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H O WA R D C O U N T Y B E A C O N — F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 3
Health Studies Page
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THE PLACE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION ON AREA CLINICAL TRIALS
Studying patients with myasthenia gravis By Carol Sorgen Myasthenia gravis (which, translated from its Latin and Greek origins, means “grave muscle weakness”) is a condition that is often difficult to diagnose. It is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal muscles of the body. The onset of the disorder may be sudden, and symptoms often are not immediately recognized as myasthenia gravis. The University of Maryland and Baltimore VA Medical Center are conducting a clinical trial to determine whether individuals with chronic, generalized myasthenia gravis can benefit from a three-month home exercise program with aerobic, resistive and pulmonary training. Volunteers with the condition are now being sought.
weakness in arms, hands, fingers, legs and neck, a change in facial expression, difficulty in swallowing and shortness of breath, and impaired speech. Myasthenia gravis occurs in all ethnic groups and both genders. It most commonly affects young adult women (under 40) and older men (over 60), but it can occur at any age. Most cases of myasthenia gravis are not as “grave” as the name leads one to believe, thanks to advances in current treatment. These include medications to reduce and control muscle weakness, and in some cases, removal of the thymus gland, which is often abnormal in myasthenia gravis patients. For most individuals with myasthenia gravis, life expectancy is not shortened.
enhance fitness, strength and lung function in order to improve physical activity and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Adults between 18 and 70 with stable myasthenia gravis may be eligible to participate in this study, which will include a home exercise program of three days a week for three months. The program will
be progressive in duration (up to an hour daily) and intensity (including walking, resistance training with exercise bands, and core and breathing exercises). For more information on this study or to volunteer, contact Dr. Charlene Hafer-Macko at (410) 328-3100 or cmacko@grecc.umaryland.edu.
Can exercise help? Signs of the condition In most cases, the first noticeable symptom of myasthenia gravis is weakness of the eye muscles, though some people may first experience difficulty in swallowing and slurred speech. The degree of muscle weakness involved in myasthenia gravis varies greatly among patients, from involvement of only the eye muscles (ocular myasthenia), to a severe or generalized form in which many muscles, sometimes including those that control breathing, are affected. Symptoms may include a drooping of one or both eyelids, blurred or double vision due to weakness of the muscles that control eye movements, unstable gait,
The overall fatigue that usually accompanies the disorder, however, can result in physical deconditioning that can reduce fitness and increase the risk of obesity, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and type 2 diabetes — all of which can result in serious health conditions. The specific aims of the study being conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland and Baltimore VA Medical Center are to define the baseline physical activity and fitness levels of the study participants, and determine whether a threemonth moderate intensity home exercise program is safe and feasible in sedentary, but medically stable, patients. It will also determine if the exercise can
BEACON BITS
Jan. 24
Do You Have Knee Arthritis and Difficulty Sleeping? Volunteers NEEDED for a Clinical Trial on New Non-drug treatment for problem sleeping
EAT SMART FOR LESS A free presentation on making smart and affordable food choices
will be offered on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Elkridge Senior Center, 6540 Washington Blvd., Elkridge. Nutrition counseling will be available after the talk. For further information, call (410) 313-5192.
Want to Prevent Falls in the Elderly? Seeking Men and Women to participate in a research study at the University of Maryland &Veterans Affairs of Baltimore to better understand balance and the prevention of falls in aging individuals. You will receive:
• Health evaluation • Balance, step, strength, and/or flexibility exercises • Compensation for your time If interested call: 410-605-7179 & Mention code: LIFT at Baltimore VA/University of Maryland Gerontology Recruitment Line *You must be at least 65 years old and in good health *Participants will be seen at the Baltimore VA Medical Center and University of Maryland School of Medicine *You will attend approximately 41 visits for 1 to 4 hours each per visit
CALL TODAY!
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are looking for volunteers to participate in a research study examining new ways of treating insomnia, in people with osteoarthritis in their knee. To participate in this study, you must be: • At least 50 years of age OR 35 years of age and older with prior diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis • Have frequent knee pain • Interested in sleeping better This study involves: • Sleep studies conducted in your home • Sensory testing and knee exam at Johns Hopkins • Meeting with sleep specialist to discuss ways to improve sleep • Additional optional medical tests • All examinations, parking, & tests are provided at no cost. Compensation up to $870.00
Approved 8/16/10
Michael T. Smith, Ph.D., Principal Investigator Protocol: NA_00011802 Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
For information, please call (410) 550-7906