Does Long-Term Natalizumab (NTZ) Therapy Normalize Brain Atrophy Rates and Quality of Life (QOL) in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)?

University of Colorado, Denver85 enrolled

Overview

Primary Aims: To determine how effective long term Natalizumab (NTZ) therapy is in slowing the progression of whole brain atrophy. Whole brain atrophy rates will be measured through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and compared between patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who have been using NTZ for at least 2 years versus age and gender-matched healthy controls. The primary outcome will be whole brain atrophy rate measured as the percent change in brain volume (PBVC) over a two-year period. Primary hypothesis: The investigators hypothesize that long term (\>2 years) NTZ therapy will slow the rate of whole brain atrophy in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (as measured by percent change in brain volume), reaching a whole brain atrophy rate similar to that of non-MS controls (a true "disease activity free" state).

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 55 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 18-55 inclusive years of age at the time of informed consent * Diagnosis of relapsing multiple sclerosis as defined by the 2010 revised McDonald criteria * Currently taking Tysabri Exclusion Criteria: * Systemic steroid users * comorbidities that could confound MRI outcomes

Locations (1)

University of Colorado Anschutz

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Brain Atrophy Rate

Time frame: Baseline, Year 1, and Year 2

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Mean Cortical Thickness

Time frame: Baseline, Year 1, and Year 2

Change in Neocortical Gray Matter Volume

Time frame: Baseline, Year 1, and Year 2

Change in Subcortical Gray Matter Volume

Time frame: Baseline, Year 1, and Year 2