Update on management and genetics of multiple sclerosis.
Although the exact etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains uncertain, there is an increasing body of evidence to support the role of genetic factors in MS susceptibility in general and the familial aggregation of MS in particular. MS.management continues to be largely symptom-specific. MS relapses are now frequently treated with IV-methylprednisone. In recent years, MS treatment trials are being conducted throughout the world. Interferon beta-1b has been approved as the first ongoing therapy for relapsing/remitting MS, although some issues/concerns remain to be addressed. In summary, while much research is still needed, important progress is being made in unravelling the etiology of MS and in developing management protocols which are not symptom- or relapse-specific.
Sadovnick
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AD
Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a