title: Good practice in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: clinical guidelines. An evidence-based review with good practice points. EALSC Working Group.
abstract: The evidence base for diagnosis and management of ALS is still weak, and curative therapy is lacking. Nonetheless, early diagnosis and symptomatic therapy can profoundly influence care and quality of life of the patient and relatives, and may increase survival time. This review addresses the current optimal clinical approach to ALS. The literature search is complete to December 2006. Where there was lack of evidence but consensus was clear we have stated our opinion as good practice points. We conclude that a diagnosis of ALS can be achieved by early examination by an experienced neurologist. The patient should be informed of the diagnosis by the consultant. Following diagnosis, a multi-diciplinary care team should support the patient and relatives. Medication with riluzole should be initiated as early as possible. PEG is associated with improved nutrition and should be inserted early. The operation is hazardous in patients with VC <50%: RIG may be a better alternative. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation improves survival and quality of life but is underused in Europe. Maintaining the patient's ability to communicate is essential. During the course of the disease, every effort should be made to maintain patient autonomy. Advance directives for palliative end of life care are important and should be discussed early with the patient and relatives if they so wish.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. Peter.Andersen@neuro.umu.se
authors.forename: Peter Munch
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Gian Domenico
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Borasio
authors.forename: Reinhard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dengler
authors.forename: Orla
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Hardiman
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kollewe
authors.forename: Peter Nigel
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Leigh
authors.forename: Pierre-Francois
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Pradat
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Silani
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tomik
mesh_terms: D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans