Hopelessness Ratings in Relapsing-Remitting and Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott B. Patten ◽  
Luanne M. Metz
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Interferon Beta ◽  
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Exact Probability ◽  
Secondary Progressive ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Trial Participants ◽  
Over Time

Objective: Two recent randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trials of interferon beta-1a in multiple sclerosis have obtained hopelessness ratings using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). One of these studies, the PRISMS trial, evaluated interferon beta-1a in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Another, the SPECTRIMS trial, evaluated the same medication in secondary progressive (SP) MS. The objective of this analysis was to compare levels of hopelessness in persons with RRMS and SPMS, and to describe changes over time in the clinical trial participants. Method: Raw data from each clinical trial was obtained from the sponsor of the trials (Serono). Median BHS ratings, and the proportions at or above the BHS cut-point of 10 were calculated over a two (PRISMS) or three (SPECTRIMS) year period. Results: The analysis included n = 532 clinical trial participants. Ratings of hopelessness were higher in SPMS clinical trial participants (SPECTRIMS) than in the RRMS group (PRISMS) at baseline (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.0035). Furthermore, ratings of hopelessness were higher during follow-up than at baseline, in the SPMS group (McNemar's exact probability, p = 0.0015), but not in the RRMS group (McNemar's exact probability, p = 0.65). Depression was strongly associated with hopelessness in both RRMS ( z = 4.13, p < 0.001) and SPMS ( z = 5.24, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Hopelessness is associated with SPMS, and may increase over time in this group. Hopelessness may influence suicide risk in people with MS and may potentially have an impact on coping and quality of life. Additional research is necessary to define the clinical implications of hopelessness in persons with this condition.

scholarly journals Kallikreins are associated with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and promote neurodegeneration

2008 ◽  
Vol 389 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isobel A. Scarisbrick ◽  
Rachel Linbo ◽  
Alexander G. Vandell ◽  
Mark Keegan ◽  
Sachiko I. Blaber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Progressive Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Secondary Progressive ◽  
Neurite Retraction ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Potential Activity

Abstract Tissue kallikrein KLK1 and the kallikrein-related peptidases KLK2–15 are a subfamily of serine proteases that have defined or proposed roles in a range of central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS pathologies. To further understand their potential activity in multiple sclerosis (MS), serum levels of KLK1, 6, 7, 8 and 10 were determined in 35 MS patients and 62 controls by quantitative fluorometric ELISA. Serum levels were then correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores determined at the time of serological sampling or at last clinical follow-up. Serum levels of KLK1 and KLK6 were elevated in MS patients (p≤0.027), with highest levels associated with secondary progressive disease. Elevated KLK1 correlated with higher EDSS scores at the time of serum draw and KLK6 with future EDSS worsening in relapsing remitting patients (p≤0.007). Supporting the concept that KLK1 and KLK6 promote degenerative events associated with progressive MS, exposure of murine cortical neurons to either kallikrein promoted rapid neurite retraction and neuron loss. These novel findings suggest that KLK1 and KLK6 may serve as serological markers of progressive MS and contribute directly to the development of neurological disability by promoting axonal injury and neuron cell death.

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