Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Christchurch neurologist leading part of a world first
December 17, 2012
MEDIA
RELEASE
Christchurch neurologist leading part
of a world first clinical trial for MS
A Christchurch neurologist is leading part of the world’s first clinical trial into whether oral vitamin D may prevent multiple sclerosis (MS).
The trial is being conducted in both Australia and New Zealand and will include 240 people with early MS.
Dr Deborah Mason will oversee the New Zealanders taking part in the study while Professor Bruce Taylor, a former Christchurch neurologist now based in Hobart, Australia, is one of the principal researchers heading the trial in Australia.
Dr Mason says MS prevalence in New Zealand is high compared to many other parts of the world and appears to be increasing particularly in females.
Researchers believe New Zealanders may be particularly susceptible to MS because of our low latitude which results in low levels of vitamin D.
“This is particularly true for people living in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. We are uniquely placed to perform this research here and it has particular relevance given our high MS rates,” Dr Mason says.
“It will be the world’s first randomised controlled interventional study using vitamin D in people with MS to see how it might influence this disease.”
MS Research Australia has pledged $3.5 million towards the study.
“This trial may not only find a very modestly priced treatment for early MS it may also give us a lot of information about the effect of vitamin D on MS and may be a precursor to intervention in at risk groups prior to developing disease. It also has synergies with other research being done in NZ in children and others as vitamin D is currently a hot topic of research.”
Dr Mason says the timing of the study has also worked in perfectly as it correlates with other research she has been doing including the NZ MS Incidence Study for the MS Society.
“The society’s study has focused on developing a database of people with MS and has provided the platform to approach suitable candidates to invite them into the vitamin D study, which is scheduled to begin in January,” she says.
Dr Mason says MS can be extremely debilitating and affects more women than men.
“Often in their 20s or 30s during what typically should be the most productive years of their lives,” Dr Mason says.
“Other research has found 92 percent of people with MS have a strong work history but within five years of developing the disease up to 50 percent are no longer working.”
Dr Mason is a consultant neurologist
with Canterbury District Health Board based in Christchurch
Hospital’s Neurology Department.
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts
Toyota New Zealand: Three Races For Top Three To Decide TR86 Title
Wellington City Council: Wellington Is All Action Stations For The Faultline Ultra Festival
Melanie Allison: Local Playwright Casts A Spell Over Hamilton