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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01371760

BRAVE-DREAMS (BRAin VEnous DRainage Exploited Against Multiple Sclerosis)

To assess in a double blinded randomized control trial (RCT) study design safety and effectiveness of balloon angioplasty of the main extracranial and extravertebral veins in multiple sclerosis (MS) associated to chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).

Mean follow-up 1 year. 5-8 Italian centres 360 relapsing remitting (RR) MS patients will be randomized, with expanded disability disease scale (EDSS) ranging 2-5.5, age 18-65.

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Key information

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

S. Anna Hospital, Ferrara, Fe, Italy

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About this study

Safety will be assessed by measuring serious and minor adverse effects related to treatment.

Effectiveness will be assessed by measuring 2 primary endpoints:

  • Clinical parameters will be expressed in an integrated functional measure leading to the score, respectively, of improved, stable, worsened. Functional assessment is performed by tools permitting a quantification and will be made by a team of independent assessors. Clinical instrumental evaluation will be performed at baseline, and subsequently on 3 months basis. The outcome parameters leading to the composite functional measure are instrumental parameters, less assessor dependent, singularly validated for measuring the disability in MS. They are the followings: A) Dynamic Balance Assessment: Balance Master Limits of Stability (LOS). In static platform, swinging to reach the set position of center of pressure. B) Walking Function: The subject walks spontaneously for 10 meters with chronometric measure of time counting the number of steps. The test calculates the walk ratio i.e. ratio between length and step frequency. C) Manual dexterity. Box & Block test, moving wooden cubes. D) Sphincter control: Post-voiding residual by ultrasounds. F) Visual acuity: Low-contrast visual acuity Sloan Letter Chart.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) outcome measures: T1Gad active lesion.T2 lesion volume MRI evaluation at baseline, 6, 12 months.

Secondary endpoints are: EDSS, chronic fatigue, cognitive function, rate of restenosis, annualized relapse rate.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • patients affected by CCSVI associated with MS
  • relapsing-remitting and\\or secondary progressive
  • 18-65 years old
  • EDSS 2-5
  • disease duration < 10y
  • No relapse in the 30 days preceding the procedure
  • clinical stability in the last 6 months with disease mod. treatments
  • Patients under the best available therapy

Exclusion criteria

  • patients previously treated for CCSVI or inserted in other clinical trials in the last 3 months
  • under treatment with natalizumab
  • pregnant or refusing to adopt contraception
  • presence of significant comorbidities
  • alcool-drug abuse
  • thrombophilia
  • contraindication to MR

Treatment and study plan

Venous PTA

Procedure

PTA of the internal jugular and/or azygous vein

Catheter Venography

Other

The patients will undergo catheter venography but not PTA

Primary outcomes

  1. Clinical parameters in an integrated functional score

    Time frame: Baseline; 12 months

    Five neurological parameters will be measured by the means of proper validated tools along 1 year of follow-up. The evaluation leads to a score, respectively expressed as improved, stable, fluctuant, worsened.

  2. MRI outcome measures: T1Gad active lesion.T2 lesion volume MRI evaluation.

    Time frame: Baseline; 12 months

    Standard MRI parameters will be assessed by the means of a blinded centre of lecture. Outcome measurement will be performed at baseline, 6 months and at 1 year follow-up.

Secondary outcomes

  1. EDSS

    Time frame: Baseline; 12 months

    EDSS will be assessed along 1 year follow-up.

  2. Chronic fatigue

    Time frame: Baseline; 12 months

    This highly disabling symptom completely orphan of effective therapy will be measured by M-FIS (Modified-Fatigue Impact Scale).

  3. Cognitive function

    Time frame: Baseline; 12 months

    Cognitive functions will be measured by the means of MoCA mental state questionnaire.

  4. Annualized relapse rate

    Time frame: Baseline; 12 months

    In the sub population affected by the RR clinical form the number of relapse will be assessed.

  5. Patency rate

    Time frame: Baseline; 12 months

    The rate of successful PTA will be assessed by the means of postoperative Doppler sonography.

  6. Emotional status

    Time frame: Baseline; 1 year

    Anxiety and Depression Scale for use with multiple sclerosis patients will be administered.

  7. Memory and cognition

    Time frame: Baseline; 1 year

    The assessment will be performed by the means of PASAT - Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test

  8. Overactive Bladder

    Time frame: Baseline; 1 year

    Overactive Bladder symptom will be measured by the means of validated Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-b.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

S. Anna Hospital

Other

Collaborators

  • Regione Emilia-Romagna

Registry information

Official study title

Randomized Multi-centered Study for Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Angioplastic Surgery of the Extracranial Veins in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. Studio Randomizzato Multicentrico Per la Valutazione Dell'Efficacia e Sicurezza Dell'Intervento di Disostruzione Delle Vene Extracraniche Nel Trattamento Della Sclerosi Multipla

Acronym: BRAVE-DREAMS

Important dates

Study start
2012
Primary completion
2014
Study completion
2015
First posted
Jun 13, 2011
Registry last updated
Dec 17, 2015

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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