Neuro News Roundup: MS Biomarker & Second Stroke

February 2, 2017

Three new studies explore preventing secondary stroke, a potential biomarker for MS prediction, and a link between vitamin D and headache.

Three new studies in neurology -- one in stroke, one in headache, and one in multiple sclerosis (MS) -- include: the diabetes drug pioglitazone can help prevent secondary stroke in those with abnormal glucose metabolism; men with low blood levels of vitamin D have a higher risk of frequent headaches; and a biomarker may predict which patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may develop MS.

Pioglitazone Aids Secondary Stroke Prevention Abstract link.

Pioglitazone reduces recurrent stroke and major vascular events in ischemic stroke patients with insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes mellitus.

The study suggests that clinicians can use pioglitazone as a treatment to prevent stroke in patients presenting with an ischemic stroke and abnormal glucose metabolism.

Low Vitamin D Levels Increase Headache Risk Abstract link.

Low serum vitamin D levels markedly increase the risk of frequent headache in men.

Men with low vitamin D levels may be at increased risk of frequent headache, but large randomized vitamin D supplementation trials are needed to elucidate the role of vitamin D supplementation as a prevention or treatment for headache.

Potential Biomarker for MS Progression Abstract link.

Levels of CD27 in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) may be a potential clinical biomarker of suspected MS after a first demyelinating attack.

Clinical implications

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Neuro News Roundup: MS Biomarker & Second Stroke

Mark L. Fuerst