A phase I/IItrial of MYO-029 in adult subjects with muscular dystrophy.

Objective: Myostatin is an endogenous negative regulator of muscle growth and a novel target for muscle diseases. We conducted a safety trial of a neutralizing antibody to myostatin, MYO-029, in adult muscular dystrophies (Becker muscular dystrophy, facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy).

Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational, randomized study included 116 subjects divided into sequential dose-escalation cohorts, each receiving MYO-029 or placebo (Cohort 1 at 1 mg/kg; Cohort 2 at 3 mg/kg; Cohort 3 at 10 mg/kg; Cohort 4 at 30 mg/kg).

Cerebral infarction in eclampsia.

Objective: This study was undertaken to characterize the neuroimaging findings of cerebral edema associated with eclamptic seizures by use of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Study Design: During the 3-year period ending March 2002, 27 nulliparous women with eclampsia were evaluated with diffusion-weighted MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient mapping. Those with findings of restricted diffusion suggestive of cytotoxic edema underwent neuroimaging again 6 weeks post partum.

T2 mapping of muscle.

Muscle activation produces increases in magnetic resonance ( T(2)) signal intensity leading to recruitment images that demonstrate spatial patterns and intensity of muscle activation. These T(2) activation maps are useful for visualizing and quantifying various aspects of muscle function. Activity-dependent changes in T(2) result from an increase in the T(2) relaxation time of muscle water.

MR-guided catheter navigation of the intracranial subarachnoid space.

Percutaneous intraspinal navigation (PIN) is a new minimally invasive approach to the CNS. The authors studied the utility of MR-guided intracranial navigation following access to the subarachnoid compartment via PIN. The passive tracking technique was employed to visualize devices during intracranial navigation.

Second-opinion magnetic resonance imaging for suspected fetal central nervous system abnormalities.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of magnetic resonance imaging and gestational age in the setting of fetuses with suspected abnormalities of the central nervous system that were detected by ultrasound scanning.

Study Design: Multiplanar magnetic resonance studies were performed in fetuses with suspected central nervous system abnormalities on ultrasound scanning. Magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated for its ability to provide additional information, change the diagnosis, or impact obstetric treatment.