Article
Optimizing outcomes in multiple sclerosis: consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis in Latin America
Fecha
2011Registro en:
Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders, 2011 Nov;4(6):349-60
Autor
Carrá, Adriana
Macías, Miguel Angel
Gabbai, Alberto Alan
Correale, Jorge
Bolaña, Carlos
Duriez, Eduardo
García, Juan
Vergara, Fernando
Vizcarra, Darwin
Institución
Resumen
Objective: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Latin America varies across different
studies but an intermediate risk and increased frequency of the disease have been reported in
recent years. The circumstances of Latin American countries are different from those of
Europe and North America, both in terms of differential diagnoses and disease management.
Methods: An online survey on MS was sent to 855 neurologists in nine Latin American countries. A panel of nine experts in MS analyzed the results.
Results: Diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations were outlined with special emphasis on
the specific needs and circumstances of Latin America. The experts proposed guidelines for
MS diagnosis, treatment, and follow up, highlighting the importance of considering endemic
infectious diseases in the differential diagnoses of MS, the identification of patients at high risk
of developing MS in order to maximize therapeutic opportunities, early treatment initiation, and
cost-effective control of treatment efficacy, as well as global assessment of disability.
Conclusions: The experts recommended that healthcare systems allocate a longer consultation time for patients with MS, which must be conducted by neurologists trained in the management of the disease. All drugs currently approved must be available in all Latin American
countries and must be covered by healthcare plans. The expert panel supported the creation of
a permanent forum to discuss future clinical and therapeutic recommendations that may be
useful in Latin American countries.