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Lorraine Registry of Multiple Sclerosis

The RelSEP is a special study in the Lorraine region of France that keeps track of everyone newly diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It's like a detailed health diary that follows people over many years. The main goal is to understand how MS develops, which treatments are used, and how effective they are. Researchers regularly collect information from medical records and other sources, making sure to avoid duplicates. This helps them get a complete picture of MS in the region, leading to better understanding and potentially improved care for people with MS. The study also looks at factors that might influence how MS progresses.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Central Hospital, Nancy, France
Enrolment target
6,000
Start
01 May 2003
Estimated completion
01 Jan 2030

What is this study about?

This study, called the Lorraine Registry of Multiple Sclerosis (or RelSEP for short), is like a long-term health monitoring programme for people with MS in a region of France called Lorraine. When someone in Lorraine is newly diagnosed with MS, their information can be added to this registry. The study then carefully follows their health journey for many years.

The main idea is to gather as much detail as possible about MS. This includes information about when symptoms started, how the condition changes over time, what treatments are used, and how effective those treatments are. Researchers also look at things like results from scans (MRI) and other tests, as well as any side effects from medicines. By collecting all this information in one place, researchers can build a very clear picture of MS and how it affects people.

This kind of detailed information is really important because it helps scientists and doctors learn more about MS. They can use this information for studies that look at why MS progresses differently in some people, or which treatments work best. Ultimately, the goal is to improve our understanding of MS, which can lead to better care and support for those living with the condition.

Key takeaways

  • This study collects information from people newly diagnosed with MS in Lorraine, France.
  • It helps researchers understand how MS progresses and how treatments work over time.
  • Participation involves allowing researchers to access your existing medical records.
  • There are no special hospital visits or new treatments involved.
  • Your personal information is kept confidential.
  • You can choose to withdraw from the registry at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be included in this study, you need to meet a couple of straightforward requirements.

First, you must have been officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by a doctor. This means a neurologist has confirmed your condition.

Secondly, you must live in the Lorraine region of France. If you meet these two simple criteria, you may be considered for the registry. However, if you prefer not to be part of the registry, you can certainly say no.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Have I been officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis?
  2. Do I currently live in the Lorraine region of France for most of the year?
  3. Am I happy for my medical information related to MS to be used for research (anonymously)?
  4. Am I comfortable with my information being followed over a long period?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are part of this registry, it's mainly about allowing researchers to collect information about your health and MS journey. This isn't a study where you'd visit a clinic regularly for extra appointments or take new, unapproved medicines.

Instead, the researchers will gather information from your existing medical records. This includes details from your neurologist, hospital visits, and even information from health insurance. They will look at things like your diagnosis date, your symptoms, results from any MRI scans or other tests you've had, and details about your MS treatments, including any changes or side effects.

Your participation involves allowing this ongoing collection of information, which happens at least every two years. The study aims to follow people for a very long time, so there isn't a specific end date for your involvement, but your consent to be registered can be withdrawn at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Being part of this study doesn't involve any medical procedures or changes to your treatment, so there are no direct physical risks to you. The main benefit is knowing that your health information, kept confidential and anonymous, will help researchers understand Multiple Sclerosis better, potentially leading to improved care for others in the future. You have the right to withdraw your consent to be registered at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

  • CIC 1433 Épidémiologie clinique, Inserm, Université de Lorraine, CHRU de Nancy
    Verified postcode
    Nancy, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'registry'?

A registry is like a confidential database that collects health information from a group of people with a specific condition, in this case, MS. It helps researchers track the condition over time.

Will my doctors change my treatment because of this study?

No, this study does not change your medical care or treatment. Your doctors will continue to treat you as usual based on your current health needs.

How often will my information be checked?

The information in the registry will be updated and followed up on at least every two years, and often more frequently from various sources.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, great care is taken to ensure your personal details are kept private. The information used for research is usually anonymised, meaning your name and direct identifiers are removed.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can decide to no longer be part of the registry at any time without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Francis Guillemin, MD, PHD

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

Register your interest

Share your details and the research team for "Lorraine Registry of Multiple Sclerosis…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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