Albstadt

Researchers are evaluating various approved injectable and oral disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) in Germany. This observational, non-interventional, multicenter, open-label study collects primary data prospectively over up to four years, alongside retrospective data. The study captures medical history, disease duration, laboratory values, disability scores (EDSS), MRI results, and relapse information to provide real-world insights into treatment use and outcomes. Patients receiving routine medical treatment with any approved injectable or selected oral DMTs—including ofatumumab, glatiramer acetate, interferon 21, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, and diroximel fumarate—are enrolled without treatment allocation by the study. Two cohorts are observed: one treated primarily with injectable DMTs and another with injectable or oral DMTs. The core study period lasts about two years, with an optional extension providing an additional two years of observation, totaling up to four years. Follow-up visits and monitoring happen at the investigator's discretion and may include telemedicine. During the study, participants provide data through questionnaires and electronic case report forms. Routine clinical care procedures, such as diagnostic tests and monitoring, continue as usual. Researchers measure the proportion of patients continuing their baseline treatment at 24 months and collect ongoing clinical and imaging data. The study emphasizes real-world treatment patterns, safety, and disease activity over the extended follow-up period.

Researchers are evaluating the clinical utility of serum neurofilament light (sNfL) as a prognostic marker for disease activity in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). This prospective, multicenter, observational, non-interventional study in Germany aims to understand how sNfL values can influence patient management and treatment decisions. The study focuses on patients treated with category 1 disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) who have incorporated sNfL testing into their care. Participants will either continue their current category 1 DMT, which includes therapies such as dimethylfumarate, glatiramer acetate, interferon beta, and teriflunomide, or switch to ofatumumab based on their physician’s clinical judgment. There is no treatment allocation by the study itself. Data collection will cover up to 24 months, and the frequency of visits and assessments will follow routine clinical practice without a fixed protocol. During the study, baseline and follow-up data will be gathered according to standard care recommendations, including clinical evaluations and sNfL measurements. Researchers will monitor the proportion of patients with high sNfL levels over time to assess disease activity. The observational period is flexible and guided by the treating physician, with no additional diagnostic or monitoring procedures beyond standard care. Participants will be followed for up to two years to better understand how sNfL influences treatment management in relapsing MS.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different default dialysate sodium concentrations, 137 mmol/l and 140 mmol/l, on major cardiovascular events and death in adults receiving maintenance haemodialysis. This pragmatic, cluster-randomised, open-label study takes place in real-world dialysis sites and aims to compare the outcomes associated with these sodium levels over an extended period. The study focuses on patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing regular haemodialysis treatment. Dialysis sites are randomly assigned to use either a default dialysate sodium concentration of 137 mmol/l or 140 mmol/l for at least 90% of dialysis sessions at that site. All other care practices continue as usual based on local standards. The study plans to recruit sites over 5 to 7 years, with individual follow-up lasting roughly 2 to 5 years. Site participation requires consent, while individual patient consent may be waived or offered an opt-out option. Participants will be monitored for major cardiovascular events and death, with the primary outcome measuring the time until the first such event occurs. Data collection methods are implemented across participating dialysis units, focusing only on in-center or satellite dialysis patients where applicable. The study's duration depends on the occurrence of endpoints, with an average follow-up of about 5 years anticipated per participant.