Active clinical trials for "Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic"

This study will examine the use of the humanized Mik-Beta-1 (Hu Mik-(SqrRoot) 1) monoclonal antibody in patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Some patients infected with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) virus develop HAM/TSP, a disease in which the immune response to HTLV-1 becomes directed against the person's own body in what is called an autoimmune response. Hu-Mik-Beta-1 is a genetically engineered antibody that blocks the action of a chemical produced by the body during infection or inflammation called interleukin 15 (IL-15). Blocking IL-15 may prevent the autoimmune response that results in HAM/TSP. Patients 18 years of age and older with HAM/TSP may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests, and an electrocardiogram. Participants undergo the following procedures: Baseline visit(s): Repeat physical examination and blood and urine tests, as well as the following: Lumbar puncture: A local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin of the lower back. A needle is inserted in the space between the bones where the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord circulates below the spinal cord. About 4 tablespoons of fluid is collected through the needle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses radio waves and magnets to produce images of body tissues and organs. The patient lies on a table that slides into a metal cylinder surrounded by a strong magnetic field. During part of the scan, a contrast agent is injected to brighten the images. Apheresis: This procedure is used to collect large quantities of white blood cells. Whole blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein and directed into a machine that separates it into its components by spinning. The white cells and plasma are removed and the rest of the blood (red cells and platelets) is returned to the body through the same needle. Hu Mik-Beta-1 treatment: Infusions of Hu Mik-Beta-1 are given through a vein every 3 weeks for nine doses. The first treatment requires at least an overnight hospital stay; subsequent infusions are given in the outpatient clinic. Blood and urine tests and a physical examination at every treatment visit and a skin test at one treatment visit. Research tests at the end of the 24-week treatment period, including lumbar puncture (spinal tap), MRI scan, and apheresis. After completing treatment, patients have three follow-up clinic visits for blood and urine tests, and a skin test at one follow-up visit.

Urological physical therapy is described to improve urinary symptoms in patients with myelopathy or neurological dysfunction and to increase the quality of life. Although it was never tested on HTLV-1 associated overactive bladder syndrome, an disabling disease that is common seen in HAM/TSP patients but can also appear as an isolated form. Our hypothesis is that urological physical therapy can improve urinary symptoms like incontinence, urgency and nocturia in HTLV-1 infected population with those complains.

To determine whether the use of two antiviral agents in combination will be better than placebo in the treatment of an inflammatory sidease of the spinal cord caused by HTLV-I

This is a pilot study of intervention in a group of patients with tropical spastic paraparesis/ myelopathy to evaluate virologic and clinical response of raltegravir plus zidovudine in this group of patients.

An open-label, non-randomised, uncontrolled, proof-of-concept study of patients with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Participants will receive oral administration of tamibarotene in the amount of 2 mg daily over a period of 12 weeks, then 4mg daily for another 12 weeks. The patients will be followed up for further 8 weeks. Efficacy will be monitored by measuring clinical scores including motor and urination function, HTLV-1 proviral load, immunological parameters, and markers in the spinal fluid. Safety will be evaluated at the same time.

In our times, it is known that approximately 5% of patients seropositive for HTLV-1 may desengage a frame with several neurological disorders, which is called myelopathy associated with HTLV-1, characterized for gait, decreased dynamic balance and limitation of walking independence the use of walkers, crutches as in wheelchairs. This evolution of the disease is based, above all, on muscle changes, such as inflammation of the muscles, which contributes to the attenuation of muscle capacity . In addition, muscle changes caused by HTLV-1 also affect the respiratory muscles, causing a change in respiratory mechanics, which can impair alveolar ventilation and, therefore, the development of a restorative respiratory disorder, reducing total lung capacity. Therefore, it is perceived the importance of offering planned rehabilitation according to the global assessment of the health status of these patients, considering their influence on activities of daily living.The focus of this study is on the weekly respiratory muscle training, as assessed by mensuration maximal inspiratory pressure, showed significant results in improving lung capacity and in this way promoting the prevention of pulmonary complications. Therefore, the protocol proposed by the present study includes respiratory muscular training plus resistance exercise, assessing the impact on both the strength muscular respiratory to as peripheral muscles, through the palmar pressure test and consequent enhancement of quality life and functionality of these patients. Furthermore, it will be possible to contribute to the knowledge of society and the scientific community about this theme, which is still very small in the world literature.

This post-market study is intended to assess the performance of the HTLV Blot 2.4 in repository serum/plasma specimens with neurological disorders (n=100) or an HTLV known positive infection (n=50).

The purpose of this study is to assess the validity and reproducibility of the MP Diagnostics HTLV Blot 2.4 in blood specimens testing repeat reactive (RR) on the first FDA licensed screening assay (Abbott Prism) and non-reactive (NR) on the second FDA licensed screening assay (Avioq ELISA).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the nervous system. The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are diseases that cause the body's immune system and natural defenses to attack healthy cells. In the case of MS, the immune system begins attacking myelin, the cells that make up the sheath covering nerves. Without myelin, nerves are unable to transmit signals effectively and symptoms occur. This study is directed toward a better understanding of the cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Researchers will evaluate patients with a tentative diagnosis of MS or other neurological diseases possibly caused by a immunological reaction. Patients will undergo a series of three MRIs, taken once a month for three months and submit blood samples for immunological studies.

Doctors of the University of West Indies, the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) and the National Cancer Institute have been studying the epidemiology of HTLV-I and its role in the etiology and pathogenesis of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ALT), and aggressive T-cell lymphoma. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate familial and genetic aspects of ATL and its relationship to two other HTLV-I related conditions, HTLV-I associated myelopathy also known as tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), and infective dermatitis. Enrollment of infective dermatitis cases was recently added and the disease entity is thought to be a harbinger for later development of either ATL or HAM/TSP. The purpose of this study is to interview patients with these conditions and perform laboratory studies (specifically, HLA and other viral or genetic studies) to better understand these diseases and their relationship to the HTLV-1 virus and the family history and genetic factors that may be involved as well.