Association Of British Neurologists Releases New Guidelines For Multiple Sclerosis

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by Isaura Santos |

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The Association of British Neurologists (ABN)Ā recently published newĀ guidelines forĀ how Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs) for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis should be monitored and prescribed in the United Kingdom, emphasizing theĀ “right treatment at the right time.”

There are currently ten DMTs available on the National Health System (NHS) and elevenĀ in Scotland. For MS patients, being prescribedĀ a DMT can positively impactĀ theĀ course of multiple sclerosis and the prevention of relapses, as well asĀ slow down the progressionĀ of the disease. In short, the ABN contends that the therapiesĀ enable individuals sufferingĀ with multiple sclerosis to have a muchĀ greater control of their condition and consequently their lives.

What do these guidelines suggest?

The new guidelines suggestĀ that treatment with DMTs should beginĀ as soon as possible after diagnosis. Additionally, MRI scanning should also be usedĀ as a routine tool to support diagnosis, to assessĀ prognosis and to offer additional insight intoĀ treatment decisions and their possibleĀ impact. Ā The ABN also stresses that every decision about appropriate treatment options, including the prescription of DMTs, should be madeĀ jointly between the patientĀ with multiple sclerosisĀ and their neurologist.

Nick Rijke, Executive Director of Policy and Research at the MS Society, said in a press release: ā€œWe are very pleased the ABN recommends treatment with DMTs and recognises the importance of shared decision-making between neurologist and patient when deciding which route to take. We also welcome the emphasis on MRI scanning to support diagnosis and make better treatment decisions. The combination of these recommendations should help ensure fast diagnosis and appropriate, timely treatment for people with MS. There are ten DMTs available on the NHS in the UK (11 in Scotland). However our evidence from 2012 showed six in ten people with a relapsing remitting MS are not taking DMTs. We call on government bodies like NICE and NHS England to ensure that everyone with MS has access to the right treatment at the right time no matter where they live.”

At present, there are few therapeutic options for those with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis, and those who have the relapsing-remitting form of the disease (RRMS) are at risk of eventually having their MS develop into secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Since some approved DMTs are believed to slow the progression of MS, experts stress that their use is vital to delaying RRMS patients’ decline into SPMS.