Fw: [MSViews_Multiple_Sclerosis] New test to detect MS

[Guest guest]

[MSViews_Multiple_Sclerosis] New test to detect MS

New Test Detects Multiple Sclerosis

Fri Apr 1,10:42 AM ET

Health - Reuters

By Karla Gale

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A protein pattern or " molecular

footprint " in the blood can

distinguish patients with multiple sclerosis from healthy subjects,

preliminary research

suggests, which could make diagnosis of the disease much easier.

Dr. M. Wolfe, at Predictive Diagnostics in Vacaville,

California, and colleagues

obtained blood samples from 25 patients with newly diagnosed multiple

sclerosis and 25

healthy subjects. A special X-ray test and computer software were

used to identify protein

patterns associated with the neurologic disorder.

According to the report in the Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, the

test identified three

patterns seen only in patients with multiple sclerosis, not in

healthy subjects.

When multiple sclerosis is suspected in a patient, even the

combination of brain scans,

analysis of spinal fluid and patient history may not be sufficient to

provide a clear

diagnosis, Wolfe told Reuters Health.

Therefore, " the idea of using a simple blood test for diagnosing

multiple sclerosis is huge

news, " he said.

Previously, Wolfe's team applied the same techniques to identify

protein patterns

associated with Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers.

SOURCE: Journal of Molecular Neuroscience, February 2005.

Link for chat:

MSViews_Multiple_Sclerosis/chat

Photos:

http://photos./group/MSViews_Multiple_Sclerosis/lst

Group Home: MSViews_Multiple_Sclerosis

MyMSViews Home: http://www.mymsviews.org Home:

MSViews_Multiple_Sclerosis

MyMSViews Home: http://www.mymsviews.org