Transcript Multiple Sclerosis - Taff's Well Medical Centre

Multiple Sclerosis
Incidence
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85,000 patient in UK
Cases present between 20-40yrs of age
Twice as many females
Not a fatal condition, most patients have a
normal life span
2/3rds of patients don’t get a major disability
and are able to walk with the use of an aid
Characteristics
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Relapsing remitting (85% of cases)…acute flare ups
with partial or complete remissions
Primary progressive: progressive disease with no
remissions (10%)
Secondary progressive: start as relapsing remitting
followed by steady progression (50% of RR followed
this pattern before DMDs
Progressive relapsing:steady worsening from outset
with acute relapses with or without recovery,
continuous progression between relapses
Treatment
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Disease modifying drugs decrease relapse rate in
RR by up to 1/3rd and some trials have shown
decreased severity of relapses.
Beta interferon is indicated for SP when relapses are
the cause of increasing disability
Beta interferon doesn’t help those with severe
disabilities
No treatment for PP
Treatment contd.
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Beta interferon can cause flu like symptoms
in first 3/12
Neutralising antibodies can be provoked by
beta interferon thereby blocking the effect of
the drug
Copaxone can cause chest tightness,
flushing and sweating
When to start Rx ??