MUSC The Catalyst

September 16, 2011

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

Vol. 30, No. 5

Research hits national news Clinical trial makes surprising find about best treatment for stroke

Dr. Marc Chimowitz views a brain scan of one of his patients.

How the study defines aggressive medical management q a daily dosage of 325 milligrams of aspirin; q 75 milligrams a day of clopidogrel, a medication used to prevent blood clots, for 90 days after enrollment; q and intensive management of key

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stroke risk factors — high blood pressure and high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), the unhealthy form of cholesterol.

All patients also participated in a lifestyle modification program which focused on quitting smoking, increasing

SeaSonS Program Older patients with psychiatric issues benefit from alternative treatment.

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exercise, weight loss in overweight patients, healthy diet and controlling risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

For more data and study details, visit the New England Journal of Medicine’s website: http://tinyurl.com/44yhttn.

Some things never get old – such as being published in the New England Journal of Medicine with results from a 50-center nationwide clinical trial that changes the standard of care for stroke patients worldwide.

Lead investigator Marc Chimowitz, MBChB, a neurosciences professor and SmartState endowed chair, said he’s been surprised but gratified at the extent of national coverage of the research study that has landed headlines in newspapers from The New York Times to The Washington Post.

“Large clinical trials are my passion because they have the potential to impact not just the care of the people you take care of one-on-one but potentially patients worldwide.”

The new study reveals that aggressive medical therapy is safer and more effective than placing a stent in the brain to ward off a second stroke in high-risk patients with a narrowed brain artery. Investigators published the results from the Stenting vs. Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (Sammpris) trial on Sept. 7 online in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“There were two surprising findings

See Research on page 8

ParkinSon’S DiSeaSe

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Around Campus

MUSC’s Movement Disorders Program launches study aimed at repairing the brain.

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Meet Vivian

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Classifieds

READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst

2 The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011

PeoPle

Around CAmpus

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Greatread

Katherine E. Renné

Katherine E. Renné, DMD, joined the Department of Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics as an assistant professor. Renné received her doctor of dental medicine degree from MUSC College of Dental Medicine in 2008 and completed her residency in pediatric dentistry at MUSC.

Brett Shigley

Editor: Kim Draughn catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Cindy Abole, aboleca@musc.edu Dawn Brazell, brazell@musc.edu

Cancer Awareness Fair

bloGroll

An MUSC employee reflects during the Sept. 9 9/11 observance at St. Luke’s Chapel. In memory of Sept. 11, 2001, the chapel displayed photos of those who perished and had a commemorative service. On Sept.

20, a lecture will be given by Dr. David Prezant, chief medical officer of the New York Fire Department, at noon in the Storm Eye Institute Auditorium. Prezant will speak on his experiences in providing medical care at the World Trade Center site on 9/11/2001.

Renata S. Leite Renata S. Leite, DDS, assistant professor in the Division of Periodontics, College of Dental Medicine, was awarded a R21 grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The two-year grant award will be used to support her oral health project, Hollywood Smiles.

The Catalyst is published once a week.

Paid adver tisements, which do not represent an endorsement by MUSC or the State of South Carolina, are handled by Island Publications Inc., Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or 843-958-7490. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.

A Women’s Cancer Awareness Fair will be held on Sept. 27 in the Horseshoe and portico. Information from various cancer programs, community and support groups will be available. In addition, a visit from the Pink Heals Tour will be escorted in by 75 - 100 motorcyclists. The tour is a fleet of pink fire trucks that tour the country to promote awareness for women’s cancer. Female cancer survivors will be invited to sign the trucks which will be in the Horseshoe from noon until 2 p.m. For information, call 792-9315.

Shannon’s Hope Camp Registration is open for the Oct. 8 - 9 Shannon’s Hope, a therapeutic camp for children, ages 6 - 15, who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past three to 24 months. Visit http://www.hospiceof charlestonfoundation.org, or call 216-7323.

If you feel overwhelmed by technology, then check out David Pogue’s blog, Pogue’s Posts.

Columnist for The New York Times Pogue uses his off-the-wall humor to educate readers about the latest in the tech world. His Sept. 8 post covers internet memes 101: a guide to online wackiness complete with YouTube links to the past and current top picks. Visit http:// pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/.

Weblink

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Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425.

843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723

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“The Fragile Community: Living Together with AIDS” by Mary Adelman and Lawrence Frey (1997) takes on the difficult topics of medical and social stigmas within a community of AIDS patients living in the Bonaventure House in Chicago. If one of the most devastating things to happen to a community is the loss of its members, how do these patients maintain or create a community when death is perpetually on the doorstep?

Leaning on qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the book explores the communication behaviors and coping techniques used by this group of patients to navigate the rest of their lives.

Reviewer: Heather Woolwine, PR

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MUSC’s James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine Campus Virtual Tour was named the winner of the 2011 Best of the Web Award Winner within the College-University category by the Center for Digital Education. The James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine Campus Virtual Tour website was created in 2010 by third-year dental student Brett Shigley. To visit the College of Dental Medicine website, visit http://www2.musc.edu/webtour2.

STaffPiCkS

Check out this video of Dr. Thomas Hulsey as he explains the success of MUSC’s MSCR or Master of Science in Clinical Research Program, a global program that has an 85-student enrollment this fall. Visit http://bit.ly/MUSC_Dr_Hulsey.

Your reflections?

If you have a book or website you’d like to recommend, send in your reflections to: Dawn Brazell at brazell@musc.edu.

The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011 3

Seasons program focuses on alternative treatment

By Tom roBinSon Institute of Psychiatry

S

easons, a progressive outpatient program for geriatric and older patients with psychiatric illnesses within the Institute of Psychiatry, was MUSC’s highest outpatient satisfaction program for the quarter, with an Avatar score of 93 percent.

Seasons is designed as an alternative treatment when traditional outpatient care is not working, but inpatient treatment is not required or desired. The treatment focuses on group therapy and is offered during the daytime, allowing the patients to spend the evening at home. Avatar International is a nonprofit company providing patient satisfaction data.

One recent psychiatric patient said, “I know without question that when I leave this facility, I will be prepared to leave and function much better than I ever have been.” Another patient commented, “This program and my

Staff members from the Institute of Psychiatry’s Seasons program celebrate being selected MUSC’s highest outpatient satisfaction for the quarter. determination have kept me out of the certified in geriatric psychiatry, said, (psychiatric) hospital for 135 days, a “Many of us are struggling to manage record in recent years. I am so thankful.” aging parents who are afflicted with Jessica Broadway, M.D., Department depression, reduced cognitive ability and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in other effects of aging. Coming to groups the Institute of Psychiatry, who is boardat Seasons lets patients know that they

are not alone, and that they can learn to improve their quality of life.”

Treating geriatric patients is a very complex issue. Older people have many co-occurring medical problems. Their body mass and muscle-fat-water ratios affect how they metabolize certain medications. Changes in the brain of an older person affect memory, thinking and mood. Urinary tract infections and hypoxia (lack of oxygen), common in older patients, often present as delirium.

Delirium can often be confused with dementia by the untrained practitioner.

MUSC's Institute of Psychiatry has considerable expertise in this specialized area. In addition to Broadway, Ed Weiss, M.D., the attending physician on the Senior Care inpatient unit, is also board-certified in geriatric psychiatry, as is geriatric psychiatrist, Mary Hart Craig, M.D. If you have a parent, friend or loved one with a psychiatric condition who may benefit from the Seasons program, call 792-5567 for an assessment.

THIS SATURDAY, FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Bridge Ride 2011 Sept 17th Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park We provide the highest quality of physical, spiritual and emotional care to our patients and their families.

We are committed to meeting your needs any time including evening and weekend consultations and admissions.

Your team of professionals includes Physicians, Registered Nurses, Licensed Social Workers, Chaplains and Certified Nursing Aides.

BEE STREET LOFTS

• SpinMt. on 1Pleasant of 100 spinWaterfront bikes under aPark tent with Live music performisters. a Spin-a-thon, formed • Prizes top Live fundraisers a Guitar CX30byorFat a Alice.

70 mile bikefor ride. music,including food and fun signed Hootie andDon’t the Blowfish.

Goldwingspace motorcycles riding the forbyall ages. wait to •register, is limited. route to provide support and safety. • 3 Fuel Stops with food, water and music • Dean Felber with Hootie and the Blowfish will be one of our local celebrities spinning at the event.

is honored to welcome Kate Hansen as our newest resident.

Luxury urban carefree living on the Peninsula.

A donation has been made in Kate Hansen’s name to the Hollings Cancer Center.

WWW.BEESTREETLOFTS.COM www.myheavenlyreward.com 49 Broad Street c 843.793.4023 Charleston, Josephine@CarolinaOne.com SC 29401 www.charlestonwelcomehome.com

Fundraiser Helps Support ECCO Dental Clinic and

To register Provide for the Free event, visit Active.com.

Registration fee for the Dental Services to Tri-County Residents cycling and for spinning portion of the event is search: $25; CX30 class isRide free.

To register the event, visit Active.com and The Bridge

Josephine Traina,

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When you buy or sell a home, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the charity of your choice.

4 The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011

Sickle cell walk, clinic celebrates comprehensive care M

ore than 200 men, women, young adults and children came out to North Charleston's Riverfront Park for a day of fun activities and camaraderie to promote awareness in the first Sickle Cell Walk and Fun Run event held on Sept. 10. The event recognizes September as National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

The walk and run event was sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Peninsula/Lowcountry as well as parents of children diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Proceeds from the event were donated to the MUSC Sickle Cell Clinic and related research. Shamekei Gray, who is the mother of two children with sickle cell disease, was this year’s event organizer.

“I’m passionate about promoting awareness for sickle cell disease. When I walked in the Arthritis Walk in 2010, the experience inspired me to coordinate a walk for sickle cell disease. There are walks for all kinds of illnesses, but not sickle cell. It’s a silent disease, and I feel more people need to know more about it,” said Gray.

Sherron M. Jackson, M.D., associate professor of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, MUSC Children’s Hospital, serves as medical director of MUSC’s Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic. The clinic was founded in 1987 by Jackson to provide medical care for children diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Jackson has treated and cared for more than 500 patients and their families within the 25 years since the clinic opened.

A compassionate caregiver, Jackson has followed her patients from infancy to adulthood as they learned to manage a lifetime of symptoms related to this disease including chronic pain, fatigue, risk for stroke, and sometimes death.

A simple mantra and belief drives Jackson and her clinical team to continue with their work: “The more children we can help through the clinic; the better the chance these children can lead happy, healthy lives.”

Sickle cell disease is among a group of inherited red blood cell disorders where the body’s red blood cells become hard, sticky and have a c-shaped appearance.

Because sickle cells die early, they are responsible for a constant shortage of red blood cells and are the cause of other serious problems. Currently, the only known cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.

In 1987, Jackson was instrumental in pushing a statewide mandate to conduct sickle cell screening tests on all newborns in South Carolina. It’s estimated that about 30 newborns are diagnosed each year with the disease. The test identifies the newborn’s hemoglobin type. The baby's blood from the screening test is shipped to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the results shared with physicians and families within a few weeks to

MUSC Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic social worker Joyce Rivers Miller, left, stuffs some literature and information into goodie bags distributed at the Sept. 10 inaugural Sickle Cell Foundation Walk/Fun Run.

“I look forward to the day when my children can be cured from sickle cell disease.

If not, I hope they’ll grow up to be fighters and advocates for themselves about their experiences.”

Shamekei Gray determine if the child has the trait or disease.

MUSC's Sickle Cell Clinic, located in Rutledge Tower, continues to serve new and existing patients throughout the Palmetto state. In 1994, the clinic expanded to treat patients monthly at the Waccamaw-

Georgetown area clinic only to close in 2009 because of DHEC budget cuts. To help improve services for adults living with sickle cell disease, Jackson also supports the recruitment of a new adult hematology specialist who can help in the treatment of adult patients diagnosed with this life-threatening disease.

According to Jackson, adults with sickle cell disease struggle to receive adequate care because their symptoms can become more complex. With more services, awareness and training of primary care providers, adults can live more comfortably and manage symptoms associated with their disease.

Gray’s simple message as a mother of children living with sickle cell disease and a compassionate advocate may say it best. “I look forward to the day when my children can someday be cured from sickle cell disease.

If not, I hope they’ll grow up to be fighters and advocates who can speak for themselves about their experiences when they become adults. I want them to say that they lived through this disease,” she said.

For information about the MUSC Pediatric Sickle Cell Clinic, call 876-0444.

The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011 5

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meet ViViAn

Vivian Hall Department Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Medicine How long at MUSC 27 years What music is in your CD player Contact by Boney James

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Bad habit Not eating enough veggies Nickname in high school Shorty What’s important to you Family

Dream vacation Spending time at the Robinson Club Resort Maldives. It looks like the perfect island getaway.

Most embarrassing moment I mistakenly walked into the men’s bathroom at a restaurant.

Greatest moments in your life The birth of my two granddaughters, Camryn and Chase

3 BR, 3 full, 1 half BA home with 3,112 sq. ft. on 4.58 acres. This elegant country home overlooks Wadmalaw Sound and the Intra Coastal Waterway. Open floor plan with double sided fireplace has a bank of windows overlooking a heated swimming pool and the ICW. Kitchen has handmade cabinetry, stainless steel appliances and large breakfast bar. Neighborhood has riding trails, lake and horses are welcome.

Jackie Clark

843-607-1265 jclark@carolinaone.com www.jackieclark@carolinaone.com

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A must-have in the fridge Fresh fruit and cranberry juice

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Favorite snack Twizzlers

6 The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011

Top photo: Amanda Crocker and Lasasha Garrett of the Office of Development receive instructions from Vonceil Mitchell to prepare to serve lunch at the Neighborhood House Soup Kitchen. Right photo: Department of Medicine’s Lisa Burkhardt and Steve Vinciguerra sort donated items at the Lowcountry Orphan Relief during Trident United Way’s (TUW) Day of Caring Sept. 9. MUSC has been participating in the event for 10 years. Day of Caring also serves as the kickoff to MUSC’s annual campuswide TUW Campaign. To make a gift online, visit http://www.musc.edu and click on the TUW logo. See the letter from MUSC’s TUW chair, Dr. Lisa Saladin, on page 7.

Reaching out, helping others Catherine Klassy, right, and Melanie Townsend in the Department of Pediatrics, help renovate a gazebo at Spann Elementary.

Staff from the Department of Pediatrics renovated two gazebos and landscaped the front of two classroom trailers.

Above: MUSC Finance’s Lovie Simmons-Howell, left, and Eula Wise select books for children at Memminger Elementary School. The project, Meet, Greet and Read at Memminger School of Global Studies, pairs volunteers with students to assist the teachers with math, reading, special projects, organizing books and filing. According to Whitney McLuen, campaign coordinator in MUSC’s Office of Development, this was Trident United Way’s biggest Day of Caring. “We had our largest participation at MUSC with about 300 employees getting involved in more than 20 service projects across the Lowcountry. Since the first Day of Caring on Sept. 11, 2001, 50,000 people have participated in this special day, bringing $10 million worth of labor and supplies to area non-profits.”

The Catalyst, September 16, 2011 7

Dental school provides free cleanings, fillings College of Dental Medicine professor Dr. Mark Barry, associate dean for clinical affairs, reviews the work of Marie Cross, a third-year dental student, who helped treat patients at the South Carolina Dental Association’s (SCDA) Dental Access Days (DAD) event held Aug. 26 - 27 at the Florence Civic Center. MUSC's presence included 65 dental students, seven residents and six dental faculty.

More than 1,600 area residents came out to have basic dental care done — cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals and treatment partials. This is the third DAD event sponsored by the SCDA to help promote better oral health among South Carolinians.

Dear Colleagues, At MUSC, we have earned a reputation for caring about the communities where we live and work. Each year, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our community spirit and leadership through the 2011 Trident United Way Campaign.

Trident United Way not only provides services to those who are sick, disadvantaged and disabled, but also to average families who face unexpected problems. This year, Trident United Way will assist more than 70 nonprofit organizations in the Tri-county area.

Trident United Way is different from other organizations because of the broad cross-section of local volunteers who decide how your contributions will be distributed. Committees of volunteers allocate funds to support the following areas of need: promoting health and wellness, creating economic stability, nurturing young people, responding to basic needs, and supporting senior citizens.

It is important to note that you can designate your gift to any 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, including the MUSC Foundation. When you make a gift to the 2011 Trident United Way Campaign, you can earmark it for the MUSC program of your choice on the pledge form. You can also make your gift online by visiting http:// www.musc.edu and click the Trident United Way link. An online gift can be made through payroll deduction, credit card, or check to be paid at a later date.

I strongly encourage you to examine your capacity to make a difference in the lives of others and to consider making a gift to this year’s campaign. Every donation makes a difference and your support will enable us to reach our goal of $200,000. The 2011 campaign ends on Nov. 30, so please send in your gift today.

Sincerely,

Lisa K. Saladin, Ph.D. Professor and Dean, College of Health Professions Chair, 2011 Trident United Way Campaign

Flu vaccine available beginning Sept. 27 The 2011 influenza vaccine is available for Medical University Hospital Authority, MUSC, University Medical Associates, Crothall, Sodexo employees and volunteers. Employees are encouraged to receive the flu vaccine at one of several campuswide satellites scheduled by Employee Health Services and Infection Control.

Employees should bring their MUSC ID badge to one of five locations between Sept. 27 and Oct. 19.

Employees may also receive the vaccine at Employee Health Services’ office, 57 Bee St., from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with faster service between 1 and 3 p.m.

Satellite Schedule — 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 27, Library Portico and outside of Ashley River Tower Chest Pain Center; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 28, Library Portico; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 5, Children’s Hospital lobby; 9 to 11 a.m., Oct. 6, Harborview Office Tower, Room 910; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 12, outside ART cafeteria; and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct. 19, Children’s Hospital lobby.

It takes approximately two weeks to build immunity, so it is recommended that employees receive the flu vaccine at least two weeks before holiday gatherings with family and friends.

Managers may administer flu vaccine to their departments' employees. Fill out the Flu Vaccine Request Form, which is found on the intranet, and fax to 792-1200. For additional information, visit http:// mcintranet.musc.edu/ehs/.

8 The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011

reSearCh Continued from Page One

in this study,” Chimowitz said. “First, stents did not perform as well as we had anticipated, which has important implications for clinical practice because stenting is increasingly being used to treat these patients worldwide. The second surprising finding was the large gains demonstrated through the use of aggressive medical therapy on its own.

This is the first stroke-related trial to include lifestyle change therapy and protocol-driven management of multiple risk factors such as high blood pressure and raised cholesterol,” he said.

“Based on the results of this study, stroke patients with recent symptoms and intracranial arterial blockage of 70 percent or greater should be treated with aggressive medical therapy alone that follows the regimen used in this trial as closely as possible.”

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and which funded the trial, halted new enrollment in the study in April because early data showed significantly more strokes and death among stented patients at the 30- day mark when compared to the group who received aggressive medical management alone.

According to Walter Koroshetz, M.D., NINDS deputy director, “This study provides an answer to a longstanding question by physicians, what to do to prevent a devastating second stroke in a high risk population. Although technological advances have brought intracranial stenting into widespread practice, we have now learned that this particular device does not lead to a better health outcome.”

Though glad for the media exposure to raise awareness of the study’s findings, Chimowitz said he wishes media had not focused so much on the poor outcome in the patients who were stented and whether the FDA erred in approving the stent for humanitarian use in these very high risk patients.

“I would have preferred if the media had paid more attention to the positive aspects of the trial regarding patient outcomes, particularly the aggressive medical management protocol we designed for patients in this trial that lowered the risk of stroke by 50 percent.

MUSC’s clinical coordinating center took the lead in running and implementing the 50 multi-center research study. Pictured from left are part of the MUSC Sammpris team: Dr. Marc Chimowitz, Shelly Caskey, Meghan Steiner, Jessica Kandl, Dr. Tanya Turan, Genny Starr, R.N., Samantha Minkin and Janice Malloy.

I think it was a lost opportunity for readers to see how important risk factor management and a healthy lifestyle is in lowering your risk of stroke.”

STuDy DeTailS Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S. Stenosis, a blockage or narrowing of a brain artery caused by the build up of plaque, accounts for more than 50,000 of the 795,000 strokes that occur annually nationwide. Stenosis is particularly common in African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and people with diabetes.

The Sammpris study enrolled 451 patients at 50 sites across the U.S. The investigators looked at whether patients had a second stroke or died within 30 days of enrollment, or had a stroke in the same area of the brain from 30 days to the end of follow-up. They had hypothesized that compared to aggressive medical therapy alone, the addition of intracranial stenting system would decrease the risk of stroke or death by 35 percent during two years.

Instead they found that 14.7 percent of patients (33) in the stenting group experienced a stroke or died within the first 30 days after enrollment, compared with 5.8 percent (13) of patients treated with medical therapy alone. There were five stroke-related deaths within 30 days, all in the stenting group, and one non-stroke related death in the medical management group. Over a mean follow-up of 11.9 months, 20.5 percent of patients in the stenting group and 11.5 percent of patients in the medical

group had a study primary endpoint (stroke or death within 30 days or stroke in the same area of brain beyond 30 days), which demonstrates a highly significant difference in favor of the aggressive medical management on its own. Based on these data, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board recommended the NINDS stop new enrollment, and the institute issued a clinical alert. All patients will continue to be followed for two years to determine the long-term effects of both interventions.

With aggressive medical management, the medical group in this trial had a 30day rate of stoke of death of 5.8 percent and a one year primary endpoint rate of 12.2 percent. In comparison, patients in a previous NIH trial, also led by Chimowitz, showed that in patients with similar entrance criteria to Sammpris who were treated with less intensive medical management had a 30-day rate of stroke and death of 10.7 percent and a one year rate of primary endpoint of 25 percent, suggesting that the aggressive medical management in this trial was effective in lowering the risk of stroke

SCienCe aT iTS BeST To do a study on this scale takes extensive effort and coordination of many different specialists, said Chimowitz. “The infrastructure and personnel required to run and implement a trial like this is enormous.”

The clinical coordinating center at MUSC consists of faculty and staff overseeing the research nationwide at 50 sites. This includes Tanya Turan, M.D.,

a neurologist at MUSC who oversees the risk factor management at all 50 sites and is on the executive committee; Janice Malloy, the trial administrator who oversees the $20 million budget; Genny Starr, a research nurse who helps manage the patients enrolled at MUSC; Jessica Peterson, who deals with IRB and FDA issues related to the trial; and administrative assistants Meghan Steiner, Jessica Kandl, Shelly Caskey and Samantha Minkin who help arrange investigator meetings for more than 100 participants, and help with risk factor management. The Risk Factor Advisory Committee consisted of experts at MUSC in hypertension —Brent Egan, M.D., lipids — Maria Lopes-Virella, M.D., Ph.D., and diabetes — Kathie Hermayer, M.D., and the Cardiology Adjudication Committee at MUSC consisted of doctors Eric Powers, Terrence X. O’Brien, Grady Hendrix and Salvatore Chiaramida.

Other contributors include Zoran Rumboldt, M.D., in radiology, who read all of the brain imaging studies for the 451 patients in the trial; doctors Robert Adams, Christine Holmstedt, Edward Jauch, Julio Chalela, Angela Hays, and Christos Lazaridis, stroke neurologists and neuro ICU doctors who helped screen for study patients; and neurointerventionists doctors Aquilla Turk, Raymond Turner, and Imran Chaudry, who helped enroll patients in the trial and performed the stenting procedures for the trial at MUSC. Outside of MUSC, there are other groups involved in regular collaboration, including the data management and statistical center, NIH, FDA, corporate partners, the retail pharmacy chain where patients get the study drugs from nationwide, the commercial lifestyle modification personnel, and the investigators and coordinators at the 50 sites.

Even though the logistics can be complicated, studies such as this are essential to advancing science, Chimowitz said. “The study is an example of how a randomized trial that has been carefully designed to avoid bias favoring one treatment over another can yield results that are unexpected, but that are reliable and able to lead to a change in everyday medical practice worldwide.”

The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011 9

ApplAuse progrAm

Medical Center Tanya Thompson, ART 6E; Anna Maria Lease, ART 6W; Sheila Dawson, ART 6W; Michael Boyars, Department of Medicine; Thomas Smith, ART 6W; Sally Key, ART 6W; Emily Lynn, Department of Surgery; Chadrick Denlinger, Department of Surgery; Virgetta Cromwell, ART 4E; Adonteng Kwakye, Residents Surgery; Kim Medlin, ART 9-PCU; Karen Goff, Volunteer & Guest Services; Elaine Roversi, Meduflex Team; Melissa Collins, ART 5W; Suzanne Ramage, Volunteer & Guest Services; Fred Holston, ART 4E; Valeria Weeks, Volunteer & Guest Services; Karen Boinest, Volunteer & Guest Services; Shatora Williams, GI Clinic; Belinda Christy, Volunteer & Guest Services; Paul Herndon, Transplant Center; Shannon Rivers, Transplant Center; Forrest Bean, Transplant Center; Sarah Hichman, Transplant Center; Wendy Pena-Smith, Transplant Center; Amanda Styslinger, PAS; Mary Shearer, Transplant Center; Phyllis Nelson-Nowlin, Transplant Center; Donna Chapman, Women’s Services; Fatima Bellinger, 2 JRU; Olga Stwalley, 6W;

Robincena Edwards, Hollings BMT; Ivy Mack, Hollings Registration; Dijana Christianson, Rheumatology & Immunology; Jocelynn Reese, Hollings Clinics; Kaela Self, Hollings Registration; Thomas Johnson, Hollings Registration; Philip Egloff, Hollings Retail Pharmacy; Diana Axiotis, Surgery; Ellen Ard, RT Neurosurgery & Spine; Arty Burns, Patient Transport Services; Eric Rice, Patient Transport Services; Valerie Warren, Oncology & Medical/Surgical Services; Connie Manigault, Environmental Services; Amber Mead, ART 5W; Shirley Ravenell, ART 5W; Diann Krywko, Emergency Medicine; Yalani Vanzura, Emergency Medicine; David Sas, Pediatrics Nephrology; Pakeena Heyward, MedSurg Registration; Charles Smith, Pharmacy; Sally Humphrey, RT ENT & Reconstructive Surgery; Gregory Dame II, Patient Transportation; Sally Taylor, Histopathology; Patricia Brown, PAS; Melvena Nelson, Environmental Services; Metzfe Sulyma, 10W; Jennifer Tucker, STNICU; Angela Hawk, OB/ GYN; Jessica Hardy, Women’s Services; Ashley Ryan, Radiation Oncology; Sheldon Mims, Radiation Oncology; Renotia Fludd, Safety & Security/Volunteer & Guest Services; Nathalee Nelson, PAS; and Omie Ficklin, 10W.

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The following employees received recognition through the Applause Program for going the extra mile:

10 The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011

Study aimed at early stages of Parkinson's disease

The MUSC Movement Disorders Program is launching the Phase IICogane research study aimed at repairing the brain of those suffering from Parkinson's disease.

The drug Cogane will be administered to about 400 patients nationwide who have early stages of the disease.

In the study, three doses of Cogane, administered orally once daily, will be compared with placebo.

Parkinson's disease is a debilitating brain disorder causing symptoms of tremor, slowness of movement, stiffness and cognitive decline. The Hinson disorder is progressive, and there is currently no cure.

The Cogane study medication is a neurotrophic factor inducer that has the potential to enhance the function

of damaged nerve cells in Parkinson's disease and to protect other cells from the degenerative process. Neurotrophic factors are needed to keep brain cells alive and to help them heal after an injury or illness occurs. In animal studies of Parkinson's disease, disability was reduced by 43 percent with the Cogane study drug.

Vanessa Hinson, M.D., Ph.D., director of the MUSC Movement Disorders Program, said this drug, if successful, could revolutionize the way Parkinson's disease is treated. “Early detection is key, if we can get patients in before their disease progresses, we can hopefully preserve quality of life and function.�

For more information or to enroll in the study, contact clinical research coordinator Jennifer Zimmerman at 792-9115.

For information on the program, visit http://www.muschealth.com/ neurosciences/movementdisorders/.

Andy Dowling, left, a participant in the Phase II-Cogane research study works with Dr. Gonzalo Revuelta, Deep Brain Stimulation Program director. Sumter resident Dowling, one of about 400 people in the nation participating in the study, is administered either the drug Cogane or a placebo orally once a day.

2186 Annie Laura Lane (off Six Mile Road)

$204,900

(reduced by $20,000)

New Construction Complete April 2011

Call 843-270-7600 for details.

IP04-599443

The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011 11

CLASSIFIED P AGE • Household Personal Items for MUSC employees are free.

All other classifieds are charged at rate below. Ads considered venture-making ads (puppy breeder, coffee business, home for sale, etc.) will be charged as PAID ADS •• PROOF OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIRED * NO MORE THAN 3 LINES * FREE ADS RUN 2 WEEKS ONLY!

PAID ADS are $3 per line (1 line = 28 characters) DEADLINE: TUESDAY – 10:00 AM * CLASSIFIED ADS CAN BE E-MAILED TO sales@moultrienews.com, OR MAILED (134 Columbus St., Charleston SC 29403) Please call 849-1778 with questions. *Must provide Badge No. and Department of Employment for employees and Student I.D. Number for MUSC Students.

IP01-213824a

Misc. Services

3 BR, 1 BA Apt downtown on America St. Close to Cof C, MUSC, and TTC. Off street parking. $875/mo. Please contact Marvetta at 843-534-6439.

Start up dental practice in foothills of Blue Ridge Mountains in NC in a small town friendly environment. Building has 1600 square foot dental office with full basement located on over 2 acres within the city limits that is within an hour from skiing in Mountains, shopping in Charlotte, and camping, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities. Three operatories were newly installed 18 months ago. Great investment.

Call 843.224.6590.

Spacious loft-style apartment downtown near MUSC. 2 or 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, new kitchen appliances, recently renovated. $1,500/ mo. 881-1469

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CATALYST OR FOR MORE INFO CALL 849-1778

IP04-599430

Rental Properties

TERRABROOK 5 minutes to MUSC! FROM THE $240s THE RETREAT 15 minutes to MUSC! FROM THE $190s

All Crescent Homes Are Built to Energy Efficient EarthCraft Standards.

CM02-592646

TERRABROOK ON THE RETREAT JAMES ISLAND AT JOHNS ISLAND 843-795-8255 843-559-1088 www.CrescentHomes.net IP07-592850

12 The CaTalyST, September 16, 2011

All New 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250

369

$

/mo

$2750 Due At Signing 12,000 Miles Per Year *48 Months*

Sunroof

Sirius Radio Navigation

Burl Walnut Trim

AMG Sportline Rear Deck Spoiler

Voice Control

Baker Motor Company Proudly Sponsors

Ask about Exclusive Member Benefits! # MB2799 $1995 total due at delivery includes $499 Process Fee. Auto-pay required. Tier 1 Approval required. Photo for illustration purposes only.

BakerMotorCompany

www. .com 1511 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407

843-852-4000

C07-604212

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