title: Management of optic neuritis.
abstract: Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition of the optic nerve characterized by a sudden onset of unilateral visual loss, usually affecting young females. Demyelination associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause in regions where MS is prevalent; while in other places, there are a substantial proportion of cases where infective or autoimmune causes are seen. Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT) was the first major study that provided information on the natural history, role of steroids in treatment and risk of development of MS. Subsequently, numerous clinical trials have evaluated different modalities of management of optic neuritis and MS. The Controlled High-Risk Subjects Avonex Multiple Sclerosis Prevention Study (CHAMPS); the Prevention of Relapses and Disability by Interferon β-1a Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis (PRISMS) Trial; and, most recently, the Betaferon in Newly Emerging Multiple Sclerosis for Initial Treatment (BENEFIT) Study have provided large amount of information on the natural history of optic neuritis and management options available. However, due to the low prevalence of MS reported in Asian studies, high cost of therapy and indefinite time period of treatment, it may not be cost effective to start interferon therapy in most cases.
authors.affiliation: Dr. R. P. Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Vimla
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Menon
authors.forename: Rohit
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Saxena
authors.forename: Ruby
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Misra
authors.forename: Swati
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Phuljhele
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015994:Incidence; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D009902:Optic Neuritis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D015995:Prevalence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D013256:Steroids; D000068576:Interferon beta-1b; D016899:Interferon-beta; D000068556:Interferon beta-1a