Spinalcord Injury Clinical Research

Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal Cord Basic Research

		The hospital is committed to a clinical research initiative focused on improving the quality of life of individuals living with spinal cord injury. Studies
involve new medications and treatments to address the medial consequences of injury.

Evaluation of Safety, Tolerability & Activity of Oral Fampridine SR in Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Evaluation of the Safety, Efficacy and Tolerability of the use of HP184 in the Treatment of Chronic, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Development of SCI Mobility Measure

Evaluation of Safety, Tolerability & Activity of Oral Fampridine SR in Chronic Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

This study is being sponsored by Acorda Therapeutics. It involves research that will help to determine if the drug Fampridine SR (or 4AP as it is commonly known) can safely and successfully treat spasticity in chronic spinal cord injured individuals with incomplete injuries. Increased spasticity can cause problems with bathing, dressing, wheelchair seating, transfers and bowel and bladder care, and can be painful.

This drug is not yet FDA approved and is in its near final phase of testing to see if it is beneficial and safe enough for prescription use. Fampridine SR works by blocking potassium channels, small openings found in nerves of the brain and spinal cord. They help to control the speed at which electrical messages travel down the nerves. By blocking potassium channels, Fampridine SR increases the ability of the nerve to conduct these electrical messages.

This is a medication which has been shown to improve spasticity, motor and sensory recovery, bowel/bladder and sexual function. These improvements have been noted in patients with chronic, incomplete spinal cord injuries.

Fampridine SR is currently in phase III clinical trails at 35 centers nationwide. Helen Hayes Hospital is one of these centers.

For information on participating, contact Dr. Carrano at 845-786-4101.

Evaluation of the Safety, Efficacy and Tolerability of the use of HP184 in the Treatment of Chronic, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

This study is being sponsored by Aventis. It involves research that will help to determine if the experimental drug HP184 can safely and successfully be used to improve neurologic recovery in patients with chronic, incomplete spinal cord injury.

This drug is not yet FDA approved. This is an outpatient Phase II clinical trial.

For information on participating, contact Dr. Carrano at 845-786-4101.

Development of SCI Mobility Measure

This project seeks to develop a functional outcome tool exclusively for SCI patients that quantifies functional mobility at a wheelchair level. The tool would help to track functional mobility changes over time that may result from neurological return or as the result of rehabilitation. One hundred twenty-five male and female subjects, at least one year post injury, between the ages of 18 and 80, are being recruited. Ultimately, the tool could be used by rehab facilities nationwide to demonstrate a patient's functional improvement and status.

Reimbursement for travel and some stipends for participation in the research are available.

To be screened for participation, or obtain additional information, contact Julie Fineman, PT at 845-786-4888.

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