Here's a thought on this topic. Progressive MS, as opposed to RRMS, tends to be less about immune attacks on white matter, and more about neurodegeneration. Since HLA DRB1 1501 is an immune reactive allele, perhaps this partially explains the lack of connection in progressive MS.Additionally, CCSVI positivity appeared associated with progressive forms of MS but we did not obtain evidence that HLA DRB1*1501 positivity was associated with progressive forms of MS in our sample. The exact reasons for the associations between CCSVI and progressive forms of MS are not known: only prospective longitudinal studies can address whether the associations are the result of CCSVI modifying disease progression or alternatively, because CCSVI is secondary to the underlying inflammatory/degenerative disease processes.
Today a Canadian woman and her son were treated for CCSVI in California. Sandra's son had not been diagnosed with MS, but was showing mild neurological impairment and spasms. His doctor said "likely MS." He came with his Mom, was tested and shown to have reflux and CCSVI. And our Alliance president, Sharon, brought both her daughters to be tested for CCSVI at Stanford. One had perfect veins. (Dr. Dake called them a relief---after all the mangled veins he'd seen.) The other, who had been having mild neurological issues, was shown to have reflux and white matter lesions on MRI, yet no MS diagnosis. Yes, these are anecdotal, but every day I hear tales across the globe of young CIS and pre-MS dx patients with CCSVI. But, these studies are yet to be published...and the neurological journals are whipping these papers out. It's disheartening. Hope that explains my over-reaction,
cheer
