Research focus
The primary focus of the Neuroinflammatory Research Group is clinical research into multiple sclerosis (MS). The group has carried out extensive research into the safety and efficacy of rituximab in MS, including coordinating the first randomised controlled phase 3 trials of rituximab in MS – the RIFUND-MS trial and its follow-up, RIDOSE-MS. These studies have been crucial in establishing the evidence base for rituximab in MS and have had a significant impact on its use internationally.
Neurovascular diseases
Research at the interface between the heart, blood vessels and the brain
Stroke is one of the most common causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. Around 85 per cent of strokes are ischaemic and 15 per cent are caused by cerebral haemorrhage. Despite advances in thrombolysis and thrombectomy, significant gaps in knowledge remain regarding the underlying mechanisms and the interaction between cardiac and cerebrovascular factors. A quarter of all ischaemic strokes are cryptogenic, and approximately half of these patients have a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which is also known to be more common in people with migraine with aura.
Stroke is also the best-studied neurological complication following cardiac surgery, but other peri- and post-operative neurological symptoms remain poorly characterised. Patients and cardiologists often report transient or aura-like symptoms following cardiac interventions, but these are rarely documented systematically. This discrepancy between clinical experience and research data warrants further investigation. As one of the country’s largest cardiology departments, Danderyd Hospital offers unique conditions for such projects.