Neuromuscular Center physicians and scientists are involved in some of today’s most important research in neuromuscular diseases, including:

• Thymectomy in the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis: The center is one of only a few nationwide participating in an NIH-funded trial testing the efficacy of thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis.
  
  
• Diaphragmatic Pacing for ALS: We recently completed and presented a pilot study which examines the use of diaphragmatic pacing in patients with ALS and respiratory failure. Data from this pilot study revealed the average pre-implant rate of decline was calculated at -2.8 percent per month, and for patients with at least nine months post implant follow-up the rate improved to -1.0 percent per month. A pivotal study, headed by our center, along with seven other U.S. centers started in the fall of 2007 and will include a total of 100 ALS patients.
  
  
• Adult Tay-Sachs Disease: We recently completed a study on the use of a novel drug in the treatment of late-onset Tay-Sachs (LOTS) disease. OGT918 is sold as Zavesca in Europe and Israel, where it has been approved to treat Gaucher disease.
  
  
• Epidemiology of Diabetes Intervention and Complication (EDIC): The primary aim of EDIC is to examine the long-term effects of conventional vs. intensive diabetes treatment received during the previous Diabetes Complications and Controls Trials (DCCT) studies performed in the 1980’s. The trials concentrated on the subsequent development and progression of peripheral neuropathic complications 20 years later. The EDIC research involved neurological and well-planned electrodiagnostic studies on the influence of genetic factors and others such as HbA1c, blood pressure, lipid levels, and treatment modalities on the development and progression of these complications.