 Researchers
Carol F. Lippa, M.D. | Terry Heiman-Patterson, M.D. | Robert J. Schwartzman, M.D.
Clinical Trials
Click here to view a list of the department's current clinical trials
Carol F. Lippa, M.D.
Drexel University Division of Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia and Memory Disorders
Carol F. Lippa, M.D., directs this program. The clinical component of the program focuses on the management of patients with dementia and degenerative diseases. Working closely with our neuropsychologists and psychiatrists, we focus upon behavioral and pharmacological management of the behavioral manifestations of these disorders. The Division of Dementia and Memory Disorders encompasses research, patient evaluation and education about Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia. Our overall goals include 1) working towards an understanding of the mechanisms underlying diseases causing dementia 2) providing medical management to people with AD and other types of dementia until an effective means to prevent or treat these diseases becomes available, and 3) educating residents, medical students, patients and their families about these diseases.
The Division of Dementia and Memory Disorders was established in 1996 by Carol F. Lippa, M.D., a neurologist with extensive experience diagnosing and managing patients with disorders of memory and thinking. Dr. Lippa has dedicated her outpatient practice to the evaluation and management of AD, age-related memory loss, Pick's and Lewy body dementias and related disorders. Currently the Chief of the Division of Dementia and Memory Disorders, Dr. Lippa and her associates are responsible for the education of residents and medical students in this area at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Research
Dr. Lippa and her associates maintain two laboratories within the Drexel University system. Dr. Lippa directs the Dementia and Degenerative Disease Brain, Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Bank at Drexel. Here she maintains her NIA-funded laboratory and staff to support basic research involving the study of abnormal proteins that accumulate in the brains of AD patients, and patients with other degenerative diseases. Medical students and Neurology residents with an interest in developing research skills in this area are active in this laboratory.
Dr. Lippa's clinical trials experience dates back to the 1980's when she participated in clinical trials of tacrine (Cognex), the first medication to be FDA approved for the treatment of the cognitive symptoms of AD. Currently, the Division of Dementia and Memory Disorders is recruiting patients for a multicenter study looking at FDA approved agents that delay or prevent conversion from forgetfulness to dementia or Alzheimer's disease. This 70-center study is supported by the Alzheimer's Cooperative Study Group.
To contact Dr. Lippa:
Carol F. Lippa, M.D.
Hahnemann University Hospital
Department of Neurology
219 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 762-6915 Fax: (215) 762-6914
Email: carol.lippa@drexelmed.edu
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 Terry Heiman-Patterson, M.D.
Director of Division of Neuromuscular Disorders
Director of MDA/ALS Center of Hope
Dr. Heiman-Patterson's research program encompasses many aspects of neuromuscular disorders. Using human muscle cell cultures derived from biopsies, her laboratory studies the cell and molecular biology of muscle development and disease. Major research programs focus on 1) developing the use of hemin to upregulate expression of dystrophin and related proteins as a therapeutic for muscular dystrophy and 2) investigating the cellular mechanisms of free radical damage in neurons. In addition, a linkage study is currently underway to find the gene(s) responsible for hereditary spinal paraplegia, as are clinical research trials of potential treatments for ALS. Dr. Heiman-Patterson has conducted over 24 clinical trials in ALS, helped to establish the standard of care in noninvasive ventilation of ALS patients, and has received several grants to study the cause of ALS in animal models of motor neuron disease. She is a Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Neurology, Director of the Division of Neuromuscular Disorders, and Director of the MDA/ALS Center of Hope ALS Clinic.
To Contact Dr. Patterson:
Email: terry.d.heiman-patterson@drexelmed.edu
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Robert J. Schwartzman, M.D.
Professor and Chairman, Department of Neurology
Neuropathic Pain Research
Guillermo Alexander, Ph.D.
John Grothussen, Ph.D.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a severe peripherally induced pain state whose major clinical features are: 1) hypersensitivity at the site of injury; 2) mechanoallodynia; 3) thermal hyperalgesia; 4) hyperpathia; 5) extraterritoriality; 6) associated neurogenic inflammation, autonomic dysregulation and motor phenomena (Schwartzman et al., 2001).
There is a body of evidence that suggests that the activation of microglia and astrocytes in exaggerated pain states is central for the maintenance and spread of the pain. We are currently evaluating the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profile as well as neuroactive peptides, amino acid and biogenic amine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with RSD/CRPS. The values will be compared to both naive controls and patients affected with other pain complexes such as radiculopathies. The data from this study will provide much-needed information that would help in determining the degree of glial involvement in RSD/CRPS.
We are currently conducting clinical trials of an experimental drug that inhibits the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promotes the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokines. We are also evaluating a number of therapies using intravenous Ketamine (a dissociative anesthetic/analgesic drug with NMDA antagonist properties).
In addition, the Department of Neurology is equipped with the most advanced tools and techniques for the quantitative assessment of small fiber neuropathies and neuropathic pain. The laboratory can meet the demands of any research protocol or clinical trial requiring this technology.
The laboratory maintains both the CASE IV (Computer-Aided Sensory Evaluator, Stillwater, MN) and the TSA-II Neurosensory Analyzer (Ramat-Yishai, Israel ) for precise quantitation of vibrotactile and thermal detection thresholds, as well as thermal pain thresholds. With extensive experience in the use of these devices, as well as with all of the currently used algorithms, the laboratory also has a great deal of expertise in many other aspects of neuropathic pain assessment, such as static and dynamic allodynia mapping, pressure algometry, pain scales, precision digital photography and edema quantification.
The Small Fiber Laboratory is a leader in the emerging field of segmental surface autonomic testing. This is accomplished with its state-of-the-art laser Doppler imager (moorLDI, Moor Instruments Ltd., Millwey, Axminster, Devon EX13 5HU, England). With the appropriate stressors, a great deal of information can be obtained about regional inflammatory and sympathetic responses. These techniques can be especially useful in distinguishing between sympathetically mediated and sympathetically independent pain conditions.
To contact Dr. Schwartzman:
Robert J, Schwartzman, M.D.
Hahnemann University Hospital
Broad & Vine Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-762-7090
Email: robert.j.schwartzman@drexelmed.edu
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Current Clinical Trials in the Department of Neurology
Please call (215) 762-7147 if you are interested in enrolling or need more information.
Your call will be returned within 24-28 hours.
Robert Schwartzman, M.D.
Studies regarding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Radiculopathy
1. Multi-center, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of CC-5013 in the Treatment of Type 1 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
2. Multi-center, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lenalidomide in the Treatment of Type 1 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
3. Multi-center, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Lenalidomide in the Treatment of Painful Lumbar Radiculopathy
4. Study on Testing Qualifying Parameters for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome to Include Patients with Cervical or Lumbar Radiculopathy and Patients Without a Pain Diagnosis
5. Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study of Outpatient Intravenous Ketamine for the Treatment of CRPS
6. Blood Markers in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
7. Open-Label Studies on Ketamine Anesthesia in CRPS, with Drs. Kiefer and Rohr, funded by the Tilly Foundation
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Terry Heiman-Patterson, M.D.
Studies regarding ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
1. Compassionate Use of Ceftriaxone in patients with ALS
2. Clinical Trial of High Dose CoQ-10 in ALS
3. Non-Invasive Measurement of GI Motility In Patients With ALS
4. Prospective survey of factors affecting compliance with NIPPV in patients with ALS
5. A Pilot Study of Pyrimethamine for Treatment of SOD1-mediated Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
6. Developing a Disease-Specific Tool to Assess Quality of Life in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (QOL)
7. Long Term safety and Tolerability Study of SR 57746A in Patients with ALS (Sanofi)
8. Novel Neuronal survival-promoting sPLA2 inhibitor as treatment for ALS (Urine/Blood collection)
9. Nutritional Substrate Utilization in ALS Patients
10. ALS Tissue Donation Program
11. Non-invasive Examination of the Work of Breathing in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (WOB)
12. A Computer Access Questionnaire for Patients with ALS
13. Satisfaction Survey for ALS Patients Comparing Rooms With and Without Assistive Technology
14. Early Treatment of ALS with Nutrition and NIPPV
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Carol Lippa, M.D.
Studies regarding Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementias
1. “Levetiracetam: The Anti-Convulsant of Choice for Elderly Patients with Dementia”
2. A 24-week, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, parallel-group study to investigate the effects of rosiglitazone (extended release tablets), donepezil, and placebo as monotherapy on cognition and overall clinical response in APOE ε4-stratified subjects with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. (REFLECT-1)
3. A 54-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to investigate the effects of rosiglitazone (extended-release tablets) as adjunctive therapy to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors on cognition and overall clinical response in APOE ε4-stratified subjects with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. (REFLECT-3)
Dan Gzesh, M.D.
Studies regarding Stroke
1. ASP-II (Ancrod in Stroke Program-II): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Ancrod in Subjects Beginning Treatment within 6 Hours of the Onset of Acute, Ischemic Stroke” Neurobiological Technologies Inc.
2. SWISS-Siblings With Ischemic Stroke Study, Mayo clinic/NIH
3. Closure 1- A prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the STARflex septal closure system versus best medical therapy in patients with a stroke due to presumed paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale
Lee Peterlin, D.O.
Studies regarding Migraine and other Headaches
1. PTSD, Headache and Handedness Survey
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David Tabby, D.O.
Studies regarding Multiple Sclerosis, Migraine and other Headaches
1. “ESCAPE Migraine Trial investigating Premiere™ PFO Closure System for the reduction of migraine frequency”. Velocimed.
2. “Nabs Count” A Randomized Controlled Open-Label Parallel Cohort Study to Evaluate the effect of Scheduled Neutralizing Antibody Testing on Treatment Patterns Versus Usual Care in High-Dose Interferon Treated Patients. TEVA Neuroscience
3. “A Study of Combination Product (Sumatriptan Succinate and Naproxen Sodium) In Migraine Subjects Who Report Poor Response or Intolerance to Eletriptan” GlaxoSmithKline
4. “A Study of Combination Product (Sumatriptan Succinate and Naproxen Sodium) In Migraine Subjects Who Report Poor Response or Intolerance to Butalbital containing medications” GlaxoSmithKline
5. “Comparison of Two Treatments for Multi-vessel Coronary Artery Disease in Individuals with Diabetes” (FREEDOM). NHLBI.
6. The Advancing Age and Primary Headache Disorder Survey
Jyoti Pillai, M.D. and Sigmund Jenssen, M.D.
Studies regarding epilepsy
1. A multicenter, double-blind randomized conversion to monotherapy comparison of two doses of lamotrigine for the treatment of partial seizures.
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