Rhode Island Hospital has developed a multiple sclerosis (MS) center as a result of a recent affiliation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). Through this affiliation, the Rhode Island Hospital MS Center will now work directly with the National MS Society to provide enhanced healthcare, educational programs and community services to individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Rhode Island Hospital is the only NMSS-affiliated hospital in the area to participate in clinical trials and the second hospital in the state to develop this formal partnership. Following a review of the clinical and referral services available through the hospital, the affiliation was approved by the NMSS local chapter's clinical advisory committee.

The Multiple Sclerosis Center is directed by Dr. Syed Rizvi and staffed with a full time nurse, Brigid Crabtree and Kim Perez. The clinic provides full and comprehensive care to MS patients, including injection training programs and chemotherapy infusions. Dr. Rizvi works closely with neurosurgeons in providing care to patients with intrathecal baclofen pumps. Dr. Rizvi, Brigid, and Kim also participate in national multicenter clinical trials. Some of the currently active trials include:

1) ORACLE- Cladribine in CIS. Phase III
    Randomization to high or low dose cladribine VS placebo. If patients have a relapse they can go on Rebif (rescue therapy)
    Patients enroll within 75 days of onset of first episode

2) Campath (ALEMTUZAMAB) in worsening MS. Phase III
    This promising drug is given only once a year.
    Patients must have 2 relapses in the last 2 years on standard treatment, and the duration of illness should not be greater then 10 years.

3) CDP323 in MS
    Oral agent similar to tysabri . Placebo controlled trial for patients who cannot tolerate or fail standard therapy

Patients interested in any of the above trials should contact Dr. Rizvi, or contact Brigid 444-3039, Kim 444-7876 or Lillian 444-3799.