Title
Optimizing outcomes in multiple sclerosis: Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis in Latin America
Date Issued
01 January 2011
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Carra A.
Macaas Islas M.A.
Gabbai A.A.
Correale J.
Bolana C.
Sotelo E.D.
Bonitto J.G.
Vergara Edwards F.
Abstract
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. © 2011, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.
Start page
349
End page
360
Volume
4
Issue
6
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Neurología clínica
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-82955223367
Source
Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders
ISSN of the container
17562856
Source funding
Toa Pharmaceutical
Sponsor(s)
Gabriela Ortiz and Damián Vázquez collaborated in the preparation of the manuscript and their fees were paid with an unrestricted fund provided by Teva-Tuteur and Teva Pharmaceutical. This work was funded with an unrestricted grant from Teva-Tuteur and Teva Pharmaceutical covering the travel and accommodation of the panelists. Participants did not receive fees for their participation in the consensus meeting.
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus