Coagulation/Complement Activation and Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Coagulation/Complement Activation and Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis
This is a multi-center, prospective, controlled study. MS patients (1° group: 30 patients in
 relapse; 2° group: 30 patients in remission) and age/sex-matched healthy controls (3° group:
 30 subjects) will be enrolled in the study. Patients' disability level will be evaluated by
 EDSS and MSFC.

 Patients and controls will be tested for either coagulation/complement (C3, C4, C4a, C9,
 fibrinogen, factor VIII and X, D-dimer, protein C, protein S, antithrombin, factor II, aPTT,
 von-Willebrand factor), soluble markers of endothelial damage (thrombomodulin, Endothelial
 Protein C Receptor), antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, complete blood count,
 viral serological assays or microRNA microarray.

 Patients will undergo dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MRI using a 3.0-T scanner to
 evaluate CBF, CBV, MTT, lesion number and volume.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  patients diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, untreated or treated
 with only immunomodulatory therapy, in relapse o in remission

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  pregnant, with any neoplastic, hematologic, thyroid, metabolic, thrombotic or
 autoimmune disease, drug or alcohol addicted, treated with immunosuppressive drugs,
 steroids o any medication interfering with coagulation.