Rounds

Neurologists at WSU and The Detroit Medical Center are involved in a major study to determine whether the benefits of the drug known as TPA, or tissue plaminogen activator, can be extended to help more victims of stroke.

"This is critically important for all patients at risk for stroke," said Seemant Chaturvedi, MD, assistant professor of neurology. Currently, TPA must be administered within three hours of the onset of a stroke. Through this study, neurologists will try to determine if successful use of TPA can be extended to five hours. "Unfortunately, many patients do not get the opportunity to benefit from TPA because they arrive in the emergency room too late," said Dr. Chaturvedi.

TPA is the only medication proven to positively impact the long-term neurologic outcome of acute stroke victims. It has been shown to reduce permanent disability by at least 30 percent.

Tasmar, the first drug developed to block one of the main enzymes linked to Parkinson’s disease, is now available following successful clinical trials at Wayne State University and The Detroit Medical Center, the only center in Michigan to be approved for trials.

Tasmar significantly improves the patient’s ability to function and perform basic daily activities such as talking, handwriting, walking and dressing. Peter LeWitt, MD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences, says this drug is an important step in the treatment of Parkinson’s. "We have been treating patients through clinical trials for more than six years using this drug. These patients, as well as those world-wide, showed rapid and significant improvement in their symptoms when using Tasmar in conjunction with levodopa."

The Substance Abuse Research Center at Wayne State University is conducting two research studies to treat cocaine dependence.

The first study combines behavior therapy and medications to treat cocaine dependence in adults who also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The National Institute on Drug Abuse-sponsored study will use methylphenidate and pemoline for 14 weeks on an outpatient basis.

The second study investigates dopamine D1-D5 antagonist, which counteracts the effects of cocaine in the brain. Subjects for this study do not need an ADHD diagnosis.

For more information on either study, call 1-888-457-3744.

The Wayne State University’s Museum of Anthropology is celebrating its grand opening with an exhibit entitled "Facing HIV/AIDS: Reality and Response."

The exhibit focuses on the human costs of the disease and features the work of Dr. Andrea Sankar, a medical anthropologist whose research focuses on HIV/AIDS in the African-American community. The museum is located on the first floor of Old Main, at the corner of Cass and Warren on Wayne State’s campus. The exhibit runs through March 1999. For more information, call (313) 577-3056.

The FRIENDS of the Wayne State University School of Medicine are holding their annual used book sale at the Shiffman Medical Library on October 13 from 10 am to 6 pm, and October 14 from 10 am to noon. Proceeds from the sale are donated to the library.

If you would like to donate books (anything except magazines and journals), please bring them to the Shiffman Library receiving room. For more information, call Pat Harkaway at (248) 642-6056.

David Evans, PhD, is a distinguished professor of biochemistry by day. But to his daughter, Katie, he’s just dad. Those two worlds crossed when Dr. Evans and Katie participated in the national "Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day." Katie, along with other children of medical school faculty and employees, had the opportunity to tour a research laboratory, learn about laboratory animals, and get a personal look at careers in science and medicine.

Katie Evans introduces her teddy bear to the surgical services lab at the medical school.

The samples were tasted and the winner was clear. Elaine Calhoun from the development office makes the best peach cobbler in Scott Hall. The peach cobbler contest was conceived by Toni Bowman of curricular affairs, but it was presided over by Charles Whitten, who was named the honorable chief justice, or the judge in charge of all other judges. Congratulations to Calhoun who won a Wayne State blanket and several cookbooks for her delicious effort.