[Treatment of relapses of multiple sclerosis (a review)]

Insights

Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) management focuses on shortening relapse symptoms and disability. Established treatments like corticosteroids and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) are reviewed, alongside emerging therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Context:

  • Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) affects up to 85% of patients.
  • MS relapses cause significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life.
  • Persistent symptoms post-relapse can lead to long-term disability.

Purpose:

  • To review current management strategies for multiple sclerosis relapses.
  • To discuss the role of systemic corticosteroids and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in treating MS relapses.
  • To explore emerging therapeutic perspectives for MS relapse management.

Summary:

  • Systemic corticosteroids and ACTH are the most validated treatments for MS relapses.
  • Recent research highlights the direct anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of ACTH.
  • The review covers treatment algorithms, plasmapheresis data, and other therapeutic options.

Impact:

  • Optimizing MS relapse management can reduce symptom duration and severity.
  • Understanding ACTH's mechanisms may lead to more targeted therapies.
  • This review provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing MS patients.

Related Concept Videos

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
20
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment01:20

Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
3.7K