title: Control of multiple sclerosis relapses with immunomodulating agents.
abstract: Relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS) have wide-ranging consequences for patients and should be actively controlled with an appropriate immunomodulating agent provided soon after the diagnosis of MS. Several agents with varying mechanisms of action are approved for use in treating MS. Here we take a brief look at several short- and long-term comparative trials, examining the established strengths and weaknesses of the available immunomodulators. By reviewing the existing comparisons, clinicians will better understand the factors determining when to initiate therapy with an immunomodulator and how to determine which of these treatments may best suit their patients' needs.
authors.affiliation: Maryland Center for Multiple Sclerosis, University of Maryland, Baltimore, 11 S. Paca Street, Suite 300A, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA. kjohnson@som.umaryland.edu
authors.forename: Kenneth P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010455:Peptides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D010455:Peptides; D000068717:Glatiramer Acetate; D016899:Interferon-beta