title: Comparison of standard 1.5 T vs. 3 T optimized protocols in patients treated with glatiramer acetate. A serial MRI pilot study.
abstract: This study explored the effect of glatiramer acetate (GA, 20 mg) on lesion activity using the 1.5 T standard MRI protocol (single dose gadolinium [Gd] and 5-min delay) or optimized 3 T protocol (triple dose of Gd, 20-min delay and application of an off-resonance saturated magnetization transfer pulse). A 15-month, phase IV, open-label, single-blinded, prospective, observational study included 12 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who underwent serial MRI scans (Days -45, -20, 0; the minus ign indicates the number of days before GA treatment; and on Days 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 270 and 360 during GA treatment) on 1.5 T and 3 T protocols. Cumulative number and volume of Gd enhancing (Gd-E) and T2 lesions were calculated. At Days -45 and 0, there were higher number (p < 0.01) and volume (p < 0.05) of Gd-E lesions on 3 T optimized compared to 1.5 T standard protocol. However, at 180 and 360 days of the study, no significant differences in total and cumulative number of new Gd-E and T 2 lesions were found between the two protocols. Compared to pre-treatment period, at Days 180 and 360 a significantly greater decrease in the cumulative number of Gd-E lesions (p = 0.03 and 0.021, respectively) was found using the 3 T vs. the 1.5 T protocol (p = NS for both time points). This MRI mechanistic study suggests that GA may exert a greater effect on decreasing lesion activity as measured on 3 T optimized compared to 1.5 T standard protocol.
authors: Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.|The Jacobs Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Zivadinov
authors: The Jacobs Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Hojnacki
authors: Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Hussein
authors: Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors: Niels
authors: N
authors: Bergsland
authors: Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors: Ellen
authors: E
authors: Carl
authors: Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors: Jacqueline
authors: J
authors: Durfee
authors: Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors: Michael G
authors: MG
authors: Dwyer
authors: Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors: Cheryl
authors: C
authors: Kennedy
authors: The Jacobs Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
authors: Bianca
authors: B
authors: Weinstock-Guttman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D005682:Gadolinium