NEW: Three new studies confirm Dr. Zamboni's research

[cheerleader]

http://www.free-press-release.com/news- ... 97690.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 14, 2011 -- During a session of the International Conference "Hemodyn 2011" held in Naples, Italy on October 13th in the presence of major vascular experts, are presented the preliminary results of three new studies that confirm the hypothesis of a possible correlation between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), discovered in 2008 by Dr. Paolo Zamboni, Director of Vascular Diseases Center, University of Ferrara.

Dr. Marcello Mancini (IBB, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging of the Italian National Research Council) presented the results of the study entitled "The Cerebral Circulation Time in the evaluation of neurological diseases" where, according to the author, compared with the healthy control group, MS patients showed a significant prolongation of CCT. These results suggest that a microvascular or venous outflow impairment could be associated with MS. The CEUS measurement of CCT may be useful tool to disclose cerebral microcirculatory dysfunction in MS patients.

Dr. Giuseppe Morelli Coppola (Pellegrini Hospital in Naples) presented the results of the study entitled "CCSVI and MS - preliminary results in 350 treated patients" where, according to the author, the preliminary results reveal a significant improvement in the quality of life, cognitive and fatigue, confirming the data published in 2009 by the group Zamboni-Galeotti-Salvi.

Dr. Renato Regine (Pozzuoli Hospital in Naples) has presented results of the study entitled "CCSVI, angioplastic treatment: our protocol and preliminary results" where, according to the authors, the follow up (1 e 3 months) demonstrated after the treatment a better performance of EDSS and of the Fatigue test in 20% and 23 % (EDSS) and in 65% and 76 % of the patients rispectly. After three months many patients (about 50%) demonstrated a US restenosis with loss of benefits.

New hope, therefore, for a seriously debilitating disease that today affects about 60,000 Italians, with onset in young people between 20 and 40 and thus the height of their activities.

Source:
http://www.vasculab.it/hemodyn2011/hemoprogram.htm

[David1949]

"...demonstrated after the treatment a better performance of EDSS and of the Fatigue test in 20% and 23 % (EDSS) and in 65% and 76 % of the patients rispectly."

Not sure what they mean. What do those percentages apply to?

[Cece]

I'm not sure about that either.

This is excellent to have studies coming in that confirm and duplicate Dr. Zamboni's findings.

After three months many patients (about 50%) demonstrated a US restenosis with loss of benefits.

High restenosis, unfortunately.

[cheerleader]

Here's the complete abtract I received in an e-mail from an Italian friend...sorry, no link--I think the press release was not well translated.
Hope this clears it up. The published paper should help further define their findings.

auth: Regine R.,Giurbino M., De Siero M., De Sio A., Ragozzino A. presauth: Regine Renato
institutions: Vascular Radioogy, Rad.Dep., ICU Dep.

CCSVI--angioplastic treatment: our protocol and preliminary results presentation

abstract: There is a correlation between MS and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI), a hemodynamic syndrome characterized by cerebrospinal venous drainage anomalies Stenosis of the internal jugular (IJVs) and vertebral veins, of azygous (AZY) venous system and/or of lumbar veins, cause slowed and long-lasting reflux flow, associated with the opening of vicarious collateral veins ; an increased mean cerebral transit time, raised venous pressure can stretch vein walls sufficiently to separate the tight junctions between endothelial cells forming the blood–brain barrier.

We studied CCVSI in MS patients, by means of color-Doppler-US examination and venography. We report our experience with angioplastic treatment of IJVs and AZY stenosis in patients with CCSVI syndrome.

We treated patients with CCSVI US diagnosed using Zamboni criteria for suspicious abnormal extracranial cerebral venous outflow. A relative expanded disability disease score (EDSS) and a value of fatigue severity score (FSS) before the treatment; we performed venography of azygous and internal jugular via the transfemoral route to evaluate the degrees of stenosis, the valvular hypertrophy and the entity of reflux. We can measure the pressure in SVC, IJV and AZY before and after angioplastic treatment.

We investigated 135 patients (75 F and 55 M with the age range between 22 and 73 years old) with MS defined. We considered a significant stenosis to be any venous lumen reduction greater than 50%. Others pathologic signs were: hypoplasia, valvular hypertrophy, and reflux. In addition, selective venography allowed us to measure with a manometer the pressure expressed in cm/H2O in the SVC, in the AZY vein, and in both the IJVs.

Patients with stenotic veins underwent balloon angioplasty. No mayor complications were registered. The follow up (at 1 and 3 months) demonstrated after the treatment a lower EDSS score (by 20% at one month and 23% at three months) and improvement of the Fatigue Severity Score test (by 65% at one month and 76% at three months. ) After three months many patients (about 50%) demonstrated a US restenosis with loss of benefits.

This research shows a higher restenosis rate than what Dr. Zamboni is currently claiming (23% jugular restenosis) but the improvements in EDSS and FSS scores looks similar. Once again, fatigue levels are the most greatly affected by the procedure, more than motor abilities.

cheer

[Cece]

The restenosis rate could be due to underdilatation. I don't suppose they get into the particulars such as what balloon sizes were used. ah well. EDSS and fatigue improvements are excellent.

We can measure the pressure in SVC, IJV and AZY before and after angioplastic treatment.

Wonder what they found with the pressure measurements.

No mayor complications were registered.

I want to make a joke about complicated mayors but, after an earlier discussion on subdural hematomas, I am glad when we keep seeing good safety overall with the procedure. No major complications.

[MarkW]

It appears that we are going to get some good data from these studies. However I am often disappointed with the press release in English and the lack of focus on a simple message. Journalists need precise simple words to write into their story. CCSVI needs a native English advocate with marketing skills to work with researchers, otherwise it will take years more to win the turf war with neuros.
Hope you can influence this Joan.
Kind regards,
MarkW