Psychiatr. pro Praxi, 2008; 9(3): 108-111

Multiple sclerosis

MUDr. Eva Meluzínová

Neurologická klinika 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease which affects twice as often females as males, with onset between the age of 20–40 years. Optic neuritis or myelitis are the most common first symptoms of MS. Diagnosis of MS is determined by new revised diagnostic criteria (McDonald et al, 2005) through dissemination of inflammatory process in space and time. Due to the highest inflammation activity at the very beginning of the disease it is very important to start immuno-modulatory treatment as soon as possible (beta interferons, glatirameracetate, intravenous immunoglobulins, azathioprin). It is the only way to protect irreversible axonal loss. If the effect of the above mentioned therapy is not sufficient, treatment escalation is necessary. In the malignant disease course, it is possible to use a new highly effective monoclonal antibody treatment with Tysabri, or autologous bone marrow transplantation. The standard of relapse treatment is methylprednisolone in dose of 3–5 g.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, clinically isolated syndrom, relapse, retrobulbar neuritis, myelitis, early treatment

Published: June 1, 2008  Show citation