Location: Barrow Neurology Clinics at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Purpose: This research study is being done to learn if it is possible to develop a simple, inexpensive blood test for MS that would allow earlier diagnosis and, consequently, treatment of MS.

Stage 1 Eligibility:
•Male or female, between 18 and 18 years of age.
AND
•Have multiple sclerosis (MS) or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS);
•Are the spouse, partner, or friend of a MS or CIS patient enrolled in the study and are healthy;
•Have a non-central nervous system inflammatory disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or SLE/Sjogren’s syndrome);
•Have a monophasic demyelinating disease (such as optic neuritis, brainstem syndrome, or transverse myelitis);
•Have Devic’s disease; OR
•Have suffered a stroke within the past 6-8 months.

Stage 1 Procedures: Patients who are determined to be eligible will complete one scheduled clinic visit. Study assessments will include one blood draw and collection of medical and demographic information.

Benefit: Subjects will not benefit directly by taking part in this research study. Knowledge gained from the study may benefit others in the future by leading to the development of a simple, inexpensive blood test for MS that would allow earlier diagnosis and, consequently, treatment of MS.

For Information: Contact Mia Porter, research coordinator, at 602-406-7711.

This entry was posted on Monday, January 5th, 2009 at 9:17 am and is filed under Clinical Trials. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.