections.
Source: www.clinicaltrials.gov
Breastfeeding reduces relapses in MS
Existing research has suggested that pregnancy hormones can influence relapse rates in women with MS in different ways according to the stage of pregnancy. Consolidating evidence of a link between female hormones and MS relapses, a recent study suggests that breastfeeding reduces the risk of relapses. The study followed 32 women with MS for a year after giving birth. Just over half of the women breastfed for less than two months or not at all. Of these, 87% had a relapse within the study period, compared with 36% of the remaining women who breastfed for two months or more. Breastfeeding was linked to a delayed return in menstruation which correlated with a reduced risk of relapse.
Langer-Gould A, Huang SM, Gupta R, et al.
Exclusive breastfeeding and the risk of postpartum relapses in women with multiple sclerosis.
Arch Neurol 2009;66(8):958-963.
abstract
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Way Ahead articles are reproduced as published. They are not updated to take account of subsequent developments. Use appropriate caution in acting on the information in any article.
