title: Issues and practices in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: The objective of this roundtable discussion of experts in the field of multiple sclerosis (MS) was to summarize the current understanding of MS and its therapeutic options. The experts discussed subjects ranging from the etiology of MS to the current standards for patient care. Specific topics included the subtypes of MS, with a focus on the benign subtype, brain atrophy, the role of magnetic resonance imaging or "neuroimaging studies," disease-modifying therapies, biological markers as indicators of drug efficacy, and combination therapies. In addition, the experts speculated as to what will be available in the near future for the improved diagnosis and management of MS. This review summarizes the main points of this discussion and is intended to serve as a reference for neurologists involved in the care of patients with MS.
authors.affiliation: Washoe Institute of Neurosciences, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno 89509, USA. jackburks@aol.com
authors.forename: Jack S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Burks
authors.forename: Barry G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Arnason
authors.forename: Patricia K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Coyle
authors.forename: Corey C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: Avertano
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Noronha
authors.forename: Kottil W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Rammohan
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000639:trends; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008942:Mitoxantrone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008942:Mitoxantrone