Is NCT02784210 recruiting in Bethesda, MD?

Yes, NCT02784210 is currently recruiting participants at its Bethesda, MD location. This multiple sclerosis clinical trial is actively enrolling qualified participants.

How do I join the multiple sclerosis clinical trial in Bethesda?

To join this clinical trial in Bethesda, complete the eligibility form on this page. A study coordinator will contact you to discuss next steps and determine if you qualify.

Is participation in this Bethesda clinical trial free?

Yes, all study-related care is provided at no cost to qualified participants. Many studies also offer compensation for time and travel expenses.

Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

About This Multiple Sclerosis Study in Bethesda

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. MS lesions can appear on the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans in many ways. Sometimes they light up from the outer edge and fill inward. This is called ring enhancement. Researchers think this type of lesion may not heal as well as others. Corticosteroids are the standard treatment to reduce symptoms of MS relapse. But there is no standard treatment for people with enhancing MS lesions without signs of MS relapse. Researchers want to see if a short-term high-dose course of corticosteroids helps heal those lesions. Objective: To study the effects of short-term high-dose corticosteroids on ring-enhancing MS. Eligibility: Adults ages 18 and older who: * Have MS and a rim-enhancing lesion on a prior brain MRI * Are enrolled in another NINDS protocol Design: Participants will be screened under another protocol Participants will be randomly assigned to get either no treatment or 3 days of treatment with a corticosteroid. Participants will have: * 1 baseline visit * 3 days of high-dose steroids, intravenous or oral. If IV, participants will receive methylprednisolone by IV each day. Participants will also be prescribed medicine to protect their stomach. * Follow-up visits will be at week 13 and week 25 after randomization to treatment or no treatment. Visits include medical history and physical exam. Participants will have blood and urine tests. Participants will also have neurological exams and MRIs. Participants lie on a table that slides into a cylinder. They are in the scanner 1.5-2 hours. They get a dye through a catheter: A needle guides a thin plastic tube into an arm vein.

Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Multiple sclerosis, as defined by the 2017 Revised McDonald Criteria;

Age 18 or older;

Ability to provide informed consent;

Able to participate in study procedures and provide high-quality clinical research and imaging data, based on limited artifacts on prior MRI scans and, when possible to determine;

Presence of a gadolinium enhancing lesion on the screening (3T or 7T) brain MRI that demonstrates either centripetal/rim enhancement or a phase rim, or both;

Simultaneously participates in another screening or natural history protocol within the NINDS Neuroimmunology Clinic at the time of study entry.

Willing to use birth control if able to conceive a child

Exclusion Criteria

Medical contraindications for MRI (e.g., any non-organic implant or other device such as a cardiac pacemaker or infusion pump or other metallic implants, objects, or body piercings that are not MRI-compatible or cannot be removed);

Psychological contraindications for MRI (e.g., claustrophobia), to be assessed at the time the medical history is collected;

Treatment with systemic steroids in previous 30 days (non-systemic administration of steroids, such as topical or local injection, is acceptable);

Experiencing new neurological symptoms, with onset in previous 2 weeks, attributable to MS relapse;

Pregnancy or current breastfeeding;

Screening labs, only if required per current NIH Clinical Center guidelines for kidney-function screening before gadolinium-based MRI contrast, demonstrating estimated glomerular filtration rate \<60 mL/min;

Known hypersensitivity to gadolinium-based contrast agents;

Medical contraindications to corticosteroid administration (e.g., diabetes, gastric ulcer)

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Bethesda?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT02784210) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Options in Bethesda, MD

If you're searching for multiple sclerosis treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT02784210) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Bethesda research site is actively enrolling participants for this phase 2 clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced multiple sclerosis specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all multiple sclerosis clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

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