1. Management of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Latin America: practical recommendations for treatment optimization
- Author
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Darwin Vizcarra, Mark S. Freedman, A. Soto, Jorge Correale, Patricio Abad, Jorge Barahona, Miguel Angel Macias, Elizabeth Armas, Edgardo Cristiano, Teresa Corona, Ricardo Buzó, Regina Maria Papais Alvarenga, Soniza Vieira Alves-Leon, Juan García Bonitto, and Fernando Gracia
- Subjects
Treatment response ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Clinical recommendations ,Latin Americans ,purl.org/pe-repo/ocde/ford#3.02.25 [https] ,Interferon-beta/therapeutic use ,Multiple sclerosis ,Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting ,Epidemiology ,medicine ,Humans ,Vitamin D/therapeutic use ,Disease management (health) ,Vitamin D ,Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/diagnosis/epidemiology/therapy ,Disability ,Expanded Disability Status Scale ,Latin America/epidemiology ,business.industry ,Disease Management ,Cognition ,Interferon-beta ,medicine.disease ,Algorithm ,Treatment ,Latin America ,Treatment Outcome ,Mitoxantrone/therapeutic use ,Neurology ,Relapsing remitting ,Practice Guidelines as Topic ,Physical therapy ,Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use ,Neurology (clinical) ,Practice Guidelines as Topic/standards ,Mitoxantrone ,business ,Immunosuppressive Agents ,MRI ,Relapses - Abstract
The Latin American MS Experts' Forum has developed practical recommendations on the initiation and optimization of disease-modifying therapies in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The recommendations reflect the unique epidemiology of MS and the clinical practice environment in Latin American countries. Treatment response may be evaluated according to changes in relapses; progression, as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale and the Timed 25-foot Walk; and lesion number on magnetic resonance imaging. Follow-up assessments are recommended every six months, or annually for stable patients. Cognitive function should be evaluated in all RRMS patients at baseline and annually thereafter. These recommendations are intended to assist clinicians in Latin America in developing a rational approach to treatment selection and sequencing for their RRMS patients.
- Published
- 2014