The Provincial Government today provided an update on the multiple sclerosis observational study announced in September. The parameters of the study have been recently reviewed and approved by the Human Investigations Committee and the process of recruiting participants has commenced.

"We know there is great interest in the multiple sclerosis observational study that this government has committed to undertaking," said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services. "We have taken the appropriate steps to have this study approved through an ethics review and are now enrolling patients."

At this time there are eight participants enrolled in the study who will choose to have the Liberation procedure. There are also two patients enrolled who will not have the Liberation procedure performed. This will allow for "blinding" of the examining physician to ensure accurate and unbiased results. It is anticipated that 30 patients will be required to complete the study.

A team of local neurologists who specialize in multiple sclerosis will conduct the study and examine the participants. Each participant who undergoes the Liberation treatment will have baseline and follow-up MRIs and various physical and cognitive tests completed to help support the statistical validity of the study. Ultrasound examinations will not be part of the follow-up examinations.

In September the Provincial Government committed to fund up to $320,000 for the observational study in this province. The purpose of the study is to help determine the impact, if any, that the Liberation procedure has on the mental and physical status of patients who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

"Multiple sclerosis patients, their friends and families are hopeful that Dr. Zamboni's procedure will be beneficial," said Minster Kennedy. "It is our hope that this study will play a role in determining the facts about this procedure, and ultimately, if proven effective, it will provide direction as to the next steps."

Patients interested in participating in the observational study should contact Kathy Murphy Peddle at 709-777-6585 or e-mail knmurphy@mun.ca

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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 685-2646
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca