Outcome Measures in Clinical Trials for Multiple Sclerosis

Due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease, it is a challenge to capture disease activity of multiple sclerosis (MS) in a reliable and valid way. Therefore, it can be difficult to assess the true efficacy of interventions in clinical trials. In phase III trials in MS, the traditionally used primary clinical outcome measures are the Expanded Disability Status Scale and the relapse rate. Secondary outcome measures in these trials are the number or volume of T2 hyperintense lesions and gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. These secondary outcome measures are often primary outcome measures in phase II trials in MS. Despite several limitations, the traditional clinical measures are still the mainstay for assessing treatment efficacy. Newer and potentially valuable outcome measures increasingly used or explored in MS trials are, clinically, the MS Functional Composite and patient-reported outcome measures, and on MRI, brain atrophy and the formation of persisting black holes. Several limitations of these measures have been addressed and further improvements will probably be proposed. Major improvements are the coverage of additional functional domains such as cognitive functioning and assessment of the ability to carry out activities of daily living. The development of multidimensional measures is promising because these measures have the potential to cover the full extent of MS activity and progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the historical background and recent developments of outcome measures in MS trials. We discuss the advantages and limitations of various measures, including newer assessments such as optical coherence tomography, biomarkers in body fluids and the concept of ‘no evidence of disease activity’

Casuïstiek: Een ernstig herseninfarct na carotismassage

Carotid sinus massage is a widely used method for diagnosis and treatment of supraventricular tachycardia and carotid sinus hypersensitivity. Complications, mostly neurological, can occur but are rare. Carotid stenosis is a risk factor for complications. Hearing a carotid bruit on auscultation indicates stenosis, and is a contraindication for performing carotid sinus massage. However, the sensitivity of auscultation is insufficient. Case description: A 71-year-old man with a history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia presented to the cardiology accident and emergency department with palpitations. A supraventricular tachycardia was found on examination, for which carotid sinus massage was performed. The patient developed severe aphasia and right-sided hemiparesis caused by an extensive stroke, and died a few days later. Conclusion: The chance of complications following carotid sinus massage is slight; however, this type of complication can have severe consequences. Safer alternative methods may be used for patients with supraventricular tachycardia. In older patients with vascular risk factors, more extensive diagnostic investigations for carotid stenosis should be considered in the diagnostic workup for carotid sinus hypersensitivity