Neurology Alert 2005-01-01

Natalizumab Receives Accelerated FDA Approval For MS

Natilizumab will become an important option for newly diagnosed MS patients starting treatment, or for patients currently on interferon beta-1a or glatiramer acetate with refractory breakthrough disease.

Cloning of PARK8: LRRK2 in Autosomal, Dominant Late-Onset Parkinson’s Disease

LRRK2 may be central to the pathogenesis of several major neurodegenerative disorders associated with Parkinsonism.

A New Approach Preventing Amyloid Aggregation May Result in Novel Therapeutics For Alzheimer’s Disease

This strategy yields potent inhibitors of A-beta aggregation and could lead to therapeutics for Alzheimers disease and other forms of neurodegeneration.

Intermediate Filament Diseases

Further research will be required to understand the pathogenesis of these disorders.

TBI: CRASH Kills Corticosteroids

There is an increase in mortality with methylprednisolone in the 2 weeks after head injury. The cause of the rise in risk of death within 2 weeks is unclear.

Sensory Polyradiculopathy

This condition preferentially affects large myelinated fibers of the posterior roots, may respond favorably to treatment, and may be a restricted form of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy.

A New Genetic Defect in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Links It to Mitochondrial Dysfunction

The present findings raise the possibility that new effective therapies may be developed for CMT2A, which target the underlying pathophysiology.

Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement

Pharmacology Watch - Hypertension: Therapy vs Calcium Channel Antagonists

Researchers from Sweden performed a meta-analysis of 9 randomized, controlled trials that looked at the effectiveness of atenolol on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension.

Neurology Alert – January 1, 2005

January 1, 2005