meta-analysis of CCSVI studies

[Cece]

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/poli ... -ms-trials

Dr. Aaron Field, an associate professor of neuro-radiology at the University of Wisconsin, said a “key factor” in the decision was a meta-analysis of the research published so far, including a recent study by a Zamboni ally at the University of Buffalo that made headlines by suggesting CCSVI was a result, not a cause, of MS. The analysis took into account factors such as the number of subjects in research studies, and whether they used proper blinds and control groups.

“Even when you took a very conservative approach to that meta-analysis, it still came out looking like there was an association there (between CCSVI and MS),” said Field, who, like Beaudet and Rubin, stressed there is still not enough evidence to suggest cause and effect.

Beaudet, who had the working group sign confidentiality agreements that resulted in all but Field and Rubin declining to speak to the media, said he could not go into too much detail about the meta-analysis because its authors are submitting it for publication and he did not want to scoop them.

I hope it's published soon, I want to read it!

[Blaze]

They may be surprised, but I'm not. Here's more from that article:

Field said he went into the meeting with an open mind but was still surprised by what he learned.

“I sort of thought that once somebody looked at all the studies, there would probably be nothing there. So once I saw that, that sort of reassured me that we’re not all wasting our time and this really does need to be pursued,” said Field, who added that if the seven ongoing diagnostic studies tip the balance the other way, he would advocate against continuing the trials.

Rubin said he remains unconvinced that CCSVI exists, and he is concerned about patients’ safety. He confirmed that a third person has died as a result of the controversial treatment, but said he could not provide any details as the death is under investigation. The two previously reported deaths happened in California and Costa Rica.

Beaudet said he also did not expect to be advising Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq to proceed with funding clinical trials so quickly.

“That’s what science is,” said Beaudet. “If science always gave you the results you’re expecting, I’m not sure it would be worth doing all that.”

[1eye]

Beaudet said he also did not expect to be advising Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq to proceed with funding clinical trials so quickly.

“That’s what science is,” said Beaudet. “If science always gave you the results you’re expecting, I’m not sure it would be worth doing all that.”

Sounds a bit to me that she might have been the one doing the advising...

[Cece]

http://in.reuters.com/article/2012/10/0 ... 6320121005

"There are some places that are doing it," said Dr. Robert Fox, staff neurologist and medical director at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. He warns his patients against the vein-opening treatment because "there have been more negative reports on the association of CCSVI with MS than there are positive."

Dr. Fox please read the meta-analyses.