title: Multiple sclerosis (MS) for the urologist: What should urologists know about MS?
abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a unique central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory disease with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, which are time- and disease progression-related. It usually affects young adults, with a female predominance of 3:1. Men are more likely to develop symptoms at a slightly older age with a more progressive disease course. Diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical, radiological, and laboratory investigations, with a central role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the exact etiology is still obscure, the leading hypothesis behind MS relapses is acute inflammatory attacks on CNS myelin and axons. This complex process involves B and T cells together with macrophages and microglia. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to be major contributors to the disease's evolution. MS therapies consist of long-term (immunomodulatory) management, focusing on disease modification, and short-term symptomatic control. Symptomatic treatment includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to protect function and restore quality of life (QoL). The introduction and development of disease-modifying medications provide opportunities to change the face of this disease, enhancing QoL over the long-term. Interferon (INF) and Glatiramer acetate (GLAT) represent first line medications with limited effect and relatively fair safety profile. Newer medications with improved efficacy along with a more hazardous side effect profile are now considered second line therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present review summarizes current knowledge of this frequent disease. Urologists must acquire a deeper understanding for better integration of practice recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Shachar
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aharony
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Ornella
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.affiliation: Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lapierre
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Corcos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
keywords: diagnosis; etiology; multiple sclerosis; treatment