Bravi Tutti to all of the CCSVI in SM Italia organization!!
They have committed 50,000 euros to independent CCSVI studies in Italy.
Thanks to Vince for sending me the link this morning.
http://www.ccsvi-sm.org/node/1899
People with MS and those who want to understand the aetiology of this disease are funding independent research. These types of studies would never happen if it wasn't for the commitment of volunteer organizations.
The two ground-breaking studies they are funding:
The first study - to which the association contributes € 30,000 - is being held at the Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery - University of Ferrara, Section of Translational Medicine and Surgery directed by Prof. Paolo Zamboni.
The trial aims to evaluate the endothelial cells lining the jugular veins in patients with MS. "The cells will be taken from the jugular of people undergoing surgical procedures for the presence of complications arising from previous endovascular procedures or suffering from clear vascular malformations, using a multimodal high-tech diagnostic protocol. However, some patients are not eligible for angioplasty with balloon dilatation- said the head of Experimentation, Prof Paolo Zamboni. This allows us to take a piece of vein on which to perform in-depth investigations of high morphological, functional, and even genetic analysis. "
The second experiment, in which the Association CCSVI in MS contributes € 20,000, takes place at the University Hospital of Pisa and is conducted by a multidisciplinary team composed of Vascular Surgeons, Radiologists and Interventional Radiologists, Neurologists, and Neuro-rehabilitators. Interesting is the design of the study and of great substance follow-up, both in terms of quality and in terms of quantity. The economic contribution donated by the association will be used for the expansion of the medical team since August of 2011 carries on the experiment, and then expand the offer of care for the sick.
"The primary objective of the study - said the head of Experimentation, Professor Mauro Ferrari, - is the evaluation of the clinical efficacy of the treatment unblocking of the extracranial veins (DVE) performed by endovascular (percutaneous angioplasty or stenting) or surgery (enlargement with patch ) for the improvement of clinical symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and a diagnosis of "chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency" (CCSVI), compared with no treatment unblocking, after 1 and 6 months after randomization. "
Understanding how the endothelial cells, or the lining of these blood vessels, are different in pwMS is crucially important in learning why CCSVI malformations and restenosis occur. Following and documenting changes in patients treated for CCSVI as compared to placebo, with a multi-disciplinary panel, is vitally important.
These two independent studies will help us learn more.
Thanks to CCSVI in SM for carrying on and showing us the way forward!
Joan