International consensus statement on the use of disease-modifying agents in multiple sclerosis

To provide recommendations on the use of disease-modifying agents in the management of multiple sclerosis (MS) and to ensure that treatment will be available to those patients who may benefit.

An initial draft of the consensus statement was prepared by the Steering Committee and amended in the light of written comments from a group of MS specialists. At a subsequent workshop, the wording of the consensus statement was discussed, modified if necessary, and the participants indicated their level of support using an electronic voting system. A new draft of the statement was then sent to a much larger group of international opinion leaders in MS for further comment.

A number of statements were agreed, which outline the criteria for consideration of disease-modifying therapy for MS and recommendations for treatment. Each statement was accepted completely, or with only minor reservations by 95% or more of those present at the workshop.

Periodic reviews and modifications to the statement will be required, as new approaches to the treatment of MS and other therapeutic agents become available.