Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Therapy in Patients With Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) at Risk for Multiple Sclerosis
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Therapy in Patients With Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) at Risk for Multiple Sclerosis
Patients who have been diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) often develop
 problems related to the central nervous system, which controls the nerves in the body. Some
 of these patients may later be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a progressive disease
 of the nervous system. The purpose of this study is to determine if the drug atorvastatin is
 helpful to CIS patients.

 Study hypothesis: Early intervention with atorvastatin in patients with CIS will result in a
 state of immunological tolerance.
CIS is a single clinical event indicating temporary disruption of normal nerve function. CIS
 patients may have a loss of vision in one eye; trouble with balance; double vision; numbness
 in the face; and tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs. Some CIS patients may
 develop MS, but others may not. Studies have shown that when CIS is accompanied by magnetic
 resonance imaging (MRI)-detected brain lesions that are consistent with those seen in MS,
 there is a high risk of a second neurologic event and a diagnosis of MS within several years.
 This study will evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin, an antihyperlipidemic, in the
 prevention of MS in CIS patients.

 This study will last 18 months. All participants must complete a 3- to 5-day course of
 corticosteroids at least 28 days before the baseline evaluations. This corticosteroid therapy
 must be initiated within 60 days of CIS onset. Participants will be randomly assigned to
 receive 80 mg of either atorvastatin or placebo by mouth daily for 12 months. Study visits
 will occur at screening and every 3 months thereafter until the end of the 18-month study.
 Blood collection will occur at selected visits, and other additional evaluations will be
 performed at Months 1 and 2. Selected participants will undergo MRI brain scans. Participants
 will be offered interferon beta-1a (Avonex®), free of charge, if they develop disease
 activity. Participants will be instructed to report any change in their health status to
 their treating physician within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) as defined by an acute or subacute well-defined
 neurological event lasting at least 48 hours and consistent with MS (i.e., optic
 neuritis, spinal cord syndrome, brainstem/cerebellar syndromes). Other causes for
 optic neuritis other than CIS must be ruled out by an ophthalmologist. Patients with
 other "clinically silent" abnormal findings found upon neurological examination that
 are not attributable to the presenting symptom are not excluded.

 -  Onset of CIS symptoms occurring within 90 days of randomization

 -  Abnormal, unenhanced brain MRI with 2 or more clinically silent T2 lesions greater
 than or equal to 3 mm in diameter, at least one of which is periventricular in
 location or ovoid in shape

 -  Willing to use acceptable methods of contraception

 -  Have received 3 to 5 days of corticosteroid therapy within 60 days of CIS onset

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Definite diagnosis of MS according to McDonald criteria

 -  Previous history of neurological symptoms lasting more than 48 hours. Patients with a
 history of neurological symptoms lasting less than 48 hours will not be excluded.

 -  Prior use of interferon, glatiramer acetate, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, or
 plasmapheresis anytime prior to study entry

 -  Use of interferon preparations (unless as specified by the protocol), glatiramer
 acetate, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, or plasmapheresis during the study

 -  Use of cyclosporine, fibric acid derivatives, niacin, erythromycin, or azole
 antifungal during the study

 -  Received more than 5 g of methylprednisolone (or the equivalent of other IV
 corticosteroid) prior to study screening

 -  Use of a cholesterol-lowering agent during the 3 months prior to study screening or
 need for such agents during the study

 -  Previous history of severe side effects with statin therapy

 -  Prior exposure to total lymphoid irradiation

 -  History of substance abuse in the 12 months prior to study screening

 -  History of systemic illness or medical condition that would limit the likelihood of
 completing the MRI procedures or would interfere with the measurement of a therapeutic
 effect

 -  Implanted pacemakers, cochlear implants, defibrillators, or metallic objects on or
 inside the body

 -  Uncontrolled hypertension, asthma, known malignancy other than skin cancer,
 symptomatic cardiac disease, epilepsy, insulin-dependent diabetes, or symptoms that
 can only be explained by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune
 diseases

 -  Active liver disease

 -  Major medical illnesses or psychiatric impairment that in the investigator's opinion
 could interfere with the study

 -  History of severe depression or suicidal ideation within 1 year of study entry

 -  Pregnancy or breastfeeding