Pregnancy and the Use of Disease-Modifying Therapies in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Benefits versus Risks.

The burden of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women of childbearing potential is increasing, with peak incidence around the age of 30 years, increasing incidence and prevalence, and growing female : male ratio. Guidelines recommend early use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which are contraindicated or recommended with considerable caution, during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Many physicians are reluctant to prescribe them for a woman who is/is planning to be pregnant.

Intervening to reduce the risk of future disability from multiple sclerosis: are we there yet?

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) delay or may prevent the progression of patients with high-risk clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) to clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS), and from relapsing-remitting MS to secondary progressive MS. Current evidence on the effects of DMT on disability in MS is supported by the use of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), which is dominated by ambulation, and usually used as a secondary outcome measure. Less is known about the long-term effects of DMTs on other aspects of functional status, particularly cognition, which is a key determinant of ability to work.

Will new injection devices for interferon β-1a s.c. affect treatment adherence in patients with multiple sclerosis? An expert opinion in the Middle East.

Treatment adherence to disease modifying drugs (DMDs) in multiple sclerosis is sub-optimal. This, in turn, can affect patients' long-term responses to therapy. A key factor that influences treatment adherence is the need for self-injection of DMDs, which can be demanding and disruptive for patients, and difficult for those with cognitive difficulties or reduced manual dexterity.