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Early treatment of multiple sclerosis: a Latin American Experts Meeting

Clinical Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis. Hospital Ramos Mejía, University Center of Neurology, School of Medicine. Buenos Aires University. Urquiza 609 (1221), Buenos Aires, Argentina, ogarcea{at}speedy.com.ar

A. Villa

Clinical Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis. Hospital Ramos Mejía, University Center of Neurology, School of Medicine. Buenos Aires University. Urquiza 609 (1221), Buenos Aires, Argentina

F. Cáceres

Neuroscience Institute Buenos Aires INEBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina

T. Adoni

Demyelinating Disease Centre São Paulo University, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brasil

M. Alegría

ABC Neurologic Center, Mexico DF, Mexico

R. Barbosa Thomaz

Centro de Atendimento é Tratamento Esclerose Múltipla CATEM, Santa Casa São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil

R. Buzo

Society of Neurology of Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay

L. Llamas López

Regional Hospital ISSSTE (Institute of Health and Social Services of Public Employees), Jalisco, México

M. Rivera Kindel

Society of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery of Chile (SONEPSYN) Santiago de Chile, Chile

Patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) by definition do not have multiple sclerosis (MS) but are at risk of developing it. While studies show earlier immunomodulating drug use is effective, treatment must consider likely patient prognosis. In this paper we review current diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment literature for patients with CIS within Latin American clinical settings. Latin American MS experts, convened by ACINDES (The Civil Association for Research and Development in Health), reviewed current CIS (and early MS) literature and drew consensus conclusions. Three subgroups addressed separate questionnaires on CIS issues: prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. MRI can contribute to predicting MS risk in patients with CIS; in Latin America, investigation of haplotype presence associated with CIS would be appropriate. McDonald’s criteria and subsequent revisions enable earlier, more accurate MS diagnosis. Type A evidence exists supporting all leading immunomodulating MS drugs for effective treatment of CIS with a high risk of conversion to MS. In conclusion, patients with CIS are usually young, with often-limited symptomatic manifestations, and must be adequately prepared to receive preventive treatment. This consensus review should contribute to the dialogue between physicians and patients. Multiple Sclerosis 2009; 15: S1—S12. http://msj.sagepub.com

Key Words: clinically isolated syndromes • diagnosis • risk factors • multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis, Vol. 15, No. 3 Suppl, S1-S12 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1352458509106419


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