NOTE: This message was originally in conference "INTERNET - E-MAIL AREA"
      and was copied here by Tom Mckeever.
From: WalterBerk 
To: WalterBerk 
Date: Mon, 24 Jun 1996 23:56:45 -0400
Subject: Volunteers wanted for Mestinon trial test
 
*****Note:  We had a major computer failure.  This is a Polio mailing backup
list.  If you do not want to be on this list please advise.  Sorry about any
inconvience****
 
  Volunteers Wanted;-
 
THERAPEUTIC TRIAL OF MESTINON IN POST-POLIOMYELITIS 
SYNDROME 
 
        Six major medical centers in the U.S. and Canada have begun 
ecruiting
patients in the first multicenter clinical trial of a potential medical
treatment for post-poliomyelitis syndrome (PPS).   PPS is a progressive
neuromuscular syndrome which is estimated to affect approximately 50%  of
the 640,000 polio survivors in the U.S. who recovered from the paralytic
disease contacted decades earlier. 
 
        The North American Post-Poliomyelitis Pyridostigmine Study (NAPPS) is 
a
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that will follow 126
patients given either 60 mg of Pyridostigmine (Mestinon), or placebo three
times daily, for six months. Mestinon, an oral anticholineesterace agent
indicated for the treatment of myasthenia gravis, was found to be effective
in reducing fatigue in PPS patients in several small clinical trials.
Outcome measures will include assessments of fatigue, muscle strength,
general health status and circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF 1)
levels. The final results of NAPPS should be available in the fall of 1997. 
 
        The trial is based on findings made by two NAPPS investigators who 
noti
ced
that fatigue and muscle fatiguability in PPS patients had characteristics
that were reminiscent of myasthenia gravis, a disorder marked by defective
transmission of impulses across the neuromuscular junction, the interface of
nerve and muscle cells. This medication seems to improve fatigue and
fatiguability in about 60% of people with this complaint. 
 
For further information see Polio Connection Homepage
 
http://www5.ios.com:80/~w1066      Note: Menu Research Section
 
or contact yours truly
 
Stay well
Walter
 
--- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 
1:374/22.0)
---------------