Effect of Multiple Sclerosis on Daily Activities, Emotional Well-being, and Relationships: The Global vsMS Survey.

Background: The vsMS survey was conducted to better understand the negative effects of fatigue, cognitive impairment, emotional burden, and decreased physical functioning on the personal, professional, and social lives of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: The vsMS survey was an online survey conducted in Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States that assessed the impact of MS on individuals' daily activities, emotional well-being, relationships, and employment.

Results: The survey included 1075 participants with relapsing-remitting MS.

Nursing Management of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Delayed-Release Dimethyl Fumarate: A Global Delphi Approach.

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) are commonly encountered with delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an approved treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Two hundred thirty-nine MS nurses from 7 countries were asked to complete a 2-round Delphi survey developed by a 7-member steering committee. Questions pertained to approaches for mitigating DMF-associated GI AEs.

Ocrelizumab infusion experience in patients with relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis: Results from the phase 3 randomized OPERA I, OPERA II, and ORATORIO studies.

Background: Ocrelizumab is an infusible humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively depletes CD20 B cells. Infusion-related reactions (IRRs) were summarized from the OPERA I, OPERA II, and ORATORIO trials for relapsing and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: OPERA I and OPERA II were identical, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trials that enrolled patients with relapsing MS (RMS).

Management Strategies to Facilitate Optimal Outcomes for Patients Treated with Delayed-release Dimethyl Fumarate.

Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate is an oral disease-modifying therapy that has demonstrated significant efficacy in adults with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Incidences of flushing and gastrointestinal adverse events are common in the first month after delayed-release dimethyl fumarate initiation. Our objective was to propose mitigation strategies for adverse events related to initiation of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis.

Physical activity and cognitive function in adults with multiple sclerosis: an integrative review.

Purpose: To identify and synthesize the research evidence concerning (1) the relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and (2) to review the reported effects of physical activity interventions on neurocognitive performance conducted in this population.

Methods: Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles were identified by searching PubMed, PsychINFO, and SPORTDiscus through May 2016. Full-text articles meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated for quality using tools developed by the National Institutes of Health.

Prevention and Management of Infusion-Associated Reactions in the Comparison of Alemtuzumab and Rebif(®) Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (CARE-MS) Program.

Background: Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody approved in several countries for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This report summarizes the experience with infusion-associated reactions (IARs) in two phase 3 trials of alemtuzumab in RRMS and examines skilled nursing interventions in IAR prevention and management.

Methods: In the Comparison of Alemtuzumab and Rebif(®) Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis (CARE-MS) studies, patients with RRMS (treatment naive [CARE-MS I] or with inadequate response [defined as at least one relapse] to previous therapy [CARE-MS II]) received intravenous infusions of alemtuzumab 12 mg/day on 5 consecutive days at baseline and on 3 consecutive days 12 months later.

Best Practices in Alemtuzumab Administration: Practical Recommendations for Infusion in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.

With the growing complexity of multiple sclerosis (MS) care, nursing professionals have increasing responsibility in managing clinical disease and treatment. Nursing professionals and other health care providers play important roles in educating patients about disease-modifying therapy options, the course of therapy, and managing potential adverse effects. A panel of nursing and MS experts was convened and used a modified Delphi method to reach consensus on best-practice recommendations for alemtuzumab infusion in MS patients.

Effects of functional electrical stimulation on gait function and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis taking dalfampridine.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) can adversely affect gait, causing gait slowing, loss of balance, decreased functional mobility, and gait deficits, such as footdrop. Current treatments for gait dysfunction due to MS are pharmacologic, using dalfampridine, or orthotic, using an ankle-foot orthosis. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) to the fibular nerve stimulates active dorsiflexion and provides an alternative treatment for gait dysfunction caused by footdrop.

Efficacy and safety of alemtuzumab in multiple sclerosis and impact on nursing role.

Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, has shown efficacy for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in phase 2 and phase 3 trials. Compared with subcutaneous interferon beta-1a, alemtuzumab significantly reduced the risk for accumulation of disability and the rate of relapse, and improved mean disability level from baseline. Notable safety and tolerability concerns include infusion-associated reactions, infections of predominantly mild-to-moderate severity, and autoimmune adverse events, principally thyroid disorders and immune thrombocytopenia.