Subspecialty Programs

The Multiple Sclerosis Center

Rhode Island Hospital has developed a multiple sclerosis (MS) center as a result of a recent affiliation with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). Through this affiliation, the Rhode Island Hospital MS Center will now work directly with the National MS Society to provide enhanced healthcare, educational programs and community services to individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Rhode Island Hospital is the only NMSS-affiliated hospital in the area to participate in clinical trials and the second hospital in the state to develop this formal partnership. Following a review of the clinical and referral services available through the hospital, the affiliation was approved by the NMSS local chapter's clinical advisory committee.

The Multiple Sclerosis Center is directed by Dr. Syed Rizvi and staffed with a full time nurse, Brigid Crabtree and Xristen Maestrimodem. The clinic provides full and comprehensive care to MS patients, including injection training programs and chemotherapy infusions. Dr. Rizvi works closely with neurosurgeons in providing care to patients with intrathecal baclofen pumps. Dr. Rizvi, Brigid, and Xristen also participate in national multicenter clinical trials. Some of the currently active trials include:

OLYMPUS STUDY: Phase II/III, Randomized, Double blinded, Placebo controlled Multicenter Study to Evaluate Safety and efficacy of Rituxamab in Adults with PPMS

BEYOND STUDY: International, randomized, multicenter, phase III study in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis comparing over a treatment period of 104 weeks Double-blinded - the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Betaseron/Betaferon 250 µg (8 MIU) and Betaseron/Betaferon 500 µg (16 MIU), both given subcutaneously every other day. Rater-blinded - safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Betaseron/Betaferon s.c. e.o.d. with Copaxone 20 mg s.c. once daily.

AIMS STUDY: Interventions to Improve Memory in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. (currently enrolling patients with cognitive problems)

ASSERT STUDY: A multi-center, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study assessing add-on effect of oral steroids in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis subjects treated with Glatiramer Acetate. (currently enrolling newly diagnosed patients).

Contact for trial information: Brigid or Xristen at (401) 444-3039/3799