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Providing pharmaceutical care to the multiple sclerosis patient
1College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0082, USA.
Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association (Washington, D.C. : 1996)
|September 25, 2002
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system disease with unexplained incidence variations. While incurable, MS is treatable with medications like steroids and interferon beta, offering periods of remission.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
- Its incidence shows unexplained geographic, ethnic, racial, and sex variations, typically affecting individuals in their early 30s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, and current treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recently published clinical articles from MEDLINE.
- Search terms encompassed multiple sclerosis, various treatments (interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone, steroids), symptoms, etiology, and neutralizing antibodies.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis relies on neurologic signs/symptoms and MRI; treatments like steroids, interferon beta, and glatiramer acetate can induce remission.
- Managing adverse effects and symptoms (fatigue, pain, bladder dysfunction) is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis remains incurable but is largely manageable with available therapies.
- Ongoing research and investigational treatments offer hope for improved management of this debilitating condition.