IMMUNOPATHOGENESIS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

An update on immunopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple sclerosis is an acquired demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. It is the second most common cause of disability in adults in United States after head trauma.

DISCUSSION

The etiology of MS is probably multifactorial, related to genetic, environmental, and several other factors. The pathogenesis is not fully understood but is believed to involve T-cell-mediated inflammation directed against myelin and other related proteins with a possible role for B cells. The McDonald criteria have been proposed and revised over the years to guide the diagnosis of MS and are based on clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord to establish dissemination in time and space. The treatment of MS includes disease modification with immunomodulator drugs and symptom management to address the specific symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, and pain.

CONCLUSION

An update on etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and immunomodulatory treatment of MS is presented.

Combination therapy in multiple sclerosis

Over the past decade, multiple sclerosis (MS) has become a treatable neurologic illness. However, given the rather modest benefit of the currently available disease-modifying agents, as well as the challenges associated with performing placebo-controlled, equivalence, and superiority trials, the logic of combining therapies in MS has considerable appeal. Selecting agents for combination requires careful consideration, as the immunomodulating activity of one drug could potentially interfere with the therapeutic effect of another, and certain combinations may be associated with unforeseen adverse effects. Rigorously controlled studies are needed to determine the safest and most effective use of new and existing MS therapies.