The AAN Therapeutics and Technology Assessment subcommittee has published its report on the safety and efficacy of mitoxantrone in multiple sclerosis, concluding that the risks of systolic dysfunction and therapy-related leukemia are higher than previously estimated (Marriott et al. Neurology 2010; 74: 1463-1470; free full text at www.neurology.org/cgi/reprint/74/18/1463).
Neurology
Two negative trials of lithium in ALS
July 21, 2010REPORT FROM THE AAN, APRIL 10-17, 2010 – In 2008, Italian researchers reported that lithium 300-450 mg/day delayed disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Fornai et al. PNAS 2008; 105: 2052-2057; free full text at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2538879/?tool=pubmed).
Troponin in intracerebral hemorrhage
July 21, 2010REPORT FROM THE AAN, APRIL 10-17, 2010 – Several retrospective analyses have suggested that elevated troponin levels at admission are associated with higher mortality rates in patients following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (Garrett et al. Neurocrit Care 2010; 12: 199-203; Hays & Diringer. Neurology 2006; 66: 1330-1334; Chung et al. J Korean Neurosurg Soc 2009; 45: 355-359. Free full text at www.jkns.or.kr/htm/fulltext.asp?no=0042009075).
Trichloroethylene associated with PD risk
July 7, 2010REPORT FROM THE AAN, APRIL 10-17, 2010 – A population-based study reports that trichloroethylene exposure is a risk factor for the develop of Parkinson’s disease (Goldman et al. AAN, S03.005).
Adjunctive ropinirole in advanced PD
July 7, 2010REPORT FROM THE AAN, APRIL 10-17, 2010 – Results of a randomized trial of adjunctive prolonged-release ropinirole indicate that the dopamine agonist may provide better 24-hour symptom control in advanced PD patients treated with L-dopa (Stocchi et al. AAN, S33.003).