Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, particularly the crosstalk between B and T cells, has led to a change in therapeutic approach, with an emphasis on the use of highly active approaches earlier in the disease process. Clinicians, armed with an understanding of the differential effects of highly active regimens, including immune-reconstitution therapies (IRTs) vs maintenance therapies, can make more educated risk:benefit assessments to inform optimal strategies for initial and sequential therapy for patients with relapsing/remitting MS. As new therapies become available, this conceptual schema must expand and incorporate the newer options. While knowledge and facility in this new approach is important for neurologists, other members of the care team, including advanced practice providers, neurology nurses, pharmacists, and patients must be informed and educated in order to address the realities of shared decision making, monitoring for and management of adverse effects, drug-drug interactions, and adherence to therapy.

This initiative, The Art of Multiple Sclerosis Therapies: Applying Immunologic Principles in MS,  reviews the immunology of MS and its application in therapeutic selection. Using case examples, the faculty will address the disease, drug, and patient factors affecting the choice of initial and sequential therapies. Triple accredited for physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, this activity will appeal to the entire range of clinicians who care for MS patients. Downloadable patient education materials related to this new approach are also included.

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Two MS patients describe their struggles with ongoing disease activity and a succession of disease-modifying therapies. Among the management challenges are progressive disability, frequent exacerbations, and serious side effects, notably PML. Our video faculty considers the options in managing these difficult clinical situations.

This interactive video presentation includes case discussions by MS experts who address professional practice gaps in performance by discussing treatment options for multiple sclerosis patients whose frequent exacerbations persist over many years. The discussion includes consideration of newer therapies that may cause serious adverse effects, including PML.

Moderator

Patricia M. Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN
Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, Edwards, CO

Featuring

Clyde E. Markowitz, MD
Director, Multiple Sclerosis Center
Associate Professor of Neurology
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

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After many years in which few pharmacologic agents were available to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), a dizzying variety of new agents are now available or will soon become available to delay progression of this difficult disease. In general, these new agents suppress or modulate different aspects of the immune system than those affected by the more established disease-modifying therapies.

In this on-line activity, which is conducted in a town-hall format, 2 experts debate the appropriate use of these new agents, while discussants who treat MS patients every day chip in with their lively opinions. You are invited to weigh in with your management strategies in this interactive forum. Also available on DVD for group presentations. Call 845-436-9857.

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Patients with multiple sclerosis may seek medical attention for the same reasons as any other patient. Because MS symptoms are so diverse, the symptoms of concomitant conditions are often confused with symptoms related to multiple sclerosis itself or even from side effects of MS therapies. This activity is designed to help you manage MS patients appropriately when they come to the office with infections, pain, depression, arthritis, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, urinary incontinence, and other problems.

This video presentation includes case discussions by MS experts who address professional practice gaps in performance by discussing how to distinguish and treat concomitant conditions in multiple sclerosis patients.

Therapies for treating ambulation dysfunction are selected to achieve specific treatment goals, such as compensating for the underlying impairments, improving the efficiency and safety of gait, and/or making activities related to walking less difficult. The presenters clarify how different types of therapies can be combined to best address each goal and suggest strategies to assess and improve ambulation.

Discussion topics include assessment techniques, rehabilitation, pharmacologic agents, and devices. Case presentations and before-and-after video analysis will illustrate the suggested therapeutic approaches.

This video presentation on DVD includes case discussions by active community clinicians and MS experts. These experts explain what to look for to make the difficult diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.